History of Kalahandi

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Pre-historic painting of Human Picture found in Gudahandi, Kalahandi

World's Largest Celt (Axe) of Stone Age discovered in Chandrasagarnala in Kalahandi

The history of Kalahandi goes back to the primitive period where a well-civilized, urbanized and cultured people

inhabited on this land mass around 2000 years ago. The world's largest celt of Stone Age and the largest cemetery of

the megalithic age have been discovered in Kalahandi – this shows the region had cradle of civilization since the pre-

historic era. Asurgarh near Narla in Kalahandi was one of the oldest metropolises in Orissa whereas the other one was

Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar. Some other historical forts in the region includes Budhigarh (ancient period),

Amthagarh (ancient period), Belkhandi (ancient to medieval period) and Dadpur-Jajjaldeypur (medieval period). In

ancient history this kingdom was serving as salt route to link between ancient Kalinga and South Kosala. This land

was unconquered by the great Ashoka, who fought the great Kalinga War, as per Ashokan record.[1] In medieval

period the region had played a prominent role to link South India, Eastern India and Central India region and

witnessed the battle ground for Somavansi, Chola, Kalachuris and Eastern Ganga dynasty. Kalahandi region was the

main route for Chola to attack Subarnapur of South Kosal.

The history of Kalahandi is rich in terms of contribution towards the Indian culture and temple architecture. Temple of

Goddess Stambeswari at Asurgarh, built during 500 AD, is a perfect example where the first brick Temple in Eastern

India was built. Sanskritization in Orissa was first started from Kalahandi, Koraput region, ancient Mahakantara

region. Earliest flat-roofed stone temple of Orissa was built at Mohangiri in Kalahandi during 600 AD. Temple

architecture achieved perfection at Belkhandi in Kalahandi and then traversed to Ekamra, present Bhubaneswar, along

with the political expansion of the Somavamsis during the 1000–1100 AD.

The distribution and occurrence of precious and semi-precious gemstones and other commercial commodities of

Kalahandi region have found place in accounts of Panini (5th century BC), Kautilya (3rd century BC), Ptolemy (2nd

century AD), Wuang Chuang (7th century AD) and Travenier (19th century AD). Present name Kalahandi finds

mention for the first time in the Junagarh Dadhivaman temple inscription issued from Kalahandinagara by Maharaja

Jugasai Dev in A. D. 1718...[2] The region was known as various names in different period of time such as Kantara,

Mahakantara, Titilaka Janapada, Atavi Land, Chakrakota Mandala, Kamala Mandala and Karonda Mandal.

It was also part of Trikalinga for a certain period. It was a feudatory under Eastern Ganga dynasty, Gadajat under

Maratha and Princely State under British rule in India. After independence of India, in 1948, Kalahandi joined Indian

Union and became a part of Orissa state. However, in post independence period the name Kalahandi got associated with backwardness despite its rich history, culture, art, craft and agriculture & forest resources.

Contents

• 1 Prehistoric Era: Cradle of Civilization

o 1.1 Stone Age Culture [15th Millennium BC to 2nd Millennium BC]

o 1.2 Copper – Bronze Age (1600 BC to 1000 BC)

o 1.3 Iron Age / Megalithic (1000 BC to 700 BC)

• 2 Early History: Glorious Epoch

o 2.1 Kantara

o 2.2 Titilaka Janapada

o 2.3 Atavi Land

o 2.4 Indravana

• 3 Ancient History

o 3.1 Mahakantara [500 BC to 500 AD]

o 3.2 Parvatadwarakas

• 4 Medieval history

o 4.1 South Kosal

o 4.2 Trikaling

o 4.3 Chakrakota Mandala

o 4.4 Kamala Mandala

• 5 Modern history

o 5.1 Nagavamsi rule (1400 AD to 1947 AD)

o 5.2 Karonda Mandal

• 6 Post-Independence period

o 6.1 Anti-merger agitation in Kalahandi

o 6.2 Part of modern Orissa state

• 7 References

Prehistoric Era: Cradle of Civilization[edit]

The finding of plant fossil in the southwest basin of the Tel river in Kalahandi pushes back of the antiquity of

primeval shrub on this landmass to at least 0.1 million years before the present.[3]

Stone Age Culture [15th Millennium BC to 2nd Millennium BC][edit]

Archaeological record of Tel valley reveals the presence of the primates in its various zones during the

Pleistocenephase. Paleolithic is being documented in Kalahandi, like Moter river basin in Dharamgarh region.[4] The

prehistoric painting in Gudahandi in Kalahandi shows a well advanced human settlement in the region. World's largest

size celt (axe) of late stone age culture has been recovered from Chandrasagarnala in Kalahandi.[5] This is the largest

stone Axe of the world measuring 47 cm and weighing 2.5 kg, which shows very sophisticated workmanship.

