Sambalpur

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Sambalpur Sambalpur
Nickname:  Hand Loom City
Population  (2001)
• Total	154,164
Website	http://www.sambalpur.nic.in

Sambalpur (Template:Lang-or) is a municipality in the state of Orissa, India. It is an ancient town mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd Century CE) as the city of 'Sambalaka' situated on the left bank of river "Manada" now known as Mahanadi, other evidence are available from the records of Xuanzang, and in the writings of the celebrated King Indrabhuti (oldest known king of Sambalpur), the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism and the Lama Cult. Sambalpur had also been known as 'Hirakhand' meaning 'Land of Diamond'. In the past Sambalpur was famous for diamond mining and trade. Even now, the adjoining areas yield a large volume and value of semi-precious stones.

French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689) in his travel account “Six Voyages en Turquie, en Perse et aux Indes (1676–77)” translated into English by Valentine Ball as “Travels in India” (2d ed., 2 vol., 1925) wrote about the numerous famous diamonds mines of Sumelpur (Semelpur), the present day Sambalpur. He states that 8,000 people were at work in these mines at the time of his visit, in the dry season at the beginning of February. Sambalpur is the headquarters of Sambalpur District. Sambalpur derives its name from that of the Goddess Samaleswari; an incarnation of Shakti, who is regarded as the reigning deity of the region. Sambalpur lies at a distance of 321 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. In history, it has been variously known as 'Sambalak', 'Hirakhanda',Odiyan/Uddiyan,Odra Desha,Dakhin Kosal,Koshal.

The place is famous for its globally renowned textile bounded patterns and fabrics; locally known as Baandha. In the past Sambalpur has been a great centre of diamond trade. Apart from textiles, Samabalpur has a rich tribal heritage and fabulous forestlands.

History

The history of Sambalpur as depicted by eminent historians is full of events including Indian freedom struggle representing the different sections of society. Since Sambalpur is one of the ancient district of India, which survived even in the prehistoric age, much of the historical records about the origin and the existence of Sambalpur in the political scenario of Orissa are still in obscurity.

Sambalpur is mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd century) as Sambalaka on the river Manada (the Mahanadi River. In the time of Kalingan emperor Kharavela this area was known as Attabhika, one of the fuedatory state of Kalinga empire. Later part of this region was included in Dakhina Koshala. Goddess Samaleswari is the presiding deity of the area. This area was ruled by the Samanta Raja or Fuedatory Chiefs of Soma Vamsi, Ganga Vamsi, Surya Vamsii Gajapati rulers of Kalinga-Utkala Empire.

Sambalpur was governed by the feudal chiefs of the Chawhan dynasty till 1803 and then came under the sway of the British Empire. When its ruler died without a direct male heir in 1849, the British seized the state under the doctrine of lapse. The name of Veer Surendra Sai, who fought an epic struggle against the British Rule, is recorded in golden letters in the history of India's struggle for independence. After the Sepoy Mutiny this region was included in Central Province. In 1895, the people of Sambalpur organized a sustained movement for the protection of Oriya language and culture against Hindi chauvinism. They finally demanded amalgamation with Orissa Division as a solution of the language crisis. This demand was accepted by the British Government in 1905 when Sambalpur and the adjacent Oriya speaking tracts were amalgamated with the Orissa Division under Bengal Presidency. The Zamindaris of Oriya speaking Phuljhar and Chandarpur remained with the Central Provinces (now in the Raigarh District of Chhattishgarh state). Bengal's Orissa division became part of the new province of Bihar and Orissa in 1912, and in 1936 became the separate province of Orissa. After Indian Independence in 1947, Orissa became an Indian state. Source: Dilip Kumar Padhi Vu2DPI

Sambalpur retains its classic sleepy charm, even in the face of rapid, albeit unplanned expansion and a deluge of retail establishments. Some of the houses along the old part of Sambalpur are still maintained, and used, like they were, a century ago. A peculiar way the houses in the older parts of town are arranged is, the gulli system, literally, mazeway. Houses in Patnaikpara, Nandpara, and along the parallel streets of sansadak and badsadak are examples of the above. The streets of Badasadak and Sansadak extending from Kunjelpada Chowk to the office of the Sambalpur municipality have a proud heritage and have contributed immensely to make Sambalpur World famous and enriched the cultural heritage of the country. For 1. The origin of the Sitalsasthi festival i.e. marriage of Lord Shiva with goddess Parvati. 2. The origin of the World famous Sambalpuri Parda and the Sambalpuri Sarees that enabled the Baandha art of Western Orissa march from its threshold of oblivion to its pinnacle of glory.

