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    This document provides the preface to the Odisha District Gazetteers: Baleshwar. It discusses the purpose and history of District Gazetteers in documenting the socio-economic conditions of districts in India. Specifically, it notes that the Baleshwar District Gazetteer was last published in 1983 for the undivided district, before the current district boundaries were established in 1994. The preface outlines the process undertaken by the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, in coordination with district administrations and experts, to update the Gazetteers for all 30 districts of Odisha, including developing a new Gazetteer for the reorganized Baleshwar district. It acknowledges the efforts of the Baleshwar district administration and local experts in

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    This document provides the preface to the Odisha District Gazetteers: Baleshwar. It discusses the purpose and history of District Gazetteers in documenting the socio-economic conditions of districts in India. Specifically, it notes that the Baleshwar District Gazetteer was last published in 1983 for the undivided district, before the current district boundaries were established in 1994. The preface outlines the process undertaken by the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, in coordination with district administrations and experts, to update the Gazetteers for all 30 districts of Odisha, including developing a new Gazetteer for the reorganized Baleshwar district. It acknowledges the efforts of the Baleshwar district administration and local experts in

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    392 views495 pages

    Odisha Gazetteer

    Uploaded by

    foreverbikas
    This document provides the preface to the Odisha District Gazetteers: Baleshwar. It discusses the purpose and history of District Gazetteers in documenting the socio-economic conditions of districts in India. Specifically, it notes that the Baleshwar District Gazetteer was last published in 1983 for the undivided district, before the current district boundaries were established in 1994. The preface outlines the process undertaken by the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, in coordination with district administrations and experts, to update the Gazetteers for all 30 districts of Odisha, including developing a new Gazetteer for the reorganized Baleshwar district. It acknowledges the efforts of the Baleshwar district administration and local experts in

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    of 495

    ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

    BALESHWAR

    GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION


    [GAZETTEERS UNIT]
    GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
    GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA

    i
    ODISHA DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

    BALESHWAR

    DR. TARADATT, IAS


    CHIEF EDITOR, GAZETTEERS &
    DIRECTOR GENERAL, TRAINING COORDINATION

    GOPABANDHU ACADEMY OF ADMINISTRATION


    [GAZETTEERS UNIT]
    GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
    GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA

    ii
    iii
    iv
    PREFACE

    The Gazetteer is an authoritative document that describes a District in


    all its hues– the economy, society, political and administrative setup, its
    history, geography, climate and natural phenomena, biodiversity and natural
    resource endowments. It highlights key developments over time in all such
    facets, whilst serving as a placeholder for the timelessness of its unique
    culture and ethos. It permits viewing a District beyond the prismatic image of
    a geographical or administrative unit, since the Gazetteer holistically
    captures its socio-cultural diversity, traditions, and practices, the creative
    contributions and industriousness of its peoples and luminaries, and builds
    on the economic, commercial and social interplay with the rest of the State
    and the country at large. The document which is a centrepiece of the District
    is developed and brought out by the State administration with the
    cooperation and contributions of all concerned. Its purpose is to generate
    awareness, public consciousness, spirit of cooperation, pride in contribution
    to the development of a District, and to serve multifarious interests and
    address concerns of the people of a District and others in any way
    concerned.
    Historically, the ―Imperial Gazetteers‖ were prepared by Colonial
    administrators for the six Districts of the then Odisha, namely, Angul,
    Baleshwar, Cuttack, Koraput, Puri, and Sambalpur. After Independence, the
    Scheme for compilation of District Gazetteers devolved from the Central
    Sector to the State Sector in 1957. Within the State, the responsibility for
    developing the Gazetteers was transferred from the Revenue Department to
    the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA) in 1999. In this process,
    the ―District Gazetteers‖ of all thirteen Districts were published as follows:
    Koraput/1966 (Supplement/1984), Mayurbhanj/1967, Bolangir/1968,
    Sambalpur/1971, Dhenkanal/1972, Sundargarh/1975, Puri/1977,
    Kalahandi/1980, Boudh-Khondmal/1983, Keonjhar/1986, Baleshwar/1994,
    Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1992. The Gazetteers of Baleshwar/1994,
    Ganjam/1995 and Cuttack/1992, however, could not capture the implications
    of the reorganisation of these Districts. Though 10 out of 13 Districts had
    been reorganised into 27 and the total number of Districts in the State had
    gone up to 30, the reality remained to be captured in the District‘s
    Gazetteers.
    Be it so, the time is now ripe to build on the rich cache of Gazetteers
    available across the Districts in Odisha, and to develop updated documents
    that capture the essence of each District as it exists today. The Districts

    i
    have evolved over the last few decades as a result of various natural
    phenomena and unforeseen forces, besides a slew of economic and social
    sector reforms undertaken at the National, State and local levels in the last
    couple of decades. The resulting impacts have been more cataclysmic in
    some Districts than others, which are reflective of the complex dynamics at
    work which determine a District‘s state of preparedness and receptivity to
    change or its absorptive capacity. This diversity in impacts across Districts is
    now captured both in measurable parameters and non-measurable
    underlying trends and perceptions in the updated District Gazetteers.
    Besides catching up with the developments in each of the thirty Districts
    and the environs, it was felt opportune to capture the major shifts in areas
    and issues of priority and concern across the districts by suitably
    restructuring the document, to recount the post-Independence events in brief
    for their historic value and evolutionary impact on the District, and to bridge
    an important lacuna, viz. incorporating the role played by freedom fighters
    from each District in India‘s Independence, which was sparingly mentioned
    in the Gazetteers initially prepared by colonial administrators. Though the
    updated Gazetteers draw heavily on the past Gazetteers of thirteen
    undivided Districts, the documents were also restructured to provide for
    elimination, modification and insertion of some issues in discussion with the
    Consulting Editors and District Administration in order to present a
    comprehensive and contemporaneous picture of the Districts.
    The task of developing and updating the Gazetteers for the present 30
    Districts was initiated in the first week of May 2015. Procedurally, a series of
    time-bound initiatives taken since then, were bed-rocked on the complete
    and continuous involvement of the District Collector and heads of concerned
    line departments at the district level in the coverage of issues and
    developments over time, coupled with specific participation of a number of
    scholars and experts, including some senior serving and retired civil
    servants. A standardised synopsis of the District Gazetteer was prepared by
    GAA to assist in the development of the initial drafts by each District
    Administration taking on board the locally available experts and District
    Heads of the Line Departments. For this exercise, a Committee was
    constituted by GAA under the District Collector to steer the development of
    the initial draft for the respective District. A number of Sub-Committees
    comprising of officials and experts were also constituted, again at District
    level, for drafting specific and thematic chapters. The initial drafts prepared
    by the District Administration were received by GAA starting in August 2015.
    After in-house scrutiny of these drafts, detailed comments and suggestions
    for bridging information gaps were sent by GAA to enable suitable revisions
    by the District Administration. A process of continuous monitoring of the
    development of the next stage of drafts was followed, and the second drafts
    ii
    were received by GAA by the end of October 2015. This revised draft
    Gazetteer of each District was then placed for scrutiny at two levels– the first
    by the public at large by hosting the drafts at the website of GAA
    (gopabandhuacademy.gov.in), and the second by a set of 30 Experts, one
    for each District designated as Consulting Editor.
    Simultaneously, Government in General Administration Department
    (GAD) with the approval of Hon‘ble Chief Minister reconstituted the State
    Advisory Committee (SAC) and State Working Committee (SWC) on
    Gazetteers vide Notification No. 23473 dated 26 September, 2015. The SAC
    continues to be headed by Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha. The
    SWC hereafter was to be chaired by the Director General, GAA, who had
    also been notified as the ex-officio Chief Editor of Gazetteers besides being
    granted functional freedom to prepare and publish the Gazetteers. A series
    of meetings were held by DG, GAA with the Consulting Editors appointed for
    refinement of the drafts prepared at the District level to discuss the to ensure
    accuracy and coherence, quality and content. The Consulting Editors also
    visited the respective Districts regularly to interact with senior officials,
    governmental and non-governmental organisations and persons concerned
    with the preparation of the initial two drafts. The drafts reviewed by DG,
    GAA, with the Consulting Editors were forwarded to the District Collectors for
    authentication of content and further improvements in quality, wherever felt
    necessary.
    The final round of discussions with the Consulting Editors was held in
    GAA in February through till April 2016, and the draft Gazetteers, finalised at
    this stage again in consultation with the District Collectors, were placed
    before the SWC. Drafts recommended by it were placed before the SAC for
    approval.
    The Gazetteer of Baleshwar (undivided Baleshwar) was last published
    st
    in 1983. Following the District‘s reorganisation on 1 January, 1994,
    Baleshwar district as it exists today came into existence. The present
    Gazetteer essentially charts the state-of-play in today‘s District of Baleshwar
    on the aforesaid pattern. It would be fair to say that the vicissitudes of District
    reorganisation have led to a virtual recasting of the Gazetteer for Baleshwar,
    a feat in itself. I am hopeful that though, given the short time for its
    development, it has not been possible to present a scholarly reconciliation of
    the parameters and information for the undivided District with the now
    reorganised District, interested scholars/ experts will soon enough assist the
    District Administration and GAA to bridge this gap and supplement the
    information herein.

    iii
    It is professionally gratifying that the District Administration and line
    Departments at District level, Professor M.N.Kundu, former Principal,
    Rajdhani College, Bhubaneswar and Professor A. B. Ota, Commissioner-
    cum-Director, SCs and STs Research and Training Institute (SCTRTI),
    Bhubaneswar, it‘s Consulting Editors and few of his academic colleagues,
    experts including some serving and retired civil servants, NGOs concerned
    and interested persons cooperated with GAA in order to meet the strict
    timeframe. But for the concerted efforts, tireless work, and energetic
    perseverance of my dear colleague Shri Praod Kumar Das, IAS, Collector
    and D.M Baleshwar and his team of officers and local experts, the seminal
    initial drafts would not have been possible.
    Professor M.N.Kundu and Professor A. B. Ota, were gracious enough
    to accept the challenge to be the Consulting Editors and complete the task
    within a record time of four months to bring out the final draft despite his
    several pressing engagements in various positions. I do not find adequate
    expression to thank him. I wish and hope that the sincerity, hard work and
    enthusiasm exhibited by him for accomplishing this task will inspire his
    colleagues, students and admirers.
    I convey my sincere gratitude to the members of the State Working
    Committee and State Advisory Committee for their valuable inputs and
    advice. I will be failing in my duty if I do not acknowledge the contribution of
    my friends and colleagues in the State Administration and particularly those
    at GAA, namely Dr. R. N. Patra, Deputy Director (Studies), Sri Subrat Kuanr,
    Research Officer and Dr. Rabindra Kumar Swain, Compiler.
    Finally, despite optimum efforts to plug the obvious limitations and
    lacunae in the Gazetteer, factual deficiencies, misspellings and grammatical
    errors would be found. The responsibility for all its shortcomings doubtless
    remains mine. With an eye to the future, I urge all readers, including
    thematic experts, young scholars, and luminaries, to offer their valuable
    suggestions for improving the quality and contents of the document for the
    next edition with the passage of time.
    I would like to thank the people of the District of Baleshwar for their
    contributions over time to the making of the District as we now know it, and
    commend this document to them and to other stake holders in the State and
    elsewhere. .

    Dr. Taradatt, IAS


    Chief Editor, Gazetteers &
    Director General, GAA

    iv
    Note from Consulting Editor
    We know a great deal about great many things but we very often know
    very little about things that concern us most - our home, our village, our
    district, our own little society. It is here that gazetteers can be of great help to
    us. The British are said to have acquired an empire in this country in a fit of
    absentmindedness but at the hour of its consolidation they were wide awake
    and alert. Once the heroic deeds had been done they did something very
    prosaic indeed yet immensely useful. Good shopkeepers as they were they
    settled down to take stock of their new acquisition which was a totally
    unknown entity to them. It was a sort of inventory preparation item by item.
    They surveyed its myriad aspects in order how best to administer it to their
    own interest. In the process they produced a genre of literature called
    gazetteers the concept of which was entirely new in this country.
    Geographical descriptions of our country are strewn in our ancient and
    classical literature but these are neither systematic nor comprehensive. Only
    Abul Fazl's Ain-I-Akbari, compiled during the reign of Akbar, is a crude
    approximation to a gazetteer.
    The District Gazetteer is a comprehensive geographical, economic,
    social and cultural catalogue of the Indian subcontinent catalogued by the
    British during their conquest of India. Most of the catalogues were compiled
    initially in the late 19th Century although many have since been reissued or
    edited in recent times.
    The original plan for starting the Gazetteer of India was made by Sir
    William Wilson Hunter in 1869 and its first Edition consisting of nine volumes
    was published in 1881, while the second and third editions consisting of
    fourteen volumes were published in 1885-87, and 1893 respectively, all
    these three editions being edited by Sir W.W. Hunter himself, the original
    planner. The next three editions have been published in 1908, 1909, 1931
    by Oxford University Press. All these editions are now acknowledged as a
    standard historical reference work for historical research and are available
    online now.
    The gazetteers compiled by these foreigners had the purpose to
    acquaint themselves with an alien land and its people. It was to be a kind of
    a manual or handbook which the administrators could carry about their
    person and consult as an aid to their administrative work. And the compilers
    were the administrators themselves. Not only gazetteers but also many other
    scholarly works on various aspects of the place of their work and its people
    were produced by these bureaucrats most of which remain standard works
    of reference to this day. Such works appear to have been viewed as a mark
    of distinction in the service and received official encouragement. The

    v
    Secretary of State for India by an order of 12th November, 1885, directed
    that particulars of "any literary work of a public or official character
    undertaken by an officer" should be duly noted in the History of Services
    maintained to record the performances of the officers. Every district and sub-
    divisional office had a small library of its own where gazetteers and allied
    literature were easily available. In fact the gazetteer was the field officers'
    Bible and the government took steps for their wide distribution.
    The usefulness of the gazetteers cannot be over-emphasized though
    there are indeed people who may scoff at it. From ancient times the
    administrative territorial unit called district, was known as ‗Bishaya‘ in the
    time of Emperor Ashoka, for example, has been the basic unit of
    administration in this country and a synoptic knowledge about its geography,
    history, its people and their socio-economic conditions has always been an
    essential requirement for its successful administration.
    With the devolution of greater powers of governance, both
    administrative and financial, to the Panchayat bodies we have to take
    serious notice of the districts as administrative units not in the older sense –
    when the common people at long last taking things in their own hands and
    deciding their own fate. They need information for identification of their
    needs and aspirations, planning for their realization and for assessment of
    their achievements and failures. They need facts perhaps to argue their case
    before the State Finance Commission over allocation of resources, or before
    the State Election Commission over questions of delimitation. Instances
    could be multiplied where a gazetteer is an immensely useful manual. The
    compiler's aim should therefore be to best serve this practical purpose.
    Regarding the kind of information that should be collected and compiled
    in a gazetteer, it is generally agreed that it should cover as many aspects of
    the area as possible within a short compass so as to present a fairly
    comprehensive picture of that area - its physical aspects, its history, its
    inhabitants and their social, economic and cultural life etc. In doing so the
    compiler cannot undertake original research or field survey. He has to
    depend on the secondary sources i.e., published works of various scholars
    and authorities, reports of agencies and departments of governments,
    publications of reputed educational and research institutions and relevant
    literary works. His motto should be to make the compilation as authoritative
    as possible having no pretension to originality. Limitations of time and space
    of course do not allow him to go into great details. For extensive and
    intensive information on any specific matter the reader will have to consult
    the scholarly works on the subject.

    vi
    Further, the compiler should avoid all controversy and give a succinct
    account of all the relevant views on the contentious issues. In this respect a
    gazetteer is also a kind of bibliography for a thorough study of the area. In
    the collection and presentation of his materials the compiler has to be
    selective. For, metaphorically speaking, every district has a personality of its
    own - certain peculiarities which are unique and uncommon - and it should
    be the endeavor of the compiler to bring out that personality. He however
    need not sacrifice the uniformity or general plan which is essential to
    facilitate comparison between districts.
    Following the general framework, more or less, this Gazetteer consists
    of information about Geographical, Topographical features such as river
    systems, Geology, Fauna and Flora such as wild animals and plant species;
    History, Demographic Patterns such as births and deaths, socio-religious
    variations such as distinctions of castes, tribes and other communities,
    religion, rituals, fairs and festivals and language, dress, housing and food
    habits; major occupations in agriculture, forestry, industry, trade and
    commerce; education, health care, revenue, administration, law and order,
    and financial management systems, and major landmarks such as towns
    and cities, tourism etc. taking the district as a unit. These informations have
    been organized in nineteen chapters. Surrendering the tall claim of originality
    and authenticity of information contained in these chapters inspite of our
    best efforts to collect and compile the data from reliable sources, it is
    intended to be a handy reference not only for the administration but also for
    anyone who is interested to know about the past and present of the district.
    One may find repetition of information among certain chapters because of
    the fact that they are closely related and so it is justified for contextual
    relevance.
    It must however be admitted that what a gazetteer gives is a
    photograph of the present with reference to the past. In order to see the
    pictures in detail one has to look for other relevant and reliable sources
    elsewhere.
    The work has been both intensive and extensive and acknowledges the
    contribution of many personalities from different walks of life. A battle has
    been fought and many soldiers might have not been featured properly, but
    for their contribution the output would not have been as cherished. We owe
    gratitude to those unquoted ones without whose contributions this
    presentation would have been nay impossible.

    vii
    At the outset we extend our deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Taradatt,
    Director General, Gopabandhu Academy of Administration for his courage
    and sincere effort to take up this zigantic task of bringing out Gazeteer of all
    30 districts and making it –possible within the shortest possible time. I must
    take the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to a few who have
    contributed significantly to the herculean task of editing the drafts, adding
    supplements, rewriting portions, and above all validating the information
    through cross checking with authentic sources to make this work
    presentable. Shri P.K.Das, IAS, Collector and D.M Baleshwar, Sri Sarat
    Chandra Mohanty, OSD of SCSTRTI deserve a word of appreciation for their
    relentless and meticulous editing of the drafts with high level of academic
    precision and research based insights and inputs without which the final
    presentation would not have been so presentable as it is now.

    Prof (Dr) M.N.Kundu


    And Prof (Dr.) A.B. Ota

    viii
    CONTENTS

    CHAPTER TOPIC PAGE


    NO.
    I GENERAL 1- 34
    Origin of the Name of the District - Location,
    General Boundaries, Area and Population -
    Topography- Hills - Sea coast - Natural
    Resources- Geology- Mineral Resources -
    Forests- History of Forest Management -Wildlife
    Census- Fauna and Flora - Fish- Forests and
    Vegetation- Forest Management- Rights and
    Concessions - Forest Development
    II HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT 35 - 72
    Pre-History- Mesolithic Culture - Ancient Period-
    Territorial Extent - Early History - Muslim and
    Marahata Periods- British Administrative Policies
    and their Effects: 1828-1900 - Growth of National
    Consciousness, 1919-1920 - Non-Cooperation
    Movement- Civil Disobedience Movement - Post
    Independent Baleshwar
    III PEOPLE 73 - 123
    Population- Density- Rural Population- Urban
    Population- Resettlement of Migrant population -
    Sex ratio - Migration - Language- Baleshwari
    Dialect- Scripts - Religion- Castes- Scheduled
    Castes- Scheduled Tribes- Social Life- New
    religious leaders and movements - The place of
    women in society - Type of Dwellings-
    Prostitution, drinking and gambling - Dress and
    Ornaments - Food - Communal Dance - Fairs,
    Festivals and Recreation- Christian Festivals -
    Muslim Festivals - Recreation
    IV AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION 124 - 146
    Physiographic and Agro Climatic Conditions- Agro-
    Climatic Condition and Soil- Nature and Types of
    Soil and Soil Fertility- Land Utilization Pattern in
    the District- Smallholder Agriculture- Major Crops -
    Cereals- Pulses- Oil Seeds - Fibre Crops- Betel
    vine (Pan)- Area and Yield- Cropping Pattern and
    Crop Rotation- Crop Diseases, Control Mechanism
    and Crop Protection- Improvement of Agriculture
    through State and Central Assistance- Soil Erosion
    and Soil Conservation- Agriculture Exhibition -
    Plant Protection- Agricultural Farms- Irrigation-
    Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects-
    Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services-
    ix
    Fisheries- Cooperatives- Accident Insurance-
    Marine Fisheries Activities of Baleshwar District-
    V INDUSTRIES 147 - 167
    Old Time Industries- Present Industrial Scenario-
    District Industries Centre- Large Scale Industries-
    Medium Scale Industries (Enterprises)- Micro and
    Small Enterprise- Food and allied Enterprises-
    Electrical and Electronics- Engineering and Metal
    Based- Wood and Forest based- Glass and
    Ceramic based Enterprises- Paper and Paper
    product based- Plastic and Rubber based- Textile
    based- Miscellaneous Manufacturing- Repairing
    and Servicing based- Industrial Infrastructural-
    Railways - Road Communication- Transport-
    Banking Facilities- Power- Technical Man Power
    Generation Resources - Industrial Associations -
    New Opportunities
    VI BANKING, TRADE AND COMMERCE 168 - 175
    History- Banking, Trade and Commerce -
    Nationalized Banks - Private Bank - Self Help
    Groups (SHGs)- Trading Centers- Cooperative
    Department- Weights and Measures-
    VII TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS 176 - 184
    Old Time Transport Routes- Roads in Modern
    Times- National Highways- State Highways- Major
    District Roads- Other District Roads- Vehicles and
    Conveyances- Railways - Waterways- Bridges-
    Radio and Wireless
    VIII MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS 185 - 192

    Introduction - Public Administration- Employees‘


    Organisations- Learned Professions- Other
    Services- Employment in shops and commercial
    establishments

    IX ECONOMIC TRENDS 193 - 220


    Livelihood- District Domestic Product –
    Composition and Trends - Monthly Per Capita
    Consumer Expenditure - The General Level of
    Prices- Pre-Independence Period- Post-
    Independence Period - Services and Wages-
    Minimum Wages Act and Wages- Standard of
    Living- District Rural Development Agency -
    District Employment Exchange- Placement Linked
    Training Programme- Job Fair

    x
    X GENERAL ADMINISTRATION 221 - 227
    General Administration, Baleshwar Sub-Division,
    Baleshwar Tahasil, Remuna Tahasil, Simulia
    Tahasil, Basta Tahasil, Bahanaga Tahasil,
    Jaleshwar Tahasil,Khaira Tahasil ,Bhograi Tahasil,
    Baliapal Tahasil, Nilagiri Sub-Division, Nilagiri
    Tahasil, Oupada Tahasil, Appendix-1 Offices
    Located in Baleshwar
    XI REVENUE ADMINISTRATION 228 - 283
    Early Revenue Administration - Hindu
    Administration - Moughal Administration -
    Marahata Administration - British Administration -
    Settlement of 1837-45 - Settlement of 1889-1899
    (Provincial settlement) - Revision Settlement
    (1906-1912) - Dalziel Settlement (1922-1932) -
    Settlement in ex-state areas of Nilagiri - Land
    Tenures - Proprietors - Revenue-Free Estates
    (lakharaj Bahal lands) - Sub-proprietors and tenure
    -holders - Bajyaptidars - Other Tenants - Raiyats -
    Chandandars - Jagirdars - Under- raiyats - Lands
    of other statuses - Land tenure in Nilagiri ex-state -
    Revenue and Rent settlement in the past -
    Extension of Cultivation - Landlord - Tenant
    Relationship- Land Reforms- Odisha Estates
    Abolition Act, 1951 - Odisha Land Reforms Act,
    1960 - Bhoodan- Waste Land Settlement-
    nd
    Encroachments - Survey and Settlement - 2
    Round of Survey and Settlement Operation-
    Consolidation of Holdings- Agricultural Census-
    Mutation- Rent / Cess / Nistar Cess -
    Modernization of Land Records:- Revenue
    Organisation
    XII LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE 284 - 308
    Incidence of Crime - Police - History of PoIice
    Organisation - Ordinary Reserve - Armed
    Reserve- Court Staff- Home Guard - Wireless-
    Intelligence Staff- Railway Police- Fire Services-
    Village Police- Jails- Health Service: The Jail
    Medical- WelfareService- Jail Workshop-
    Education in Jail- Reformation in Jail - Board of
    Visitors- Atomosphare of the Jail - Entertainment
    Facilities- District Probation Office- District After-
    Care Shelter, Baleshwar- Separation of Judiciary
    from the Executive - Criminal - Civil - Bar
    Association
    XIII LOCAL SELF –GOVERNMENT 309 - 324
    History of Local Self-Government in the District -
    District Board- Local Boards - Village Chowkidari
    System- Municipality and Notified Area Council-
    Finance and Funding - Roads and Drains

    xi
    Statistics - Street Lighting - Parks and Auditorium -
    Water Supply- General Election - Source of
    Income - Public Roads - Beautification- Water
    Supply - Town Planning - Zilla Parishad-
    Administrative composition- Panchayat Samitis -
    Grama Panchayats
    XIV EDUCATION AND CULTURE 325 - 356
    Historical Background- Education in Baleshwar-
    Beginning of Western Education- Literacy- Spread
    of Education among Women- Spread of Education
    among Backward Classes and Tribes- General
    Education- Madrasa- Middle English Schools-
    High English Schools- Sanskrit School and
    College- Colleges and University - Fine Art-
    Dance, Music and Drama- Culture - Cultural and
    Literary Organisations- Library- Poets and Writers-
    Writers of Pre-independence Period - Modern
    Writers - Old and Important Institutions
    XV MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE 357 - 386
    - Medical- Climate - Survey of Public Health and
    Medical Facilities in Early Times- Vital Statistics -
    Diseases common to the district- Public Hospitals
    and Dispensaries- District Headquarters Hospital,
    Baleshwar - Sub-divisional Hospital, Nilagiri-
    Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes - Vincent
    Hospital, Baleshwar - Ayurvedic and Homeopathic
    Institutions - Ayurvedic Institutions - Homeopathic
    Institutions - Public Health- Activities of Health and
    Sanitary Organisations - National Malaria
    Eradication Programme- National Filaria Control
    Programme (NFCP)- Anti-Leprosy Measures-
    Family Welfare - Immunisation Programme -
    Nutrition Programme- Drugs Control - Veneral
    Disease - Health Education - School Health
    Service - Water Supply - PC and PNDT Act- Blood
    Bank, DHH, Baleshwar- Jan Aushadhi
    XVI OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES 387 - 398
    Labour Welfare- Organization set-up- Settlement
    of Disputes- Trade Unions - Minimum Wages Act-
    New Horizon of Social Security Measures -
    Housing Scheme - Provident Fund - Scheduled
    Castes and Scheduled Tribes - Educational
    Advancement - Economic upliftment -
    Miscellaneous Welfare Measures - Old Age
    Pension- Widow Pension- Freedom Fighters
    Pension- Charitable Endowments
    XVII GENERAL ELECTION 399 - 418
    th
    General Election: 1989 Onwards, 10 General
    th
    Election to Vidhan Sabha 1990,10 Lok Sabha
    th
    Election 1991,11 General Election to State

    xii
    th TH
    Assembly ,11 Lok Sabha Election 1996, 12 Lok
    th
    Sabha Election 1998,13 Lok Sabha Election
    th
    1999,12 General Election to Vidhan Sabha
    th th
    2004,14 Lok Sabha General Election 2004, 13
    General Election to State Legislative Assembly
    th th
    2004,15 Lok Sabha Election 2009,14 General
    th
    Election to Legislative Assembly, 2009, 16
    th
    General Election to Lok Sabha, 2014, 15 General
    Election to Odisha Legislative Assembly Poll-2014
    XVIII NATURAL DISASTERS 419 - 436
    Cyclones - History of major cyclones and storms-
    Famines - Disaster Resilient infrastructures in
    Balasore District- Vulnerability of district- Drawing
    and Design of shelter buildings- Use of the shelter
    buildings- Features and facilities available in the
    MCS and MFS buildings
    XIXI PLACE OF INTEREST 437 - 459
    Abhana, Ayodhya,Badagan, Balaramgadi,
    Baleshwar, Baliapal, Bardhanpur, Basta,
    Bhusendeswar, Chandaneswar, Chandipur,
    Chasakhanda, Chowmukh-Dagara, Gandibed,
    Garapada, Gud, Huguli, Inchudi, Jaleshwar,
    Jayarampur, Kasiari, Kasaphal, Kuldiha,
    Kumbhirgari, Kupari, Manikchak, Markona,
    Nangaleswar, Nilagiri, Orangi, Panchalingeswar,
    Pipili, Raibania, Remuna, Sajanagada, Sergarh,
    Soro,Tasari, Tipisagaida, Tudigadia, Tundara,
    Appendix-I , Table of Tourist Centres in Baleshwar
    identified by The Dept. of Tourism, Odisha,
    Appendix –II, Place wise Hotel Positions in
    Baleshwar -2015