Similarly mesolithic and neolithic historical records are evident in Bijadongar, Koradongar [Junagarh], Gudahandi,

Bicchakhaman, Budigarh, Chandrasagarnala, Karlapada, Bhaludongar, Chilpa, Habaspur, Belkhandi, Jamugudapadar,

Dongargarh, Asurgarh, Phurlijharan, Ghantmal, Kuttrukhamar, Jampadar, Pipalnala, Godang, Budipadar,

Mahimapadia, Nehena, Penjorani, Yogimath etc. in Kalahandi. The findings include hand axe, cleaver, pebble tools

(chopper-chopping), core, blade, flake, point, celt, ring stones, microlithics, coarse pottery, grooving marks, cave art

(painting & carving) etc.

Copper bangles of Copper-Bronze Age discovered in Chandrasagarnala in Kalahandi

Copper – Bronze Age (1600 BC to 1000 BC)[edit]

The provenances in this period are Jamugudapadar, Chandrasagarnala, Urlukupagarh, Budigarh (M. Rampur),

Bhimkela – Asurgarh, Kholigarh (Belkhandi) etc. in Kalahandi and the finding include celt, ring stone, microlithc,

colourful and sophisticated ceramic, graffiti / sign / alphabet (Harappan & Megalithic), copper items, gold article, high

tin bronze objects, precious and semi – precious stone beads, terracotta figurines, house foundation, spindle – whorl,

weight stone, and mud brick.

Iron Age / Megalithic (1000 BC to 700 BC)[edit]

The largest Megalithic Cemetery found in the river bank of the Tel river Bileikani, Kalahandi

Menhir and stone circles of megalithic Iron Age at Bhairavapada (Junagarh), Ruppangudi, Sagada, Bileikani, Themra,

Bhawanipatna etc. Iron smelting zone and cemetery Juxtaposed to the settlement is discerned in some of the above

sites, which reveal iron tools of war and peace, slages, ceramics, Terra-cottas, firebaked brick, furnace, semi-precious

stone beads and micro beads. Beginning of early Iron Age Kalahandi may be placed in the first millennium BC in

which black and red ware was the diagnostic pottery type. Next phase of Iron Age represents to early history that was

concomitants with state formation and urbanization and technological break through besides voluminous trade,

agriculture surplus and heterogeneous social complex in ancient Kalahandi. The material culture of Iron Age found in

Kalahandi included semi-precious beads, terracotta figurines, iron implements of war and peace, decorated and plain

ceramic, burnt brick, hopscotch (gaming items), spindle whorl, weight stone etc. The largest Megalithic Cemetery was

found in the river bank of the Tel river Bileikani, Kalahandi.

Early History: Glorious Epoch[edit]

Kantara[edit]

Mahabharata refers to the territory known as Kantara Sahadeva was said to have vanquished during his southern

campaign.[6] Kantara was extended from the East of Kosal up to the bank of river Vena, tributary of Godavari. It is

generally accepted that Kantara means a forest-tract of 'wilderness'. The present Kalahandi and undivided Koraput

district of Orissa and Bastar district of Chhattisgarh most probably comprised the Kantara kingdom of Mahabharata.[7]

Kantara kingdom has been also referred to in the Sanskrit works like Brihatsamhita and the Puranas.[8]

Titilaka Janapada[edit]

Around 500 – 100 BC Asurgarh – Narla served as the political - cultural and commercial hub of the Taitilaka

Janapada & Atavikas. Very much details of early history of Kalahandi area is unknown. Sera Vanija Jataka[9]

describes about merchants sailing in the Telavana which is identified as Tel river due to oil traffic in the early period.