Vajrayana Buddhism

Indrabhuti, the oldest known king of Sambalpur founded vajrayana while his sister who was married to yuvaraja Jalendra of Lankapuri (Suvarnapur) founded Sahajayana. These new Tantric cults of Buddhism introduced Mantra, Mudra and Mandala along with six Tantric Abhicharas (practices) such as Marana, Stambhana, Sammohana, Vidvesan, Uchchatana and Vajikarana. The Tantric Buddhist sects made efforts to raise the dignity of the lowest of the low of the society to a higher plane. It revived primitive beliefs and practices a simpler and less formal approach to the personal god, a liberal and respectful attitude towards women and denial of caste system.

From the seventh century A.D. onwards many popular religious elements of heterogeneous nature were incorporated into Mahayana Buddhism which finally resulted in the origin of Vajrayana, Kalachakrayana and Sahajayana Tantric Buddhism. Tantric Buddhism first developed in Uddiyana, a country which was divided into two kingdoms Sambhala and lankapuri. Sambhala has been identified with Sambalpur and Lankapuri with Suvarnapura (Sonepur).

Many celebrated Vajrayana Acharyas like Sarah, Hadipa, Dombi, Heruka, Tantipa and Luipa came from the so-called despised classes. The cult exerted a tremendous influence over the tribal and despised classes of people of Sambalpur Bolangir region. It was in the 9th/10th century A.D. that there appeared seven famous Tantric maidens at Patna (Patnagarh) region which was then called Kuanri-Patana. These maidens are popularly known as Satvaheni (Seven sisters), namely, Gyanadei Maluni, Luhakuti, Luhuruni, Nitei Dhobani, Sukuti Chamaruni, Patrapindhi Savaruni, Gangi Gauduni and sua Teluni. They hailed from so-called the low castes of the society and were followers of Lakshminkara. Because of their miraculous power and feats; they have been later on deified and worshipped by the folk people.

A systematic analysis of the trend of religious development of the period under review and circumstantial evidences reveal that Chakra Sambar Tantricism of Tantric Buddhism gained popularity in the Gandhagiri region. The chief deity of Chakra Sambara Tantra is Buddha Sambara, the deity whose worship is still popular in China and Tibet. According to Sadhanamala, god Buddha Sambara is one-faced and two-armed. He appears terrible with his garment of tiger-skin, garland of heads, a string of skulls round the head, three eyes and in Âlidhamudrâ, he tramples upon Kalaratri. A number of texts relating to the procedures of worship of God Buddha Sambara have been coposed by siddhacharyas like Darikapa, Santideva, Jayadratha and others. King Indrabhuti of Shambala (Sambalpur) Composed Chakra Sambara Stotra, Chakra Sambara Anubandha Samgraha, Chakra Sambara Tantraraga Sambara Samuchchaya Nama Brutti etc. The philosopher-king Indrabhuti became the source-inspiration to the adherents of Tantric Buddhist cult in Western Orissa including Gandhagiri region.

Indrabhuti and Laksminkara, the two royal Buddhist Acharyas creted a mass of followers to their cults. In the 9th-10th century A.D. the worship and Sadhana of Buddha Sambara, the presiding deity of Chakra Sambara Tantra gained popularity in the Gandhagiri region. In Gandhagiri which also contained a large number of caves and rock-shelters, apparently of the Vajrayanists and Sahajayanists, the adherents of the cults used to live in seclusion and practice Kaya Sadhana or Yogic practices along with worshipping god Buddha Sambara.

This Tantric Buddhist Culture greatly affected the religious faith and beliefs of the tribal of Gandhagiri, so much so that eventually even today one can notice the invocation of various Buddhist Siddhacharyas and Buddhist deities in the mantras of the tribal to ward off evil spirits or cure some disease. It is also interesting to note here that Buddha was worshipped by many tribal in the name of Budharaja. There is also a small hillock at the heart of present day Sambalpur by the name Budharaja.