    xiii
    Abbreviations

    ADM Additional District Magistrate


    AI Artificial Insemination
    AICC All India Congress Committee
    AIIMS All India Institute of Medical Science
    APPTC Advanced Plastics Processing Technology Centre
    AYUSH Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy
    BCIC Baleshwar Chamber of Industries and Commerce
    BFDA Brackish water Farmers Development Agency
    BJP Bharatiya Janata Party
    BKKY Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana
    BNR Bengal Nagpur Railway
    BPL Below Poverty Line
    BPP Bachelor in Preparatory Programme
    BRPP Bharatiya Republican Prakasha Party
    BSP Bahujan Samaj Party
    CCA Cultivable Comand Area
    CDM Certificate in Disaster Management
    CDMO Chief District Medical Officer
    CHC Community Health Centre
    CHR Certificate in Human Rights
    CIPET Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology
    CMRF Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund
    CPI Consumer Price Index
    CPI Communist Party of India
    CVR Classified Village Roads
    CWS Current Weekly Status
    DDP District Domestic Product
    DEIC District Early Intervention Centres
    DIC District Industries Centre
    DILRMP Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme
    DRDA District Rural Development Agency
    DRI Differential Rate of Interest
    DSSIA District Small Scale Industries Association
    EDP Electronic Data Processing
    EMI Employment Market Information
    EPM Export Promotion and Marketing
    FFDA Fish Farmers Development Agency
    FTP File Transfer Protocol
    GDDP Gross District Domestic Product
    GGY Gopabandhu Gramina Yojana
    GKS Gaon Kalyan Samiti
    GP Gram Panchayat
    HDPE High-density Polyethylene
    HFL High Flood Level
    HMIS Health Management Information System
    xiv
    HTL High Tide Line
    IAY Indira Awaas Yojana
    ICICI Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India
    IDSP Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme
    IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University
    IIUS Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme
    INC Indian National Congress
    IND Independent
    IRBM Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
    ITC Industrial Training Centre
    ITI Industrial Training Institute
    ITR Interim Test Range
    JD Janata Dal
    JFMWC Joint Forest Management Working Circle
    JMM Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
    JP Janata Party
    JSSK Janani Sishu Surakhya Karyakram
    KVK Krushi Vigyan Kendra
    LAMPCS Large Sized Agricultural Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
    LFPR Labour Force Participation Rate
    LFPR Labour Force Participation Rate
    MCS Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters
    MDR Major District Roads
    MDT Multi Drug Therapy
    MFP Minor Former Produce
    MFS Multipurpose Flood Shelter
    MGNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
    Scheme
    MLA Member of Legislative Assembly
    MPCE Monthly Per Capita Consumer Expenditure
    MRP Mixed Recall Period
    MSME Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
    MSO Master in Sociology
    MUY Matsyajibi Unnayana Yojana
    NAC Notified Area Council
    NCP Nationalist Congress Party
    NCRMP National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project
    NCVT National Council of Vocational Training
    NDDP Net District Domestic Product
    NESU Northern Electricity Supply Utility
    NFCP National Filaria Control Programme
    NFDB National Fisheries Developement Board
    NH National Highways
    NIC National Informatics Centre
    NLEP National Leprosy Eradication Programme
    NMPS National Mission for Protein Supplements
    NOC No Objection Certificate
    NOCCI North Odisha Chamber of Commerce and Industries
    NPCB National Programme for Control of Blindness
    xv
    NPOF National Project on Fertilizer
    NRC Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre
    NRHM National Rural Health Mission
    NRLM National Rural Livelihood Mission
    NSDP Net State Domestic Project
    NSIC National Small Industries Corporation
    NTFPWC Non-Timber Forest Produce Working Circle
    NUHM National Urban Health Mission
    NVBDCP National Vector Borve Disease Control Programme
    NVBDCP National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
    OAS Odisha Administrative Service
    OCTMP Odisha Community Tank Management Project
    ODR Other District Roads
    OLM Odisha Livelihood Mission
    OMCAD Odisha Maritime and Chilika Area Development Corporation
    Ltd.
    OSEM Odisha State Employment Mission
    OSFC Odisha State Financial Corporation
    OSIC Odisha Small Industries Corporation
    OSTF Odisha State Treatment Fund
    OSWAN Odisha State Wide Area Network
    OUAT Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology
    OULM Odisha Urban Livelihood Mission
    PACS Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies
    PFCS Primary Fishermen‘ Cooperative Society
    PGDCJ Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice
    PIM Participatory Irrigation Management
    PLTP Placement Linked Training Programme
    PMJDY Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana
    PP Pani Panchayat
    PPP Public Private Partnership
    PRF Proposed Reserved Forest
    PSC Pre Stressed Concrete
    PWO Prison Welfare Officer
    RBSK Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
    RBSK Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram
    RCMS Regional Cooperative Marketing Societies
    RF Reserved Forest
    RJD Rastriya Janata Dal
    RKS Rogi Kalyan Samiti
    RMNCH+A Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent
    Health
    RNTCP Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme
    RSBY Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
    RWC Rehabilitation Working Circle
    RR&R Repair, Renovation and Restoration
    SBI State Bank of India
    SC Scheduled Caste
    SDH Sub-Divisional Hospital
    xvi
    SDPO Sub-Divisional Project Officer
    SH State Highways
    SHGs Self Help Groups
    SIB Students Information Bureau
    SIDA Swedish International Development Authority
    SLBC State Level Banking Committee
    SNCU Special New Born Care Unit
    SP Superintendent of Police
    ST Scheduled Tribe
    STA Soil Testing Laboratory
    TISCO Tata Iron and Steel Company
    TPA Tonnes Per Annum
    ULB Urban Local Bodies
    UPVC/PVC Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride
    UR Unemployment Rate
    URP Uniform Recall Period
    VAWs Village Agricultural Workers
    VF Village Forests
    VHF Very High Frequency
    VPN Virtual Private Network
    WLMWC Wildlife Management Working Circle
    WPR Workforce Participation Rate
    WUA Water User Association

    xvii
    CHAPTER – I
    GENERAL
    Introduction
    Origin of the Name of the District
    Baleshwar, the extreme north-eastern border district of the state of
    Odisha, is said to be named after Lord Baneswar, the presiding deity of a
    Siva temple in old Baleshwar. The principal town, which is also the
    administrative headquarters of the district, bears the same name Baleshwar.
    It is said that ‗Baleshar‘ the spelling of which is ‗Bala-e-sore‘ is a
    Persian word meaning ‗a town on the sea-shore‘. Those who support this
    view argue that Baleshwar, before unknown, came into prominence during
    the moughal empire.
    Location, General Boundaries, Area and Population
    The district is situated between 21° 03‘ 41‘‘ and 21°58‘43‖ N Latitude
    and 86° 21‘19‖ and 87°29'18‖ E. longitude. It is bounded on the north by the
    Midnapore district of West Bengal, on the east by the Bay of Bengal, on the
    south by Bhadrak district which was separated from it in the year 1993 and
    on the west by Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
    It extends over an area of about 3806 sq. km. and ranks 30th, the
    smallest among the districts of Odisha in size. The district consists of a long
    strip of alluvial land between the hills and the sea excluding the plains of
    Nilagiri Sub-Division. It looks somewhat like an hour-glass in shape, very
    narrow in the centre, but growing broader towards the north and south. This
    tract varies in breadth from about 48.30 km. at the north-eastern extremity to
    a little more than 16.10 km. at the centre and 64.40 km, in the south. The
    district, hemmed in by a surf-beaten coast on one side and a barrier of hills
    on the other, comprises four belts extending from north to south in lines
    roughly parallel to the coast and rising slowly as they recede from it. The first
    is a narrow maritime strip of land in many places impregnated with salt and
    unfit for cultivation which has been formed by the silt-laden rivers
    debouching from the hills and the sand-burdened currents of the bay. The
    second is the delta proper, an alluvial plain thickly inhabited and covered
    with great stretches of rice fields which constitutes the greater part of the
    district. The third belt consists of the undulating tract which gradually
    ascends into the wooded glens and the fourth division comprises the
    mountainous tract of Nilagiri Sub-Division. The headquarters town
    Baleshwar stands almost in the centre.

    1
    The population of the district was 2,024,508 as per 2001 Census
    comprising 1,036,511 males and 987,997 females. The population of the
    district is 2.320.529 persons as per the Census of 2011consisting of
    1,185.787 males and 1,134.742 females.
    History of the district as an administrative unit and changes in its parts
    Baleshwar was administered from Cuttack from 1805 to 1821 and had
    no separate Revenue Officer. A Joint Magistrate was stationed at Baleshwar
    as the deputy of the Magistrate of Cuttack. In 1827, an independent
    Collectorate for Baleshwarwas constituted and in the subsequent year Jajpur
    and Bhadrak were attached to it. Jajpur was again transferred to Cuttack
    subsequently. On the north of the district, a perplexing series of transfers
    and retransfers of fiscal divisions went on for a long time between Baleshwar
    and Midnapore. The district finally acquired a definite shape in 1870 when
    the northern boundary was defined and the Baitarani and Dhamra were
    made its southern limits. The following changes have occurred to the district
    boundary after 1870.
    (1) The area remained a French territory till 1947. A more elaborate
    account of this territory is given by D. H. Kingsford in the Final Report
    of the Provincial Settlement. The area of the lodge was held to be 18.5
    hectares (45 acres) by Dalziel in his Final Report on the Revision
    Settlement of Odissa. This area, consisting of a population of 264
    persons, was released from French possession and annexed to
    Baleshwar police-station in 1947.
    (2) The administration of the ex-state of Nilagiri belonging to the Eastern
    States Agency was taken over on the 14th November, 1947· It was the
    first tributary state in the country whose administration was taken over
    by the Government of Odisha on behalf of the Government of India. It
    formally merged with Odisha on the 1st January, 1948 and was
    constituted into a regular Sub-Division of the district on the 15th
    December 1949.
    (3) About 37 villages having an area of 19·84 sq. km. (12.32 sq. miles)
    and a population of 5,936 belonging to Olmara police-station and 4
    villages of Parganas Narangabad with an area of 1·1 sq. km. (0.68 sq.
    mile) and a population of 174 forming part of the Mayurbhanj distric
    were added to Baleshwar on the 15th December 1949.
    (4) The village Tillo belonging to Kendujhar district having an area of 7.51
    sq. km. was added to the district on the 15th December 1949 and on
    the same date a number of villages of Killa Ambo with an area of 9·06
    sq. km. were transferred from Baleshwar district to Kendujhar district.

    2
    Thereafter, there has been no change in the boundary of the district,
    though minor changes have occurred in its component parts. Two police-
    stations namely Sergarh and Raibania have been formed by carving out
    portions from Baleshwar Sadar and Jaleshwar police-stations respectively.
    For administrative convenience and better governance Bhadrak Sub-Division
    rd
    was separated from Baleshwar district on 3 April 1993 as an independent
    disdtrict. Baleshwar district as we see now has two Sub-Divisions namely
    Baleshwar and Nilagiri.
    Sub-Divisions, Tahasils and PoliceStations
    As indicated above, the district has two sub-divisions. It has twelve
    tahasils and twenty-six policestations. The names of Sub-Divisions, Tahasils
    and Police Stations are presented in the following table.
    Sub-Division Tahasil Police-station
    Baleshwar Bhograi 1. Bhograi
    Jaleshwar 2. Kamarda
    3. Jaleshwar
    4. Raibania
    Basta 5. Basta
    Baliapal 6. Rupsa
    7. Baliapal
    8. Singla
    9. Marine Bahabalpur
    Baleshwar 10. Baleshwar Town
    11. Sahadevkhunta
    12. Baleshwar Sadar
    13. Industrial Area
    14. Khantapada
    15. Chandipur
    16. Marine Balaramgadi
    Remuna 17. Remuna
    Bahanaga 18. Soro
    Soro
    Simulia 19. Simulia
    Khaira 20.Khaira

    3
    Nilagiri Nilagiri 21.Nilagiri
    Oupada 22.Berhampur
    23. Oupada
    24. Marine PS, Bahabalpur
    25. Marine PS, Talasari
    26. Traffic PS, Baleshwar

    Baleshwar Sub-Division has ten Tahasils viz., Baleshwar, Remuna,


    Jaleshwar, Bhograi, Soro, Basta, Khaira, Simulia, Baliapal and Bahanaga.
    Nilagiri Sub-Division has two Tahasils namely, Nilagiri and Oupada.
    The district has four towns of which three are Municipalities such as,
    Baleshwar, Soro and Jaleshwar and one is a Notified Area Council i.e.
    Nilagiri. As per the notification of Governement dated 24.02.2014 both Soro
    and Jaleshwar NACs have been declared as municipality. The area,
    population and classification of these towns are given in the following table:

    Name of the town Classification Population Area in Sq Km.


    1. Jaleshwar Municipality 16,790 17.6
    2. Baleshwar Municipality 86116 19.4
    3. Soro Municipality 22,726 23·6
    4. Nilagiri N. A. C. 12,800 20.4

    Topography
    The district may be broadly divided into three distinct natural divisions
    (1) Littoral saline tract, (2) Arable alluvial tract and (3) Montane and Sub-
    montane tract.
    (1) Littoral saline tract: This tract runs almost the entire way down the coast
    and forms a very narrow strip, varying in breadth from 3.22 km. to 9.66
    km. and rising at places into sandy ridges covered with a vegetation of
    low scrub jungle. Sluggish brackish streams creep along between
    banks of fetid black mud. The tract is purely alluvial and has a distinctly
    saline taste. Further inland, the plain which once spread out into prairies
    of coarse long grass and scrub jungle providing ideal pasture lands for
    the cattle herds has now been greatly reclaimed by the cultivators,
    many from outside the state. Today only a few small narrow patches of
    grass lands lie scattered in this region. It is primarily a fertile alluvial
    zone and the contiguous inland comprises the major part of the district.
    (2) Arable alluvial tract: The arable tract lies beyond the salt lands and
    embraces the rest of the district but for the whole sub-montane tract
    which lies to the west of the district. lt is a long dead level of rice fields
    with a soil light in colour, friable and apt to split up into small cubes with
    4
    a rectangular cleavage. It is a treeless region except around the villages
    which are encircled by fine mango, pipal, banyan, bamboo and
    tamarind trees. A common feature of this tract is the Patas literally the
    cups or depressed lands near the river banks. These lands bear the
    finest crops.
    (3) Sub-montane tract: The sub-montane tract is an undulating country with
    a red soil much broken up into ravines along the foot of the hills.
    Masses of laterite buried in hard ferruginous clay crops up as rocks or
    slabs. At Kupari in Baleshwar Sub-Division about 3.22 km.long stretch
    of land are almost paved with such slabs dark red in colour perfectly flat
    and polished like plates of iron. Black stone and granite quarry also lie
    in the hills close to Nilagiri. Large tracts are covered with Sal forests,
    mostly under trees. Near the hills there are patches of cultivated lands
    with fertile soil on account of the rich humus content brought down by
    the mountain torrents.
    To the south of Nilagiri, a range of hills forms part of the Eastern Ghats
    and runs north-west towards Darkhuli and then towards south-west and
    running up to the border of Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar becoming a
    continuous part of the hill ranges of these two districts.
    Hills
    All the mountain ranges in the district lie within the Nilagiri Sub-Division.
    To the north of the Nilagiri town a few hills rise to a height of more than
    304.80 meters above MSL. Few important peaks that may be mentioned are
    Machhua Pahad (299·62 m.), Dhobasila Pahad (438·30 m.), and
    Swarnachuda (544.37m.). The nature of vegetation is open mixed forests
    consisting of Sal, Piasal, Asan, Bamboo, etc.
    To the south and west of Nilagiri lies a continuous range of hills with
    open Sal and Bamboo forests. These hills rising from the plains reach a
    height of 304.80 meters and above MSL. The main peaks are Sunchut
    Parbat (453.54 m.), Katillia Parbat (494.69 m.), Debagiri Pahad (682.45 m.),
    Jhanuadi Pahad (626.97 m.), Bamanihuli Pahad (682.45 m.) and Jugjuri
    Pahad (408.13 m.).
    Sea coast
    The district has a coastline of 136·85 km. through which several great
    rivers make their way to the sea. In the words of William Hunter ―an eternal
    war goes on between the rivers and the sea, the former struggling to find
    vent for their columns of water and the latter repelling them with its sand
    laden currents‖. These forces counteract each other and the sea deposits
    bar outside the river mouth, while the river pushes out its delta to right and

    5
    left inside. These rivers consequently silt up at the mouth and though they
    are generally of sufficient depth each is blocked up by a bar of sand or mud,
    which prevents entrance of large sea-going vessels except at tide time. Silt,
    the common enemy of waterways in Odisha has been fatal to the prosperity
    of almost every port in the district.
    In the year 1871 there were five ports in the district, Subarnarekha,
    Saratha, Chanuya, Baleshwar and Laichanpur. Some of these ports were,
    however, very insignificant. Saratha and Chanuya were merely demarcated
    portions of the rivers known by these names, deep slimy and it was the most
    difficult land owing to the soft muddy banks. Laichanpur, located 37.03 km.
    south of Baleshwar and Churamani, located 9.66 km. further on, were also
    parts of two nullahs, the mouths of which were so nearly closed that to steer
    a small jolly boat into them and out to sea again required careful watching of
    the tide as they were completely concealed by a dense fringe of jungle.
    Churamani, was however, once considered the safest and the most
    convenient port on the coast of Odisha, largely owing to the facilities
    afforded by the extraordinarily soft and yielding nature of the mud bottom of
    the river. The rice sloops penetrated near the coast as high water would
    allow them to push their way, and the receding tide left the greater part of
    their hulls resting securely on a soft cushion of mud. In the advent of a
    dangerous storm, the safest plan was to run the ship straight into the bay of
    Churamani, where the thick half liquid mass of mud in solution counteracted
    the violence of the winds and waves.
    Owing to the silting up of the river mouths, the construction of the Coast
    Canal, and the abandonment of the old salt manufacture, many of these
    ports have now ceased to exist, while the position of others has been
    changed. A few centuries ago the Subarnarekha was a noble estuary which
    was admirably suited for a harbour and was consequently one of the first
    places to attract European mercantile enterprise. Here at the close of the
    16th century thePortuguese established themselves at Pipili and the harbour
    was also the rendezvous of the Arakanese pirates; and later the English
    appear to have made a settlement there. But the Subarnarekha was the first
    to silt up. By the beginning of the 18th century A.D. the silting up of its mouth
    had ruined Pipili, and the settlement was abandoned. The place lingered on
    as a ruined and silt-locked place till the early years of the 19th century, but
    no trace of it now remains. The Subarnarekha port, once most important in
    the district, is in virtual disuse except that fishing boats still anchor here. The
    sands stretching across its mouth are almost bare at low water but beyond
    the bar there is a magnificent deep channel. It is, however, quite unsafe
    during the south-west monsoon; it presents a deadly shore with breakers
    right across the mouth.

    6
    Further down the coast is the estuary of the Burhabalanga river. The
    port consisted of a portion of the river fronting the town of Baleshwar and
    was about 1·2 km. in length. The river goes along a sinuous course till it
    joins the sea. A project undertaken in 1863 to make the course of the river
    short was later abandoned.
    Natural Resources
    The main natural resources of the district comprise the rivers, the
    forests and geology.
    Water Resources: The River System
    Main rivers and distributaries
    The district has six distinct river systems. Proceeding from north to
    south, these principal rivers are the Subarnarekha, the Panchpara, the
    Burhabalanga, the Jalaka and the Kansbans. During the hot weather the
    upper channels of these rivers dwindle to insignificant streams dotted here
    and there with stagnant pools but in the rainy season they bring down an
    enormous mass of water from the hills from which they take their rise. They
    drain a large area and the rapidity of the current acquired while running
    through the mountains sweeps down a vast quantity of silt in suspension. As
    soon as the rivers leave the broken hilly region for the level delta, their
    current is checked causing sand deposit on beds. By degrees, therefore, the
    channel becomes shallower, the beds are raised, and the rivers flow at a
    level higher than the surrounding country. The rivers and their various
    channels consequently become less and less able to carry off the water
    supply to the sea and frequently prove inadequate to furnish an outlet for the
    volume of water with which they are charged during the rainy season. The
    result is that through the cold and hot weathers they are small streams
    winding through long expanses of sand.But during rainey season they are
    formidable torrents which often overflow their banks and flood the land far
    and wide. These rivers are scarcely navigable as they dry up during the
    summer.The following is a brief description of each of these principal rivers
    with their most important tributaries and offshoots.
    Subarnarekha
    The name Subarnarekha means a streak of gold. While some believe
    that the river is named so because of the fertle soil on its banks,others trace
    the origin of the name to the particles of gold occasionally found in its sandy
    bed.The Subarnarekha takes its rise 16.10 km. south-west of Ranchi in the
    Chota Nagpur plateau. It flows towards the north-east, leaving the main
    plateau in a picturesque waterfall and then forms the boundary with
    Hazaribag, its course being east-wards to the trijunction point with the
    Manbhum district. From this point the river veers southwards into

    7
    Singhbhum, thenpasses through the district of Mayurbhanj and enters
    Midnapore from the north-west. It traverses the jungle in the western part of
    the district till it reaches Baleshwar, through which it flows for 96.60 km., in a
    tortuous southern course with great windings east and west until it finally
    discharges into the Bay of Bengal, after a course of 536.56 km., during
    which it drains an area of 29,267 sq. km. The river banks are high and steep
    on the outer curve of the bends against which the water cuts and flat or
    sloping on the inner. It has no tributaries within the district except a small
    stream, the Guchida which joins it at Bhograi and another Khaljori Nala
    which joins it near Paschimbad. The land along the banks is cultivated upto
    a few kilo metres of the sea, where it enters the saline tract. The
    Subarnarekha is nowhere fordable within the district during the rainy season.
    The river carried the early European trade in the province from and to
    the port of Pipili, which was occupied by the Portuguese till the end of the
    16th century. The silting up of the mouth of Subarnarekha during the 17th
    century led to the decline of the port of which no vestige now remains. The
    river is still however, navigable by country crafts as far as Kalikapura, about
    25.76 km. from its mouth, up to which point it is tidal, 40.25 km. further up it
    is spanned by the railway bridge and the Odisha Trunk Road at Rajghat.
    Haskura
    It rises as a stream in the hills of Mayurbhanj and flowing across the
    bridge on the old Grand Trunk Road, below Rajghat passes south over the
    Basta-Baliapal Road to Tepabulang, where it communicates through an inlet
    with the Coast Canal. At least two channels drain the flood waters of the
    Subarnarekha into this river. Between the Coast CanaI and the sea, the river
    branches off into a network of some of the channels connecting Saratha to
    the south. This stream contains very little water during the summer months,
    but has been known to cause considerable damage during rainy season,
    when it carries a great volume of the Subarnarekha flood.
    Saratha
    In its upper reaches, it is known by names of its tributaries like Jamira,
    Baura, Surud, Maharti and Gulpha. After forming the boundary line between
    Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj districts for some distance, it is bridged by the
    railway a few kilometres south of Basta railway station. A little beyond this, it
    passes under the old Grand Trunk Road and then takes a course almost
    parallel to that of Haskura forming two large loops on the way. At the second
    loop it crosses the Odisha Coast Canal and gets interland through tiny
    channels with Haskura to its north and Panchpara to its south. It then falls
    into the sea at the mouth of the Panchpara. It is tidal as far as the Coast
    Canal, 16.10 km. from the sea.

    8
    Jalaka
    The Jalaka takes its rise from a spring in Sunaposi under Suliapada
    police-station in the district of Mayurbhanj, where it is named as Jambhira. It
    has three tributaries, namely, Bauranala, Mahantinala and Gulphanala. It
    turns into a turbulent river and ravages mainly the areas coming under
    Morada and Rasgobindpur police station limits during floods. The river then
    enters into the district of Baleshwar near Basta where it is known as Jalaka.
    Generally, it inundates eight Grama Panchayats in this district, viz., Baharda,
    Sadanandpur, Brahmanda, Rautapada, Srirampur, Sahada, Mukulasi and
    Mathani covering the areas of Basta and Singla police stations. Joined by
    the Pejagala Nala, it meets the river Panchpara and then flows down to the
    Bay of Bengal.
    The river is only 85 kilometers long. About 10 kilometers of the river is
    navigable largely due to tidal waters. Normally it does not change its course,
    but swells in case of heavy rains in the catchment area.
    Panchpara
    The intermediate land between this river and the Jamira after the
    former crosses the railway line is drained by a series of channels and also by
    a cut from the Saratha. The river has its origin in Mayurbhanj district. Uniting
    with Bhairingi and a few other small tributaries, it enters into Baleshwar
    district a few kilometers to the west of the railway line. The Panchapara then
    winds its course into the sea. The tide runs up only 16.10 km. and the
    interlacings of these streams constantly spread out into shallow swamps.
    Panchpara literally means five hamlets that were there on its banks once
    upon a time.
    Burhabalanga
    The river arises from the hills of Mayurbhanj and flows for its greater
    length within this district. After receiving a number of important tributaries like
    Madhabi, Gangahor and Sone it winds its way into the sea near Chandipur
    after a course of 56.35 k.m. through the district. In the upper part of its
    course the banks are sandy, steep and cultivated, in the lower part they are
    of firm mud covered to high water mark with black ooze and surrounded by
    jungle or open grassy plains. It is tidal and sloops and small steamers could
    navigate its tortuous course as far as the town of Baleshwar but the sand bar
    across the mouth of the river, has rendered the entrance difficult. It is liable
    to floods but the area exposed to inundation, which lies to the north and
    north-west of the town, is not large. It is known to have changed its course,
    at places, considerably during the past decades. From the sea the distance
    to Baleshwar along this river is 28.98 Km. Considerable fishing activities
    through gill-net, trawlers, etc., is carried out at its mouth at Balaramgadi. This

    9
    has helped building up of fishing infrastructure like a fishing jetty, ice and
    cold storage plants and hotels, both in public and private sectors.
    Jamka
    On the south of the Burhabalanga a network of rivers, known as the
    Jamka find their way down from the Nilagiri hills and enter the sea passing
    through many channels along the coast of the Dasmalong pargana. There is
    little or no navigation, as their mouths have been closed up by the
    construction of the Coast Canal. Jamka, has a sluice built about a mile (1.6
    km.) from its mouth.
    Paga
    To the south of Burhabalanga is the Paga, a 16.10 km. long small
    stream. The name is said to be a corruption of Prayag, the old name of the
    village near which it rises.
    Nembu
    The Nembu or Kantiachera rises in the Nilagiri hills and runs a course
    of 24·15 km. in the district. The name literally means lemon, said to have
    been derived from the lemon groves which formerly used to fringe its banks.
    It forms along with Sapua a network before it joins the sea.
    Kansbans
    Its origin is traced from a jungle of Kans grass and bamboos amid
    which it rises. It runs in a south-east direction, at first almost parallel to the
    Nilagiri hills and receives from them a number of nameless streams on its
    northern bank. After passing under the bridge on the National Highway a few
    kilometers to the south of Soro, it bifurcates at Birpara, the northern branch
    retaining its original name and flowing into the sea 48·30 km. from the point
    where it enters the district.
    Gamai
    The southern branch of the Kansbans receives the name of Gamai and
    falls into the sea 9·66 km. south of the latter. Due to the Coast Canal, the
    river has been silted up with its passage to the sea almost closed. About
    4·83 km. from its mouth is situated the old port of Chudamani, once an
    important centre of export trade but now an insignificant village. Gamai is
    liable to heavy floods but a great part of its flood water runs south-westward
    along the old Churamani or Ricketts Canal into the Matai which drains the
    country east of Bhadrak.

    10
    Geology
    Antiquity
    The geology of the district exhibits a limited number of rock types met
    within the north-western hilly tract of the district. The vast coastal tract in the
    South-east portion is devoid of rocks.
    The various formations exposed in the district of Baleshwar belong to
    Archaean, middle proterozoic, pleistocene and recent groups. The
    unclassified gneisses exposed in the north-western part of the district are
    probably oldest and acted as basement. The iron-ore group rocks are not
    seen in the district. Granites, peridotites Anorthoslite-gabbro-granophyre
    complex and dolerites were later intruded into the unclassified gneiss during
    middle proterozoic time. This probably took place during the last phase of
    iron-ore orogeny. The intrusive phase was followed by formation of laterite
    during pleistocene period and finally by alluvium during recent period. From
    the available data the tentative stratigraphic sequence of the district is as
    follows:
    Recent Alluvium
    Pleistocene Laterite
    Dolerite dykes
    Anorthosite
    Middle Proterozoic Epidiorite (gabbro)
    Granophyre complex
    Enstatite peridotite
    Archaean Unclassified gnesisses
    Singhbhum granite
    The distribution and description of individual rock units are as follows:
    Unclassified Gneisses
    These are exposed in the western part of Baleshwar bordering
    Mayurbhanj district. Generally two types of gneiss are present in the district.
    These are (1) fine grained grey gneiss and (2) coarse grained gneiss. The
    fine grained variety forms a featureless country which is usually flat or
    undulating and is generally covered by thick soil mantles and is used as
    paddy fields. The rock is usually biotiterech. The coarse type forms bare hill
    masses and contains xenoliths of grey gneisses. At places augens are seen
    to have been developed within the coarser gneiss. They are seen in the
    Nilagiri hills.

    11
    Granite
    These rocks are mostly intrusive into unclassified granite gneiss and
    are mostly hornblende granite type. The granophyre gradually grades into
    the granite with an increase in grain size. Hornblende granite consists of
    quartz, microcline, perthite and albite-oligoclase with hornblende, sphene,
    biotite and apatite as accessories.
    Enstatite Peridotites
    A band of enstatite peridotite, about one and a half kilometers long and
    800 m. wide, has been noted. The junction between these rocks and
    hornblende granite is sheared and covered by talc-chlorite schists. Small
    bands of enstatite peridotite in the hornblends granite which are almost
    altered into steatite are traced on the flat tops and gentle slopes in certain
    areas. These patches are in various stages of alternation into chlorite-
    serpentine and talc bearing rocks. Anthophyllite asbestos is also seen
    developing at places.
    There are several patches of enstatite peridotite in the biotite gneiss
    which have all altered into schists.
    Chromite
    Directorate of Mining and Geology have discovered two small lodes of
    chromite around Bhalukasuni in Nilagiri Sub-Division within the ultra basics.
    The chromite bodies are concealed and occur in cultivated land below a soil
    cover ranging from 0.5 m. to as much as 14 m. The chromite deposit at
    Bhalukasuni occur as pediform and in association with peridotite and
    serpentinsed dunite. Chromite float is also noticed in the plains on either
    side of the magnetite deposits near Rangamatia in association with small
    ultra basic bodies. The float chromite of the Rangamatia area is found to be
    of high grade.
    Vanadiferrous magnetite
    Vanadiferrous magnetite has been discovered around Rangamatia and
    Betel in Nilagiri Sub-Division. The deposit at Rangamatia occurs as two
    small pockets. The magnetite is massive, crystalline and greyish black in
    colour.
    The other magnetite deposit at Betel constitutes three small lodes. The
    lodes are found on the eastern flank of Jhatikasuni, western flank of
    Daliasuni hillock and south-east of Dohihutlia hillock lying to the eastern side
    of the road leading Gadasahi. This deposit is located south of Nilagiri-Udala
    read about 18 km. from Saleshwar. The ore is hard and massive.