Taitilaka Janapada described in Ashtadhyayi of Grammarin Paanini comprised part of modern Kalahandi and

Balangir district, around Titlagarh. The region was famous for brisk trade in rhinoceros ride and Tel river valley was carrying commerce and trade through navigation.

Atavi Land[edit]

During the period of Maurya emperor Ashoka, Kalahandi along with Koraput and Bastar region was called Atavi

Land.[10] Around 261 BC intimidation of Asoka the Great occurred to the Atavikas after the devastating Kalinga war

in Rock Edict – XIII, and Kalinga Edict – II[Jaugad version] was separated. The possible reason could be:– The

Atavikas opposed the mining operation plan of the monarch at Indravanaka and other places to obtained Diamond and

precious Gem stones. The Atavika land remained Abhijita [ unconquered] when neighbouring Kalinga [ coastal

Orissa] lost its independence.[11] Asurgarh seems to be an important centre of Atavika territory and the excavation

amply indicates that this area was not under developed during the days of Ashoka and the people had a high standard

of civilisation characterised by well polished potteries of northern black polished fabric.[12]

Indravana[edit]

In the 4th century BC Kalahandi region was known as Indravana from where precious gem-stones and diamonds

were collected for the imperial Maurya treasury.[13] Around the 1st to 3rd century AD ancient Kalahandi [Atavika

land] had a commercial and sociocultural relationship with the Chedi of Kalinga and Kusana empire of the northwest.

In Amaravati stupa inscription the land is designated as Mahavana.

TEL RIVER CIVILISATION: Tel river is a major tributary of Mahanadi rising in the north of Umarkote Tahsil in

Nabarangpur district, it passes through few km in Chhattisgarh and then enters into Kalahandi, Balangir district and

finally meets Mahanadi in Sonepur district near Manamunda. The important feeders of 150 miles Tel river on its right

bank are Moter, Hati, Sagada, Bulat, Ret, Utei and Rahul whereas on its left bank tributaries are Suktel, Lanth, Under,

Sungad, Udanti etc. Tel river civilization put light towards a great civilization existing in Kalahandi in the past that is

recently getting explored.[14] The discovered archaeological wealth of Tel Valley suggest a well civilized, urbanized,

cultured people inhabited on this land mass around 2000 years ago[15] and Asurgarh was its capital.

• Asurgarh, Narla

The Asurgarh (it means Fort of Asura) existed in the period from 400 BC to 500 AD was one of the ancient

metropolis. Asurgarh – Narla served as the political - cultural and commercial hub of the Taitilaka Janapada &

Atavikas. It is almost rectangular in shape having four gates piercing the surrounding mammoth wall that is made of

brick, rubble and earth. After the wall, a wide and deep moat girdles the fort on three sides respectively on the north,

south and east. The fort area measures 24.29 hectares of land. On the west of the fort, the river Sandol flows close to

the western rampat towards north to meet the river Utei, a tributary of the Tel, about 3 km from the fort site. Close to

the eastern ditch, the builders of the fort excavated a huge water reservoir measuring 200 acres of land. It is popularly

known as Asursagar. It has been pointed out that the water of the reservoir could be trained into the ditch of the fort

through two sluices gate. On the southwest corner of the fort, another small tank was dug, which is known today by its

name Radhasagar. Habitation zone of the peoples is being documented towards the south and north of the fort

immediately after the fortified wall. Lowe town or habitation area is further superimposed by another mud wall within

100 hectares radius at each settlement zone, the mud wall has single gate in the middle.[16][17]

• Asurgarh-Manamunda

The other early urban center bearing the nomenclature-Asurgarh is located on the confluence of the river Mahanadi

and Tel near Manamanda of Sonepur-Boudh region of Western Orissa. This site is designated as Asurgarh-

Manamunda to distinguish it from other site bearing same appellation. It is believed that the culture of Asugarh-

Manamunda is from the 4th century BC to the 3rd century AD.[18]

• Budhigarh

Inscribed Seal, Budigarh, Kalahandi

Budhigarh or literally the fort of the old lady is one of the ancient urban center in Kalahandi and configures on the

right bank of the river Rahul in Kalahandi. The location of Budigarh is moreover on the ancient salt route range of

Mohangiri[19] that connected Kalinga, South-Kosala and Kantara. It was the strategic location of Budhigarh which

seems to have contributed for the rise of township in ancient period. Fortification of Budhigarh is discerned towards

its west where a huge brick wall runs in south-north direction. The total settlement area of Budhigarh spreads over

12.75 hectares of land. The urban center of Budhigarh is 20 km from the metropolitan center of Kharligarh.