Geography

It has an average elevation of Template:M to ft. Sambalpur district lies between 20° 40’ N and 22° 11’ N latitude, 82° 39’ E and 85° 15’ E longitude with a toal area of 6,702 km². The district is surrounded by Deogarh district in the east, Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts in the west, Sundergarh district in the north and Subarnpur and Angul districts in the South. The district has three distinctive physiographic units such as, Hilly Terrain of Bamra and Kuchinda in the north, plateau and ridges of Rairakhol in the south-east and valley and plains of Sambalpur Sub-division in the south east. Sambalpur experiences extreme type of climate with 66 rainy days and 153 centimeters rainfall on an average per annum. Most of the rainfall is confined to the months from June to October visited by south west monsoon. The rainfall is highly uneven and irregular. There is a wild life sanctuary known as Badrama sanctuary near the city of Sambalpur.

The district forms a part of the Mahanadi River basin. The Mahanadi, the longest river of the state, entered into the district in the north western border, where the famous Hirakud Multipurpose Dam Project is built. Other important rivers of the district are the Maltijor, the Harrad, the Kulsara, the Bheden, and the Phuljharan. The district has a total forest area of 3986.27 km² which is 59.46% of the total area of the district. Total land under cultivation in the district is 173540 hectares. Climate [1] Sambalpur experiences extreme type of climate with hot and dry Summer followed by humid monsoon and cold Winter. The hot season commences from 1st week of March and lasts till the second half of June. In the month of May, temperature rises up to 47°. Similarly in the month of December, the temperature comes down to 8°C. Sambalpur gets rainfall from South-Western monsoon. The relative humidity is high during rainy season being generally over 75%. After rainy season the humidity gradually decreases and the weather becomes dry towards the winter.

Transport

Presently, Sambalpur emerging as commercial capital of Orissa. In periods prior to 1000 A.D., it used to be known once as an important diamond trading centre. It is the divisional head quarters of the Northern administrative division of the State - also a very important commercial and educational centre. Sambalpur is one of the Divisional Head Quarters of East Coast Railway. There are four Railway stations namely Sambalpur (Khetrajpur), Sambalpur Road (Fatak), Hirakud and Sambalpur City. There are direct train connections to Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Gwalior, Varanasi, Bhopal, Nagpur, Ranchi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, Agra, Amritsar, Vizag and Bhubaneswar. It lacks direct connectivity to Indore, Dehradun and other major parts of the country. Ahmadabad and Mumbai are linked through Jharsuguda Junction (48 km) also.

National Highway No.6 which connects Surat to Kolkata also passes through this city. The capital of the State is connected through NH 42. Rourkela-Sambalpur State Highway-10 is going to be upgraded. Presently this road is a two lane highway and it will be upgraded to four lane and even six lanes where it is necessary. An estimated amount of Rs. 1270 crores is to be spent on this upgradation and it will be planned in such a way that by 2017 it can handle 49,000 vehicles daily.

The nearby Airports is at Bhubaneswar (325 km). A new airport is being constructed at Jharsuguda (50 km).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Sambalpur had a population of 154,164. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Sambalpur has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 58%. In Sambalpur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

The economy of Sambalpur is basically dependent on agriculture and secondly on forests. Forests play an important role in the economy in terms of contribution to revenue, Domestic Product as well as dependence of people for livelihood. The people living adjacent to the reserved forests of Sambalpur Forest Division are heavily dependent on these forests. Kendu leaf is also produced in Sambalpur. It is called as green gold of Orissa. Botanical name of Tendu (Kendu) leaf is Diospyros Melanoxylon. Tendu leaf is one of the most important non-wood forest products of Sambalpur. The valuable leaves are used for wrapping Bidis, popularly smoked especially among poor natives. Lately industrialisation has started in the district, the prime industries are the power, alumina and steel. Some of the Major Industries in the district are

HINDALCO (Hirakud Smelter)- Hirakud - Aluminium Ingot

Hirakud Industrial Works - Hirakud - Galvanising

Samaleswari Sponge Iron Ltd - Saharapada - Sponge Iron

T.R.Chemicals Pvt. Ltd - Belapara - Sponge iron

Bhusan Industries - Thelkuli - Sponge iron

Aryan Ispat & Power Ltd. - Bomaloi - Sponge iron

Bandana Global Limited - Pandloi - Sponge iron

Rathi Steel & Power - Sikidi - Sponge iron

Maa Durga Bhawani Sponge Iron Ltd - Sripura - Sponge iron

Shyam D.R.I. - Bamloi - Sponge iron

Education

Sambalpur is having one of the best facilities for education in the state starting from schools to universities. This is a list of Government educational institutes at Sambalpur, apart from this numerous 10+2 colleges and high schools are run by the state government. Several private institutes are also being run at Sambalpur:-

Sambalpur University[2]

The Sambalpur University Act was passed by the Orissa Legislature on 10 December, 1966, the University started functioning from 1 January, 1967 with Prof. Parsuram Mishra as the first Vice-Chancellor. In the year 1973 the University was shifted to the present campus named Jyoti Vihar at Burla.