    12
    Epidiorite (gabbro)
    The rock is essentially composed of plagioclase and hornblande, both
    minerals showing slight alongation. At the junction between granite and
    epidiorite the latter is highly sheared and schistose.
    Granophyre
    Granophyres forms the entire hill masses. Towards the contact with
    epidiorite and biotite gneiss, the granophyre is banded and fine grained.
    Along the epidiorite granophyre junction, the granophyre includes several
    patches of epldiorite.
    The granophyres are generally riebeckite consisting essentially of
    phenocrysts showing granophyric intergrowth of quartz and felspar in a fine
    grained ground mass. The banded granophyre contains flakes of biotite in
    addition to the above minerals.
    Younger Dolerites
    Dykes of dolerite belonging to the Singhbhum newer dolerite sequence
    are found on almost all the linear ridge tops in the northern and northwestern
    parts of toposheet 73 K/11. They are flanked on either side by biotite granite
    gneiss.
    The dolerites in the area show subophitic texture and consist of
    labradorite and titan augite. The augite shows twinning and is partially
    altered into hornblende. Augite also alters to sphene leucoxene and chlorite.
    Most of the plagioclasse is fresh. At places it alters into zoisite.
    Laterite
    Laterites are seen to have been developed over biotite gneiss and
    granites, and are also locally found.
    Mineral Resources
    The district is practically devoid of any important mineral deposit.
    However, some of the minerals worth mention are as follows :
    Road and building materials: Granitic gneiss and basic rocks around
    the Nilagiri town and Machhana are quarried for use as road metal and
    ballast. Kankar suitable for lime burning occurs extensively around Jamuna
    and Rangamatia.
    Steatite/Soapstone: Potstone occurring at Mahamuhan is worked in a
    small way. The old workings on the hills here illustrate the extent of mining in
    the past. A kind of magnesian rock, intermediate in composition between
    potstone and serpentine, approaching the former in appearance but less
    greasy in lustre, occurs with gneiss to the south of Nilagiri and near
    Santragodia and Goojaduha. Small deposits of talc occur near Rangamatia
    Pahar.
    13
    Clay: Highly decomposed gneisses giving rise to white plastic, gritty
    clay are seen to the north of Arabandha. The deposit is extensive but the
    clay content is only about ten per cent. To the north of Gardihi a 2-3 m. thick
    white clay deposit occurs beneath a laterite capping. The clay is banded in
    appearance and is slightly gritty.
    Monazite: Occurrence of monazite is reported from the sea sand in the
    coastal area of the district.
    Forests
    Baleshwar Wildlife Division came into being during the period of re-
    1
    organization of Forest Department w.e.f. 01.10.2003 , having been
    separated from erstwhile Baripada Forest Division. Geographically the
    division boundary is coterminous with that of Baleshwar District.
    Baleshwar Wildlife Division:
    Baleshwar Wildlife Division is bounded by the district Midnapur (West
    Bengal) on the North-east, Bay of Bengal on the South and South-east,
    Bhadrak district in the South and South-West and Mayurbhanj district in the
    West and North-west. There are five Ranges under Baleshwar Wildlife
    Division. The total geographical area of this Division is 3806 Sq. Km.
    including 441.303 Sq. Km. of forest.
    Baleshwar Wildlife Division is covered fully or parltially under
    Toposheets such as, 73 K/7, 73 K/8, 73 K/10, 73 K/11, 73 K/12, 73 K/14, 73
    K/15, 73 K/16, 73 O/1, 73 O/2, 73 O/3, 73 O/5 and 73 O/6.
    Sl. Category of No. of Area in Sq. % to total % to geographical Area of
    No. Forest blocks or Km. Forest Area the division
    patch of the
    division
    1. Reserved 9 205.70 46.61% 5.40 %
    Forest (RF)
    2. Proposed 13 21.53 4.88 % 0.08%
    Reserved
    Forest
    (P.R.F.)
    3. Un-classed 0.193 0.03% 0.005 %
    forest

    4. Village Forest 50 3.21 0.04 % 0.03 %


    (under
    Section – 30)

    1
    As per Government of Odisha, Forest and Environment Department Resolution No.
    1F (A)- 100/ 2003-13228/ FandE and Notification No. 1F(A) 100/ 2003-13220/ FandE
    both dated 08th August, 2003.

    14
    5. D.P.F. (non 22 22.65 5.13 % 0.60 %
    notified)
    6. DLC Forest 102.88 Sq. 24.83 % 2.70 %
    Km. and
    220.75 RKM
    7. Revenue 85.14 19.07 % 2.24 %
    Forest
    Total: 84 441.303 100 %
    and 220.75
    RKM

    Forest area in details like RF, PRF, VF, etc.


    Baleshwar Wildlife Division comprises 9 Reserved Forest (RF), 13
    Proposed Reserved Forest (PRF) and 50 Village Forests (VF).
    Reserved Forest (RF)
    Sl. RF Block Area (in Ha.)
    No.
    1 Chandipur 46.96 Ha.
    2 Ajodhya 1586.00 Ha
    3 Arabandha 331.00 Ha.
    4 Mitrapur 880.00 Ha.
    5 Swarnachuda 1801.60 Ha.
    6 Tinikosia 1614.00 Ha.
    7 Kuldiha 11468.00 Ha.
    8 Tenda 1985.40 Ha.
    9 Devgiri 857.20 Ha.
    Total 20570.16 Ha. or
    205.70 Sq.km.

    Proposed Reserved Forest (PRF)

    Area
    Sl. No. RF Block
    (in Ha.)
    1 Kasafal 116.80 Ha.
    2 Parikhi 174.90 Ha.
    3 Chawmokh 352.88 Ha.
    4 Hanskara 260.25 Ha.
    5 Bichitrapur 563.00 Ha.
    6 Krushnanagar 58.90 Ha.
    7 Ranakotha 96.41 Ha.
    8 Udaypur 87.00 Ha.
    9 Baradiha 72.64 Ha.
    10 Luhapada 42.54 Ha.
    11 Janhifulia 247.79 Ha.
    12 Kendukhuna 64.74 Ha.
    13 Bhola 15.66 Ha.
    2153.51 Ha. or
    Total
    21.54 Sq. Km.

    15
    Village Forests (VF)
    Sl. VF Block Area Sl. No VF Block Area
    No (in Ha.) (in Ha.)
    1 Kalama 5.36 26 Guapal 5.00
    2 Kalama (Prasadsole) 10.00 27 Guapal 6.00
    3 Kalama (Amtoma) 2.60 28 Kaithagaia (Patrakhunta) 8.00
    4 Kalama (Amtoma) 30.00 29 Sarata 7.00
    5 Rayaramachandrapur 5.40 30 Shyamnagar (Pathrasole) 5.00
    6 Kalika (Dudhiakhali) 4.00 31 Purunapani(Mahuduma) 0.716
    7 Betei 1.60 32 Jamalpur 0.32
    8 Ranipokhari 3.40 33 Matiali (Arabandha) 15.44
    9 Khanjamahal 10.00 34 Mirigini 5.00
    (Kalandipatna)
    10 Thala 0.92 35 Betakata(Dangaghata) 2.80
    11 Nuapadhi (Phulakiari) 4.096 36 Betakata 10.00
    12 Anlapal 3.60 37 Betakata 7.00
    13 Ambajhara (Tiakata) 5.00 38 Rissia (Gobpal) 10.00
    14 Kasindpur 1.60 39 Rissia (Gobpal) 8.00
    (Rakhayatpur)
    15 Dularpur 7.76 40 Telipal 9.152
    16 Kushunadaspur 4.44 41 Arabandha (Gusurikila) 4.00
    Tentulia
    17 Nadigan (Baladia) 3.5 42 Ambjhara (Siadimal) 8.00
    18 Raikula 1.472 43 Tentulia 1.75
    19 Mirpurkhaira 2.40 44 Sannuagan 8.13
    20 Taranda (Tipsigadia) 8.40 45 Dwarikasuni 7.00
    Anantapur
    21 Kupari 10.00 46 Dwarikasuni, Telipal 10.00
    22 Kaliha 5.00 47 Dwarikasuni 7.00
    23 Dularpur 5.00 48 Chadabadi and Tentulia 6.31
    24 Naharpada 5.70 49 Tentulia 3.33
    25 Guapal 20.00 50 Arabandha 5.00
    Total 312.196 Ha. or 3.21 Sq. Km.

    History of Forest Management


    Raja Shyam Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan in 1900 first introduced
    forest administration by creating 4 ranges and posted Forest Rangers in
    charge of these ranges. Kuldiha block was reserved after visit of Mr. A. M.
    Grieve in 1903 and as per his instruction in 1914, demarcation of Kuldiha
    block was taken up.
    Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
    Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary was finally notified U/s – 18 (pre amended
    section)of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by notification of the State
    Government in 1984. The area of the Sanctuary is 272.75 Sq. Km. that
    includes 3 Reserved Forests and other Revenue Forests.

    16
    Sl. No. Name of the Reserved Forest block Area in Sq. Km.
    1. Devgiri 8.57
    2. Kuldiha 114.68
    3. Tenda 19.85
    4. Area of Revenue forests and enclaved villages 129.65
    Total: 272.75

    Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South-western part of the


    0
    Baleshwar district bordering Mayurbhanj district. It lies between 21 20‘ to
    0 0 0
    21 30‘ North latitude and 86 26‘ to 86 45‘ East longitude. The inter-district
    boundary of Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj districts is located on the western
    boundary of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. A separate Management Plan for
    the period 2009-10 to 2018-19 is operating there.
    Wildlife Census
    There are 89 Elephants (2015 census) and 10 Leopards (2014 census)
    found in Kuldiha Sanctuary. Besides, large number of Gaur, Spotted Deer,
    Giant Squirrel, Wild boar etc. are also being found inside Kuldiha Wildlife
    Sanctuary.
    Minor Forest Produce (MFP)
    The main minor forest produces are timber, firewood, Mahua flower,
    Tola, Sal seeds, Sal leaves, Myrobalan, Tamarind, Bani leaves, nux vomica,
    Tassar, minor minerals such as stones, ballasts, chips, etc. The Kuldiha
    forests, under Nilagiri Sub-Division, cater to the fuel wood and small timbar
    needs of the people of Nilagiri and Baleshwar areas.
    Fauna and Flora
    Fauna
    During the advent of British rule the district abounded in wild animals.
    Even as late as 1840, elephants were common, tigers and leopards were
    found all over the district being especially numerous in the heavy jungle near
    the coast to the south, while immense herds of wild buffalo that were found
    near the sea had become so large and numerous that they did incalculable
    mischief and were a terror to the country.
    At present, wild elephants are occasionally met with and they are only
    stray visitors from the Keonjhar Hills. There are also a few wild buffaloes left,
    spotted in Charidinipal forest about 30 years ago; and tigers, though not
    common, are found along the Dhamra below Chandbali and in the waste
    tracts to the north-east round Baliapal and Bhograi. The latter tract is also
    17
    the haunt of leopards and black sloth bear are common near Panchapalli
    and Jamkunda. Wolves do some damage among the cultivators' cattle and
    hyenas are found all over the district, wherever there is shelter for them in
    patches of waste land. In the sandy tracts adjoining the sea there are a
    number of deer, spotted deer, mouse deer and antelope; and there are large
    herds of wild pig which do great damage to the cultivator's crops.

    18
    The faunal species includes mammals (32), birds (149), amphibians
    and reptiles (45) and the list is presented in the following tables.
    Mammals

    Sl No. Common Name Scintific Name

    1. Asian Elephant Elephas maximus


    2. Indian Bison Bos gourus
    3. Sambar Cervus unicolor
    4. Spotted Deer Axis axis
    5. Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak
    6. Mouse Deer Moschiola meminna
    7. Sloth Bear Melurnus ursinus
    8. Rattle Melivoura capensis
    9. Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata
    10. Indian Porcupine Histrix indica
    11. Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica
    12. Five striped palm Squirrel Funambulus pennant
    13. Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis
    14. Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus entellus
    15. Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta
    16. Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica
    17. Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
    19. Leopard Panthera pardus
    20. Jungle Cat Felis chaus
    21. Indian Wolf Canis lupus
    22. Jackal Canis aureus
    23. Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis
    24. Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena
    25. Wild boar Sus scrofa
    26. Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii
    27. Striped neckedMongoose Herpestes vitticollis
    28. Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus
    29. Indian Smooth Coated Otter Lutra lutra
    30. Short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus sphinx
    31. Fulvous fruit Bat Rousettus lesnaulti
    32. Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus

    Avi Fauna
    Sl.No Common Name Scientific Name
    1 Yellow-legged Buttonquail Turnix tanki
    2 Red junglefowl Gallus gallus
    3 Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus
    4 Lesser-whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
    5 Tufted Duck Aythya fulygula
    6 Speckled piculet Picumnus innominatus
    7 Heart-spotted woodpecker Hemicircus canente
    8 Brown-capped pygmy woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus
    9 Yellow-crowned woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis
    10 Lesser yellownape Picus chlorolophus
    11 Black-rumped flameback Dinopium benghalensis

    19
    12 Greater flameback Chrysocolaptes festivus
    13 Brown-headed barbet Megalaima zeylanica
    14 Lineated barbet Mehalaima lineate
    15 Coppersmith barbet Megalaima haema
    16 Common hoopoe Upupa epops
    17 Malabar trogon Harpactes fasciatus
    18 Indian roller Coracias benghalensis
    19 Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis
    20 White-throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
    21 Blue-bearded bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni
    22 Green bee-eater Merops orientalis
    23 Chetnut-headed bee-eater Merops leschenaultia
    24 Large hawk cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides
    25 Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius
    26 Eurasian Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
    27 Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii
    28 Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerines
    29 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea
    30 Green-billed malkoha Phaenicophaeus tristis
    31 Greater coucal Centropus sinensis
    32 Vernal hanging parrot Loriculus vernalis
    33 Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupatria
    34 Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri
    35 Plum-headed parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala
    36 Asian palm swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
    37 Crested Tree Swift Hemiprocne coronate
    38 Jungle owlet Glaucidium radiatum
    39 Collared scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
    40 Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus
    41 Large-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus
    42 Rock pigeon Columba livia
    43 Oriental turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis
    44 Spotted dove Streptopelia chinensis
    45 Eurasian-collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
    46 Emerald dove Chalcophaps indica
    47 Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta
    48 Thick-billed Green Pigeon Treron curvirostra
    49 Yellow-footed green pigeon Treron phoenicoptera
    50 Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus
    51 Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus
    52 Pheasant-tailed jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
    53 Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius
    54 Grey-headed lapwing Vanellus cinereus
    55 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus gregarious
    56 Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela
    57 Black eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
    58 Crested Goshawk Accipeter trivirgatus
    59 Shikra Accipiter badius
    60 Oriental honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus
    61 Osprey Pandion haliaetus
    62 Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
    63 Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
    64 Indian cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis

    20
    65 Little Egret Egretta garzetta
    66 Intermediate Egret Mesophoysx intermedia
    67 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
    68 Indian pond heron Ardeola grayii
    69 Cinnamon bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
    70 Asian-openbill Anastomus oscitans
    71 Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura
    72 Golden-fronted leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
    73 Rufous treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda
    74 Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
    75 Black Naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis
    76 Black hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
    77 Eurasin golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
    78 Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
    79 Black-winged Cuckooshrike Coracina melaschistos
    80 Rosy minivet Pericrocotus roseus
    81 Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
    82 Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
    83 Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike Hemipus picatus
    84 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
    85 White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens
    86 Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus
    87 Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer
    88 Spangaled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus
    89 Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
    90 Asain Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone paradise
    91 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
    92 Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis
    93 Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus
    94 Blue capped Rock thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus
    95 Orange headed Thrush Zoothera citrine
    96 Tickell's Thrush Turdus unicolor
    97 Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis
    98 Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
    99 Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula parva
    100 Little pied flycatcher Ficedula wetermanni
    101 Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris
    102 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thassina
    103 Pale-chinned Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys
    104 Blue-throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides
    105 Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
    106 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
    107 White Rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
    108 Indian Robin Sexicoloides fulicata
    109 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
    110 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus
    111 Asian pied starling Sturnus contra
    112 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
    113 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
    114 Great Tit Paras major
    115 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
    116 Barn swallow Hirundo rastica
    117 Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus

    21
    118 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
    119 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
    120 White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus
    121 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus
    122 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
    123 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
    124 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
    125 Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis
    126 Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
    127 Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei
    128 Booted Warbler Hippolaris caligata
    129 Golden Spectackeled Warbler Seicercus burkii
    130 Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps
    131 Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii
    132 Striped -tit Babbler Macronous gularis
    133 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus
    134 Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala
    135 Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor
    136 Thick-billed flowerpecker Dicaeum agile
    137 Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Anthreptes singalensis
    138 Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica
    139 Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
    140 Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
    141 Chestnut-shoulder Petronia Petronia xanthocollis
    142 Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
    143 White Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis
    144 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla falva
    145 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
    146 Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
    147 White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
    148 Scaly-breasted Munia Longchura punctulatat
    149 Common rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

    Amphibians and Reptiles


    Sl No. Common Name Scintific Name
    Frogs and Toads
    1. Common Asian Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus
    2. Indian Bull Frog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus
    3. Pygmy Tree Frog Chiromantis sp
    4. Common Indian Tree Frog Polypedates maculatus
    5. Duboi‘s Tree Frog Polypedates teraiensis
    Turtles and Tortoises
    6. Indian Roofed Turtle Batagur tecta
    7. Narrow-headed soft Shelled Turtle Chitra indica

    8. Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata


    Lizards
    9. Indian Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor
    10. Indian Rock Lizard Psammophilus blanfordanus
    11. Fan throated Lizard Sitana ponticeriana
    12. Indian Chamaeleon Chamaeleo zeylanicus
    Geckos
    13. Spotted Indian house gecko Hemidactylus brookii
    22
    14. Indian House Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis
    15. Bark Gecko Hemidactylus leschenaulti
    Skinks
    16. White spotted Supple Skink Riopa albopunctata
    17. Common Snake Skink Lygosoma punctatus
    18. Common Indian Skink Eotropis carinata
    Minitor Lizards
    19. Common Indian Monitor Lizard Varanus bengalensis
    20. Yellow Monitor Lizard Varanus flavescens
    Snakes
    21. Common Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops braminus
    22. Baked Worm Snake Grypotyphlops acutus
    23. John‘s Sand Boa Eryx johnii
    24. Common Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus
    25. Indian Rock Python Python molurus
    26. Common Vine Snake Ahaetulla nasutus
    27. Checkered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator
    28. Buff Striped Keelback Amphiesma stolata
    29. Indian Green Keelback Macropisthodon plumbicolor
    30. Olive Keelback water snake Atretium schistosum
    31. Indian Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus
    32. Common Indian Bronze-Back Dendrelaphis tristis
    33. Forsten‘s Cat Snake Boiga Forsteni
    34. Common Indian Cat Snake Boiga trigonata
    35. Common Indian Trinket Snake Coelognathus Helena Helena
    36. Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus
    37. Twin Spotted Wolf Snake Lycodon jara
    38. Spectacled Cobra Naja naja
    39. Monocellate Cobra Naja kaouthia
    40. Common Indian Krait Bungarus caeruleus
    41. Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus
    42. King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah
    43. Russel‘s Viper Daboia russellii
    44. Saw-scaled Viper Echis carinatus
    45. Bamboo Pit Viper Trimeresurus gramineus

    Fish
    A large variety of fresh water fish are found in tanks, water reservoirs
    and rivers intersecting the district. Marine fish swarm up the tidal rivers. The
    district having a long sea coast sea-fishing is an important industry which is
    still confined to the fore-shore. A list of fresh water fish and marine fish found
    in the district is given below.
    Fresh water fish
    Bhakur (Catla-catla), Rohi (Labeo-rohita), Mirkali (Cirrhina mrigaia),
    Kalabainsi (Labeo caibasu), Pohala (Cirrhina mba), Ghusurimuha Pohala
    (Labeo pangusia), Raj Pohala (Labeo beta), Khurusa (Labeo gonius),
    Kerandi (Barbus stigma), Serna (Barbus sarana), Chitala (Notopterus
    chitaia), Phali (Notopterns), Balia (Wallago attu), Magur (Clarius battachus),
    Singhi (Heteropneustis foss/fis), Adi (Mystus aoer), Kantia (Mystus
    23
    cavasius), Baikantia (Mystus tengara), Mohurali (Amtfypharyngodon mola)),
    Jallha (Chela bacaila), Dandikari (Esomus danricus), Bombi Todi/Todi
    (Mastacembelus pancalus), Chenga (Ophlcephalus gachuamarulus), Sola
    (Ophicephalus mamhus), Gardhei (Ophicephalus punctatus), Seula
    (Ophicephalus strictus), Kau (Ambusnia candens)s Khosua (Colisa chuna)
    and Balikidi (Gobino giuris) .
    Marine fish
    llishi (Hilsa ilisha), Bhekti (Lates cafcarlfer), Khanda (Chirocentrus
    dorub), Phriki/ Chandi (Stromatedous sp),Hunda Kantia (Anus sp),
    Rudhakantia (Osteogenisis mifitaris) Kanta (Mystus sp), Khasala
    (Mugilcorsufa mugilpersia). Kora (Polynemus tetedactyus), Champa
    (Samber sp), Gujikadma (Sillago sihawa), Sila (Scienecoxtor), Sapua
    (Trichiurus savela), Paniakhia (Megalops cyprinoides), Khainga (Mugil
    cephalus) Bagda chinguri (Penaeus carinatup), Kantal Chinguri (Penaeus
    indicus) Telia, Tapsi, etc.
    Flora
    The following floral species are found in the forest division:
    Local Name Botanical Name Family
    Amba Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae
    Ambada Spondias mangifera Anacardiaceae
    Amthi Lasiobema retusum Caesalpiniaceae
    Achhu Morinda tinctoria Rubiaceae
    Ankulo Alangium lamarckii Combretaceae
    Amla Emblica officinalis Euphorbiaceae
    Arjuna Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae
    Asan Terminalia tomentosa Combretaceae
    Ashoka Saraca indica Caesalpiniaceae
    Aswasth Ficus religiosa Moraceae
    Babul Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae
    Bahada Terminalia belerica Combretaceae
    Banakopasia Kydia calycina Malvaceae
    Bara Ficus benghalensis Moraceae
    Borkuli Ziziphus mauritiana Rhamnaceae
    Batra Melia composite Meliaceae
    Bel Aegle marmelos Rutaceae
    Bhalia Semecarpus anacardium Anacaradiaceae
    Bheru Chloroxylon swietenia Rutaceae
    Bija Pterocarpus marsupium Papilionaceae
    Char Buchnania lanzan Anacardiaceae
    Chauli Cassine glauca Celastraceae
    Chauldhua Glycosmis pentaphylla Rutaceae
    Chhatian Alstonia scholaris Apocynaceae
    Chikni (Kalchua) Glochidion lanceolarium Euphorbiaceae
    Chotarai Dillenia aurea Dilleniaceae
    Chhuipatali Sterospermum angustifolium Bignonioceae
    Charaiguri Vitex peduncularis Verbenaceae
    Dambalu Ehretia laevis Boraginaceae

    24
    Damgurudu Gardenia latifolia Rubiaceae
    Dhauranjo Holoptelia integrifolia Rubiaceae
    Dhamana Grewia tiliaefolia Combretecea
    Dhaura Anogeissus latifolia Combretaceae
    Dimiri Ficus racemosa Moraceae
    Dhalasirish Albizia procera Mimosaceae
    Eucalyptus (Patas) Eucalyptus spp. Myrataceae
    Fanfana Oroxylum indicum Bignoniaceae
    Gaidgia Dimorphocalyx glabellus Euphorbiaceae
    Gambhari Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae
    Gandhapalas Miliusa velutina Anonaceae
    Genduli Cochlospermum religiosum Cochlospermaceae
    Bixaceae
    Garkhari Acacia ferruginea Mimosaceae
    Ghontol Zizyphus glaberrima Rhamnaceae
    Ghodalanjia Albizia chinensis Mimosaceae
    Gangasiuli Nyctanthes arbortistis Oleaceae
    Giridhini (Genduli) Sterculia urens Sterculiaceae
    Giringa Ptersopermum xylocarpum Sterculiaceae
    Sterculiaceae
    Gohira Acacia leucophloea Mimsoceae
    Gurudu Gardenia gummif era Rubiaceae
    Halda Diospyros montana Ebenaceae
    Harida Terminalia chebula Combretaceae
    Hinjal Barringtonia acutangula Lecythidaceae
    Jambu/jamun Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae
    Jaisanda Litsea sebifera Lauraceae
    Jari Ficus retusa Moraceae
    Jeutha Artocarpus lekoocha Moraceae
    Kadamba Antrocephalus cadamba Rubiaceae
    Kaitho Limonia acidissima Rutaceae
    Kamalagundi Mallotus philippinensis Euphobiaceae
    Kanso Hymenodictyon excelsum Rubaceae
    Khakada Casearia graveolens Samydaceae
    Karada Cleistanthus collinus Euphorbiaceae
    Karanja Pongamia pinnata Papilionaceae
    Karadha (Khurundu) Gadenia turgid Rubiaceae
    Karakendu Diospyros malabarica Ebenaceae
    Kasi Briedelia retusa Euphorbiaceae
    Kauchia (Kalicha) Diospyros sylvatica Ebenaceae
    Kendu Diospyros melanoxylon Ebenaceae
    Kodala Sterculia villosa Sterculiaceae
    Kongra Xylia xylocarpa Mimosaceae
    Kotokol (Katak) Strychnos potatorum Loganiaceae
    Kaujari Ficus virens Moraceae
    Kuchila Strychnos nuxvomica Loganiaceae
    Kumbhi Careya arborea Lecythidaceae
    Kurei Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae
    Kurum Adina cordifolia Rubiaceae
    Kusum Schleichera oleosa Sapindaceae
    Lodha Symplocos racemosa Symplocaceae
    Mai or Moi Lannea coromandelica Anacardiaceae
    Mahalimb, Mahal Ailanthus excels Simarubaceae
    Maranga/Tentra Albizia procera Mimosaceae
    Mohua,Mahul Madhuca indica Sapotaceae

    25
    Mirigachara Grewia elastic Tiliaceae
    Mundi (Mitkania) Mitragyna parvifolia Rubiaceae
    Neem Azadirachta indica Meliaceae
    Nimburumoi Bursera serrata Burseraceae
    Palas Butea monosperma Papilionaceae
    Panasa Artocarpus heterophyllus Moraceae
    Panigambhari Trewia nudiflora Euphorbiaceae
    Panikodala Firmiana colorata Sterculiaceae
    Panipatuli Lagerstroemia speciosa Lythraceae
    Patmossu Polyathia cerasoides Anonaceae
    Patuli (Barapatuli) Strespermum chelonides Bignoniaceae
    Pitakarichio Wrightia arborea Apocynaceae
    Pitamoi Garuga pinnata Burseraceae
    Piasal Pterocarpus marsupium Papilionaceae
    Poijamu Syzygium operculatum Myrtaceae
    Purhai Ficus semicordata Moraceae
    Rai Dillenia pentagyna Dilleniaceae
    Rajmohi Lannea coromandelica Anacardiaceae
    Rohini Soymida febrifuga Meliaceae
    Saguan Tectona grandis Verbenaceae
    Sahara Sterblus asper Moraceae
    Sal Shorea robusta Dipterocarpaceae
    Salai Boswellia serreta Burseraceae
    Salpa Caryota urens Palmae
    Saiara Catunaregam nutans Rubiaceae
    Sana Moringa oleifera Moringaceae
    Sidha Lagerstromeia parviflora Lythraceae
    Simili Bombax ceiba Malvaceae
    Siris Albizzia lebbek Mimosaceae
    Sissu Dalbergia latifolia Papilionaceae
    Sissu Dalbergia sisso Papilionaceae
    Sunari Cassia fistula Caesalpiniaceae
    Tenger champa Ochna obtusata Ochnaceae
    Tentuli Temarindus indicus Caesalpiniaceae
    Tilei Wendlandia heynei Rubiaceae