• Kharligarh

This site is near the confluence of the river Rahul and Tel around Tushra (Balangir district) whose fortification

demonstrates it as one of the metropolises of ancient Orissa. The fort was planned one a piece of horse-shoe shape

land measuring 18 hectares, on the right bank of river Rahul. It is a rectangular fort. Rhul river meanders in the fort on

three sides in 'U' shape respectively in its south, east and north[20] and then flows towards north to meet the river Tel

one km from the fort site. The time period of this fort is verified from 200 BC to 200 AD. (Period I) and 200 AD to

400 AD (Period II).[21]

• Urlukupagarh

Urlukupagarh is one of the ancient urban center on the right bank of the present river Utei, also known as Gauraveni

in early medieval time, of Madanpur Rampur in Kalahandi. The entire settlement area is under cultivation.[18]

• Sirpur

Archaeological site of Sirpur, another ancient urban center in Kalahandia, lies on the right bank of Sandol river of

Kalahandi. The river Tel bounded its north and Asurgarh, Narla on the south. Perhaps the strategic situation of the site

in the ancient Attavi or Kantara kingdom ultimately gave rise to township here. The finding zone of Sirpur spreads

along the left bank of the Sandol river in east-west axis covering an area about 8 hectar.[18]

• Dumervahal-Gupti

Dumervahal-Gupti is another ancient town on the Southern basin of Tel river situated about 10 km from ancient

metropolis Asurgarh, Narla. Tradition bespeaks the settlement as one of the territorial entity of Asurgarh, Narla during

the reign of king Vyaghraraja.[18]

• Nehna

Nehan is located in the upper Tel valley and is three km from Khariar town in Nuapada district.

• Amthagad

Amathguda or Amthagad is a fort, situated on the right bank of the river Tel to the place where the road leading

towards Balangir crosses the river. The Udayapur area, the capital of Rashtrakuta kings who ruled the valley, is still

dotted with standing structure and ruins mostly found at Amathgad. Ruins of a medieval fort too exist here.[14]

• Terasinga

It is one of the ancient urban center in Kalahandi located near Kesinga.

Ancient History[edit]

Mahakantara [500 BC to 500 AD][edit]

Semi–Precious Beads found Asurgarh, Kalahandi

In the beginning of the Christian era probably it was known as Mahavana.[22] During the 4th century AD the territory

was referred to as Mahakantara (Greater forest). Both Mahavana and Mahakantara are synonymous terms

representing the same land. Mahakantara and Kosala (or South Kosala) comprising Sambalpur, Bilaspur and Raipur

were two distinct but neighboring territories. Originally these two geographical units were known as Kantara and

Kosala in Ramayana and Mahabharata.[23] In the 4th century AD Vyaghraraja was ruling over Mahakantara

comprising Kalahandi, undivided Koraput and Bastar region.[24] Asurgarh was capital of Mahakantara.[25] In ancient

history Asurgarh region was transition point for trading between Kaling, Mahakantara and Kosal (South). Asurgarh

bears special importance so far as the Atavika people are concerned. These people find mention in Ashokan edicts and

they are considered to have constituted the fighting forces of Kalinga against Ashoka in the famous Kalinga war.[26]

The Gupta emperor Samudragupta defeated Vyaghraraja of Mahakantara after defeating Kosala or South Kosala.[27]

But after defeating him the state of Mahakantara was returned backed to Vyaghraraj, as the Gupta influence in the

Deccan was more of cultural than of political significance. The impact of Gupta culture in Kalahandi region is known

from the rise of Saktism, Saiviam and Vaishaniam as well as spread of Sanskrit culture in this area in post-Gupta

period. In the 5th century AD Sanskritization in Orissa was first started from Kalahandi – Koraput [ancient Kantara].

Kalahandi was the cradle of Stambeswari Creed in the 5th century AD due to Sanskritization, which was a forerunner

of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra or Jagannatha Cult. The first brick temple in Eastern India, the temple of

Goddess Stambeswari, was built at Asurgarh during the 5th century AD.