The territorial jurisdiction of the University covers 10 districts of the state of Orissa namely Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Bargarh, Bolangir, Subarnapur, Nawapara, Kalahandi, Boudh and Athamallik Sub-Division of Angul District. The University at Jyoti Vihar provides Post-Graduate education in Twenty-seven subjects through Twenty Post-Graduate Departments. One-Year P.G. Diploma Course in Computer Science & Application and Diploma Course in Sambalpuri Studies and Three-Year course in M.C.A. and Executive M.B.A are also provided. There are Ten Post-Graduate Hostels in the University Campus out of which four are Ladies Hostels and six are Gents’ Hostels.

Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology[3]

VSSUT (University College of Engineering, Burla) was established in the year 1956 as the first engineering college of the State at the foot of the world famous Hirakud dam. It ha already produced more than 10,000 graduate engineers and 2000 Postgraduates in different fields of Engineering and Technology. nitially, the college offered degree courses in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering disciplines. In 1972, degree courses in Electronics and Tele-Communication Engineering was introduced. B.E. Courses in Information Technology was approved by AICTE and is being offered from the current academic session. Post-Graduate courses in various specializations started in Civil and Electrical Engineering in 1969. At present, the college offers P.G. Courses (both Regular and Part Time) in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics and Tele-Communication Engineering. Besides, the college also offers a 3-years Masters Degree course in Computer Application (MCA) since 1993.

VSS Medical College & Hospital, Sambalpur[4]

Orissa Medical College of Homoeopathy & Research, Sambalpur

Gangadhar Meher College (Autonomous), Sambalpur[5]

This College was established in 1944 as Sambalpur College, the name of the institution was changed to Gangadhar Meher College in 1949 after the name of the illustrious Oriya Poet. From a small student strength of 192 in 1944, the college has made rapid strides over the periods of time and had grown into a multi-faculty Post-Graduate College, catering to the needs of about 4500 students. It provides teaching facility in 19 subjects at Under-Graduate level and 4 subjects at the M.Phil. stage. Over and above, the conventional streams of study in Humanities, Science and Commerce, this institutions has introduced courses in 'Still Photography and Audio Production and Textile Science. In addition to this, the college has been offering Computer courses at B.Sc. and M. Sc. levels including M.C.A. The college has opened some career oriented courses like P.G. Diploma in Bio-Informatics, B.B.A., M.B.A. and B.Sc. Information Science and Telecommunication from the academic session 2003-2004.

College of Agriculture, OUAT, Chiplima, Sambalpur B.Sc. (Ag.)

Hindi Teacher Training College, Sambalpur

NSCB College

Women's College, Sambalpur

XIMB

Premier B-school Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar likely to open another campus in Sambalpur of Western Orissa. It should be noted that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (XIMB) to open another campus in Sambalpur. Minister Planning and Coordination and Public Enterprises AU Singh Deo has also urged the XIMB authorities to expand their operations. Along with Management, the XIMB proposes to run courses like Agri-Business Management and Rural Management.

Silicon Institute of Technology, Sason, Sambalpur

Lajpat Rai Law College, Sambalpur

Govt. College Physical Education, Kuksari, Sambalpur

Culture

Sambalpur has been at the centre of the custom, tradition, language and culture of western Orissa. Several traits of the Sambalpur culture - Sambalpuri language, Sambalpuri dance, Sambalpuri songs or Sambalpuri sarees have held a national identity.

Dance

Most of the community dances are connected with a function or the worship of a deity. Colourful Folk-Dances are enjoyed by the people.

DALKHAI DANCE

Dalkhai is a ritual folk dance. Songs sung on this occasion are known as Dalkhai songs. Young girls of Binjhals, Soura and Mirdha tribes performed this dance during Dusserah, Bhaijuntia and other festive occasions. However, non-tribal people also participate in this ritual dance and songs without hesitation which indicates tribal - non-tribal interaction in this part of Orissa. The young girls stand in a line or in a semicircular pattern with song (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009).