    A. Bamboos
    Daba baunsa Bambusa nutans Gramineae/ Poaceae
    Kanta baunsa Bambusa aurundinacea Gramineae/ Poaceae
    Salia Dendrocalamus strictus Gramineae/ Poaceae
    B. Shrubs
    Agnijhal Vernonia aspera Asteraceae
    Ankula Alangium salvifolium Alangiaceae
    Ankhukoli Carissa spinarum Apocynaceae
    Arguna Cycas cirsinalis Cycadaceae
    Ata Anona squamosa Annonaceae
    Baincha Flacourtia indica Flacourtiaceae
    Banachiretia Leea asiatica Ampelidaceae
    Bankhajuri Phoenix humilis Palmae
    Banamalli Jasminum sambac Oleaceaeand
    jarborascens
    Basanga Justicia adhatoda Acanthaceae
    Begunia Vitex negundo Verbenaceae
    Dalsinga Canthium dicoccum Rubiaceae
    Gangasiuli Nyctanthes arbortistis Oleaceae
    Gurudu Gardenia gummifera and Rubiaceae G. turgid
    26
    Guakuli Diospyros ferrea Ebensceae
    Langalangalia Gloriosa superba Liliaceae
    Jari Schefflera venulosa Araliaceae
    Jhumpuri Phyllochlamys taxoides Moraceae
    Kakusia Strobilanthes scaber Acanthaceae
    Kamini Murraya paniculata Rutaceae
    Khirkoli Manilkara hoxandra Sapotaceae
    Kirkichikanta Mimosa himalayana Momisaceae
    Korei Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocyanceae
    Kukurchatia Pavertta crassicaulis Rubiaceae
    Kumti (Telgunia) Clerodendrum viscosum Verbenaceae
    Lajwanti (Lajkulilata) Mimosa pudica Mimosaceae
    Lantana (Nagairi) Lantana camara Verbenaceae
    Muraphal/Murimuri Helicteres isora Sterculiaceae
    Madanga (Epiphyte) Loranthus longiflorus Loranthaceae
    Nalbali Cipadessa baccifera Meliaceae
    Narasingh khara Ardisia solanaceae Myrsinaceae
    Narguni Atalantia monophylla Rutaceae
    Patalgaruda Rauwolfia serpentina Apocynaceae
    Phanphana (Phapundi) Oroxylon indicum Bignoniaceae
    Pokausunga Pogostemon benghalense Labiatae
    Potua Catunaregam nutans Rubiaceae
    Ranidantakati Flemingia chappar Papilionaceae
    Bana Kandula F. macrophylla Papilionaceae
    Rani dantakathi F paniculata Papillionaceae
    Sonaragoda Grewia helicterifolia Tiliaceae
    Badi Anla Sida rhombifolia Malvaceae
    Sijhu Euphorbia nivulia Euphorbiaceae
    Tulsi Ocimum americanum and Lamiaceae
    O. Sanctum
    Urguna Cycas circinalis Cyccadaceae
    - Eranthemumpurpurascens Acathaceae
    - Permna hamiltonii Verbenaceae
    - Premna calycina Verbenaceae
    D. Climbers and Lianes
    Akanbindha Cissampelos pareira Menispermaceae
    Anantamula Hemiidesmus indicus Asclepidaceae
    Arkala Millettia extensa Papilionaceae
    Asadhua Capparis zeylanica Capparidaceae
    Atundi Combretum decandrum Combretaceae
    Baidank Mucuna pruriens Papilionaceae
    Bana Alu Dioscorea species Dioscoraceae
    Banakolthi Atylosia scarabaeoides Papilionaceae
    Banakunduri Trichosanthes cucumerina Cucurbitaceae
    Baghchaar Argyreia strigosa Convolvulaceae
    Bhadalia Opila mentaceae Olacaceae
    Bichhuati Tragia involucrata Euphorbiaceae
    Budli Butea superba Papilionaceae
    Chinkni Glochidion lanceolarium Euphorbiaceae
    Dantari Acacia totra Mimosaceae
    Ghaya Marsdenia fenacissima Asclepiadaceae
    Gila Entada pursaetha Mimosaceae
    Gopkan Cryptolepis buchanani Asclepidaceae
    Handiphuta Pueraria tuberosa Papilionaceae
    Kanta Alu Dioscorea globra Dioscoraceae
    Kanta Bet Calamus guruba Palmae
    Khamba Alu Dioscorea alata Discoraceae
    Khukundia (Kurukundia) Calycpteris floribunda Combretaceae
    Karba Alu Dioscorea pantaphylla Discorsceae
    Korondia Alu Dioscorea belophylla Discoraceae
    Kanakuli Zizyphus numularis Phamnaceae

    27
    Latanageshwar Hiptage benghalensis Malpighiaceae
    Maharata Canavalia ensitormis Papilionaceae
    Malti Aganosoma caryophyllata Apocynaceae
    Marada Millettia extensa Papilionaceae
    Matka Solena amplexicaulis
    Mutri Smilax ovalifolia Liliaceae
    Smilax zeylancia Liliaceae
    Smilax perfoliata Liliaceae
    Nato Entada pursaetha Mimosaceae
    Noipalas (Latapalas) Butea parviflora and Butea Papilionaceae
    superba
    Pingo, pengu Colastrustrus paniculata
    Pani Alu Dioscorea oppositifolia Dioscoreacae
    Pani bet Calamus viminalis Palmaceae
    Pankanch Vitis spp. Ampelidaceae
    Pita Alu Dioscorea bul bifera Dioscoreacae
    Pichhuli Noi, Rakta
    Pichhuli Gounia tiliaefolia Rhamnaceae
    Palasanoi Butea superba Papilionaceae
    Prasarini Paederia scandens Rubiaceae
    Satabari Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae
    Siali Bauhinia vahlii Caesalpiniaceae
    Baghamari B. Moxberghiana Caesalpiniaceae
    Suam Noi Ichnocarpus frustescens Apocynaceae
    Tunga Alu Dioscorea wallichii Dioscoreacae
    - Dioscorea hispida Dioscoreacae
    Ufurudi Pergularia extensa Asclepiadaceae
    E. GRASSES
    Khadikaghas poaceae/ Aristida setacea
    Gramineae
    Arundinella khasiana
    A. Sectosa
    Bothriochloa pertusa
    B. Bladhii
    Salum Chrysopogon gryllus Gramineae
    C. montanus Gramineae
    Dhanwantary Cymbopogon martinii Gramineae
    Duba Cynodon dactylon Gramineae
    Kartah Dichanthium caricosum Gramineae
    Eragrostis coarctata
    Panasi (Babni) Eulaliopsis binata Gramineae
    Sinkula Guuchhia spear Heteropogon contortus
    grass Gramineae
    Murchi Ischaemum rugosum Gramineae
    Chhana Imperata arundinacea Gramineae
    Panicum spp
    Pseudosorghum fasciculare
    Sporobolus indicus
    Tenda/ tandi Saccharum spontaneum Gramineae
    Roigrass Gramineae Themeda triandra
    Phul chanchuni Thysanolaena maxima Gramineae
    Arthraxon species
    Arundinella pumila
    Eragrostis unioloides
    E. viscosa
    Rottboellia
    conchinchinensis
    Kangaroograss (Gunkar) Themeda quadrivalvis Gramineae
    Dimeria spp
    Eulaliopsis spp
    Bandra (Cat tail millet) Setaria glauca Gramineae

    28
    F. Herbs
    Puthkunda (Chirchita) Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae
    Pokasunga Ageratum conyzoides
    In damp sal forest Aiginetia indica
    Allmania nodiflora
    Alysicarpus glumaceus
    Ammania baccifera Papilionaceae
    Bhuineem (Chireta) Andrographis paniculata Acanthaceae
    Kalabhangra Anisomeles indica Labiatae
    Sarpuni or Dengibifuli Argemone mexicana Papaveraceae
    Isharmul Aristolochia indica Aristolochiaceae
    Bhuichakunda Cassia tora Ceasalpinaceae
    Kalmegh(Sankhafuli) Canscora decussata Gentianaceae
    Safed Murga Celosia argentea Amaranthaceae
    Chlorophytum orundinacum Liliaceae
    Kanchara Commelina benghalensis Commelinaceae
    Keu Costus speciosus Costaceae
    Crotalaria epunctata
    Jhunjhuka C. Pallida
    Curcuma sulcata Zingiberaceae
    Saribhan Desmodium gangeticum Papilionaceae
    Gobhi Elephantopus scaber Compositae
    Brahimi buti Centella asiatica Hydrocotylaceae
    Indigofera trita Papilionaceae
    Merremia umbellata Convolvulaceae
    Amarpoi Kalanchoe laciniata Crassulaceae
    Lauria zeylanica
    Lajkuli Mimosa pudica Mimosaceae
    Bana Kadali Musa balbisiana Musaceae
    Kalitulsi Ocimum americanum Labiateae
    Peucedanum nagpurenre Umbelliferae
    Pipali Piper longum Piperaceae
    Ruellia tuberosa Acantheceae
    Ankaranti Solanum surattense Solanaceae
    Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Verbenaceae
    Murahri Sansevieria roxburghiana Agavaceae
    Chikiti Triumfetta rhomboidea Tiliaceae
    Drimia indica
    Pentanema indicum
    Zingiber prupureum Zingiberaceae
    Adiantum lanulatum Adiantaceae
    A. caudatum Adiantaceae
    Chelanthes farinosa
    Lastrea cocnieara
    Morsillia quadrifolia
    N. truncatum
    Selaginella proniflora

    H. Orchids
    Dendrobium herbaceum Orchidaceae
    Eulophia nuda Orchidaceae
    Habenaria plantaginea Orchidaceae
    Pecteilis trlflora Orchidaceae

    29
    Forests and Vegetation
    Forest Type and distribution of forest area
    The forest cover of Baleshwar mainly comprises mixed Sal forests
    composed of Sal as the dominant species with its associates like Asan, Bija,
    Sisoo, Char, Dhaura, Kendu etc. As per the Champion and Seth
    classification, the forest cover of this Division is coming under 2 (two) broad
    types i.e. Northern tropical semi evergreen forest (mainly found in Kuldiha
    Wildlife Sanctuary) and Northern tropical moist deciduous forest on the plain
    areas. There is no bamboo forest in this division.
    a) Forest types in Baleshwar Wildlife Division
    There are three types of forests in this Division. They are: a) Tropical
    Dry deciduous Sal Forest (5 B/ic Northern tropical dry deciduous forest)
    found in Kuldiha RF, Devgiri RF, Tenda RF and Tinikosia RF;b) Tropical
    e
    Moist deciduous Sal Forest (3C/C2 ) mainly found in major portions of
    Kuldiha and Nilagiri Wildlife Ranges with few patches of semi evergreen
    forests inside Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary and c) Casuarina and Mangrove
    forests found in coastal areas of Jaleshwar and Chandipur Wildlife Range.
    Some natural Mangrove scrub and forests are also found in the river deltas
    along the edge of tidal waterways and on sheltered muddy coasts of the
    above two Ranges. Main species seen are Avidennia alba, Avicennia
    officinalis Rhirophera mucronata, Excoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera
    racemusa and Acanthus ilicifolius. Plantation of mangrove species have
    been undertaken on of littoral swamps by the JICA assisted O.F.S.D.P
    project during 2005-06 to 2014-15.
    Forest Management
    Baleshwar Wildlife Division is being managed according to the Working
    Plan in force for the period 1996-97 to 2015-16 that covers erstwhile
    Baripada and Karanjia Forest Divisions.
    Area allotted under present Working Plan under different Working Circles.

    Range RF Comp. Area of Plantation Wildlife (over


    No. Block Working Circle lapping) Working
    Circle)
    Chandipur Chandipur 46.96 46.96 -
    Ajodhya 1586.00 - 1586.00
    Arabandha 331.00 - 331.00
    Devgiri 857.20 - 857.20
    Kuldiha 11468.00 - 11468.00
    Nilagiri
    Mitrapur 860.00 - 860.00
    Swarnachuda 1801.60 - 1801.60
    Tenda 1985.00 - 1985.40
    Tinikosia 1614.00 - 1614.00
    Total 20549.76 46.96 20503.20
    Source: Working Plan, Baripada and Karanjia Forest Division, 1996-97 to 2015-16
    30
    Independent Working Plan for the division is under preparation. Five
    Working Circles such as Rehabilitation Working Circle (RWC), Wildlife
    management (Overlapping) Working Circle (WLMWC), Plantation Working
    Circle (PWC), Joint Forest Management (Overlapping) Working Circle
    (JFMWC) and Non Timber Forest Produce Working Circle (NTFPWC) have
    been prescribed in the Plan that includes 6 RFs, 13 PRFs and 50 Village
    Forests.
    Rights and Concessions
    In Nilagiri ex-state the Forest Rules of 1940 was in force. Under the
    rules, Khesra forest did not include individual trees or groups of trees within
    the village limits. Reserved trees of less than three feet girth on cultivated
    lands could be cut without permission. Before merger of the ex-State the
    tenants had no right over trees on their holdings. No trees could be cut
    without permission or sold without payment of royalty. For every reserved
    tree cut the cultivator was bound to plant two tree on his holdings. There
    were A class and B class reserves in addition to village or Khesra forest.
    Nistar cess or commutation fee was levied at anna (about 10 paise) per man
    (0.62 acre) of land on persons holding rent free lands and one anna (6
    paise) per man by raiyats. They were entitled to take trees of species not
    declared reserved tree for their own use from Khesra forests. From certain
    forests timber was allowed to be cut by paying half of the royalty during the
    15th December to the 30th June. Firewood was allowed at one anna (Re.
    0.06) per bullock load for cess payers. Non-cess payers were allowed to
    take unreserved species free but there were very few non-cess payers. Full
    royalty was charged to outsiders. The Nistar forests of some villages were
    about five miles distant from the villages. All cess payers did not actually
    avail themselves of the timber as the areas allotted for Nistar was
    insufficient. The rules also provided for sale of timber from Khesra forests to
    traders. Reserved species of trees were said to be found in large numbers in
    the Khesra forest but there was not enough of unreserved species in the
    Khesra forests. There were formally 24 reserved species but subsequently
    this was limited to eleven that included (1) Sal, (2) Bija, (3) Kendu, (4) Harida
    (5) Kusum, (6) Mahul, (7) Kochila,(8) Bandhan, (9) Asan, (10) Sunari and
    (11) Char.
    Under the Forest Rules all residents of the ex-State were bound to
    render assistance in clearing forest boundary lines for daily wages at
    prescribed rates and it was the special duty of villagers living within five
    miles of the reserved lorests.
    In the case of reclamation of forest land no definite period was
    prescribed. Assessment was made after a reasonable period.
    If the land was wasteland which did not require clearing, only one year
    was allowed in practice. Salami was levied at rates varying from Rs. 10 to
    Rs. 25 per manaaccording to the quality of the land.
    31
    The report of the Forest Enquiry Committee, Odisha, 1959 enumerates
    the rights and concessions of Nilagiri ex-State as follows:
    Nistar cess or other cesses-Re. 0-1-6 and Re. 0-1-0 per man of land
    by Lakhrajdars and raiyats respectively.
    Class/Type of forest Item Cess
    A' class RF, 40 Ac of Timber, Firewood, at concessional rate to people of
    Ayodhya, 14 ac from Debgiri Bamboo neighbouring villages
    MFP - Fruits, roots, free for personal consumption
    flowers, leaves
    Grazing @Re. 0-8-0 for buffalo, @Re. 0-6-0
    for cow or bullock
    'B‗ class RF or D. P. Fs Timber @ half of royalty
    Firewood One anna per bullock cart load
    Bamboo, Minor Forest free for personal consumption
    Produce
    Grazing Not free
    Khesra or unreserved or UDP. Timber, Firewood Free for unreserved species,
    concessional price for reserved
    Bamboo, Minor Forest Free
    Produce
    Grazing Free
    Zamindari forests2 No concessions

    In Baleshwar district there was only one Forest Block called Bony Jungle.
    The zamindar had prescribed a forest rule called "Kanika State Forest
    Rules" for management of his forests. The rights and concessions in Kanika
    zamindary as enumerated in the Report of the Forest Enquiry Committee,
    Odisha, 1959 are given below:
    In open forests:
    1. The tenants can get firewood, thatching materials, agricultural
    implements, etc., from Ghar jungle for their personal use on obtaining
    permits within the period 1st October to 31st December on payment of
    Re. 1-0-6 and for permits after the said period at Rs. 2-0-0.
    2. The Kumbhar, Kamar and Bania tenants for their profession can
    remove firewood for making charcoal on payment of Re. 0-2-0 per
    mound and charcoal on payment of Re. 0-12-0 per mound with special
    permits. Others may also get the above materials on payment of the
    above fees.

    2
    Either permanently or temporarily settled zamindary areas excepting Khasmahai lands. Forests were
    controlled and managed by the zamindars as full proprietors till The Odisha Preservation of Private Forests
    Act, 1947, and The Odisha Communal Forest and Private lands (Prohibition of Alienation) Act, 1948 (Act I of
    1948) were enacted. Each zamindary had its own forest rules or practice whether written or unwritten. Most of
    the zamindaries were small except a portion of Kanika ex-estate, a part of which was in Baleshwar district to
    the extent of 453.00 sq.km.

    32
    3. The pahitenants who require for their pahi cultivation, can be
    allowed firewood, thatching materials, agricultural implements, etc., on
    obtaining permits within 30th June on paymet of fee Re. 0-12-6. After
    this period they shall have to pay Re.1-9-0 for each permit.
    4. Outsiders of the estate, who come for cultivation purposes in the
    estate, can be allowed firewood for their own use on payment of annual
    permit fee of Re.2-0-0. Those who are boat merchants can be allowed
    firewood and certain boat materials for their profession on payment of
    annual fee of Re.4-0-0 for each boat from "ghar jungle."
    On vesting of the estate, the Tahasildars managed the zamindari
    forests also called "Anchal forests" under the Revenue Department.
    Subsequently Government ordered in 1957 that all the forests in the ex-state
    areas should be transferred to the control of Forest Department. By that time
    bulk of Bony Jungle Block had been encroached upon.
    Inhabitants of a village or town close to a protected forest exercise their
    right of taking forest products at concessional rates which are known as
    "Schedule of Rates". This was very low compared to the prevailing market
    rates. In November 1977 the State Government prescribed the "Schedule of
    Rate for Forest Produce in Odisha Rules, 1977" under the Odisha Forest Act
    which effected some increase in the previous Schedule of Rates for forest
    produce including minor forest produce.
    Forest Development
    Forests play a vital and important role in the economy and ecology not
    only of this district. Baleshwar was largely deforested owing to indiscriminate
    leases given by the ex-Zamindars and also due to large scale encroa-
    chments. Forest conservation, plantation and afforestation activities were
    taken up by several agencies like Soil Conservation, Horticulture under
    Agriculture Department, and state undertakings such as Odisha Forest
    Corporation and Odisha Plantation Development Corporation. A special
    project with international assistance from Swedish International
    Development Authority (SIDA) is operating in this district since 1984-85.
    During 1985 to 1987, with the available funds under SIDA, 591
    hectares of village forest, 521 hectares of reforestation and 554 hectares of
    rehabilitation of degraded forests and 23.5 hectares of Forest Farming for
    Rural Poor were achieved in the district besides distribution of 9.34 lakh
    seedlings free of cost to local people for planting under Farm Forestry. The
    plantation works were executed through people's participation for which
    Village Forest Committees have been constituted and a Joint Management
    Plan is prepared for each plantation with the involvement of village
    committee.
    In the year 1971 the Cyclone Distress Mitigation Committee, Odisha,
    recommended to the Government of India to raise a coastal belt plantation

    33
    along the entire coast of the district to a width of about a 1 km. from the high
    tide line to prevent sand-dunes, cyclones and tidal water damaging
    agricultural fields and villages. By approval of the Government of India, the
    coastal shelter belt scheme had been taken up in the district and Coastal
    Shelter Belt Afforestation Division was created at Baleshwar that started
    functioning in 1979 under the administrative control of the Coastal Shelter
    Belt Afforestation Circle, with headquarters located at Cuttack. Some
    plantations were also raised through Baripada Territorial Forest Division
    along this coastal belt prior to 1979. By the end of 1979, an area of 534.80
    hectares was covered by plantation in the coastal belt of the district. In
    addition to this in-land plantation in Nilagiri range over 4190 hectares were
    taken up mainly with species such as acacia, sissoo, eucalypotas, etc.
    Besides the above, another 1595.50 hectares of private land were planted
    between 1979-80 and 1985 as per provisions of the "Odisha Forest
    (Management of Coastal Shelter Belt Plantation raised on Private Lands)
    Rules, 1980." Avenue plantations were taken up in different years along
    important roads with funds available with District Rural Development Agency
    (DRDA). Annually casuarina coupes are opened and the wood is mainly sold
    in auction sale for purpose of firewood which is in great demand.
    Game laws and prevention of wildlife
    Previously shooting permits were issued on payment of a fee of Rs. 10
    for a week for games from one shooting Block. However, the enactment of
    The Odisha Forest Act, 1972 (Act 14 of 1972) and implementation of the
    Odisha Forest Shooting Rules, 1973 and the Odisha Wildlife (Protection)
    Rules, 1974 helped the protection of the wildlife in the district. Although the
    Odisha Forest Shooting Rules, 1973 is in force, yet issue of permit under the
    Shooting Rules, in a sense, has been abolished.

    34
    CHAPTER- II
    HISTORY

    The history of Baleshwar district that was part of the ancient Kalinga
    kingdom, which later became a territory of Koshala or Utkal till the death of
    Mukunda Dev,is the amalgamation of several cultures and civilizations. It
    witnessed a quick succession of several dynasties in its bosom. Every
    anciently dated territories not only have their histories but pre histories as
    well andBaleshwar district is no exception.
    Pre-History
    Paleo-relics of River Drainage and Deposition system
    The three major drainage systems such as the Subarnarekha, the
    Burhabalanga and the Kansabansa along with several other small fluvial
    streams are significant from the point of view of ancient Pleistocene deposits
    which have rich association with paleo-relics. The change in fluvial
    depositional compositions also indicates a change in cultural relic
    associations which in turn justifies the sequence of cultural morphology and
    gradual growth. The deposits of the Subarnarekha upstreams towards the
    north of Baleshwar at Jamsola and Jharpokharia are highly rich in
    Pleistocene and paleo-antiquities of pre-historic period.
    Location of Paleolithic Sites on the Drainage Burhabalanga near
    Baleshwar Sub-Division
    Kasaba, asite located about four Kms away from Baleshwar town on
    the Baleshwar - Jaleshwar Road has yielded a few microlithic tools of black
    stone and some ceramic relics of antiquity. Some fragments of paleo
    ceramics have also been found in Kantabania, located on the right bank of
    the river Burhabalanga on the Baleshwar-Jaleshwar Road. Kathasangada,
    located on the confluence of the Burhabalanga and the Sona has yielded a
    large number of unfinished microlithics of quartz, quartzite and chert along
    with some ceramic relics. Haladla, located on the left bank of the river
    Burhabalanga is associated with the distribution of Paleolithic ceramic
    materials.
    Location of Mesolithic Sites on the Tributary Sona in the Nilagiri Sub-
    Division
    Balisahi, located on the Ieft bank of river Sona at a distance of five Km
    away from Nilagiri town, has yielded the raw materials of quartzite, chert and
    a few ceramic fragments along with finished microlithic tools including blades
    and flakes.Tinidesh, located one km away from Balisahi is associated with

    35
    several paleolithic ceramic relics. Kans, located on the left bank of the Sona
    is highly capped with silt deposition with ceramic relics sparely distributed. In
    Kolhapal on the bank of Sona, chert stones are widely distributed in
    association with ceramic fragments. Ajodhya, located on the right bank of
    the river Sona, has yielded a large number of ceramic fragments and
    microliths.
    Mesolithic Culture
    A few evidences of microliths consisting of scraper, blade and bladelets
    indicate that the mesolithic folk introduced completely a new technology and
    new types of raw materials. These tiny tools were hafted in bone or wooden
    handles to make knives, arrow heads, spear heads, sickles, etc. Besides,
    scrapers of various types, borers, burins, truncated flakes and corer are also
    found. Analysis of the recovered materials such as the bladelets suggests
    that the culture made its expression in the localities through temporary
    migrations of people.
    Location of Neolithic Site in Baleshwar Sub-Division
    A neolithic axe was reported to be found from Darada, asite located in
    the Basta police-station on Basta-Baliapal road. The site is filled with alluvial
    deposits. The implement may have been deposited through redeposition,
    transportation or secondary disposal. This sole evidence of a neolithic
    polished axe suggests that the area dates back to remote antiquity from
    mesolithic to neolithic period.
    Ancient Period
    The modern district of Baleshwar was not a territorial unit in the ancient
    and mediaeval periods. It was included in different territorial units under
    different rulers at different periods.
    Territorial Extent
    The region of Baleshwar was included in ancient Kalinga which was
    conquered by Asoka in the third century B. C. and Kharavela in the first
    century B. C. After the fall of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, the empire of
    Kalinga began to shrink by the 4th century A. D. and it was confined to
    South Odisha and a part of northern Andhra Pradesh. Baleshwar was then a
    part of territorial unit of Utkal. In the Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa, Utkal is
    mentioned as a territory to the north of Kalinga. It says that king Raghu, after
    crossing the river Kapisa (modern Kasani in the Midnapur district of West
    Bengal) entered Utkal and there the people showed him the path to Kalinga.
    By the end of the 6th century A. D., some copper plate grants reveal
    that Utkal was then known as Tosali or Tosalia divided into the northern and
    southern parts separated by the river Mahanadi. The Bhaumakaras (A. D.
    36
    736-931) ruled over both the Tosalis. Historical accounts state that the
    region of Baleshwar was included in Tosali, more particularly Uttara Tosali,
    and then in Utkal.
    Early History
    With the victory of Asoka in the Kalinga War, the territories were
    annexed to the Magadhan empire. Asoka paid special attention for its
    administration and divided it into two divisions with their headquarters at
    TosaIi (northern division) and Somapa (southern division). As a part of the
    northern division, Baleshwar region enjoyed the benefits of the Mauryan
    administration.
    In the first century B. C. Kalinga came under the powerful dynasty of
    the Mahameghavahana Kharavela, the third ruler of the dynasty who
    launched a career of conquest and aggrandizement and enhanced the glory
    of Kalinga. Baleshwar region had a share in it.
    With the discovery of the so called Puri-Kushana, coins were also
    discovered from Baleshwar district. In 1912, the Collector of Baleshwar
    received about 910 such coins and these are now preserved in the museum
    at Kolkata. It can, therefore, be presumed that Baleshwar region was
    probably under the Murunda rule.
    In the 4th-5th century A. D., Maharaja Satrubhanja brought both the
    Tosalis (Ubhaya Tosali) under his political influence. However, his
    supremacy over Ubhaya-Tosali in general and Baleshwar region in particular
    lasted for a short period. It probably ended with his death. A hoard of 147
    copper coins has been discovered at Nanduru village near Gandibeda in the
    district. These coins bear on the reverse the legend Sunandasya.
    Theybelieved to belong to the 5th-6th century A. D.
    The Jayarampur copper plate inscription (discovered from Jayarampur
    village in Bhograi police-station) mentions one Maharajadhiraja
    Gopachandra ruling over an extensive area around Baleshwar. The copper
    plate, issued in his first regnal year, records the grant of the village,
    Swetavalika by Mahasamanta Maharaja Achuta (a vassal king of
    Gopachandra) for establishing a ‗Vihara‘ in favour of God Arya
    Avalokiteswara.
    The Manas
    In the last quarter of the 6th century A. D. the Uttara-Tosali came under
    the Manas. The Soro copper plates of Sambhuvasas and the Patiakela
    copper plates of Sivaraja throw light on the rule of the Manas.
    Sambhuvasas was a ruler of considerable political importance. He
    succeeded in uniting both the Tosalis and styled himself as
    37
    Paramabhattaraka, Paramamaheswara, Maharaja and Paramadaivata. The
    Mana rule was short-lived. It was Pruthivi Maharaja of Durjaya family who
    put an end to the Mana rule in Tosali.
    Sasanka and Harshavardhan
    After the Mana rule, the coastal districts of Odisha came under
    Sasanka of Gauda. His conquest of Odisha can be inferred from the
    Midnapur copper plates of Subhakirtti of Somadatta and Ganjam copper
    plates of Sailodbhava ruler. Somadatta issued two other copper plates which
    were discovered from Soro. In these copper plates, the titles of the sovereign
    mentioned are Paramadaivata, Shri Paramabhattaraka and perhaps they
    were used for Sasanka.
    Somadatta, who ruled over Dandabhukti and Utkal on behalf of
    Sasanka, was succeeded by Mahapratihara Maharaja Mahasamanta
    Bhanudatta. In the inscriptions of Baleshwar and Olasingh copper plates his
    paramount sovereign Sasanka is mentioned as Paramabhattaraka.
    Most probably Sasanka exercised his authority over Utkal or Odra or
    northern Tosali till his death which occurred shortly before 637 A. D. Soon
    after Sasanka‘s death, Harsavardhan conquered Utkal or Odra and
    Kangoda, and Baleshwar region came under Harsa. It was during his reign
    that the famous Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited U-cha or Odra.
    Hiuen Tsang reached Baleshwar by travelling south-west from
    Karnasuvarna in the year 639 A. D. According to his accounts the people of
    this region were tall and yellowish black and their language differed from the
    languages of Central India. The majority of the people were Mahayana
    Buddhists as corroborated by the discovery of several Buddhist sites in the
    district.
    Bhaumakaras
    The Bhaumakaras established their rule in Uttara Tosali in 736 A.D. It is
    suggested by some scholars that Bhaumakaras belonged to Assam and
    they came to Odisha in the wake of the Assamese king Harsavarmadeva‘s
    eastern expeditions. According to the Pasupati Temple inscription after
    conquering Odra he appointed probably one of his relations named
    Ksemankaradeva as the ruler who became the founder of the Bhaumakara
    dynasty.
    The capital of the Bhaumakara kingdom was the Guhadeva-pataka or
    Guhesvarapataka which was very close to Viraja or Jajpur. The early
    Bhaumakara copperplates were issued from that capital. The Bhaumakara
    kingdom comprised the present district of Baleshwar and the northern part of
    erstwhile Cuttack district as well.
    38
    It is believed that the early Bhaumakaras were Buddhists and during
    their rule the Mahayana became the dominant religion of Odisha. There are
    several sites in the district bearing the Buddhist antiquities belonging to the
    Bhaumakara period such as Kupari, Ajodhya, Khadipada, Solampur, Palla,
    Avana, etc.
    Somavamsis
    The Bhaumakaras were replaced in Utkal by the Somavamsis, said to
    have come from South Kosala, i.e. the Sambalpur - Sonapur region in 931 A.
    D. Jajati-I of the Somavamsi dynasty conquered the Bhaumakara kingdom
    and thereby united both Kosala and Utkal. Later on they shifted their capital
    to Jajpur which was then called Avinava Jajatinagar. Baleshwar region that
    is in close proximity to Jajpur, became an important and integral part of the
    Somavamsi kingdom.
    Jajati-II of Somavamsis was in arms against Gauda, in order to contain
    Gauda in the first quarter of the 11th century A. D. The Chola ruler, Rajendra
    Chola, led an expedition up to the Ganges by defeating the Somavamsi ruler
    Indraratha at Jajatinagar. The Somavamsi rule did not end immediately after
    the expedition of Rajendra Chola. It continued till its last ruler, Karnadeva,
    was overthrown by the powerful Gangas. Towards the end of the
    Somavamsi rule, the Palas of Bengal probably occupied Baleshwar. The last
    Somavamsi ruler, Karnakesari or Karnadeva, was a weak ruler and the
    power of the Somavamsis had declined considerably under his rule. He was
    not able to defend the northern part of his kingdom against the Palas.
    However, the Somavamsis were finally replaced by the powerful Gangas in
    early 12th century A. D.
    The Gangas
    Anantavarman Chodagangadeva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
    occupied Odisha in about 1110 A. D. and founded the Ganga rule.
    According to his Korni copper plates, he reinstated the fallen lord of Utkal,
    i.e., Kamadeva. However, Chodaganga finally ousted the Somavamsi ruler
    and himself occcupied the kingdom.
    As the emperial Gangas started their career of conquest and expansion
    of territories, Baleshwar became the base of operations in the north. With the
    rapid expansion of the Muslim power in north India in the 13th century A. D.,
    Odisha was exposed to the menace on its northern frontier. The importance
    of Baleshwar region increased considerably as it occupied a strategic
    position in the Ganga Empire. A chain of forts were built in the region of
    Baleshwar to ward off any possible expedition from the north by Muslim
    power and also to launch attacks on the Muslim territory. During those days,

    39
    Raibania was a very important military establishment for the safety and
    security of the Odishan empire.
    Other forts of importance belonging to the Gangas were Remuna
    Katak, Deulgan, Kahasin and Mandaran, which played a significant role in
    the Ganga-Muslim conflict. Remuna was a Visaya or district and probably
    the administration of the frontier area was carried on from that headquarters.
    In the conflict between the‘ Ganga rulers of Odisha and the Muslim
    rulers of Bengal, Baleshwar became the base for military operations of the
    former. Narasimhadeva-I, the greatest of the Gangas, led a successful
    campaign against Tughril-i-Tughan Khan of Bengal. In consequence of the
    victory of Narasimhadeva-I Howrah, Hoogly, Bankura and Birbhum districts
    were added to the Ganga empire which was at the zenith of its glory and
    splendour. According to tradition, Narasimhadeva I built the original temple
    of Khirachora Gopinath at Remuna.
    The Suryavamsis
    The Gangas were succeeded by the Suryavamsi Gajapatis in 1435 A.
    D. The first ruler of the dynasty, Gajapati Kapilendradeva (1435-1467 A. D.)
    led an expedition to Bengal and defeated Sultan Nasiruddin, and probably
    occupied some territories. The three Gajapati rulers - Kapilendradeva,
    Purusottamdeva and Prataparudradeva remained mostly engaged in their
    southern conquests and to some extent neglected the defence of the
    northern frontier of the empire as a result of which Hussain Shah, the Sultan
    of Bengal, could proceed unopposed as far as Puri. However,
    Prataparudradeva, the Gajapati of Odisha, who was then campaigning in the
    south rushed to Puri, defeated the invader and pushed him back to Bengal.
    Later he withdrew his siege of the fort of Mandaran due to the treachery of
    one of his generals, Govinda Vidyadhara. He betrayed his master at the
    crucial war with the ruler of Bengal.
    In 1510 A. D., Shri Chaitanyadeva passed through Baleshwar on his
    way to Puri from Bengal. However, by the beginning of 16th century A. D.
    due to the long absence of the Suryavamsi rulers in the south, the local
    officers had become insubordinate. While Shri Chaitanya was crossing the
    frontier of Bengal and Odisha, an officer of Prataparudradeva took all
    possible care so that the saint and his followers might escape the
    molestation from the hands of the Muslims.
    With the death of Prataparudradeva, the glorious era in the history of
    Odisha came to an end. An epoch of intense fratricidal war and alien
    invasion from both ends of Orisha ensued and finally the Muslim powers
    dismembered and occupied the territories in 1568 A.D.