Parvatadwarakas[edit]

After Vyaghraraja, the Nala kings, whose headquarters was at Puskari identified with modern Podagars near

Umarkote in Nabarangpur district, like Bhavadatta Varman, Arthapati and Skanda Varman ruled over south part of

this region up to about 500 AD, the territory was known as Nalavadi-visaya[28] and rest of Mahakantara, lower part of

Tel river valley was ruled by king Tastikara and his scions, the kingdom was known as Parvatad-waraka, whose

headquarters was Talabhamraka near Belkhandi.[29]

In the 6th century AD a new kingdom developed in the Kalahandi tract under King Tustikara, but very little is known

about other kings of his family. Maraguda valley in Nuapada district was identified as capital of Sarabapuriyas.[30]

The earliest flat roofed stone temple of Orissa was built at Mohangiri in Kalahandi during the 6th century AD.

Medieval history[edit]

Kalahandi region was scramble for power among Eastern Gangas, Rastrakutas, Somas, Kalachuris, Chindakanagas

and Gangas from 6th to 14th centuries.

• This period dalvanized Temple Art and Architecture

• Rajpadar – Belkhandi was the GREEN HOUSE of temple Architecture in Orissa, where the architect

succeeded in erecting the must complex temple structure – construction of Garbhagriha, Mahamandapa,

Mandapa and Ardhamandapa of brick in an axis. Orissa Temple architecture achieved perfection at Belkhandi

and then traversed to Ekamra, present Bhubaneswar, along with the political expansion of the Somavamsis

during the 10th and 11th centuries AD.

• During this time trade Guild like “Kamalavanavanikasangha” came into existence

• The Gangas Circulated Gold Coin popularly known as Gangapana

• Kings & Chieftains espoused the cause of Sanskritization: (i) Varna system came into existence and (ii) Land

donation to Brahmana, accelerated the scope and dimension of agriculture besides giving rise to feudal

structure.

• The process of Urbanization continued unabatedly throughout medieval age

South Kosal[edit]

During Sarabapuriyas in 6th century AD. Kalahandi lost its political entities and merged with eastern part of South

Kosal or Kosal.[31] But this was also for a short period as in succeeding phase it assumed a distinct name Trikalinga.

Trikaling[edit]

By 9th or 10th century the region including Western Orissa, Kalahandi, Koraput and Bastar was known as

Trikalinga[32] along with Kalinga, Utkal and Kosal[disambiguation needed]. The Somavamsi king Mahabhavagupta I

Janmejaya (925 AD - 960 AD) assumed the title Trikalingadhipati.[33]

The period between 10th and 13th centuries was a period of great political disturbance in South Kosal and Trikalinga

area due to continuing warfare between Saomavansi, Kalachuri, Chindaka Naga, Chola and Ganaga dynasties and

Kalahandi became marching route of army and battle field of many battles. There was virtual competition among

different powers to become Trikalingadhipati. This period saw Somavansi rulers gradually shifting their capital to

safer places to combat inroad of Kalachuries from Chhattisgarh region. Perhaps during this period they moved their

capital of South Kosal to Subarnapur-Boudh belt.

During the period of internal dispute in Somavansi family, the general of Rajendra Chola vanquished Indra Ratha of

Somavanshi. However, the successor of Indra Ratha, Chandihara Jajati 2nd was defeated by Kalachuri king

Gngayadev of Tumura.[34] This prompted him to shift his capital from Jajati Nagar near Boudh to coastal belt at Jajpur

and divided Somavansi empire into two parts, the Western part Kosala remain in charge of a Governor belonging to

Somavansi family.