KARMA DANCE

Karma is the most colourful dance of the district. It is mainly a tribal dance in honour of “Karam Sani”, the deity who grants children, as they believe. Non-tribal people also participate in this ritual dance and songs. It is a clear indication of tribal - non-tribal interaction and peaceful co-existence in this part of Orissa for centuries (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009) . In the beginning the dancers enter the dancing arena in two rows. The dramers and the singers accompany with rhythmic steps.

HUMO & BAULI

These are two playful dances performed generally by young and un-married girls on special occasions who sing and dance in groups. The stepping and movements of the dance are very slow. However, the old and aged women of the villages also play the guiding role during performance of this songs (Pasayat, 2008).

KOISABADI DANCE

This dance is prevalent among the Gond and the Bhuyan tribes. Male dancers take part, holding a two feet long stick. The songs are mainly based on the immortal love story of Radha and Krishana.

Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav

A cultural manifestation of the hidden age-old traditional performing art of a vast geographical area is possible through this annual celebration of the festival in the name of” Lok Mahotsav”. This festival is by the people, for the people, of the people & a reflection of the socio- anthropological evolution of the people of an area. Here “Lok” means “People” only. The architecture in the district attracts the people of all over world because of its unique designs. The important historical relics in the district of Sambalpur are the temples built by the Chauhan rulers. The splendour of Orissa Art and Architecture had reached its climax in 13th century much before the advent of the Chauhan into Sambalpur region.

The Pataneswari temple of Sambalpur was built by Balaram Dev, the first Chauhan ruler of Sambalpur in the last part of 16th century. It consists of a sanctum with an enclosed circular count. The Pataneswari Deity is the temple of Goddess Kali.

The Samalai Temple in the town represents the finest Chauhan style of circumvallation round the sanctum. The image of Samalai is a unique sculpture and appears to be a primitive deity worshipped by the local people. However, Samalei or Samaleswari is the tutelary deity of Chauhan dynasty of this area (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008).

Asta Sambhus

In the district of Sambalpur a large numbers of Shiva temples were built during the Chauhan period. The most important amongst them were the Asta Sambhus in the un-divided Sambalpur district as detailed below:-

Bimaleswar of Huma (Now in Sambalpur District), Kedarnath of Ambabhona (Now in Bargarh District), Biswanath of Deogaon (Now in Bargarh District), Balunkeswar of Gaisama (Now in Bargarh District), Balunkeswar of Maneswar (Now in Sambalpur District), Swapneswar of Sorna (Now in Bargarh District), Bisweswar of Soranda (Now in Bargarh District), Neelakntheswar of Niliee (Now in Bargarh District). An interesting feature of Saiva shrines found in Sambalpur area is "Non-Brahmin Priest" called Thanapati of Mali caste of these shrines (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008).

Music

The Folk instruments which are in vogue in Sambalpur Region are Dhole, Madal, Nishan, Tasa, Pakhoj, Bansi, Bir-Kahali, Gini, Ektara, Muhuri, Ghulgula, Ghunguru, Jhanj etc.

DHOLE

It is an age old instrument of Indian Folk Music. The Dhole of Sambalpur is slightly different in its making and use. It is made of trunk of a tree. Both the side of the Dhole are of same size. Sambalpur dhole can be used for any type of Sambalpuri Folk Song.

MADAL

The Sambalpuri Madal is different from that of all other parts of India. The Madal is made out of fired clay and is like a cylinder. Madal is a drum which is used in slower rhythms. Most of the danceless songs are accomplished with the Madal.

NISHAN

Nishan is made out of iron sheets. The sound emitted by the Nishan is heart-throbbing. This is mostly used in worship of Kali or Durga and in the battle field.

TASHA

Tasha is played by two thin bamboo sticks. The sound of Tasha creates an atmosphere of horror, fear and excitement.

Kalki & Shambhala

Kalachakra tantra was first taught by the Buddha to King Indrabhuti, the first dharmaraja of Shambhala.[6] "Lord Kalki will appear in the home of the most eminent brahmana of Shambhala village, the great souls Vishnuyasha and Sumati." (Srimad-Bhagavatam Bhag.12.2.18)[7]

Language Spoken

The chief communicative language of the Sambalpur region in particualar and western orissa in general is Koshali or popularly known as Sambalpuri Language. Not much research has been done on the accent and phonetics of this language, and it is generally considered to be a dialect of Oriya; however, recent research done at Sambalpur University claimed Koshali as a distinct language and the University subsequently introduced a One year Diploma course in Sambalpuri Studies . Popular belief is also that Koshali is a very different language from Oriya .