    40
    Muslim and Marahata Periods
    The last Hindu king of Odisha, Mukundadeva, incurred the displeasure
    of Sulaiman Khan Karrani, the Afghan ruler of Bengal, because the former
    gave shelter to his enemy Ibrahim Sur and also had formed an alliance with
    the Moughal Emperor, Akbar, against him. Consequently, the Afghan ruler
    attacked Odisha and sent troops to Cuttack under the command of his son
    through the jungle route of Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar. By tip of information,
    Mukundadeva sent two of his Commanders to protect Cuttack. But they
    revolted against his authority and thus started an internecine struggle in
    Odisha in which Mukundadeva was killed in 1568 A. D., and Odisha passed
    under the Afghan rule. It is believed that Mukundadeva fought his last battle
    at Gohiratikiri not far from Dhamnagar, then in Baleshwar district where he
    was killed by his own people.
    With regard to the Afghan occupation of Odisha in 1568 A. D. the name
    of a notorious commander of Sulaiman Khan Karrani, Kalapahar, was
    associated. He goes down in the history of Odisha as a destroyer of temples
    and icons. Baleshwar is associated with the tombs of a number of his
    captains who fell in the battle. They are at Garhpada, Ramachandrapur and
    Remuna. Besides, it is believed that Kalapahar set up a number of Muslim
    settlements in the district and left behind some of his followers at Kasba.
    Daud Khan, the second son of Sulaiman Khan Karrani, who succeeded
    governorship of Bengal, threw off all allegiance to the Emperor of Delhi and
    declared himself independent. In the struggle, Daud Khan was driven out of
    Bengal by the forces of Emperor Akbar under Munim Khan, and fled to
    Odisha. Raja Todar Mal came to Odisha in pursuit of Daud Khan who
    hovered backward and forwards between Cuttack and Jaleshwar for some
    time. Finally, a decisive battle was fought at Tukaroi, 9·6 km west of
    Jaleshwar on the bank of river Subarnarekha on the 3rd March, 1575. The
    Moughals became victorious, but suffered losses. Munim Khan himself was
    wounded. However, Daud Khan, who had fled to Cuttack, ultimately
    surrendered and negotiated for peace. On 12 April, 1575 Munim Khan
    settled the matter and left Daud Khan in possession of central Odisha as far
    as the river Baitarani but the areas of Baleshwar district came under the
    control of the Moughals as part of the Subah of Bengal and two officials
    were stationed at Bhadrak and Jaleshwar. But the matter reopened with the
    death of Munim Khan. In fact, Baleshwar, lying in between Cuttack and the
    frontier of Bengal, became the central place of fighting between the rebel
    Afghans of Odisha and the Moughal forces for some years and consequently
    suffered the most. Many places with Muslim names in various parts of the
    district testify to the settlement of Afghan and Moughal invaders.

    41
    In 1592 A. D., the Afghans were crushed in a battle fought on the
    northern bank of Subarnarekha by Raja Man Singh. Thus, Odisha was finally
    annexed to the Moughal Empire and the Subedar of Bengal remained in
    charge of the province. The first separate Subedar for Odisha was appointed
    in 1607 during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.
    With the Muslim occupation Baleshwar emerged as a commercial town
    and a prosperous sea port to which flocked the vessels of many European
    powers including the British. The Moughals also maintained a navaI base in
    the port of Baleshwar.
    In the early part of 18th century A D. Murshid Kuli Khan I got the
    Subedarship of Odisha and ruled over the province from 1703 to 1708 and
    then from 1714 to 1727. The northern part of Odisha and especially the
    territories of Baleshwar are truncated for some administrative convenience
    during this period. In the revenue settlement in Odisha enhancement of tax
    was made in the prosperous sarkar of Jaleshwar including Basta and
    Remuna. The ports of Baleshwar and Hijili were included in such settlement.
    Shuja-ud-din Muhammad, the successor of Murshid Quli Khan,
    controlled the province from 1727 to 1739. During this period, the northern
    part of Jaleshwar sarkar beyond the river Subarnarekha except a few
    mahals were transferred to the administration of Bengal. Thus, the river
    Subarnarekha became the northern boundary of Odisha. Taqui Khan was
    fond of Baleshwar where he built the masonry tank and reservoir and the
    mosque and gardens known as Kadam Rasul. He is said to have
    constructed a hunting place at Remuna where there are extensive ruins of
    Muslim tombs and buildings.
    After the death of Shuja-ud-din in 1740, Alivardi Khan took over. At this
    time the rival army devastated Baleshwar. A decisive battle was fought on
    3rd March, 1741, at Phuladi between Alivardi Khan, the Nawab of Bengal
    and Murshid Quli Khan-II, the ruler of Odisha. Alivardi‘s soldiers left the field
    in desperation; however, some traitors in the camp of Murshid Quli Khan
    changed side with their sepoys. Alivardi‘s General fought back bravely and
    finally Murshid Ouli Khan lost the battle. His merchant friend helped him
    escape in his ship and took him to Masulipatam. Alivardi got possession of
    Odisha by the end of 1741 A. D.
    From 1742 A. D. the Marahatas rushed down upon Odisha and for long
    ten years Alivardi had to fight against them. Baleshwar suffered the most in
    the Marahata-Muslim conflict and several battles were fought in this area.
    When Alivardi failed to check the repeated Marahata onslaughts on Odisha,
    he signed a treaty for peace in 1751 which virtually placed Odissa in the

    42
    hands of the Marahatas. The river Subarnarekha was fixed as the line of
    demarcation between Odisha and Bengal.
    Odisha remained under the Marahatas from 1751 A. D. to 1803 A. D.,
    when it came under the British rule. Under the Marahatas, a strong military
    station under a Faujdar guarded the Phuladi ghat, and another important
    military station in the district was at Soro. The British also maintained a
    Resident in their factory at Baleshwar. There was occasional friction
    between the British Resident and the Marahata Faujdar regarding the
    payment of duties, smuggling of salt, harassment to merchants, etc.
    Another problem which created occasional Anglo-Marahata conflict was
    the boundary line between Bengal and Odisha with river Subarnarekha
    conforming the demarcating line. Both the zamindars and the people in the
    border of Baleshwar created problems occasionally and took shelter on
    either side to evade payment. The problem lingered on till the British
    occupation of Odisha.
    British Occupation of Baleshwar and Early Administration (1803-1827
    A. D.)
    The British contact with Odisha began in the first half of the 17th
    century A. D. ―True to our national character‖, Hunter remarks, ―We settled in
    Odisha as merchants long before we made our appearance as rulers‖. One
    of the earliest British factories in India was established at Hariharpur of
    Odisha in 1633, and soon after two other factories were established, one at
    Baleshwar and the other at Pipili. The British factory at Baleshwar developed
    into a centre of maritime trade. Its status declined in the 18th century when
    the East India Company‘s trading concerns were shifted to Hugli and
    Kolkata, now Kolkata.
    Odisha came within the orbit of the East India Company‘s political
    interest after the Battle of Buxar. A Summary picture of early European
    settlement in Baleshwar is given in Appendix-I at the end of the chapter. The
    British conquered the Marahatas in Baleshwar through a proper planning.
    On 20th September 1803, four small British vessels including the gun-vessel
    crossed the bar at the mouth of river Burhabalanga and anchored opposite
    Balaramgarhi, a small Marahata post. The Marahata troops did not offer any
    resistance to the British on the spot but fled away from the post, thus
    allowing the British army to proceed towards the town of Baleshwar
    unopposed. Thus Captain Morgan occupied Baleshwar without any
    resistance on 22nd September, 1803. He strengthened the British position at
    Baleshwar and posted his troops outside the town to ward off the Marahata
    attack. Later he succeeded in occupying Soro after defeating a large
    contingent of Marahata army on 3rd October, 1803.

    43
    A small operation was needed to conquer the territories on the north-
    east of river Subarnarekha comprising the Marahata Zamindaries of
    Pataspur, Kamarda, Bhograi, Shah Bandar, Jamukonda, etc. Col. Fenwick,
    who headed the reserve force at Midnapore, undertook the task of bringing
    those border zarnlndars under the British control.
    By the Treaty of Deogaon, signed on 17th December, 1803, Raghuji
    Bhonsla ceded to the East India Company the perpetual sovereignty, the
    province of Cuttack, including ‗the port and district of Baleshwar. Thus,
    Baleshwar district came under the British administration. Captain Morgan
    remained in-charge of the district at first as the officer commanding at
    Baleshwar, but subsequently as Collector, Magistrate and Salt and Customs
    Agent. Under him there were four native Amils or Collectors of revenue at
    Baleshwar, Soro, Bhadrak and Dolgram. In 1804, the newly acquired
    territories of Odisha were divided into two divisions the northern and
    southern, with the river Mahanadi as the boundary between them. For each
    division, a British officer was appointed as the Judge, Magistrate and
    Collector.
    In 1805, George Webb was appointed as the Collector of the entire
    British territories in Odisha, or as it was called the province of Cuttack. For
    the next 24 years this arrangement continued with its headquarters at Puri
    up to 1816 and then at Cuttack. From 1805 to 1820, Baleshwar had no
    separate revenue officer; but in 1821 a Joint Magistrate was stationed at
    Baleshwar, his duties being chiefly the triaI of criminaI cases and the
    superintendence of police. In 1828, Baleshwar was constituted an
    independent collectorate and the first occupant of the office was Henry
    Ricketts. At first Jajpur and Bhadrak were attached to it, Jajpur being
    subsequently transferred to Cuttack district. On the north, a perplexing series
    of transfers and re-transfers of Parganas went on for a long time between
    Baleshwar and Midnapore. Baleshwar finally acquired a definite dimension in
    1870, when the northern boundary was defined, and Baitarani and Dhamra
    rivers were made the southern limit of the district.
    As regards the administration of justice and police, Cornwallis system
    was fully introduced in Odisha in September, 1805 for the establishment of
    thanas or police stations and appointment of Darogas in-charge of police-
    stations. The court of Sadar Nizamat Adalat acted as the highest court of
    appeal for dispensation of criminal justice and it also supervised the police
    administration. The court of Sadar Dewani Adalat supervised the
    administration of civil justice. Each police-station controlled a number of
    villages.

    44
    The British conquest of Odisha was closely followed by the extension of
    salt monopoly, in the first instance, to the northern division of Cuttack, i.e.,
    from river Subarnarekha to river Mahanadi. The British Regulation of 1804
    reserved to the Government the exclusive privilege of manufacturing salt as
    a source of public revenue. In 1806 James King took over the charge as the
    first Salt Agent of Odisha with his headquarters at Baleshwar. By the
    Regulation 22 of 1814, the saIt monopoly was extended to the southern part
    of the coastal tract of Odisha. The sale price was fixed at two rupees per
    maund in the Golas or store-houses of the Government but the merchants
    sold it at a much higher rate to the people by adding the cost of transport
    and their profits. Naturally it caused much hardship to the people who never
    paid so high a price for purchasing salt and thus it was a cause of their
    dissatisfaction against the British rule.
    The northern division contained 8 aurang (salt manufacturing centres),
    such as, Bolang, Sartha, Dasmolang, Panchmolang, Ankura, Chudamani,
    Dhamra and Chardia. The salt agency was capable of producing more than
    4 lakh maunds of salt in one season. The salt workers, malangis were paid
    at the rate of 40 rupees only per 100 maunds of salt. They were further
    required to give 15 maunds of extra salt for payment of zarnindar‘s revenue
    and for suktee charges i.e. for loss of weight due to evaporation of water
    from salt. Besides the fixed rate, at times the malangis were paid 2 annas
    (Re.0.12) extra per maund in order to increase production to the utmost
    extent. There were 4 sale Golas situated in the central places like
    Baleshwar, Soro, Bhadrak and Basta to supply the article to the people. The
    rate was Rs. 2‘3‘6 (Rs.2.22) per maund, 3 and half annas (Rs.0.22) being
    the cost of transportation from the aurangs to the sale Golas. The estimated
    sale of panga salt in this division was on an average 1,20,000 maunds per
    year. Large amount of salt was exported from the division to the Government
    sale Gola at Sulkia near to Kolkata. In 1825 the estimated quantity of salt to
    be sent to Kolkata was 3,25,000 maunds. At Sulkia salt was disposed of by
    auction sales in limited lots to the merchants. Naturally the price fluctuated
    throughout the year and as determined by the needs of the merchants. In
    April 1825, the sale price was Rs.411-O. (Rs.411.50) per 100 maunds of
    salt. Thus, Baleshwar panga saIt earned a lot of profit for the Company in
    the early days of the British rule in Odisha. Considerable quantities of rice
    and salt were still exported from the ports of Baleshwar, Chudamani and
    Dhamra.
    The British authority adopted certain rules for management of the ports
    and for collection of custom duties from these ports of Baleshwar. The
    custom house for the province was located at Baleshwar that was still the
    principal port of the province. The Government had no provision for the
    collection of customs in other parts of the province. Obviously, the largest
    45
    volume of trade passed through the ports and custom house of Baleshwar. It
    was the saIt trade and the export of excess agriculturaI products like paddy
    and rice which maintained the maritime activities of the people.
    By the rules adopted on 4th May, 1804, it was provided that only a
    single duty was to be imposed on the import of goods from any foreign
    country either by sea or land. After the payment of that duty, the merchant
    could carry his goods to whatever part of the province he felt most conducive
    to his interest without any hindrance by the authorities. Goods of every
    description, except a few articles, imported by sea from Bengal or any other
    part of the British India, accompanied with a ‗rowanah‘ were required to pay
    a duty of 2.5 per cent on the valuation specified therein. Goods, not
    accompanied with a ‗rowanah‘ were required to pay the duty as specified in
    the Book of Rates. Some articles like wheat, rice, bullocks, agricultural
    implements, images intended for religious purposes, etc., were exempted
    from duty on being imported or exported either by sea or land. However, it
    was required that the quantity or number and value must be reported to the
    Darogas of the Chowkeys. The imports or exports of canon, gun powder and
    weapons into or from the province were strictly prohibited. As a check
    against smuggling, it was provided that goods attempted to be smuggled into
    or from the province by sea or land would be subject to confiscation. The
    import and export duties were regulated from England obviously to favour
    British manufacturers as much as possible. The transit duties were levied on
    all goods manufactured in the country or imported by land into the British
    possessions. Initially the goods were made to pay a separate duty at each of
    the custom houses they passed and naturally when they reached the
    consumer, they were taxed with high duties according to the length of the
    journey. In 1810 such a system was abolished by a new regulation.
    Besides the central custom house at Baleshwar, 8 chowkeys were
    established at different places in the district. They were (i) Baliapal, (ii)
    Rajghat, (iii) Remuna, (iv) Balaramgarhi (v) Bangreah, (vi) Phuladi, (vii)
    Chudamani and (viii) Dhamra. Thus, the chowkeys were stretched from
    Baliapal on the bank of river Subarnarekha in the north to Dhamra on the
    bank of river Dhamra in the south.
    From the statement of the collections from customs duties in Baleshwar
    for four years from 1825 to 1829, it was found that the total amount collected
    was Rs. 60,670 and 5 annas (Rs. 60,670.31) and the total expense incurred
    was Rs. 25,301 and 3 annas (Rs.25, 301.19). Thus the net proceeds during
    those years amounted to Rs. 35,369 and 2 annas (Rs. 35,369.12) with an
    average of Rs.8,842 and 4 annas (Rs.8,842.25) per year. The greater
    portion of the duties was collected in transit of goods at the inland chowkeys.
    It is evident from the fact that out of the total collections of Rs. 60,670 and 5

    46
    annas (Rs.60,670.31) from 1825 to 1829, only Rs. 4,937 and 8 annas (Rs.
    4,937.50) were collected at the sea ports and the rest of the amount was
    collected at the inland chowkeys, The main cause of decrease in the
    collection of duties was the gradual decline in the volume of trade that
    passed through Baleshwar custom house. In 1825 the Collector of Customs
    reported to the Board of Customs, Salt and Opium that the decline was
    mainly perceptible in the trade of cotton goods. It was noticed that large
    quantities of cloth were being imported from Europe and sold at cheap rates
    in the market.
    A significant change in the administrative set up in Odisha was
    introduced by the Regulation 5 of 1818. It created the new office of
    ―Commissioner‖ in Cuttack and the Commissioner was vested with all the
    powers and functions of the circuit court for the province. By the Regulation
    1 of 1829 the officer was known as the Divisional Commissioner of Revenue
    and Circuit. In 1828 the Governor-General in Council resolved to divide the
    province into three distinct divisions or districts, such as, Puri, Cuttack and
    Baleshwar. Throughout the 19th century, these three coastal districts and a
    number of garhjats constituted British Odisha and were administered from
    the divisional headquarters at Cuttack.
    British Administrative Policies and their Effects: 1828-1900
    Within a few years of the Revolt of 1817, the Government introduced a
    decisive change in its land revenue policy. The Cornwallis system was
    abandoned and after prolonged discussions it was decided to establish the
    mahalwari system of settlements in the ‗ceded and conquered province‘
    including Odisha. It was so called because the settlement of revenue came
    finally to be concluded on behalf of a mahal. Although the government did
    not technically adopt the rayatwari settlement, the provisions for a thorough
    enquiry and survey imparted to the new system, known as mahalwari, the
    characteristics of rayatwari system.
    The progress of settlement was very slow in the initial period as the
    regulation strictly required that all enquiries should be on the spot and that
    too, only by European officers. In those days there was only one European
    officer, the District Collector, in Baleshwar district. Naturally, by 1831 only
    one estate in Baleshwar was settled. In 1833 Lord William Bentinck, the
    Governor-General, decided to overhaul the whole system. He formulated
    certain principles and finally a new plan of settlement was evolved. It was
    embodied in the Regulation of 1833 and a circular was issued to all
    Commissioners to expedite survey and settlement proceedings. In fact, a
    number of Indian Deputy Collectors were appointed to assist the European
    officers in their work.

    47
    The survey and settlement operations commenced as per the new
    regulation. The Collectors were assisted by some Indian Deputy Collectors
    in three districts of Odisha. The government appointed a special Deputy
    Collector to investigate into the title of the people to hold rent-free tenures. In
    Odisha such rent-free tenures were numerous, nearly equal in value to two-
    third of the total land revenue. The Board of Revenue decided that the
    investigation of all claims to hold land in rent-free tenures was to be
    conducted simultaneously with and must form a component part of the
    settlement.
    Under the able guidance of the Commissioners like Henry Ricketts and
    A. J. M. Mills, the settlement operation progressed rapidly. In 1839-40, there
    were 14 Deputy Collectors in Baleshwar district who were engaged in the
    settlement operations and were also trying resumption cases. The work was
    almost completed by 1844. As regards the term of the settlement, the
    Government decided to fix it for thirty years. The decision was enacted by
    Act VI of 1837. Thus, a long-term settlement was finally enforced in the
    province from 1837-38 though the work was completed by 1844-45.
    The success of the settlement of 1837 was obvious from the small
    number of estates held khas or directly by the government and farmed out in
    consequence of the recusancy of the Zamindars. In the district, there were
    922 mahals on the rent-roll, out of which only 6 mahals were held khas and
    10 mahals were farmed out in consequence of recusancy of proprietors.
    Mills finally observed that ―the execution of this great work is, with all its
    imperfection a blessing, and the extension of it to thirty years, the greatest
    blessing which government has conferred on this province.‖ Henry Ricketts,
    who visited the district in 1853 as a member of the Board of Revenue, stated
    in his report that due to the long-term settlement, the value of property had
    trebled, and cultivation has spread in the district. But remissions
    commensurate with the losses had not been granted in time of calamities.
    On the whole, incidence of the settlement on the people was lighter in
    Baleshwar than in Cuttack. Ricketts drew the attention of the government to
    the problem of remission of revenue in times of natural calamities. He
    believed that the very stability of the settlement was in danger on account of
    indifference towards such calamities. But the Government failed to take
    notice of the gravity of the problem and it caused immense sufferings to the
    poor cultivators who did not get any liberal remission from their zamindars in
    time of natural calamities which frequently occurred in Odisha.
    The worst calamity that the people of Odisha suffered in the 19th
    century was the famine of 1866. It was a disaster which took away one-third
    of her entire population. The disastrous famine of 1866 had its origin in the
    severe drought of 1865. The Collectors of Cuttack and Baleshwar were new

    48
    to their assignments. They had no experience of dealing with serious famine.
    Therefore, the government took a very complacent view of the situation at
    the initial stage of the famine.
    Odisha always exported rice. The traders never took the initiative to
    import rice to Odisha. Without importing rice the famine situation could not
    be managed. In the month of June 1866, the government realised the gravity
    of the situation and authorised the Commissioner to import rice to Odisha.
    But the monsoon had commenced and it rendered the import of rice and
    conveying it to the interiors extremely difficult. The death toll due to famine
    was the highest during the rainy season from July to September. In August
    heavy rain and storms caused high flood and large extent of territories were
    submerged in flood waters. Consequently people were destined to die and
    they died in very large numbers.
    Fakir Mohan Senapati, one of the foremost litterateur of Odisha, then
    the headmaster of the Mission School in Baleshwar, and a native of the
    district vividly described the famine situation in his autobiography. Fakir
    Mohan was eye witness to the plight of the people for want of food grains
    and how they consumed leaves of trees. He describes the scene of dead
    bodies being carried in carts everyday for about a month and a half in
    Baleshwar town.
    By September 1866, the government established 22 relief centres in
    the district where cooked food was distributed. The relief operations
    continued throughout the year 1867 and large quantities of rice were
    imported into the province. The prices were subsidised so as to enable the
    people to buy the articles at a cheaper rate. In order to mitigate the
    sufferings of the government employees, their allowances were enhanced
    from 1 April, 1867 to the end of the year. The cultivators, who were unable to
    secure seeds for themselves, were advanced paddy for cultivation. By
    adopting all such measures, the government tried to restore normalcy in the
    province. In December 1866, a Commission was appointed by the
    Government of India and its report was made available in April, 1867.
    The devastating famine of 1866 rendered the resettlement of the
    estates in Odisha almost impossible. The British authorities adopted a
    lenient policy in view of the calamity and the thirty years long settlement
    which was to lapse in 1867, was extended for a period of another 30 years.
    A proclamation was issued to that effect on 26th June 1867 and it invited the
    zamindars to appear before the District Collectors by 1st August 1867 and
    execute the necessary agreements with the government. Thus, at one
    stroke, the government conferred the blessings of a long settlement without
    any enhancement of its demands.