Chakrakota Mandala[edit]

Trikalinga was short lived and Chindakangas carved out a new kingdom called Chakrakota Mandala or

Bramarakota Mandala,[35] which later one expanded to whole Kalahandi and Koraput. Nagas started ruling

Kalahandi since 1006 AD. Though some historian believe Kalahandi was under Chakrakota Mandala, few other

believe few parts of Kalahandi was with other Western Orissa part, separated from Utkala by Udaya Keshari in 1040

AD.[36] During this period Chindakangas raised hoods from Kalahandi, Koraput and Bastar region and Chindakangas

Someswar Dev defeated Janmejaya 2nd of Kosala branch of Somavansi and made his Telguchoda General as

feudatory Chief of Subarnapur.[37]

Siva Parvati of 1000 AD found in Belkhandi, Kalahandi

Six Headed Kartikeya of Medieval Period in Dadpur, Kalahandi

In 1023 AD the Chola army of Rajendra Chola, proceeded through the course of Tel river from Vengi to reach

Yayatinagar near Sonepur.[38] Around 1110 AD, Kalachuri dynastry from Ratnapur defeated and dethroned the

Teluguchoda feudatory chief of Subarnapur. He also marched over kingdom of Chindaknag, perhaps Kalahandi was

part of it, causing immense loss.[39] The Kalachuri group ruled 50 years in Subarnapur region, but nothing is clear

about Chakrakota Madala including large part of Kalahandi except Madanpur Rampur region which was feudatory

of Somavansi. The goddess of Chindakangas was Manikyadevi alied Manikeswari, present deity of Kalahandi.

However, remains and influence of Kalachuri such as sati stones are obtained in Kalahandi as per archaeological

evidences.

During the same period there was confusion and anarchy in Utkal branch of Somavansi (in coastal part of present

Orissa) and Eastern Ganga dynasty king Chodaganaga Dev defeated last Somavansi king of Utkal and tried to capture

upper Mahanadi valley (Western Orissa and Chhattisgarh region) and Trikaling region. Chodaganga Dev had to fight

with Ratnadev 2nd of Kalachures and met a crushing defeat. Chindakangas made friendship with Eastern Ganga

dynasty king and thus invited wrath of Kalachuries, who crushed Chakrakota Nagar in order to terorise Ganga king.

At last in more than 100 years of fighting Anag Bhimdev-III of Eastern Ganga dynasty defeated Kalachuris, during

this period Western Orissa region went under Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Kamala Mandala[edit]

As per Darbar record of History of Naga dynasty of Kalahandi is the only dynasty in Orissa having a record of

thousand years (1050 - 1948 AD). During the 12th century AD, Chkrakota Mandal was incorporated with the Eastern

Ganga dynasty (of Kalinga-Utkal)realm and renamed as Kamala Mandala,[40] thus, Kalahandi region became part of

Kalinga as a feudatory of the Eastern Ganga dynasty under Nagas rules till 14th century. Recent archaeological

finding of Dadpur-Jajjaldeypur Fort of 20 hectares of land suggest that Dadpur was capital of Kamal Mandala

during Ganga monarch Anangbhimadeva in the 13th century.[41] It appears that the imperial Gangas had two

provincial headquarters respectively ar Sonepur (Mahanadi valley) and another at Kamal Mandal (Kalahandi or Tel valley).

During the long power struggle the other parts of Western Orissa region turned to a vassal state with no importance as

the Eastern Ganga dynasty rulers were weakened by frequent foreign invasion of Muslims. Finally local power like

Naga and Chauhans raised head. After the 14th century Nagas owed allegiance from Eastern Ganga dynasty to the

Surjayavamsi Gajapatis. Since 1568 Nagas ruled Kalahandi independently.

Modern history[edit]

Nagavamsi rule (1400 AD to 1947 AD)[edit]

Sabha Mandap, Bhawanipatna Palace

As per the traditional record preserved in Kalahandi Darbar assert that Nagas succeeded the Gangas in Kalahandi

hailed from Chot Nagpur. The last Ganga Governor if Kalahandi, Jagannath Deo, had no male issue and his only

daughter was married to Raghunath Sai, a prince of the Naga house of Chot Nagpur. Once Raja Jagannath Deo went

on pilgrimage with his Rani to northern India and on his return was not allowed by his son in law to enter the

Kingdom. Raghunath Sai usurped the Throne of Kalahandi in 1005 AD and the started the rule of Naga dynasty and

following genealogy of the Naga dynasty of Kalahandi.[42][43] Genealogy of the Naga Dynasty of Kalahandi

• Raghunath Sai (1005-1040 AD)

• Pratap Narayan Deo (1040 - 1072 AD)

• Birabar Deo (1072 - 1108 AD)

• Jugasai Deo I (1108 - 1142 AD)

• Udenarayan Deo (1142-1173 AD)