Places of interest

HIRAKUD

Where a Dam has been costructed on the river Mahanadi for Multipurpose activities . Hardly 20 minutes drive from Sambalpur is the dam. Photography of the dam is not allowed from security point of view. The Hirakud Dam is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry. It is the longest major earthen dam in the world measuring 24 km including dykes, standing across the river Mahanadi. The main dam has an overall length of 4.8 km spanning between two hills; the Lamdungri on the left and the Chandili Dunguri on the right. The dam is flanked by 21 km long earthen dykes on both the left and right sides, closing the low saddles beyond the adjoining hills. The dam and dykes together measure 25.8 km. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in Asia, with a reservoir holding 743 km² at full capacity with a shoreline of over 640 km. There are two minarets like structure (observation towers) on the dam one at each side. One is "Gandhi Minar" and the other one is "Nehru Minar". Both the observation towers present breathtaking views of the lake.

The government should introduce boating, para sailing, power boating and other adventure activities here to attract tourists. This place can be promoted as major tourist attraction of Orissa by constructing jungle cottages, hotel and a restaurant on one of the lakes. The world tourism taking a dive towards Nature Tourism, the government should not wait and take a timely decision.

CATTELE ISLAND

It exists in one of the extreme point of Hirakud Reservoir, a natural wonder. It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range which is about 90 km from Sambalpur. By motor launch from Hirakud Dam, it is closer by 10 km via the river. The island is nothing but a submerged hill, and prior to Hirakud Dam construction, it was a developed village. Only cattle inhabit the island. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cows and bulls behind; when the dam construction was over the cattle settled down on the hill-top. By the passage of time the nearby area filled up with the reservoir water, turning the hill-top to an island. Being away from mankind, the cattle are now wild, very swift and not easily caught. Living on a hilltop with dense forest, they are larger than tame cattle. Almost all are white in colour. Nearby residents attempt to hunt these animals from time to time, but these hunts are rarely successful. Though descended from tame cattle, these animals provide a contrasting picture of this breed of animal returning to life in the wild.

SAMALESWARI TEMPLE

The presiding deity of this region is enshrined at 'Samalai Gudi' on the bank of Mahanadi River. The other temple of importance is the Budharaja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is perched atop the Budharaja hill. These temples are located at a few kilometres' distance from Sambalpur. The Hirakud Dam, the longest dam of the world, is some 15 kilometres from Sambalpur and can be easily visited on a day trip (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008).

HUMA

The leaning temple of Huma about 25 km from Sambalpur. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi, the 17th century temple of Huma leans at an angle of 47 degrees to the west. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar. The special type of fish found here are called as 'Kudo' fish. They are said to be so tame that they will eat sweets and other foods from the hands of devotee who bathe close to the temple. During auspicious days they are called by their names and given the 'prasad' of the God. Here nobody tries to catch them as they are believed to be the assets of the God (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008).

USHAKOTHI

A wild life Sanctuary, 43 km. North-East of Sambalpur on NH.6. Stretching for more than 130 km., the Sanctuary harbours Elephants, Tigers, Gours, Sambars, Black Panthers, Deer, Spotted Deer, and Wild Bears etc. There are two watching towers located near the saline tank inside the Sanctuary enable the visitors to catch a view of these animals.

GHANTESHWARI

As the name indicates there's bells and bells and bells wherever your eyes reach. 33 km south-west of Sambalpur and on the bank of river Mahanadi, it was playing an important role for navigation in the past. It was called a light house without light!. One temple is also existed here, the Goddess called by the name Ghanteswari from which the place got its name. Earlier there were some big size bells on this spot and with the help of wind those creating enormous sound which made the navigators aware of this trechorous spot and they never came near it. This area being the conglomeration of three streams of water of river Mahanadi, the water current here is very trechorous forming a whirlpool. Due to this many boats were drowned while nearing this spot. Here the wind blows quite heavily and with the help of it the bells producing sound. Now after the construction of Hirakud dam, this spot became safer. The specialty of this temple area is, thousands of bells hanging all around, the only place of its kind in Orissa.