    49
    The province slowly recovered from the effects of the famine. By 1873-
    74, the Zamindars were able to pay the land revenue to the government
    without any difficulty. The condition of the tenants, however, did not improve
    even after the enforcement of the Bengali Rent Act of 1859. In fact, the Act
    of 1859 remained in force in the province for a long time. By its provisions,
    rent cases were heard by the revenue courts as it was argued that the
    revenue officers were much better judges of such matters than the Massifs.
    Besides, the proceedings in the revenue courts were simpler, speedier and
    cheaper than in the civil courts. But the peasants in Odessa made little use
    of the Act.
    Six years before the lapse of the term of the settlement in Odisha, the
    government decided to start the major settlement of the province in right
    earnest. In 1891, H. R. Reilly was appointed as the Settlement Officer to
    conduct the survey and settlement operations. Before he could make any
    substantial progress, he died in October, 1892 in an accident and Maude
    succeeded him. He completely reorganized the programmes, recast scales
    of establishment and secured uniformity of procedure. In October 1894 the
    charge of Baleshwar was separated and S. L. Maddox remained in charge
    as the Settlement Officer. He completed the settlement operations and
    submitted a voluminous report in March 1900.
    After the abandonment of salt manufacture by the Government in 1863,
    the salt trade was managed by the system of excise. The private
    manufacturers were permitted to produce it by payment of the fixed duty per
    maund to the government. At the same time the import of foreign salt
    increased rapidly. The local salt industry could not compete with the superior
    quality of foreign salt available at a cheaper rate. Even the salt imported from
    Madras was cheaper than the indigenous product. The Salt Department in
    Odisha was transferred to the supervision of the Commissioner of Salt
    Revenue at Madras in 1885 and from January 1886 the new system came
    into effect. One Assistant Salt Commissioner was posted at Baleshwar.
    Under the strict control and stringent rules of the Madras system, local salt
    manufacture did not increase. In Baleshwar district salt manufacture
    decreased by more than 50 per cent due to large importation of Liverpool
    salt. Baleshwar was once the centre for the production of huge quantities of
    finest quality of panga salt in the eastern coast. As it produced only 2,939
    maunds of panga salt, the government decided to abolish its manufacture
    from November 1887 and completely depended on Liverpool salt. The
    discontinuance of the manufacture, no doubt, excited some public feeling in
    the district. It was an incalculable loss to the district and especially to the
    common people who depended on it for their livelihood. For a long time
    Odisha imported salt from outside in spite of its extensive sea coast and
    potentiality for production of salt.
    50
    Towards 1874, the importance of Baleshwar port declined considerably
    and its place was taken by the newly formed inland port of Chandbali whch
    was connected with the Bay of Bengal by river Dhamra. Light steamers ran
    there almost daily to and fro Kolkata. The importance of Chandbali grew
    rapidly and towards 1881 it became the principal port of the province. By the
    growing demand of Chandbali port, more steamers visited the place and the
    government also ran steamers from Cuttack to Kolkata. Two private firms
    also joined in the competition and that resulted in the decrease of freight
    rates and increase in the volume of trade.
    As the inland water link between Cuttack and Chandbali was very
    popular, the British authorities decided to complete the link between
    Chandbali and Kolkata through a range of canals. Towards the close of
    1880-81, the government gave approval for this new inland water
    communication project. The length of canal for joining Kolkata with
    Chandbali was 147·2 km. and it was divided into four ranges between
    Rasalpur in Midnapore district of West Bengal and Matai in Baleshwar
    district. The project was completed soon after 1887 and the Odisha Coast
    Canal continued as the important route for communication between Odisha
    and Bengal till the end of the 19th century A. D.
    Steps were taken in the last decade of the 19th century for construction
    of railways through coastal Odisha. Two railway companies took the
    responsibility for joining Kolkata with Ganjam via Baleshwar and Cuttack with
    a branch line to Puri. The Bengal Nagpur Railway (B. N. R.) service was
    started in 1895. By the close of the year 1899-1900 the main bridges were
    completed and the railway route was opened in the coastal line except in the
    section between Howrah and Kolaghat. The importance of the inland port at
    Chandbali and the Odisha Coast Canal rapidly declined after the opening of
    the railways.
    Odisha came under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata High Court in 1862.
    Baleshwar had only a Munsif‘s Court. In 1872 the people of Baleshwar
    petitioned the Collector requesting him for the establishment of a court of a
    Subordinate Judge. The demand was accepted and such a court was
    established in 1875, but due to less number of civil suits the court was
    abolished.However, it was but again revived in 1881 and 1882 by the
    Commissioner of Odisha.
    John Beams, the Collector of Baleshwar remarked in 1877 that ―There
    is no professional crime in Odisha, and the people are as a rule, very quiet
    and orderly‖. However, in the last quarter of the 19th century, the number of
    criminal cases brought to the courts showed anincreasing tendency. Several
    reasons attributed towards that were sociaI progress, peoples‘ increasing
    familiarity with court processes, gradual declining authority of the Zamindars,
    51
    and above all, improvement in the material condition of the people. The
    Bench system for administering criminal justice was introduced in Baleshwar
    in 1890 after the adoption of the revised Code of Criminal Procedure in
    1872. The Benches consisted of a salaried Magistrate and two or more
    honorary Magistrates exercised even summary powers.
    Growth of National Consciousness, 1919-1920
    In Odisha, as elsewhere in India in the 19th century A. D., the growth of
    socio-political awareness was facilitated mainly due to two factors; firstly, the
    rise of a middle class intelligentsia, and secondly, the growth of mass media
    like press, journals, etc. The establishment of English-medium schools,
    colleges and universities spread the western education and slowly but
    steadily a new class of intelligentsia with novel hopes and aspirations
    appeared on the Indian scene.
    In the 1840s the inhabitants of Baleshwar wanted an English medium
    school and petitioned for it. In November, 1853 the government opened the
    first English medium school at Baleshwar in the name of Baleshwar Zilla
    School. At that time, there were only two more such schools in Odisha, one
    at Puri and the other at Cuttack. In 1854, the famous Wood‘s Despatch
    introduced the grant-in-aid system with a hope that it would bring forward
    private enterprisers in the field. In 1867, only ten candidates appeared in the
    Entrance (Matriculation) examination from three Zilla Schools of the Odisha
    Division, and only three students came out successful. The Zamindar family
    of Lakshmannath started a Middle English school and it was raised to a High
    English school during 1876-77.
    The Baptist missionaries established a modern press in Odisha in
    1837. After the second press in Cuttack was established in 1867, in 1868,
    the third printing press was established at Baleshwar by the efforts of Fakir
    Mohan Senapati backed by local men and Zamindars. The fourth printing
    press was also established at Baleshwar by a local Zamindar. The
    establishment of printing presses served primarily three purposes, namely,
    printing of journals, preparation of text books and development of literature.
    From the printing press of Baleshwar, Fakir Mohan Senapati edited
    Bodhadayini (literal writing) and Baleshwar Sambad Vahika (news items),
    which became a weekly journal in 1872. It was probably the most influential
    journal of Odisha, next to Utkal Dipika, in the last quarter of the 19th century
    A. D. The journal discussed many socio-religious and political problems of
    the province in particular and the country in general.
    At the same time, several organizations sprang up to spearhead
    people‘s interest in different fields. Three such prominent organizations in
    the then Baleshwar district were (1) National Society at Baleshwar

    52
    established in 1878, (2) Bhadrak Desh Hitaisini Sabha at Bhadrak
    established in 1874, and (3) B. Dey‘s Social Club at Baleshwar established
    in 1895. These organizations prepared the ground for national upsurge
    against foreign domination.
    In the second half of the 19th century, Baleshwar readily came under
    the influence of Brahmo preachers. By 1860, a Samaj, on the Adi Samaj
    model, existed in the town. It became effective only a few years later when
    Babu Bhagaban Chandra Das joined the movement. He brought much
    progressive spirit to it and mainly through his influence; some prominent men
    of Baleshwar joined the Samaj. They carried on propaganda in the
    neighbouring villages and thus the Brahmo ideals spread in and around
    Baleshwar. In 1888, Nandalal Banerjee, a missionary of the New
    Dispensation, made Baleshwar his principal centre and his efforts greatly
    strengthened Brahmo activities at Baleshwar.
    The political consciousness of the people in Odisha was roused during
    the last decade of the 19th century by their association with the Indian
    National Congress. In the second session held at Kolkata in the last week of
    December 1886, the National Society of Baleshwar sent three members,
    namely, Baikuntha Nath De, Bhagaban Chandra Das and Ramesh Chandra
    Mandal. They laid the foundation of constitutional struggle of the people
    against the British authorities. The agitation for amalgamation of
    Odiyaspeaking tracts roused and moulded public opinion and helped greatly
    in the growth of political consciousness of the people in the early part of the
    20th century.
    The first proposal for the unification of the scattered Oriya- speaking
    tracts under single administration came from Raja Baikuntha Nath De of
    Baleshwar and Babu Bichitrananda Patnaik of Cuttack in 1875. Towards the
    end of the year 1902, Raja Baikuntha Nath De once again presented a
    memorial to Lord Curzon urging the Governor-General to constitute a
    separate administrative unit for all Odiaspeaking territories or to keep them
    under one provincial administration of either Bengal, Madras or the Central
    Provinces.
    The demand of the people paved the way for the establishment of a
    new central organisation in the province to put forth their grievances before
    the British authorities. On the 30th and 31st December, 1903 the historic
    gathering of Utkal Sammilani met amidst unprecedented enthusiasm and
    spearheaded the Odia Movement till the formation of a separate province in
    1936. Baleshwar and its people played their due role in the movement. Raja
    Baikuntha Nath De presided over its tenth session held at Cuttack. The
    people of Odisha were not satisfied with being tagged with Bihar in 1912.
    The crucial meeting of the Utkal Sammilani held at Baleshwar in December
    1916 formed a seven-member committee to act as a pressure group towards
    53
    the union of the Odia-speaking tracts throughout the year. The 13th annual
    st
    session of the Utkal Sammilani was held at Cuttack on 30th and 31 March,
    1918 under the presidentship of Fakir Mohan Senapati and it constituted a
    Standing Council of 65 members from all parts of Odisha including the
    outlying tracts.
    Non-Cooperation Movement
    In the annual session of the Indian National Congress held at Nagpur in
    the last week of December 1920, the finaI decision on the launching of non-
    cooperation movement was taken. Thirty-five delegates from Odisha
    including some prominent leaders of the then Baleshwar district, namely,
    Mukunda Prasad Das and Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab attended the Nagpur
    Session. They supported the formation of Provincial Congress Committees
    on linguistic basis. On the basis of such a decision the Utkal Provincial
    Congress Committee was constituted in early 1921 with Pandit Gopabandhu
    Das as its first President. The District Congress Committees were gradually
    formed and Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab took charge of the then Baleshwar
    district.
    Dr. Mahtab, Karunakar Panigrahi, Krushna Prasad Mahapatra and
    Bhairab Chandra Mahapatra reached Baleshwar town in the morning of 6th
    April, 1921 and thereafter plunged into the national movement with a sense
    of devotion and discipline. Soon, a number of school students gave up their
    studies and joined Congress as volunteers; prominent among them were
    Biswanath Hota and Nilambar Das. Other youngmen who joined the
    movement were Nandakishore Das, Banchanidhi Mohanty, Ghanashyam
    Sahu, Upendra Nath Panda, Subodha Chandra Deo, Surendra Nath Das
    and Muhammad Hanif. They resigned from their Government jobs and
    dedicated themselves to the Congress work. Such examples of personal
    sacrifice provided much impetus to the movement. In Baleshwar, a
    dedicated cadre of Congress workers and leaders was formed by those who
    joined the movement in 1921. They made tremendous sacrifice and suffered
    the most in the struggle for freedom.
    At different places in Odisha, some centres were established to
    organise the Congress activities and to train up workers and volunteers for
    the movement. One such prominent centre was Swaraj Mandir at Baleshwar,
    which was under the guidance of Dr. Mahtab. The Congress volunteers were
    taught how to spread among villagers the message of non-co-operation. The
    Congress programmes were on (i) boycott of government schools, colleges
    law courts, etc., (ii) boycott of foreign goods, (iii) propagation of hand-
    spinning and weaving by popularising the use of charkha, (iv) establishment
    of village Panchayats and national schools, (v) prohibition, etc. All such
    programmes were pursued in right earnest by the Congress volunteers in
    different parts of the district.
    54
    In the Baleshwar District Congress Committee, Bipin Behari Das and
    Harekrushna Mahtab acted as the President and Secretary respectively.
    Prominent workers who were allotted different areas of the district includea)
    Jaleshwar: Karunakar Panigrahi, Biswanath Hota and Harendra Ghose, b)
    Basta: Krushna Prasad Mahapatra and Nilambar Das and c) Soro : Nanda
    Kishore Das. Bhairab Chandra Mahapatra remained in charge of the
    Congress office in Baleshwar town where Mahtab also worked hard with the
    help of Surendra Nath Das and Subodh Chandra De to spread the message
    of the Congress.
    As a number of students left schools and colleges, the Congress
    leaders decided to establish some NationaI schools and colleges for
    educating their children. A number of such institutions sprang up in different
    parts of the province. In order to co-ordinate the activities of such National
    schools and to conduct the examinations for students, Utkal Swarajya
    Sikshya Parishad was constituted at Cuttack under the presidentship of
    Gopabandhu Das. Nanda Kishore Das joined as the Secretary of the
    organisation. The Parishad acted as National University which arose in the
    days of non-co-operation movement.
    Pickettings before the foreign liquor shops and cloth shops were
    widely held. It was successful to a large extent in Baleshwar, Bhadrak and
    Jaleshwar area. Heaps of foreign clothes were burnt at several places. The
    establishment of Village Panchayats for arbitration of petty civil and criminal
    cases were to some extent successful. The villagers enthusiastically set up
    such organisations to solve their problems.
    Towards the end of July 1921, the All India Congress Committee met at
    Bombay. Harekrushna Mahtab attended the session as one of the members
    from Odisha. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) resolved to
    emphasize several programmes of the movement like the boycott to the
    Prince of Wales, the programmes for popularisation of charkha, etc. In the
    meantime, the province got ten thousand rupees from Tilak Swarajya Fund
    which was distributed to different district units of the party. Baleshwar got
    Rs.1500 as its share. In December 1921, about 127 delegates from Odisha
    attended the annuaI session of the Congress at Ahamadabad which
    included 53 delegates from Baleshwar district. They returned with much
    enthusiasm to start civil disobedience as the next phase of the movement. A
    large number of volunteers were recruited for this purpose and in every
    district some specific areas were also selected. In this district a village
    known as Sartha under the Basta police-station was chosen by the
    organisers.
    But the tragic incidence at Chauri Chaura in February 1922 made
    Gandhiji to suspend the programme of civil disobedience indefinitely. Within
    55
    a few months top Congress leaders in the country including Gandhiji were
    arrested and put into jails. The Congress leaders of Odisha, Gopabandhu
    Das, H. Mahtab, and others were put behind the bars. The Government
    adopted strong repressive measures to put an end to the movement.
    The emergence of the Swaraj Party in 1923 opened a new vista in
    Indian politics. Its decision to participate in the elections to the various
    legislative bodies in order to obstruct the work of the government from within
    the four walls of the council chambers until the demands of the people were
    met, gave rise to new hopes and aspirations. In spite of the opposition from
    a section of the Congress Party, leaders like Pandit Motilal Nehru, C. R. Das
    and others were convinced about the efficacy of their plans and programmes
    and ultimately succeeded in getting approval of the Congress. In the
    elections to the legislatures in November 1923, the Swaraj Party contested a
    large number of seats. In Bihar and Odisha, they won 12 seats. Radha
    Ranjan Das from north Baleshwar constituency was the only elected
    member of the party from Odisha. In fact, the whole organisation of the
    Congress was in shambles. Pandit Gopabandhu Das was in jail.
    Harekrushna Mahtab, who was released after one year of rigorous
    imprisonment, tried to continue Khadi programmes in Swaraj Mandir at
    Baleshwar. He also brought out Prajatantra as a weekly newspaper from his
    own press at Baleshwar towards the end of 1923. Bansidhar Rath and
    Biswanath Hota, the two devoted Congress members managed it well. In
    1924 H. Mahtab was also elected as the Chairman of the Baleshwar Zilla
    Board and undertook welfare activities throughout the district in right earnest.
    The popularity of Congress was evident when two Congress members, H. K.
    Mahtab and Nanda Kishore Das, were elected from the district in November,
    1926 to the Legislative Council of Bihar and Odisha.
    Members of the Council from Odisha unanimously drew the attention of
    government to recurrent high floods and consequent damage to crops,
    property and lives and demanded immediate measures for protection against
    floods and prompt relief. A devastating flood occurred in the districts of
    Baleshwar and Cuttack during July-August 1927. The gravity of the situation
    was realised by the government and Sir H. L. Stephenson, the Governor of
    Bihar and Odisha, gave a statement in the Council on the 30th August, 1927
    assuring the House that the officers had been provided with all the funds
    needed for relief operations. On the same day, H. Mahtab moved a
    resolution urging the government to appoint a committee consisting of non-
    official and official members ―to start an immediate enquiry into the state of
    things in the flood affected areas of Cuttack and Baleshwar districts to
    ascertain the magnitude of the loss the people have sustained and to
    suggest measures of relief on behalf of the government. J. D. Sifton gave a
    lengthy statement on the flood situation in Odisha with an assurance from
    56
    him that he himself was going to visit the distressed parts immediately after
    the conclusion of the session. By the pressure of public opinion, the
    government appointed an expert committee consisting of three members to
    investigate the flood problem in Odisha. The committee submitted its report
    in ·1928. It was the first authoritative review on the flood problems in Odisha,
    but its recommendations could not be implemented due to administrative
    and financial difficulties.
    Civil Disobedience Movement
    The political scene in India took a dramatic turn with the announcement
    of the appointment of the Indian Statutory Com-mission in November 1927
    consisting of seven members of the British Parliament headed by Sir John
    Simon. The primary purpose of such a commission was to evaluate the
    working of the Government of India Act, 1919 with a view to determining the
    future course of constitutional development. The exclusion of Indians from a
    body, which was to recommend for further constitutional advancement of the
    Indian people, was so unreasonable and unjust that it finally paved the way
    for the next mass movement in the country.
    In the annual session of the Indian National Congress held at Lahore in
    the last week of December 1929 under the presidentship of Jawaharlal
    Nehru, nothing but total independence or purna swaraj was accepted as the
    national demand and the Congress was determined to reach the goal by
    mass civil disobedience movement throughout the country. By the call of the
    Lahore Congress, it was decided to celebrate 26th January as the
    Independence Day throughout India in which the people were required to
    pledge their full support to the declaration of independence. At Baleshwar,
    Harekrushna Mahtab and Nanda Kishore Das took prominent part in
    organizing the function. When Gandhiji decided to launch the countrywide
    movement by breaking the Salt Law at Dandi, a village on the sea coast in
    Gujarat, it was received with much enthusiasm by the Congress leaders in
    Odisha. People took it as their rights to manufacture salt along the long
    coastal belt.
    Baleshwar played a conspicuous role in Salt Satyagraha which began
    on 6th April, 1930 with Dandi March. The Utkal Pradesh Congress
    Committee in its meeting at Baleshwar on 16th March, 1930, decided to start
    the movement at Inchudi, a place in the sea coast, 16 kilometres from
    Baleshwar town. The villagers at Inchudi showed exemplary tenacity and
    courage throughout the movement. On the basis of GovernmentReport, it is
    claimed that the Salt Satyagraha at Inchudi occupied the second place in
    India, the first being Gujarat where Gandhiji himself led the movement.

    57
    The first batch of 21 volunteers, led by Gopabandhu Chowdhury and
    Acharya Harihar Das, began their march to Inchudi from Swaraj Ashram at
    Cuttack, They were determined to break the Salt Law on 13th April and
    accordingly they planned their journey of about 192 km. in 7 days. But on 8th
    April, Gopabandhu Chowdhury was arrested at Chandal and was confined in
    the Cuttack jail for seven days. In his absence the party was led by Acharya
    Harihar Das and they reached Inchudi on 12th April. On the next day, 12
    volunteers including the leader, Acharya Harihar broke the Salt Law and
    began the preparation of salt on the sea coast. The police party was already
    on the spot and they arrested the leader and 6 volunteers. Thus began the
    Civil Disobedience Movement in Odisha. There was unprecedented
    enthusiasm in the Salt Satyagraha launched at Inchudi. Soon a large
    number of volunteers in several batches reached Baleshwar sea coast from
    Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, Sambalpur, Baripada and other parts of Odisha. The
    local people joined with the Congress volunteers in large numbers and in six
    centres on the sea coast contraband salt was prepared. Surendra Nath Das,
    who had organised the villagers near lnchudi, was arrested and sentenced
    to six months imprisonment along with Jivaramji Kalyanji, a prominent
    Gujarati Congress worker on 12th April, a day before the beginning of actual
    struggle. However, the people of the surrounding villages did not co-operate
    at all with the government officials and they even refused to supply drinking
    water to them. The representative of the Odia newspaper, the Samaj, who
    toured the area at that time, reported that Surendra Nath Das was the real
    sardar or Commander of the local people and Inchudi became the Bardoli of
    Odisha. Thereafter, Surendra Nath Das became popular as Sardar
    Surendra.
    On 20th April police saw hundreds of women violating the Salt Law and
    collecting salt in two centres at Inchudi. They were led by Rama Devi and
    Malati Devi, the two prominent women leaders of Odisha. Thus, the women
    of Odisha took part openly in the freedom struggle. In May, 1930 new salt
    manufacturing centres were opened on the long sea coast of Odisha. In the
    then Baleshwar district, besides Inchudi, another prominent centre was
    Sartha. It operated under the leadership of Mathura Mohan Behera,
    Karunakar Panigrahi and Nilambar Das. Soon the entire coast line of the
    district became the centre for manufacture of salt running altogether 21
    centres. They were spread from Sartha in the north to Iram in the south.
    Thus, under the inspiring leadership of the Congress leaders the people of
    Baleshwar achieved a spectacular success in Salt Satyagraha.
    Meanwhile, the two most influential newspapers propagating the
    Congress views and news of the movement, the Prajatantra of Baleshwar
    and the Samaj of Cuttack, were forced to stop their publications in May 1930
    for an indefinite period due to stringent press ordinance. A veritable reign of
    58
    terror was let loose to suppress the mass movement in the district. As a
    protest against the repressive policy of the Government a member of the
    Legislative Council of Bihar and Odisha, Bhagabat Prasad Mahapatra of
    Bhadrak, tendered his resignation in May 1930.
    Besides Salt Satyagraha, other programmes of civil disobedience
    including picketting before excise shops, boycott of foreign cloth, spread of
    Khadi, non-payment of Chaukidari tax. etc., were continued. In some places
    the people also refused to pay the Chaukidari tax. Ancillary to this a serious
    incident took place at Srijang near Inchudi where a police party was
    manhandled by an infuriated mob on 12th July, 1930. It led to severe
    repressive measures on the villagers. The properties of prominent persons
    like Gour Mohan Das and Bidyadhar Rath were looted and the villagers fled
    away to other places in panic. A large number of villagers were arrested and
    a punitive tax amounting to six thousand rupees was imposed on the
    villagers. Towards the end of November 1930 about 1,200 persons were in
    jail. The Government promulgated an ordinance and declared all Congress
    organisations as unlawful. The Editor of Prajatantra was convicted and
    sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment for treason. The office was
    searched and important documents were seized by the police.
    The Salt Satyagraha was resumed in many places of coastal Odisha in
    January 1931. At Baleshwar, the Congress office functioned at a place
    known as Pharasidinga, a French enclave, over which the British authorities
    had no control. Sardar Surendra Nath Das, who had returned from jail
    organized the movement at Inchudi once again and directed it from the
    French enclave. The Congress was forced to resume civil disobedience
    again in 1932. The government promptly engaged its machinery to arrest the
    Congress leaders and volunteers all over the country. However, some of
    them went underground and tried to continue the movement. Sardar
    Surendra Nath Das guided the movement from Pharasidinga till his arrest in
    February, 1933. The British police could not enter the area without
    permission of the French Government. So the top officials of the district
    visited Inchudi and by threat of persecution brought undertakings from the
    villagers that they were not participating in the movement. Nilambar Das
    worked secretly in north Baleshwar for a few months. With strong repressive
    measures the authorities thought of putting down the movement as quickly
    as possible. But the movement lingered on till the early part of 1934.
    On 9th May, 1934, Gandhiji began his famous padayatra from Puri for
    removal of the conception of untouchability from among the people. In the
    second phase of the Padayatra in Odisha which began from Bairi on 21st
    May, 1934 he continued his march till 7th June, 1934 which ended at
    Bhadrak. The living condition of the village people in Odisha moved his heart

    59
    to such an extent that Odisha always remained imprinted in his heart and
    memory.
    Ending his march at Bhadrak due to the coming of rainy season
    th
    Gandhiji left for Bengal on 8 June by train. During his tour, at Baleshwar
    railway station, he was received by a huge crowd for which the train was
    detained for an hour.
    The Harijan movement in Odisha roused the people to a great extent.
    Some of the top Congress leaders inspired by Gandhian ideals, devoted
    themselves whole-heartedly to build some Congress centres in remote rural
    areas for pioneering the cause of harijans, Khadi and village reconstruction
    programmes. In the district there were two prominent centers, viz., (i) Karma
    Mandir at Agarpada in Baleshwar town and (ii) Bhadrak Ashram at Bhadrak
    guided by Harekrushna Mahtab and Jivaramji Kalyanji respectively.
    In the first generaI election to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in early
    1937, all Congress nominees of the district were returned successfully
    except the candidate for special Muslim constituency. When the first
    Congress Ministry was formed in July, 1937, two Congress legislators of the
    district, namely, Mukunda Prasad Das and Nanda Kishore Das, were duly
    elected as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively. The ministry
    continued in office till 4th November 1939, i.e., for about two years and four
    months. Besides the Congress programmes and policies which were given
    effect to by the ministry in Odisha it had to seriously endeavour to tackle a
    number of problem facing the new province, specially the agrarian and
    economic problems. It was one of the poorest provinces in the country and
    its annual budget was hardly two crores of rupees. But within the limited
    resources the Congress ministry tried its best to keep up the promises of the
    party and its ideals.
    To tackle the problem of opium addiction in this district a
    comprehensive scheme was prepared and a Prohibition Officer was
    appointed in September 1938 to look after the detailed arrangements for
    introduction of the scheme. The programme was inaugurated on 12th
    October, 1938 in Baleshwar. All the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and
    Congress leaders attended the function and addressed a huge gathering in
    the municipal office premises in the evening appealing to the people to
    cooperate. A majority of existing opium shops were closed from 15th
    October 1938, except 14 shops on the border areas of the district. The
    Government restricted and regulated the sale of opium and undertook
    various kinds of measures for the success of the scheme.
    The Congress ministry resigned on 4th November 1939 on war issue.
    The party decided to launch individual Satyagraha campaign from October

    60
    1940. In Odisha the movement was inaugurated by H. K.Mahtab, then a
    member of the Congress Working Committee, who delivered anti-war
    speech in a meeting at Remuna and was arrested. All ex-ministers,
    members of the Assembly and leading Congressmen participated in the
    campaign and courted arrest and imprisonment. While on the one hand the
    British authorities succeeded in forming a coalition ministry in Odisha in
    November 1941,the Congress party was forced to launch a new movement
    in the country from August 1942.
    The historic resolution of ‗Quit India‘ was adopted by the All India
    Congress Committee in the night of 8th August, 1942. The British
    Government swiftly moved its machinery to repress the Congress leaders
    and their organizations throughout the country from the early morning of 9th
    August 1942. In Odisha all important Congress leaders were taken into
    custody. The Government declared all Congress bodies, their officers and
    other allied organisations as unlawful and the police took possession of
    those places.
    The August Revolution was a people‘s movement against the British
    authority which took violent turns. In the district the first violent incident took
    place on 17th August 1942 at Bhandaripokhari now under Bhadrak district,
    where a mob of about four thousand people surrounded the police-station.
    There were only one Assistant Sub-Inspector and three Constables in the
    police-station at that time. One Constable was beaten severely and others
    fled away to save their lives. The police-station was burnt completely. The
    people also destroyed a wooden bridge so that the police force from outside
    would not be able to come quickly to the disturbed area. The government
    arrested the leading agitators including Jagannath Das, a Congress Member
    of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the area. A collective fine of Rs. 6,000 was
    imposed on twelve villages for mob violence.
    The police resorted to firing at Katsahi where a violent mob attacked an
    armed police party on 22nd September, 1942. Eight persons died in the
    incident. Subsequently the ring leader of the area, Muralidhar Panda was
    arrested. A week later police opened fire to disperse an unruly mob at
    Khairadihi and then at Tudigadia on 28th September in which two local
    people and a few persons from Nilagiri were killed.
    The most tragic incident took place at Eram a place near the seashore
    in Basudebpur police-station on 28th September 1942. On that fateful day a
    few hundred villagers had assembled in an open place surrounded on three
    sides by thorny bushes, muddy fields and ponds, on hearing the usual sound
    of conch-shells. They had come to listen to their leaders on the possible
    course of action against the police and local supporters of the British Raj. A
    strong police contingent headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police
    61
    arrived there and asked the people to disperse. When the people did not
    comply, police fired several rounds on a thick crowd which killed 29 people
    at the spot and injured more than hundred persons.
    The government was vehemently criticized for such a brutal action and
    ultimately an official enquiry was made by the Inspector-General of Police
    and the Revenue Commissioner of Odisha. The enquiry report revealed the
    lapses of the local police in controlling the situation in the early phase of the
    rising. In fact, the rising which occurred at several places in the district were
    primarily due to confrontation of the police party with the mob. The popular
    upsurge was not properly tackled in its earlier phase and consequently the
    police action caused serious trouble at several places. The Eram Enquiry
    Report reveals that ―It is not clear to what extent the general rise in prices
    and shortage of essential supplies were direct causes of these disturbances
    but we have little doubt that there were important factors in fomenting
    discontent‖. After the Eram firing the agitation calmed down in south
    Baleshwar.
    A severe cyclone lashed in north Baleshwar on 15th and 16th October,
    1942. Thousands of homeless and starved people raided a rice mill at
    Lakshmannath after the cyclone. Police opened firing to disperse the crowd
    in which one person was killed and a few were injured. However, the
    disturbance gradually declined in the district and was almost under control
    by the end of October 1942. Under the Defence of India Rules, a large
    number of Congress workers, 15 members of the Odisha Legislative
    Assembly and its Deputy Speaker, Nanda Kishore Das, were arrested.
    Several institutions of local-self government both in Cuttack and Baleshwar
    districts were superseded by the government. The government also
    promulgated stringent press regulations to control the rationalist newspapers
    and journals published in Odisha.
    The economic condition of the people rapidly deteriorated in the country
    due to high prices and short supplies. It further worsened with the
    introduction of free trade policy by the Central Government within the
    eastern region which comprised Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam and Eastern
    States. The result of this order was that the provincial Government was
    deprived of the power to regulate or control movements of food grains and
    prices. Baleshwar was hard hit due to the cyclone of 1942 and subsequent
    high flood of 1943. Bengal suffered from a terrible famine at that time in
    which lakhs of people perished. Its impact was greatly felt at Baleshwar very
    much. There was no doubt that the government had failed to relieve the
    distress of the people. Of course the free-trade policy was cancelled due to
    its disadvantages. But the Premier of Odisha agreed by force of
    circumstances, to release large stocks of rice to Bengal.
    62
    After the end of the 2nd World War the situation took a dramatic turn by
    the victory of the Labour Party in England which paved the way for India‘s
    independence. In the election to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the
    Congress party had won absolute majority. Dr. H. K. Mahtab who won from
    Bhadrak constituency took the oath of office and secrecy as the Premier of
    Odisha (now the post is Chief Minister of Odisha) in the forenoon of 23rd
    April 1946. With the achievement of independence India entered into a new
    phase of her history.
    Baleshwar after independence
    In the pre-Independence period, Baleshwar played a vital role in
    making Odisha a separate province and preserving Odia language from near
    extinction under the able stewardship of Fakir Mohan Senapati, Utkal
    Gouraba Madhusudan Das, Kabibara Radhanath Ray and Raja
    Baikunthanath Dev.
    An epoc-making incident happened just after the Independence of India
    in the princely state of Nilagiri. Prajamandal movement under the leadership
    of Kailash Chandra Mohanty and Banamali Das against the ruler of the
    princely state of Nilagiri, now a Sub-Division of Baleshwar, brought a great
    change in the history of India. When the Prajamandal agitation was
    intensified with the inspiration and patronage of Congress leaders of thethen
    Baleshwar district like H.K. Mahatab and others, the State Government was
    forced to intervene and took over the administration of the territory of Nilagiri
    th
    on 14 November, 1947. This historical event was eye-opener for
    Government of India to amalgamate other princely states with the Indian
    Union. A brief outline of Nilagiri ex-State si given in Appendix-II at the end of
    this chapter.
    Chandipur-on-sea has attracted the attention of the whole world for its
    two Defence Establishments, namely PXE and Interim Test Range (ITR).
    Land acquisition for this Defence Project witnessed a massive public protest
    resulting in scaling down of the project establishment. Akash, Agnee, Prithivi
    have been developed and have been successfully test-fired. Late A.P.J.
    Abdul Kalam, popularly known as the Missile Man, was the mastermind of
    the ITR project.
    Baleshwar district, which was previously known as no industry district,
    now has a number of medium sized industries like Birla Tyres, Balasore
    Alloys, Emami Paper Mill, Ori Plast, Hari Plast, Eastern Cylinders, Konark
    Synthetic and Chemicals, Oripol, Tara Tarini Rubber, Ice Factory etc.
    Besides these a number of small scale industries have grown up throughout
    the district after independence.