• Harichandra Deo (1173-1201 AD)

• Ramachandra Deo (1201 - 1234 AD)

• Gopinath Deo (1234 - 1271 AD)

• Balabhadra Deo (1271 - 1306 AD)

• Raghuraj Deo (1306-1337 AD)

• Rai Singh Deo I (1337 - 1366 AD)

• Haria Deo (1366 - 1400 AD)

• Jugasai Deo II (1400 - 1436 AD)

• Pratap Narayan Deo II (1436 - 1468 AD)

• Hari Rudra Deo (1468 - 1496 AD)

• Anku Deo (1496 - 1528 AD)

• Pratap Deo (1528 - 1564 AD)

• Raghunath Deo (1564 - 1594 AD)

• Biswambhar Deo (1594 - 1627 AD)

• Rai Singh Deo II (1627 - 1658 AD)

• Dusmant Deo (1658 -1693 AD)

• Jugasai Deo III (1693 - 1721 AD)

• Khadag Rai Deo (1721 - 1747 AD)

• Rai Singh Deo III (1747 - 1771 AD)

• Purusottam Deo (1771 - 1796 AD)

• Jugasai Dei IV (1796 - 1831 AD)

• Fate Narayan Deo (1831 - 1853 AD)

• Udit Pratap Deo I (1853 - 1881 AD)

• Raghu Keshari De (1894 - 1897 AD)

• Court of Wards (1897 - 1917 AD)

• Brajamohan Deo (1917 - 1939 AD)

• Pratap Keshari Deo (1939 till the merge with Orissa state)

However, historian do not accept such an early date for the establishment of Naga dynasty rule in Kalahandi.[43] As per

historian the Nagas succeeded the Gangas in Kamalamandala during the 15th century taking advantage of the

weakness of the Central authority, the Gangas of Orissa. This was the period when the Chauhans of Patna roused to

power.

This created genealogy and established en – rapport with the turbulent Kond tribe and started special kind of Abhiseka

ceremony at Jugasaipatna, where on a stone, the prince was sitting on the lap of Pat Maghi (Chief of the Kond tribe)

and then coronated by the Tribes in order to legitimating the royalty.

Junagarh designated as “Kalahandinagara” was selected as capital with Kanaka Durga as tutelary deity. Thirty one

kings from Raghunath Sai to Pratap Kesari Deo ruled over Kalahandi and the Naga kings claimed authority over

eighteen Gads/Garh.

The Maratha Power of Nagpur intervened in Kalahandi during 1788 AD and Raja Purussottama Deo was recognised

as the Raja of Kalahandi by the Maratha Chief Raghujee Bhonsala.

In 1853, the Nagpur state lapsed to the British Crown as Raghujee III died without an heir and Kalahandi came under

the control of the British during the reign of Raja Fate Narayan Deo who shifted also the capital of Kalahandi from

Kalahandinagara (Junagarh) to Bhaumadevapatna alias Bhawanipatna and accorded recognition to the local deity

Manikeswari.

In 1855, first Kond rebellion took Place. Lt. Macneill, the agent of the hilly tracts was attacked at Urladani when the

latter arrested Rindo Majhi.

In 1882, the second Kond rebellion took place during the reign of queen Asha Kumari.

Modernity entered into Kalahandi during the reign of Brajamohan Deo, who occupied the Throne in 1917. In 1939,

Maharaja Pratap Kesari Deo succeeded to the throne.

Karonda Mandal[edit]

Kalahandi became a princely state under British and known as Karonda Mandal. Maharaja Pratap Keshari Deo, the

Ex-Maharaja of Kalahandi, in one of his articles expressed his view that the historical significance of naming

Kalahandi as Karunda Mandala is based on the availability of Corundum in this region. Manikeswari (the goddess of Manikya), the clan deity of the Naga kings of Kalahandi may have also necessitated the adoption of the name.

Post-Independence period[edit]

Anti-merger agitation in Kalahandi[edit]

“Orissa Government Get Out, We want Separate State”, the slogan of the people, rented in the air of Kalahandi after

Maharaja P.K Deo signed the merger document at Cuttack.

The merger was not Democratic in spirit and content. It has been termed as ‘Conquest’ by Orissa Province. People’s

opinion was never sought on the merger issue. Maharaja P.K Deo was intimidated at Cuttack either to sign the merger

document or face military action.