CHIPLIMA

A combination of both Hirakud Dam and Huma Temple is Chiplima, about 37 km. from Sambalpur. An ideal picnic spot, Chiplima is known for a natural fall (24.38 mts. In height) harnessed for generating electricity. It is also known for harbouring “Ghanteswari”, the presiding deity of the place. Moreover, the State livestock Breeding Farm and Agricultural Farm are located here.

KANDHARA

Sambalpur also boasts of a pilgrimage-cum-sight seeing spot. Kandhara, 78 km. from Sambalpur in Rairakhol Sub-Division, is the birthplace of Poet Bhima Bhoi, the great propounder of Mahima Dharma or alternatively known as Alekha Dharma. One can visit the Kandhara village where Bhima Bhoi had fallen down and by the grace of God, was rescued.

Sambalpur is famous for its Hand Loom Textile works. Popularly known as Sambalpuri Textile. It has earned international fame for its unique pattern, design and texture. Sambalpuri handloom Sari, Handkerchief, Bed Sheets and other items can be bought.

Politics

Current MLA from Sambalpur Assembly Constituency is Jayanarayan Mishra of BJP, who won the seat in State elections in 2004 and 2000 also. Previous MLAs from this seat were Durgashankar Pattanaik of INC who won this seat in 1995 and 1990, Sraddhakar Supakar of INC in 1985, Ashwini Kumar Guru of INC(I) in 1980, and Jhasketan Sahoo of JNP in 1977.

Separate Kosal State Movement/Demand

For more details check the article Kosal State Movement

A movement has emerged in this area and majority of the people in this region are demanding a politically separate Koshal/Kosal state from the State of Orissa. The demand for ‘Kosal/Koshal State’ in Orissa has become intense following the creation of three new Indian states namely Chhatisgarh, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand. The news headlines frequently captured the growing popular support for Kosal movement in Orissa.

Sambalpur is part of Sambalpur (Lok Sabha constituency).

Eminent Personalities

VIR SURENDRA SAI

Born on 23 January, 1809 in Badgaon village under Dhama P.S. in a Royal Family. He ascended the throne of Sambalpur in the year 1827. Popularly known as a warrior, Surendra Sai led a revolution against the British Rulers, assembling thousands of protesters. He was incarcerated by the than British Rulers and breathed his last on 28th, February, 1884. Called as Sivaji of Orissa, Surendra Sai has been remembered for his unflinching patriotism, dedication for the motherland. He is regarded as the foremost fighter of freedom movement of the country.

GANGADHAR MEHER

Born on August 9, 1862 on the day of Sravana Purnima at Barpali, Bargarh Diistrict (undivided Sambalpur Dist.) in a weaver family. Educated up to 5th Class Dr. Mayadhar Mansingh has high esteem for Gangadhar Meher and in his History of Oriya literature he has opined “All told, Gangadhar Meher is one of the rarest personalities and poets in the whole range of Oriya Literature”. His poetic creation includes ‘Pranaya Ballari’, ‘Kichaka Badha’, ‘Indumati’ , ‘Utkal Laxmi’, ‘Ayodhya’, ‘Bharati Bhabana’, ‘Bhakti Upahar’, ‘Kabita Mala’ & ‘Krushaka Sangita’ Gangadhar is idely known as poet of nature. He is rated as a great poet in Indian Literature. Died on April 4, 1924. His poetries can be decided into lyrics, devotional, patriotic, reformative, ethical, agricultural, elegy and narration of nature. His prose creation include ‘Atma Jeevani’, Shri Nruparaj Singh’, ‘Purana Kabi Fakir Mohan’, Swargriya Kasinath Panda, Ehaki Prothibira Sabda, Sikshit, Asikhsit & Sikshya Bhimanini.’

BHIMA BHOI

Born in the year 1850, Baisakh Purnima, the celebrated religious poet and devotee Bhima Bhoi, it is said, was born in a Kandha Family in village Granadihs of Rairakhol Sub-Division in Sambalpur District of Orissa. Bhima Bhoi was died in 1895, Siva Chaturdasi. He was born blind. According to the poet him-self, he could acquire his poetic prowess and knowledge about religion only by the blessings of his guru “Mahima Mahaprabhu”, a list of books written by Bhima Bhoi are Stuti Chintamani, Sruti Nisedha Gita, Ashtaka Bihari Gita, Bhajanamal etc.. His own feeling of compassion for the mankind is most sticking . He says, the suffering can tolerate, let my life in hell, but let the suffering of Universe Mitigate. I would prefer to stay in hell foreve, if that would save the world.