    63
    A lot of development has taken place in the field of transport and
    communications. The narrow Jagannath Sadak has been widened into a
    four lane National Highway after independence. An over bridge has been
    constructed from Fakir Mohan Golei to New Bust Stand at Sahadevkhunta
    which traffic jamms in the city. Two other over bridges are under
    constructions at Tamulia Fatak in Balasore town and another at Soro Bazar.
    Bridges on Subarnarekha and Burha and Kansabansa have helped in
    steady movement of vehicles and traffic. N.H. authorities have provided by-
    passes near small towns like Khantapara, Bahanaga, Jamjhadi, Soro etc. for
    smooth and hasslefree movement of people and vehicles.
    rd
    After the 73 Constitutional amendment, three tier Panchayat Raj
    Bodies, namely, Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zilla Parishad
    functioning very effectively and safeguarding the true democratic interests
    for which they have been created. The vital point of this system is that
    women take an active participation in Panchayat Raj administration.
    In every field of life such as, education, literature, economy, agriculture,
    industry, press etc., Baleshwar district earned name and fame in the state of
    Odisha. The establishment of Boys‘ High Schools, Girls High Schools and
    colleges have widened the spread and enhanced the standard of higher
    education in the district. In the past years the district secured top positions in
    the state in terms of rate of literacy. To add to this, the establishment of Fakir
    Mohan University in the year 1999 has become a source of inspiration of
    meritorious students and scholars to pursue their higher studies and
    research. This University has not only secured a leading position in
    spreading the contribution of Fakir Mohan Senapati but also produced a
    number of Ph.D., D.Litt., D.Sc., awardees. It is envisaged that one of the
    three Chairs for Odia language and literature will be established in this
    University very shortly. The ongoing construction of Medical College, when
    completed will fulfill the aspirations of local people in respect of medical
    education and advanced health care. The Satellite centre of AIIMS, which is
    under construction will definitely provide sophisticated health care to the
    people in the district and its adjacent areas. Writers of Baleshwar district
    have played a significant role in enriching Odia poetry, lyrics, short story,
    novel, drama, children‘s literature, travelogue, satire, essays and literary
    criticisms and research scholars of this district have done a valuable service
    to Odisha and India. They have opened a new horizon of knowledge and
    have established themselves and the district as great thinkers and
    reformers.
    A number of tourist places have been developed in the district which
    attract tourists from inside and outside India. To name a few, they are
    Chandipur, Chandaneswar, Remuna, Panchalingeswar, Bhusandeswar etc.
    64
    Moreover, some places of archaeological importance deserve mention which
    glorify the ancient architecture of the district of Baleshwar. These include
    Ajodhya.
    Print media has registered its presence increasingly in Baleshwar
    district by publishing Odia newspapers. Rastradutta, Kalantara, Azikali,
    Dhwani Pratidhwani, Odisha Khabar are being published from Baleshwar. A
    new change is seen in publication of Odia dailies.Odia newspapers such as
    the Samaj, Sambad, Dharitri, Samay and Prameya are having their regional
    printing and publication units at Baleshwar from which their local editions are
    brought out daily.

    65
    APPENDIX-I
    Early European Settlements in Baleshwar

    The early European settlements in Baleshwar present some features of


    considerable historical interest. A lot of historical reference is available in the
    contemporary Muslim and European records regarding the commercial
    prosperity and transactions in the port and town of Baleshwar. Another port
    which thrived in the coast of Baleshwar district was Pipili on the mouth of
    Subarnarekha where at least five European powers such as the Portuguese,
    the English, the Dutch, the Dane and the French established their early
    settlements. However, the place was abandoned by the early 17th century
    probably due to the formation of sand bars on the mouth of the river and
    other natural difficulties. But Baleshwar grew into prominence as a
    manufacturing and commercial centre and as a sea port from the 1730s. The
    Portuguese, who dominated the Indian trade in the 16th century, were
    thoroughly discredited because of their association with the pirates and
    finally were expelled from the coast of the Bay of Bengal by the Moughals in
    the early decades of the 17th century.
    Ralph Cartwight established the first British factory at Baleshwar in
    June, 1633 in the area now known as Barabati. The Madras Council
    repeatedly resolved to withdraw their factories from the Bengal seaboard,
    but the settlement was saved by the policy of Cromwell who reorganised the
    Company on a broader basis in 1657. Hooghly became the head agency in
    Bengal, and Baleshwar was an out-factory under its control which was
    administered by a chief with three assistants or councilors. As the Hooghly
    river was then unsurveyed and without lights or buoy, it was unsafe for large
    vessels. It was resolved, therefore, to make Baleshwar a port of
    transshipment, whenever cargoes were carried in native boats round to the
    Gangetic delta and then, through the river Hooghly to the town. In 1658, the
    British established their mint at Baleshwar which resulted in increasing the
    price of silver. The value of cowries, the local currency, in relation to rupees
    varied according to the availability or scarcity of the former.
    In 1686, due to the harassment of the Moughal administration in Bengal
    and Odisha the British were ousted from Hooghly and took shelter at Hijili in
    1687. Job Charnock, the head of the British settlement, resolved to take
    some reprisals on the Moughal port and town of Baleshwar. He succeeded
    in his mission and inflicted heavy loss by burning and destroying the place.
    They plundered even the private merchants and the ships on the docks were
    burnt. The expedition was passed over with contempt by the Moughal
    emperor Aurangzeb who was then engrossed in wars in South India. Job
    Charnock again landed on the bank of Hooghly at Sutanati where he began

    66
    to build a factory in 1688 and thus laid the foundation of Kolkata. Baleshwar
    remained unoccupied by the English for some years after this, but when
    Aurangzeb granted a new firman for the re-establishment of their factories in
    Bengal, Baleshwar factory was probably revived and continued thereafter,
    though its prominence in the second half of the 18th century had
    considerably decreased.
    The Dutch had established themselves in 1632 at Pipili and
    subsequently they also constructed their factory at a place now known as
    Ulansahi in Baleshwar, The moat round the Dutch factory is now known as
    Ulannala, Two Dutch tombs of 18 feet and 16 feet high are now within the
    compound of Barabati Girls‘ High school.
    The Danish settlement was close to the Dutch one, having an area of
    seven acres. It is now known as Dinamardinga which is situated near the
    Barabati Girls‘ High School. No monument or other evidence of the Danish
    settlement is now traceable in Baleshwar except the name of the area.
    The French came to Baleshwar after 1667 and established their
    settlement in the outskirts of the town known as ‗Farasdinga‘. The French
    had constructed a thick boundary wall of burnt bricks round their factory
    which is now in ruins. The French settlement, which was reduced to 38 acres
    of land, continued under their possession and was under the administrative
    authority of Chandannagar of Bengal throughout the British rule. However,
    the Dutch settlement of an area of 7 acres was ceded to the British in 1825
    and the land held by the Danes, also 7 acres in area, was ceded to the
    British in 1846. The graveyards and the names of certain localities are now
    the only remnants of the early European settlements in Baleshwar.

    67
    Appendix-II
    History of Nllagiri Ex-State

    The ex-state of Nilagiri, with an area of 278 square miles was the only
    Garhjat state which merged in the district of Baleshwar after independence
    before the merger of other ex-states with Odisha. It is one of the three Sub-
    Divisions of the district with the head-quarters at Nilagiri about 22 km. from
    Baleshwar town.
    The origin of the ex-state of Nilagiri like most other Garhjat states is
    shrouded in obscurity. However, it is certain that they were well established
    as political entities by the late mediaeval period. The antiquities of Ajodhya,
    10 km. from Nilagiri town dates back to a much earlier period. It thrived as an
    important centre of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. The ruins of temples
    and icons of different cults are still found in the site, which conclusively prove
    that the area was once a prominent centre of human activities.
    The first important ruler mentioned in the traditional history of Nilagiri
    was Narayan Basanta Birata Bhujanga Baliar Singhdeo, a contemporary of
    Prataparudradeva of Gajapati dynasty. It is also believed that he married in
    the Gajapati family of Odisha. This matrimonial alliance helped him to
    stabilize his position and the jurisdiction of Nilagiri. However, we get a
    systematic account of the royal family from the time of occupation of Odisha
    by the East India Company in 1803. The rulers of Nilagiri like the rulers of
    most of the Garhjat states signed a treaty with the authorities of the
    Company and agreed to pay an annual tribute to acknowledge its
    paramountcy.

    The line of succession during the British rule is as follows:


    Rama Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan
    (1800 A. D.-1810 A. D.)
    I
    Govinda Chandra
    (1811-1848)
    I
    Krushna Chandra
    (1849-1893)
    I
    Syam Sundar
    (1898-1913)
    I
    Kishore Chandra
    (1925-1947)

    68
    The Garhjat rulers were subordinate allies under the paramount
    authority of the British. The Garhjats of Odisha were known as Tributary
    Mahals for a long time. By the Regulation 12 of 1805, these Tributary Mahals
    of Odisha including Nilagiri, were exempted from the operation of the British
    laws and regulations. In 1814, Lord Hastings established the office of the
    Superintendent of Tributary Mahals for proper supervision and management.
    In 1862, adoption Sanads were granted to the chiefs and in 1874 the
    hereditary title of Raja was conferred on all of them. In 1882, the Kolkata
    High Court declared in a judgment that the Tributary Mahals of Odisha did
    not form a part of British India. In 1894, they were recognised as the
    feudatory chiefs and new Sanads were granted defining their status, powers
    and position. In the last decade of the 19th century, the British attitude was
    clearly revealed in the Sanads. To ensure good administration, the chiefs
    were directed ―you shall recognise and maintain the rights of all your people
    and you shall on no account oppress them or suffer them to be in any way
    oppressed‖. They were also strictly enjoined: ―you shall consult the
    Superintendent of the Tributary Mahals in all important matters of
    administration and comply with his wishes. The settlement and collection of
    the land revenue, the imposition of taxes, the administration of justice,
    arrangements connected with excise, salt and opium, the concession of
    mining, forest, and other rights, disputes arising out of any such concession,
    and disputes in which other States are concerned shall be regarded as
    specially important matters and in respect to them you shall at all times
    conform to such advice as the Superintendent of the Tributary Mahals may
    give you‖. Such a clause in the Sanads clearly reveals the nature of British
    administration and the status enjoyed by the chiefs of Odisha even after the
    decision of the High Court that those territories did not form a part of British
    India. In the first decade of the 20th century, the garhjats were recognised as
    the Feudatory States of Odisha and a Political Agent was appointed in 1906
    to assist the chiefs.
    The paramountcy of the British crown over the Indian States began to
    be asserted with greater certainty after the Revolt of 1857. The Company‘s
    policy of annexation was reversed, but the paramount power exercised its
    function beyond the terms of the treaties in accordance with changing
    political, social and economic conditions. Sir William Lee-Warner called such
    a policy as the policy of subordinate union. In case of the Tributary Mahals of
    Odisha, ―the tie is more or less of a constitutional character. Such powers as
    the chiefs exercise they owe to British policy, although the country has been
    declared to lie beyond British India‖. The British authorities interfered in the
    internal administration of the feudatory chiefs on severaI grounds. Generally
    the interference took place in cases of disputes between two rajas,
    disturbances between the raja and his feudatories, disputed succession and

    69
    misrule or oppressive administration over the people. The British authorities
    also took-over the administration of a feudatory state if its chief was a minor
    and the administration was handed over only after the chief became major.
    The feudatory chiefs were free to run their internal administration as
    they liked. The people of both regions possessed the cultural and linguistic
    unity; the political diversity was superimposed only in British time. The British
    laws and regulations could not be introduced in those states, but the
    authorities did not give up their responsibility to maintain proper
    administrative and judicial system in those territories for the benefit of the
    people. They maintained law and order at all costs, made searching
    enquiries to find out the grievances of the people and appointed dewans,
    managers and such other officials to run the administration or to advice the
    rulers to do so properly.
    In case of Nilagiri, the dispute regarding succession occurred in 1883-
    84 when the Raja Krushna Chandra adopted a son from the Mayurbhanj Raj
    family who later on became the ruler of the ex-state in 1898. Raja Syam
    Sundar Mardaraj was kept in Cuttack for about one and a half years from
    October 1905 to April 1907 in a criminal case judgment. He died at a
    premature age in 1913 when his son, Kishore Chandra was only nine years
    old and consequently the ex-state passed under the Court of Wards for
    twelve years. During this period, the British authorities undertook a detailed
    survey and settlement of Nilagiri ex-state. The settlement operations began
    in 1917 and were completed in five years in 1922 during which 312 villages
    in all were surveyed and the rent of Rs.83,994/-was fixed on the people. Its
    population, according to 1921 Census, was 65,222 and the tribute paid to
    the British Government was Rs. 65,222/-.
    Raja Kishore Chandra Mardaraj got the throne in July 1925 and
    continued to rule the state till 1948. He was a very unpopular ruler and the
    people‘s agitation against him began as early as 1928, ten years before the
    Praja Mandal Movement started in Odisha against the oppressive rulers of
    the Garhjat states. In 1928, the Raja had agreed to give some relief to the
    distressed people by reducing the taxes and also by assuring them not to
    engage in free labour. For about ten years peace was maintained between
    the ruler and the people.
    In 1938, when the first Congress Ministry took charge of the
    administration of the province, the Praja Mandals or People‘s Associations
    were formed in most of the feudatory states. They were organized to secure
    legitimate rights and privileges for the people. The rulers were neither
    prepared to recognise those associations nor to redress the wrongs or grant
    their just demands. Consequently, the problem took a serious turn and
    widespread unrest prevailed in several ex-states. The first open revolt took
    70
    place in Nilagiri. The people were united under the leadership of Kailash
    Chandra Mohanty, Banamali Das, Hadibandhu Raj, Balaram Raj,
    Pranabandhu Agarthi, Brundaban Sarangi, etc. As soon as Praja Mandal
    began to agitate for fulfillment of their demands, the ruler resorted to strong
    repressive measures. Not only the agitators were arrested, but also heavy
    fines were imposed and many of them were physically tortured. The situation
    gradually worsened and several thousands of people prepared for mass civil
    disobedience movement. At this critical juncture, Harekrushna Mahtab, the
    then prominent Congress leader of Odisha and the Chairman of the State
    People‘s Enquiry Committee began negotiations with the ruler of the state
    and the Political Agent for some settlement of the problem. Finally, the ruler
    agreed to concede certain demands of the people and peace was restored
    for a certain period.
    Though there was temporary settlement with the ruler, the root cause of
    the grievances was not removed and the ruler took the opportunity of the
    Second World War to adopt strong measures against the revolting people of
    his state. Consequently, the trouble started once again after the War ended
    in 1945. The Praja Mandal held its open sessions under the leadership of
    Kailash Chandra Mohanty and declared to capture power from the ruler in
    order to establish a responsible government. The ruler did not hesitate to
    resort to all kinds of repressive measures, such as, lathi charge, arrest and
    detention without triaI, etc. In Nilagiri, soon after the independence of India,
    the Praja Mandal formed a parallel Government and decided to occupy
    government offices and property. In a desperate effort to maintain his
    position, it was alleged; the ruler recruited some Muslims in his military force
    and finally instigated some tribals to plunder the villages. Thus, by October
    1947, there was complete anarchy in the state.
    The Government of Odisha, headed by H. K.Mahtab, submitted regular
    reports about the affairs of Nilagiri to the Government of India and pressed
    that some strong action should be taken. The States Ministry finally decided
    to take charge of the administration of the state. V. P. Menon writes:
    ―The greatest concern to the Government of India was the possibility
    that outbreaks among the aborigins might spread to those neighbouring
    areas in which they formed a considerable proportion of the population........
    It appeared that the time had come to take firm and immediate action if
    chaos was to be prevented. When, therefore, the Government of Odisha
    reported that the situation in Nilagiri was tense and that the trouble was
    spreading, the Government of India authorised to send the Collector of the
    nearest district (which was Baleshwar) to Nilagiri to take over the
    administration of the State.

    71
    The task was accomplished on 14th November, 1947 without any
    trouble. A proclamation was issued by the Government of Odisha assuring
    the people of the state a strong, impartial and just administration. Naba
    Krushna Chowdhury, then Revenue Minister of Odisha, who directed the
    operation against Nilagiri on behalf of the Odisha Government gave a stern
    warning to the Eastern States while addressing a large public meeting at
    Cuttack on 18th November, 1947. He said :
    ―They should see the writing on the wall. The only course open before
    us is that of retaining our freedom and developing strength to establish real
    sovereignty of the people. The principle applied to Nilagiri may have to be
    pursued in case of all other States, if they went the same way.‖
    In fact, the writing on the wall was clear. The states no longer enjoyed
    British patronage and they had no independent resources to maintain their
    position. Exactly one month after the takeover of the administration of
    Nilagiri, in the crucial meeting of the feudatory chiefs of Odisha held by
    Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the fate of aII the feudatory states of Odisha
    including Nilagiri was finally decided and this state merged with Odisha on
    the 1 st January 1948.

    72
    CHAPTER-III

    PEOPLE
    Population
    Baleshwar is the smallest district of the state in area, but as regards
    population it ranks fourth among the 30 districts of the state. As per 2011
    Census, the district was divided into 2 Sub-Divisions, 12 Tahasils and 25
    police-stations.
    Population and Growth of Population over years
    The table below shows the decennial growth of population of the district
    from 2001 to 2011.
    Census Males Females Total Decadal Percentage
    Year variation of decadal
    variations
    2001 10,36,511 9,87,997 20,24,508 Base year after district
    reorganization
    2011 11,85,787 11,34,742 23,20,529 +2,96,021 14.62

    The district was reorganized in 1993 and hence the census 2001 is the
    base year Census for the new district. As per 2001 census the total
    population of the district was 20, 24, 508 and the decadal variation as
    compared with the census 2011 is 14.62 per cent.
    Density
    The density of population varies from decade to decade. It can be seen
    from the table given below.
    Census Year Density of population per sq. km
    Baleshwar District Odisha State
    2001 532 236
    2011 610 270

    The density of population of Baleshwar district continued to be high and


    higher than the state average in the Census years of 2001 and 2011. The
    high density is attributed to fertile land, good agriculture and relatively good
    infrastructural set up.
    The Census of 2011 recorded the highest density of population in
    Baleshwar Sub-Division and the lowest in Nilagiri Sub-Division which is one
    of the most underdeveloped areas of the district.

    73
    Rural Population
    The total number of villages in the district is 2952 of which 2587 are
    inhabited as per 2011 Census. The total rural population of the district is
    20,67,236 (10,56,466 males and 10,10,770 females) giving an average of
    701 persons per inhabited village against 817 for the state as a whole. The
    proportion of rural population to the total population of the district is 89.09
    percent.
    Urban Population
    The Urban population of the district is 2,53,293 (1,29,321 males and
    1,23,972 females) according to 2011 Census which makes 10.91 per cent of
    the total population of the district.
    It appears from the Census records that Baleshwar was a town in the
    district from 1901 to 1951. Jaleshwar and Soro acquired urban status in
    1961. In 1971, Soro lost its urban status owing to change in the definition of
    urban areas and regained the status in 1981. Afterwards Nilagiri was
    constituted as ULB and very recently Remuna ULB was constituted.
    According to population, Baleshwar is classified under Class-I town while
    Soro is placed under Class-III town. Jaleshwar and Nilagiri are considered
    as Class-IV towns.
    Resettlement of Migrant population
    During the partition of the country, large number of persons from West
    Pakistan (present Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) were
    displaced. They were settled in different parts of the country. The total
    number of such migrants to the state of Odisha from 1946 to 1951 was
    20,039. Of the displaced persons 2,429 persons have settled in Baleshwar,
    Bhadrak and Nilagiri Sub-Divisions of the Baleshwar district. Among the
    Sub-Divisions Baleshwar had provided settlement to 2,216 persons. Barring
    97 from West Pakistan, the rest came from East Pakistan. In rural areas,
    such persons numbered 2,163 (1,108 males and 1,055 females). Various
    facilities were provided to rehabilitate them and loans were also given to
    enable them to become self-sufficient.
    Government of India had decided to establish an Interim Test Range for
    testing rockets, missiles and satellites in Baliapal. Due to large scale
    resistance from the local people, the proposed area of acquisition was
    substantially reduced. However, the Test Range was set up in a truncated
    form with a substantially lower extent of acquisition of land and this resulted
    in lowering the number of affected persons.

    74
    Sex ratio
    According to the 2011 Census the male-female ratio in the district was
    957 females per 1,000 males. For the state taken as a whole the ratio were
    979 females per 1,000 males.
    Physically handicapped persons
    There are 70736 physically handicapped persons in the district,
    separated by categories as recorded in 2011 Census. They are a) Physically
    handicapped – 14,640, b) Deaf or Dumb – 18,477, c) Visual Impaired –
    13,880 and d) Mentally retarded and cerebral palsy - 23,739.
    Migration
    As per Census figure of 2001 the migrants to this district constituted
    6·09 per cent of the total population of whom 2·66 per cent were born
    outside the state. The migrants from outside the state hailed from Andhra
    Pradesh (1820), Assam (35), Bihar (1540). Gujarat (285), Haryana (215),
    Himachal Pradesh (85), Jammu and Kashmir (10), Kerala (65), Madhya
    Pradesh (120), Maharashtra (145), Mysore (Karnataka] (30), Punjab (110),
    Rajasthan (1005), Tamil Nadu (335), Tripura (20), Uttar Pradesh (635), West
    Bengal (40.405), and Delhi (20). As this district is on the border of West
    Bengal, the largest number of immigrants have come from that state. The
    immigrants from countries like Burma (Myanmar), Nepal, Pakistan and
    elsewhere to this district numbered 1825. Of these 985 persons were from
    Pakistan and persons born in Europe and Africa are not significant.
    Language
    The Baleshwar district presents a colourful confluence of tribal and non-
    tribal languages. SantaIi, Bhumij and Mundari tribal languages are mainly
    found in high proportion in Baleshwar and Nilagiri Sub-Divisions. The
    concentration of non-tribal languages, viz., Odia, Urdu, Bengali, Hindi and
    Telugu are more in Baleshwar Sub-Division than in Nilagiri.
    Odia is the language of literature, business and correspondence. The
    tribal people also sometimes speak Odia, Hindi and Bengali in stray
    admixtures. However, Odia is the main subsidiary language adopted by non-
    Odia speakers.
    Baleshwari Dialect
    So far Odia has three major dialects – Sambalpuri (or Koshali),
    Berhampuri and Baleshwari. The special features of Baleshwari dialect are
    its creativity in creating new words and its economy, through omission and
    abbreviation in clipping the standard Odia words and phrases.

    75
    Scripts
    People use Odia scripts in their day-to-day life. In olden days some
    letters of the Odia alphabet were written in a different script known as Karani
    to facilitate writing on the palm-leaf with the help of a metal stylus. Most of
    the old Odia records and palm-leaf manuscripts made use of the Karani
    script.
    The native tribal and non-tribal communities invariably use Odia script.
    Only the Santal tribal community uses its script called Olchiki along with
    Odia.
    Religion
    The Hindus make the majority by religion in the district followed by the
    Muslims and the Christians. The strength of other followers is negligible in
    the district.
    Hinduism
    As per Census 2011, 94.71 per cent of the people including some
    tribals in the district are Hindus. The Hindus are polytheists. They worship
    their gods and goddesses with flowers and sandal paste singing Bhajans or
    hymns, ringing bells and holding lighted lamps in the temples of Shiva,
    Narayan, Devi, etc. The worshippers receive holy water, leaves of Tulasi
    plant or Bel and Prasad.
    The Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Banyan (Ficus benqetensis),Bel(Aegle
    marmelos), Mango (Mangifera indica), Anla (PhylIanthus emblica), Duba
    (Cynodon dectylon), Asoka (Saraca asoka), Barkuli (Ziziphus jujuba), Bakul (
    Mimuspos elengi) and Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) are held sacred by the
    Hindus. In almost every Hindu household there is a chaura or a sacred place
    where Tulasi plant is planted and worshipped. Every evening lighted wicks
    are offered by the housewife before the chaura.
    Saivism
    The name of district Baleshwar is said to be derived from the name of
    Lord Baneswar and this is an indication of Saivism in the district. The Saivas
    worship lord Shiva who is usually represented by the phallic symbol, the
    Linga and the Yoni enshrined in the temple. There are many Shiva temples
    in the district of which the ones Baleshwar (Lord Baneswar), Chandaneswar
    (Lord Chandaneswar) and Ajodhya are well known temples and pilgrimage.
    Sivaratri is the principal festival of Lord Shiva. The orthodox devotees mark
    three horizontal lines of sandal wood paste on their forehead as religious
    mark and wear Rudrakshya mala round their neck to identify their sect.

    76
    Saktism
    Sakti is worshipped in several forms of which Ankudasuni at Guagadia,
    Brahmani at Avana, Tara at Ajodhya, Baseli Thakurani at Badagan near
    Soro, Sarbamangala Devi at Kasiari near Jaleshwar and Durga at Remuna
    are important. Sakti is also worshipped in the villages in the form of folk
    goddesses. The blessings of the deities are invoked in wedding and other
    ceremonial occasions and at the time of sickness. To appease the deity,
    sacrifice of goats and fowls are made at Sakti shrines of the district
    especially on the Mahastami day of the Durga Puja.
    Vaishnavism
    Vaishnavism, spread during the Ganga period has its prevalence in the
    district. The followers worship Vishnu in the form of Jagannath. The
    existence of the temples and Mathas have exerted much influence on the
    popular faith. A number of Vaishnava saints and prophets, following their
    chief prophet Sri Chaitanya, visited Odisha to propagate their cult and
    founded mathas. Chaitanya made Vaishnavism the religion of the masses.
    Shri Chaitananya was a great reformer and his cult represents a
    revulsion against the gross and debasing religion of the Tantras. He
    accepted followers from all sections of the society irrespective of caste and
    creed and vehemently opposed the practice of animal sacrifice. A peculiarity
    of Chaitanya‘s cult is that the post of the spiritual guide or gossain is not
    confined to the Brahmins only. Many places like Jaleshwar, Remuna,
    Amarda, Sundarkuli etc. have been associated with the memory of Sri
    Chaitanya. A list of important Maths and temples dedicated to Shri
    Chaitanya in the district are:
    Name of Mathas/Temples Place
    1. Chiatanya-Nityananda Mangalpur. P. O. Sora
    2. Chaitanya Nuagan, P. O. Bankipara
    3. Chiatanya-Nityananda Damodarpur near Baleshwar

    Mahima Dharma
    The founder of Mahima Dharma or Alekha Dharma is Mahima Gossain.
    His disciples believe that he is an incarnation of Param Brahma. The main
    centre of this religion is at Joranda in Dhenkanal district. A large number of
    followers are found at Baleshwar, Khaira, Soro, Jaleshwar, Baliapal and
    Langaleswar. Alekha Tungis and Ashramas are also found in these places.
    Christianity
    According to 2011 Census, 0.28 percent of the total population of the
    district have embraced Christianity. This proportion is relatively low in

    77
    comparison to other districts. According to Census report, the Christian
    population of the district has increased by 60.43 per cent during the decade
    2001-2011.
    Mainly two denominations, viz., the American Baptist Foreign Mission
    Society and the Roman Catholic Mission are found in the district. The former
    Mission started work in Baleshwar in 1836. It has also stations at Chardia,
    Nilagiri, Kundupur, Hatigarh, Jaleshwar, Kusudia, Betnasia, Ujurda,
    Bansbonia, Rangiam and Mitrapur. The work of the mission is now
    supervised by the Christian Service Society whose head office is at Sepoy
    Bazar, Midnapur, West Bengal. Church programmes of the mission are
    carried on through preaching to non-Christians and programmes of moral
    development through meetings and conferences.
    The mission runs a number of educational institutions in the district. Of
    these, the name of Baleshwar Technical School; Christian High School,
    Baleshwar; Mission Girls‘ High School, Baleshwar; Mission Upper Primary
    School, Baleshwar; Deaf and Dumb School, Baleshwar; Hatigarh High
    School and Hatigarh M. E. School may be specially mentioned.
    Medical programmes of the mission are carried on through Nekursini
    Christian Hospital, Midnapur. The hospital conducts clinics for leprosy
    patients at Hatigarh in Baleshwar district. Mobile clinics of the said hospital
    also go to different places of the district to treat patients.
    The mission is also engaging itself in Rural Development Programmes
    especially in promoting scientific method of cultivation of rice, wheat and
    pisciculture; supply of seeds, seedlings and fertilizer; creating drinking water
    facilities etc.
    The Roman Catholic Mission is functioning at Baleshwar, Mitrapur,
    Basta, Jaleshwar and Hatigarh. Besides preaching, the mission runs an
    orphanage.
    Islam
    In Baleshwar district the followers of this faith constitute 4.06 per cent of
    the total population. In the district, Muslims are found mostly in the
    Baleshwar Sub-Division. They have constructed mosques in a number of
    places to offer prayer. The majority of the Muslims belong to Suni sect.
    There are also Ahemadia Muslims in the district.
    The Jama Masjid at Sunhat in Baleshwar town constructed during the
    reign of Aurangzeb is the oldest mosque in the district. There is an important
    Muslim shrine in the district i.e.Shah Swaleh Mohammed popularly Known
    as Bhujakhia Pir in Baleshwar town. Both Hindus and Muslims offer ‗Sirini‘ in
    the shrine with devotion.
    78
    Sikhism
    There are 237 Sikhs in the district according to the Census of 2011 who
    constitute 0.01 percent of the total population of the district. The Sikhs
    believe in one God and have a classless and casteless society. They follow
    the teachings of the ten Gurus and the saints enshrined in the Holy Book of
    the Sikhs, the ‗Granth Sahib‘. The followers of this religion have constructed
    one Gurudwara within the limits of Proof and Experimental centre at
    Chandipur. This is run by the Defence Services staff and they celebrate all
    the important festivals of the Sikh religion. There is another Gurudwara
    which has come up in 1970 on the National Highway No, 5 at the crossing of
    the road to Remuna, which is named as Gurudwara Sahib. It is managed by
    the local Sikhs. There is a priest who looks after the rituals. They also run a
    Charitable Homoeopathic Dispensary in the Gurudwara.
    Buddhism
    Buddhist monuments are found at Avana, Ajodhya, Kharipada, Kupari
    and Sohanpur in the district. However, in 2011Census only 111 persons are
    found to have this religion.
    Jainism
    There were 201 Jains in the district as per 2011 Census. They are
    mainly immigrants from outside the state. Bhimpur and Manikchak are
    important centres of Jainism in the district.
    Castes
    Caste plays an important role in the socio-economic life of the people of
    the district. A brief account of demographic and socio-cultural characteristics
    of some of the populous castes inhabiting the district is given below.
    Aswini Tanti
    They belong to the weaving caste and were skilled weavers in the past.
    In course of time due to competition with mill made clothes they could not
    prosper in their economic pursuit. Nowadays some of them are following
    other avocations to improve their living standard.
    Badhei
    The Badheis belong to the Biswakarma community which also includes
    Kamars and Pathurias. The Badheis, Kamaras and Pathurias work on wood,
    iron and stone respectively. They worship Biswakarma. Marital relationship
    within the three groups, viz., Badhel, Kamar and Pathuria are allowed.
    Bania
    The Banlas are makers of gold and silver ornaments. They also
    prepare anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines. Two types of Banias are
    identified in the district. They are Putuli Bania and Sunari Bania. The
    strength of the latter is more than the former.