The plea of P.K Deo that Kalahandi Assembly has already unanimously passed resolution of the merger with the

Eastern States Union rather than with Orissa was bluntly ignored at Cuttack Darbar in December 1947 which was

attended by Sardar Patel and V.P Menon at the behest of H.K Mahatab, the then Orissa Premier.

The anti –merger agitators organised demonstration at several place of Kalahandi, displayed pamphlet, leaflet and

soughed anti–Orissa slogan. Twenty five agitators were arrested and kept in prison for a year.

Peoples then submitted a memorandum to Gandhi seeking his intervention on the issue through Orissa Government.

The petition however was never forwarded to Gandhi.

There was a psychological fear among the people that in the event of the merger of Kalahandi with Orissa province,

the interest of Kalahandi would be jeopardized. Former British ruled Orissa like Cuttack, Balasore, Ganjam,

Sambalpur and Koraput where freedom movement took place, would take upper hand on every issue. So, the people

were justified to take anti–merger stand.

Part of modern Orissa state[edit]

After Indian independence, Kalahandi joined with the Union of India on 1 January 1948. On 1 November 1949, Patna

Balangir district and Subarnapur district together constituted a separate district and the Nuapada sub-division of

Sambalpur was added to the Kalahandi district. In 1967, Kashipur block of Kalahandi district was transferred to

Rayagada division for administrative purpose. In 1993, Nuapada sub-division was carved out as a separate district, but

Kalahandi (Lok Sabha constituency) continues to constitute present Kalahandi district and Nuapada district together.

Kalahandi was famous for gemstone (Karonda Mandal), rich agriculture and forest based economy. During Bengal

famine Kalahandi alone had sent 100,000 tons of rice. During the 1930s princely state of Kalahandi had proposed to

build Upper Indravati Project but subsequent merger of princely state with India delayed the project. It got approved

in 1978 and yet to be fully completed.

In the mean time drought occurred in the 1960s and lately in the 1980s. In the 1980s Kalahandi become infamous for

drought, child selling, malnutrition and starvation death and social worker referred it as Kalahandi Syndrome.[44]

Though KBK[45] project was announced in the 1990s by central Government specially for undivided Kalahandi,

Balangir and Koraput districts primarily keeping poverty, backwardness and starvation death in mind, undivided

Kalahandi district continued to remain politically ignored for various reasons. Indira Gandhi visited Kalahandi in the

early 1980s; Rajiv Gandhi visited in 1984; Sonia Gandhi visited in 2004, and Rahul Gandhi visited in 2008, 2009 and

2010. Since 1980, the Indian National Congress has been ruling for 20 years at the Centre; but the visits of the said

VVIPs have contributed nothing to the development of Kalahandi. Despite late prime ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv

Gandhi, P.V.Narasimha Rao, and present leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi etc. tall claims

for developing Kalahandi, little was done for long term sustainable development in higher education, national

highway, railway and industry during those leadership at Delhi. Few initiatives taken in post-independence of India

for developing Kalahandi were only during non-congress rule in India such as Upper Indiravati Irrigation Project

(during Moraji Desai as Prime Minister of India), Lanjigarh road - Jungarh (during Chandrasekhar as Prime Minister

of India), National Highway 201 & 217 passing through Kalahandi (during Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister of India), all these projects are not yet fully accomplished.

Since the 2000s the Indravati Water Project, second biggest in the state has changed the landscape of southern

Kalahandi, leading to two crops in a year. Because of this, blocks like Kalampur, Jaipatna, Dharamgarh, Jungarh,

Bhawanipatna etc. are witnessing rapid agricultural growth. This has boasted the Highest Number of Rice Mills in

Kalahandi among districts in Orissa. The number of rice mills in the district was around 150 in the year 2004-05.

More than 70% have been built in the five years after commissioning of the Indravati project. However, Indiravati Irrigation Project is not yet completely implemented.

Since 2005 Kalahandi came more often news for controversial Alumina Refinery Project by Vedanta Alumina

Limited (VAL),[46] a subsidiary of Sterlite Industries and for proposal to mine of Niyamgiri bauxites that was opposed

by various international NGOs for tribal right and violation of forest act.