SATYA NARAYAN BOHIDAR

Known as the pioneer of Sambalpuri language and grammar, Satya Narayan Bohidar was born on 1 August, 1913 at Sonepur. His formative and creative years were spent in Sambalpur that produced a good no. of literary translations and biographies. Fighting against all odds, Sri Bohidar was successful in preparing the dictionary and grammar specially in Sambalpuri Language which provided a significant identity to it. Satya Narayan Bohidar died on 31 December, 1980, leaving a great legacy behind him to influence the future generations.

JADUNATH SUPAKAR

Born on 10 February, 1931 in an artisan’s family of Sambalpur town, Padmashree Jadunath Supakar was educated from National Arts School of Santiniketan. Starting as an artist of portraits, Jadunath earned his name as a great master of handicraft who continued his undying effort for popularity of forgotten traditional weaving. Working for national handloom Board, Jadunath tied his hand in Serriculture. His designs were highly appreciated in London, Paris, New York and he was engaged in weavers service center, established for the cause of artisans development. Jadunath was also known for his mastery in playing musical instruments.

ISAAC SANTRA

Known for his service and benevolence par excellence, Isaac Santra was born in the year 1892 at Sambalpur. Being a Christian, he was persuaded by his family to join a missionary at Bolangir but his interest was different. He graduated as a Doctor from Cuttack and decided to dedicate himself in Leprosy Eradication Mission. He established a Lepor home at Hatibari, a village surrounded by dense forests and spent his time in serving the patients. Highly admired by the patients, academic circles in abroad, even by Mahatma Gandhi during later's visit to Sambalpur for his humanitarianism and philanthropy, Isaac Santra was honoured by Govt. of India with “Padmashree” award. He also edited a magazine “Prabhatee”, propounding human values and qualities. He died on 29 August, 1968.

LAXMI NARAYAN MISHRA :

Eminent freedom fighter, known for his selfless and sincere service to the motherland, Laxmi Narayan Mishra was born in the year 1906 and had left school as a student to join India’s freedom movement. He was imprisoned for seventeen years for his active role in the national struggle for Independence. Jail provided him advantage to be a scholar and Laxmi Narayan had become a real Pandit with his education on religion, culture and political thought. He was an expert in the languages like Sanskrit, Urdu, Bengali, Telugu, Hindi, English and had earned a fame as an extraordinary orator. He was assassinated during a train journey at Jharsuguda.

Source

Panda, S. S. and C. Pasayat (Eds.) (2009), Veer Surendra Sai, Sambalpur: Anusheelan.

Pasayat, C. and P. K. Singh (Eds.) (2009), Veer Surendra Sai, Bhubaneswar: Paschim Orissa Agrani Sangathan.

Pasayat, C. (Ed.) (2008), Paschim Odisara Lokageeta (in Oriya), Bhubaneswar: Folklore Foundation.

Pasayat, C. (2008), Oral Tradition, Society and History, New Delhi: Mohit Publications.

Pasayat, C. (2007), Tribe, Caste and Society, New Delhi: Mohit Publications.

Pasayat, C. (2007), History of Tribal Society and Culture, New Delhi: Zenith Books International.

Pasayat, C. (Ed.) (2007), Adivasi Moukhika Sahitya Parampara (in Oriya), Kolkata: Sahitya Akademi.

Pasayat, C. (2007), "State Formation and Culture Assimilation in Medieval Orissa: The Case of a Tribal Deity in Sambalpur" in Utkal Historical Research Journal, Vol. XX, Pp.71-83.

Pasayat, C. (2005), "Oral Narrative and Hindu Method of Assimilation: A Case of Marjarakesari in Narsinghnath" in The Orissa Historical Research Journal, Vol.XLVIII, No.1, pp.12-25.

Pasayat, C. (2004), "Oral Tradition of Huma and Legitimisation of Chauhan Rule", The Orissa Historical Research Journal, Vol.XLVII, No.2, pp.90-96.

Pasayat, C. (2004), "The Hindu Mode of Tribal Absorption and the State Formation during Medieval Period in Sambalpur", The Orissa Historical Research Journal, Vol.XLVII, No.3, pp.83-89.

Pasayat, C. (2003), Glimpses of Tribal and Folkculture, New Delhi: Anmol Pub. Pvt. Ltd.

External links

• Official Website
• Sambalpur Photos and Wallpapers
• Huma Temple