    79
    Bhandari
    The Bhandaris are known as Barika or Napitas, who are barbers by
    profession. The services of male and female barbers are indispensable on
    the occasions of life cycle rituals. They get remuneration both in cash and
    kind. They are generally divided into three classes, viz., Kanamuthia,
    Chamamuthia and Lamahata. The Kanamuthia barber carries his hair-cutting
    and shaving implements in a bag of cloth whereas the Chamamuthia carries
    them in a leather bag. And the Larnahata barber carries the lighted torches
    (Masals) on ceremonial occasions. Some of them have abandoned
    traditional pattern and maintain hair-cutting saloons in different localities.
    Brahman
    The Brahmans, though not very numerous, are a very important caste
    in the district due to their high social status. They are divided into several
    sub-castes of which Sasani, Sarua or Paniari, Panda, Pujari or Deulia,
    Marhia and Mastani Brahmans are important. The Sasani Brahmans act as
    priests, spiritual guides and teachers. The Sarua or Paniari Brahmans grow
    and sell vegetables. The Panda, Pujak or Deulia Brahmans are professional
    temple worshippers. They also work as cooks. The Marhias are priests of
    lower castes. The Mastans indulge in non- Brahmanical occupations. They
    are also called Balaram Gotri Brahmans.
    All Brahmans observe ten Samskaras (rites) at different stages of life.
    These rites are believed to purify a person. Generally during Upanayan most
    of the rites are performed. Recitation of Vedas, worship of Brahma in
    Trisandhya, performance of Yangya, etc., are part of their routine work. The
    Sasani Brahmans do not establish marital relationship with the Sarua,
    Panda, Pujari, Marhia and Mastani Brahmans.
    Gauda
    The Gaudas, known as milk men, are found more or less in all the
    Tahasils of the district. The spread of education has changed the fashion
    and occupation of the people. Differences between sub-castes have also
    shrunken. The Gaudas worship Lord Shri Krishna. They pay reverence to
    the cow. Dola Purnima on full moon day in the month of Phalguna (February-
    March) is their main festival.
    Gudia
    Gudias by their traditional occupation prepare sweets. But most of them
    have given up their caste profession and have adopted other avocations.
    Generally food cooked by them is accepted by all. Lord Ganesh is their
    tutelary deity. The main festival of the caste is Ganesh Chaturthi.

    80
    Kachara
    The traditional occupation of the Kachara caste is to sell glass bangles
    (Kacha). They also deal with brass and bell- metal utensils prepared by the
    Kansari/Thatari castes. They are generally found in Paramanandapur,
    Bidyadharpur, Kupari, Sora, Basta and Baleshwar.
    The caste enjoys the ministration of Brahmins on socio-religious
    functions. They worship the brass scale on the Dasahara day. The
    community has membership under a Matha named ―Kalinga Kachara Matha‖
    at Balagandi Sahi in Puri established by them in1901.
    Karan
    The Karans are the writer caste of the district, but there are many
    among them who were zamindars, tenure holders or landlords. They are
    influential people in the district. They are divided into four sects viz, the
    Krishnatreya, Sankhyayana, Bharadwaj and Naga. Marriage within the caste
    is regulated according to the customs in vogue among the higher castes.
    Kansari
    The Kansaris derived their name from Kansa (bell-metal). They are
    found in Baleshwar, Simulia, Khaira, Soro, Remuna, Basta, Raibania, Nilagiri
    and Berhampur police station limits of the district. However, their
    concentration is more in Remuna than in other police-stations. Brass and
    bell-metal industry is the main-stay of the people. Brahmin priests perform in
    their socio-religious functions. They worship brass scale and its weights on
    the Dasahara day.
    Khandayat
    The Khandayats are by far the largest caste in the district. Their name
    is derived from the Odia word Khanda, a sword. The other view is that
    Odisha was formerly divided into Khandas or groups of villages
    corresponding to the Pargana of Muslim period. Each Khanda was governed
    by a headman called Khandapeti, which is believed to be subsequently
    corrupted to Khandayat. It is admitted that the Khandayats belong to the
    warrior class and are the descendants of the people who formed the landed
    militia under the ancient Rajas of Odisha. As members of the militia, the
    Khandayats had to serve as soldiers in times of war, and in return they were
    given lands under strictly military tenure. Their characteristic occupation
    have changed due to change of time. They have now adopted other
    avocations.
    Dasahara has a special significance to this warrior caste. They worship
    their old weapons of war and exhibit physical feats on this occasion. Their
    heroic forbears used to start on fresh military expeditions during this season
    of the year.
    81
    Khitibansa or Matibansa
    The people of this community are found mainly in the villages under
    Soro and Jaleshwar police-stations of the district. The community is divided
    into three sections mostly on the basis of the occupations they follow. The
    Khitibansa or Matibansa Abadhans used to teach children in Chatasalis or
    village schools. A section of the community carries Mangala, the goddess of
    smallpox from door to door and thereby earn their living. Another section
    took to weaving. There was no marital relationship between the different
    sections, but these restrictions are not followed strictly in the present society.
    They worship Adishakti. Their caste symbol is Khadi, a piece of soapstone.
    Kshatriya
    In caste hierarchy the Kshatriyas stand second to the Brahmins. Their
    strength is few in the district. They are found chiefly in Nilagiri Sub-Division.
    They belong to the warrior caste and observe upanayan. The ex-rulers of
    Nilagiri claim to be Suryavamsi Kshatriyas like the ex-rulers of Mayurbhanj.
    They use Bhanja as surname to their family title.
    Kumbhar
    The term Kumbhars or Kumbhakars is derived from Sanskrit meaning
    potters. They make and sell various types of earthenware such as, pot, toy,
    plates, and materials used in various rituals. They earn by selIing these
    materials in the local market. Their service in this respect is indispensable.
    They observe Kurala Panchami and Odhana Sasthi on the 5th and 6th day
    respectively of the bright fortnight of the month of pausa (December-
    January). On this ceremonial occasion they also worship their implements.
    Mali
    The Mali means gardener. Selling of flowers and garlands is their
    principal occupation. Dueto meager income from their customary calling
    most of them have adopted other professions to earn their livelihood.
    Natha Yogi
    The Natha Yogis live on begging from door to door with a gourd vessel.
    Conventionally they sing songs relating to the religious preacher Govinda
    Chandra, Data Karna and others by playing on a string instrument called
    Kendera. Their usual surname is Natha.
    Nolia
    The Nolias are fishermen. They mainly reside near the sea-coast.
    There are two sub-castes - Jaliya and Khalasi. The former are fishermen and
    the latter work in sea-going vessels. The Nolias are followers of Ramanuja.
    They worship Baruna, the Hindu Neptune. Flowers and sweets are offered to
    82
    Baruna before launching a boat. They are expert swimmers. They usually
    attend the surf-bathers on the sea-coast.
    Patara
    The Pataras are dealers in silk and cotton yarn. They string necklaces
    and sale Pata, Kastha, Pataphuli, Dhadia and Kardhuni. They are divided
    into four sub-castes viz., Phulia, Tasaria, Dandia and Jagati. They are
    Vaishnavas and specially venerate Lord Balabhadra. They worship the deity
    on the full-moon day in the month of Shraban (July-August) called ‗Gamha
    Purnima‘. On this occassion they also worship their implements such as
    Chhuri, Ankura, Pata, etc.
    Teli
    The Telis deal in oil and are known as oil-men. They are also known as
    Kuberaputras or sons of Kubera, the God of Wealth. Among them three sub-
    castes are noticed. They are Haladia, Khari and Baldia or Thoria. The first
    two press oil by indigenous method and trade in it. The Baldia or Thoria Telis
    trade in turmeric which is carried from place to place with the aid of bullocks.
    But nowadays many have switched over to other professions and disparity
    among them has almost gone.
    Raju
    The Raju caste of Baleshwar district has distinctive characteristics of its
    own. This economically prosperous and socially advanced community lives
    in preponderant number in the northern portion of the district. The Rajus are
    also seen in good numbers in the districts of Midnapur and 24 Pargana of
    West Bengal and Singhbhum district as well as in the border regions of the
    present day Andhra Pradesh.
    The existence of this caste in the frontier regions of Odisha and not in
    its centraI areas have led some authorities to believe that these people were
    not the original inhabitants of Odisha, but that they came from outside and
    settled permanently. This migration, of course, might have taken place
    several centuries ago, and the new- comers became Odias in due course of
    time.
    It is said that in earlier days the people of this caste carried a common
    surname ‗Raju ‗, But later on, they adopted such surnames as Mahapatra,
    Kar, Chauhan, Chaudhury, Senapati, Sahani, Dandapat, Pradhan, Biswal,
    Giri, Brahma, Varma, Dutta, Chanda, Bhanja, Pal, Samal, Singha, Nandi,
    Nayak, Patra, Das, Kundu etc.
    While in some Raju families the wearing of the ‗Sacred Thread‘ still
    prevails as social system, in others the worship of swords and arms
    continues as a custom.
    83
    The Rajus have adopted agriculture, trade and business as their main
    occupational profession. In recent times, they are seen to be settling in other
    areas of Odisha, outside Baleshwar. They have extensive marital
    relationship with the Kshatriyas and the Khandayats of Odisha.
    Sualgiri
    Also called Sabakhia and Shabar, the Sualgiris are found only in this
    district of Odisha. They inhabit few villages in the Block areas of Jaleshwar,
    Bhograi and Basta. In the past, they were nomads and hunting was their
    main occupation. Gradually, they have come to settle in villages permanently
    and have adopted several other occupations like cultivation, fishing, wage
    earning etc. Earlier accounts provide that they speak a peculiar language
    and eat the flesh of jackals. They worship ‗Badam‘ as the Supreme Lord and
    at the same time believe in the Hindu Pantheon. They perform their religious
    rites with the help of their own community priests. They also speak Odia.
    Their population is very limited. Education has not spread much among
    them.
    Tambuli
    Traditionally the Tambulis are betel-leaf sellers. It is believed that they
    have come from outside and became permanent inhabitants of the district
    since the Marahata period. They are residing in Barabati, Damodarpur and
    Motiganj area of this district
    Scheduled Castes
    The Scheduled Castes constitute about 17.10 per cent of the total
    population of the district as per Census 2011. Of the 68 Scheduled Castes
    returned in 2011, the most numerous were Amant or Amat, Bagheti or
    Baghuti, Bariki, Bauri, Chamar, Dhoba, Dom, Ghusuria, Gokha, Hadi,
    Kandara, Kela, Kodalo, Kurunga, Mahuria, Mehtar, Namasudra, Pan,
    Pantanti, Patratanti and Ujia. Of the total Scheduled Castes 93.58 per cent
    live in rural areas and the rest in urban areas. The growth rate of Scheduled
    Castes in Baleshwar district during the decade 2001-11 was 18.19 per cent.
    The literates among the Scheduled Castes account for 69.02 per cent
    of their total population and the literacy rate for males is with 79.21 percent
    as against 58.76 per cent for the females.A list of 68 Shceduled Castes living
    in the district is presented in the following table.

    84
    Population of the Scheduled castes of Baleshwar District
    (2011Census)*
    Sl. Name of the Scheduled Castes Males Females Total
    No.
    1 2 3 4 5
    1 Adi Andhra 16 26 42
    2 Amanat or Amat 7102 7163 14265
    3 Audhelia 1 0 1
    4 Badaik 3 1 4
    5 Bagheti, Baghuti 339 323 662
    6 Bari 2 0 2
    7 Bariki 30 30 60
    8 Bauri 891 794 1685
    9 Bauti 271 268 539
    10 Bavuri 5 14 19
    11 Bedia or Bejia 8 4 12
    12 Bhata 46 59 105
    13 Bhoi 66 63 129
    14 Chachati 0 1 1
    15 Chamar, Mochi, Muchi , Satnami 9007 8775 17782
    16 Chandala 2 1 3
    17 Dandasi 2 1 3
    18 Dewar 35034 33054 68088
    19 Dhoba, Dhobi 24418 23313 47731
    20 Dom, Dombo or Duria Dom 4053 4027 8080
    21 Dosadha 9 5 14
    22 Ganda 2 1 3
    23 Ghantarghada, Ghantra 18 16 34
    24 Ghasi, Ghasia 10 9 19
    25 Ghusuria 802 788 1590
    26 Godari 2 3 5
    27 Godra 23 19 42
    28 Gokha 33798 32131 65929
    29 Haddi, Hadi, Hari 9690 9487 19177
    30 Jaggali 31 28 59
    31 Kandra, Kandara, Kuduma 50913 48939 99849
    32 Karua 433 490 923
    33 Katia 3 4 7
    34 Kela 1779 1124 2303
    35 Khadala 9608 9023 18631
    36 Kodalo, Khodalo 27 22 49
    37 Kori 37 42 79
    38 Kummari 11 8 19
    39 Kurunga 2321 2294 4615
    40 Laban 8 4 12
    41 Laheri 3 3 6
    42 Madari 1 0 1
    43 Mahuria 565 567 1132
    44 Mala, Jhala, Malo, Zala, Malha, Jhola 10 14 24
    45 Mehra, Mahar 13 15 28
    46 Mehtar, Bhangi 156 156 312
    47 Musahar 1 1 2
    48 Namasudra 4148 4045 8193
    85
    49 Paidi 3 1 4
    50 Pamidi 3 4 7
    53 Pan, Pano 34406 33723 68129
    54 Panchama 0 1 1
    55 Pantanti 1254 1281 2535
    56 Pap 16 16 32
    57 Pasi 2 4 6
    58 Patial, Patikar, Patratanti or Patua 1116 1208 2324
    59 Rajna 4 4 8
    60 Sabakhia 54 45 99
    61 Sauntia, Santia 13 10 23
    62 Sidhria 2 1 3
    63 Siyal, Khajuria 87 83 170
    64 Tamadia 17 12 29
    65 Tamudia 96 80 176
    66 Tanla 7 5 12
    67 Ujia 9192 9217 18409
    68 Valamiki, Valmiki 1 1 2
    Unspecified 2217 2142 4359
    Total 243597 234989 478586

    The demographic and socio-cultural peculiarities of some of the


    scheduled castes with population above 1000 is described below.

    Amant, Amat
    They are alsoknown as Amant or Amat. They use Mallik, Dehuri, Naik,
    Berajal and Dalai as their surname. Amant / Amat is an endogamous
    community divided into two subgroups i.e. Gheebhaha and Sagaha and is
    again divided into a number of exogamous totemistic septs (gotra) such as
    Bagh (tiger), Salmacha (a fish) and Haldibasant (a bird). Their family is
    mostly nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. Vertically extended families are also
    seen in few cases. Monogamy is the common rule. They practise both adult
    and child marriage. Marriage through negotiation is considered as ideal and
    prestigious mode of acquiring a life partner. Junior levirate, junior sororate
    and remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted in their
    society. Inheritance of parental property follows the rule of primogeniture in
    male line only. Some prenatal taboos are observed by the pregnant women.
    They engage a mid wife from Ghasi community during child birth. After
    delivery they observe postnatal rituals like sathia on the sixth day and ekusia
    on the twenty first day followed by the name giving ceremony. The child is
    tonsured (mundan) after one year. They practise either cremation or burial to
    dispose of their dead and the mourning lasts for ten days till the purificatory
    rites are performed. They have their own traditional community council
    headed by behera. The other office bearers are dehuri - their traditional
    priest, jyotish - their traditional astrologer, some village elites and a
    messenger. It acts as the guardian of their customary rules and traditions.
    They have their own tradition of arts, paintings, folksongs and folktales. Their
    86
    principal occupations are cultivation, wage labour and carpentry. Their
    important festivals are Nawakhia, Makar, Chaitra Sankrati, Raja, and
    Rathjatra
    As per 2011 census their population in the district is 14 265 and their
    literacy rate is 48.05 per cent.
    Bariki
    Etymologically the name Bariki might have been derived from the word
    bar, meaning ‗fringes of a habitat‘. According to Thurston (1909) the Bariki is
    the name for village watchman in Southern Ganjam, whose duty is to guide
    the travellers moving from place to place. They claim themselves as
    belonging to the Sudra varna. Though their traditional and primary
    occupations are cultivation and agricultural labour, some of them are
    engaged as musicians and a few are in ferry services. They accept water
    and cooked food from the Brahman, Reddy, Gouda, Jyotisha, Golla, Karana
    and Odia, but not from the Kumuti, Dhoba, Bhandari or Barika, Sundi, Mochi,
    Hadi, Liyari, Pano, Dandasi, Kandha, Musalman, etc. They visit common
    religious shrines and participate in local festivals along with other
    communities. Traditional intercommunity linkages with the Jyotisha,
    Kumbhakar, Kamar, Gouda, Kandha, Odia and other communities are
    maintained through the exchange of services. They are an endogamous
    community and divided into a number of lineages (intiperlu) i.e. pundit, baru,
    patnara etc. thatregulate marriage alliances and indicate their ancestry. They
    prefer cross cousin marriages. They cremate their dead and death mourning
    is observed for eleven days. They have their own traditional community
    council - jatisabha that acts as the guardian of their social norms and
    traditions and settles their intra community disputes.
    According to 2011 Census, they numbered 60 in Baleshwar district
    having a level of literacy of 68.34 per cent and a sex ratio of 1060. They
    pursue avocations like cultivation, musicians, wage, labour etc.
    Bauri
    According to their folk traditions the Bauri claim that they are the
    descendants of Sage Vishwamitra. They have synonyms like Kandi, Buna
    and Bhoi. The community is divided into four endogamous divisions such as
    Mohabhoi, Tanhara, Ghumura and Buna in hierarchicalorder. The
    community has only one gotra i.e. – Kasyap. Baurifamily is nuclear,
    patrilocal and patrilineal and inheritance of parental property follows the rule
    of primogeniture. Monogamy is the predominant norm although polygyny is
    not altogether ruled out. They practise both child and adult marriage and
    girls marry after onset of puberty. Payment of dowry is in vogue. Marriage
    through negotiation is considered prestigious. The other modes of acquiring
    87
    a life-mate are by mutual consent or by elopement. Divorce is permissible.
    Junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers and
    divorcees are also permitted in their society. They observe post delivery
    rituals i.e. sathi, uthiary and ekusia. The new born baby is named after
    ekusia ritual is performed. They practise both cremation and burial to
    dispose of their dead. Bauri have their own traditional community council
    both at the village level and at the regional level. The village level council is
    headed by behera and at the regional level sardar is the head. The other
    office bearers are pada behera and their traditional priest - the guru
    vaishnab. It adjudicates intra-community disputes and acts as the guardian
    of their social norms and traditions.
    The population strength of the Bauris in the district was 1685 in 2011.
    They reside mostly in the rural areas. It was found in 2011Census that 65.43
    per cent of their total population was literates. They earn their livelihood out
    of agricultural labour,wage earning, share cropping etc.
    Chamar
    The community name Chamar is derived from the Sanskrit term
    Charmakar meaning ‗leather work‘ and the term Mochi / Muchi is derived
    from the Sanskrit word mochika and the Hindustani mojna meaning ‗to fold‘.
    According to a legend a young sadhu for his polluting act of removing the
    carcass of a calf was ostracized and took up works on hide for his
    subsistence. It is believed that the sadhu is progenitor of the Chamar. The
    Chamars do the tanning and initial dressing work of animal hides but the
    Mochi prepares the leather items as their traditional craft. The community is
    composite of different occupational subgroups and each group claims of an
    independent existence, status, separate origin and prefer distinct identity
    though they are clubbed together and notified as a single community in
    Odisha. They are divided into various endogamous subgroups such as
    maharana mochi, rao mochi, Marahata mochi, dhusia mochi, telugu mochi,
    kharotha mochi and athmoli-mochi or athamali mochi and each of which are
    again subdivided into a number of exogamous lineages (bansa) that regulate
    their matrimonial alliances and indicate their ancestry. They practise both
    adult and child marriage. Monogamy is the norm. Their family is nuclear,
    patrilocal and patrilineal. In few cases, vertically extended families are also
    seen. Inheritance of parental property follows the rule of male equigeniture.
    The custom of bride price prevails and at present dowry system has been
    introduced. Marriages are arranged through negotiation. Cross cousin
    marriage, junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers
    and divorcees are permitted in their society. They observe some pre-delivery
    and post natal rituals and birth seclusion continues for ten days. They
    cremate their dead and death mourning is observed for thirteen days. They

    88
    have their own traditional caste panchayat to look after their social norms
    and traditions. They are good at wall painting, tattooing and have rich
    tradition of folk songs, folk dances and embroidery works.
    In 2011, the strength of Chamar in the district was 17 782. 70.47 per
    cent of them were literates. They earn their livelihood out of leather and hide
    work, shoe making and mending etc.
    Dhoba
    The population of Dhobas in the district according to the 2011 Census
    was 47 731 and their literacy rate is 75.99 percent. Their traditional
    occupation is washing of clothes and wood-cutting. On social occasions like
    birth and death, their services are indispensable.
    They are also referred to as Rajak. Dhoba / Dhobi is an endogamous
    community and divided into a number of lineages (Bansa or Kula). They
    possess a single gotra, Nagasha. Their family is nuclear, patrilocal and
    patrilineal. Inheritance of paternal property follows the rule of primogeniture
    in male line only. They practise adult marriage. Monogamy is the rule.
    Marriages are arranged through negotiation. The other modes of acquiring a
    life partner are through mutual consent, by elopement and by service. Cross
    cousin marriages, junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows,
    widowers and divorces are permissible in their society. Dowry is paid both in
    cash and kind. They observe birth pollution for a period of 21 days. On the
    twenty first day (ekusia) the new born baby is given a name. They observe
    puberty rites (rajasvala) for girls. They practise cremation to dispose of their
    dead and the death pollution lasts for twelve days. They have their own
    traditional community council both at village level as well as in regional level
    headed by Behera and assisted by community elders (bhadralok) to
    adjudicate their intra community disputes and to look after their social norms
    and traditions.
    Dom
    In the 2011 Census 8080 persons were recorded as Dom or Dombo of
    whom 56.85 per cent were found to be literate. They weave bamboo baskets
    namely Kula, Baunsia, Tokei, Dala, Jhudi, etc. from. They also act as
    drummers on ceremonial functions.
    The name Domb has been derived from the word dumba, meaning the
    devil. In Odisha they are notified as Dom, Dombo and Duria Dom. All these
    groups are endogamous groups and are divided into various totemistic
    exogamous lineages like tandi, sunani, neal, nag, duria, jagat and dongri etc.
    Their family is nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. Inheritance of parental
    property follows the rule of male equigeniture. They practise adult marriage.

    89
    Monogamy is the norm. Marriages are arranged through negotiation. Cross
    cousin marriage, junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows,
    widowers and divorcees are allowed in their society. They have the custom
    of payment of bride price. They observe birth pollution for a period of twenty
    one days. Post natal rituals like chatti is performed on the sixth day after the
    child birth and on this day the new born baby is tonsured (mundan) and is
    given a name. They observe puberty rites for pubescent girls on their first
    menarche. They practise both cremation and burial to dispose of their dead.
    They have their own traditional caste Panchyat to deal with their intra-
    community affairs.They are good in the art of wall painting and possess rich
    oral tradition of folksongs, folklore and folk dance. They pursue avocations
    like drum beating, sweeping, wage earning, scavenging, mat weaving etc.
    Ghusuria
    Ghusuria are a pig rearing community in Odisha. They are an
    endogamous community and are divided into various totemistic exogamous
    septs (gotra) like nag, saur and mug etc. Their family is mostly nuclear,
    patrilocal and patrilineal. Inheritance of paternal property follows the rule of
    equigeniture in male line only. Adult marriage is the rule. Monogamy is the
    norm but in few cases non sororal and sororal polygyny is resorted to.
    Marriage through negotiation is considered prestigious. The other modes of
    acquiring mates are by mutual consent and by service. Junior levirate, junior
    sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted by
    their society. Bride price is paid both in cash and kind. They observe birth
    pollution for ten days. Post delivery ritual panchu and ekusia are performed
    by them. They observe puberty rites for girls and the accompanying pollution
    is observed for seven days. They practise cremation to dispose of their dead
    and death pollution lasts for eleven days. They have retained their folk
    culture of folkdance called dom-muchi dance, which they perform during
    festive occasions. They are not served by the Brahmin Priests. They have
    their own priests called Baishnab.
    The 2011Census enumerated 1590 Ghusurias in Baleshwar district.
    58.15 percent of them were literates. They are found mainly in rural areas.
    Gokha
    The Gokha is a fishing community in Odisha. They are endogamous
    community and are divided into four sub-groups i.e. sethi, das, mallick and
    baghati which are further sub-divided into various exogamous lineages. They
    all belong to one gotra i.e. nagasha. Gokha family is nuclear, patrilocal and
    patrilineal. Male equigeniture is the rule of inheritance. They practise adult
    marriage. Monogamy is the rule. Marriage though negotiation is considered
    as an ideal mode of acquiring a spouse. The other modes of marriages are
    by mutual consent and by service. Junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage
    90
    of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted. They observe birth
    pollution for twenty one days and perform post delivery rituals like sasthi on
    the sixth day, uthiri on the seventh day, barajatra on the twelfth day and
    ekusia on the twenty first day. They observe puberty rites for girls (rajathala).
    They practice both cremation and burial to dispose of their dead and death
    pollution continues for eleven days. They have their traditional community
    council both at the village level (jatisabha) and at the regional level
    (rajsabha) headed by behera and assisted by dakua- their traditional
    messenger and yavkil- their executioner and six community elders to settle
    their intra community disputes.
    The number of Gokhas in Baleshwar district according to 2011 Census
    was 65 929. Their level of literacy in the state is 72.03 percent. Their
    customary calling is fishing. They use Shalua, made of bamboo sticks and
    do not generally fish with nets.
    Hadi
    Hadi is an endogamous community divided into a number of
    exogamous gotra such as naga (cobra), beng (frog),asva (horse), chintala
    (tamarind), liary (parched rice) and meen (fish) etc. Their family is nuclear,
    patrilocal and patrilineal. Inheritance of parental property follows the rule of
    male equigeniture. They practise adult marriage. Monogamy is the norm.
    Marriages are arranged through negotiation. The other modes of acquiring a
    spouse are through elopement, by mutual consent, by capture, through
    intrusion, by service and by exchange. Cross cousin marriages, junior
    levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are
    allowed in their society. Payment of dowry is in vogue and it is paid both in
    cash and kinds. They observe birth pollution for twenty one days. Post
    delivery rituals like sathi on the sixth day, uthiary on the seventh-day,
    barayatra on the twelfth day and ekusia on the twenty first day of the child
    birth are performed by them and the new born baby is given a name on the
    ekusia day. They observe puberty rites for girls at onset of their first
    menarche. They cremate their dead and the death pollution lasts for ten-
    days. They have their traditional caste council jatiano to settle their intra-
    community disputes and enforce their social norms. They are village
    musicians and drumbeaters and possess rich oral traditions of folksongs,
    folktales and folklore. Their females are well versed in the art of floor and
    wall paintings.
    As per 2011 Census 19 177 Hadis or Haris live in the district. Their
    level of literacy in the state is 68.93 percent. They have their own community
    priests who perform social and religious functions.Earlier treated as night soil
    carriers and scavengers, their status has been elated by policy measures of
    Government of India.

    91
    Kandara, Kuduma
    The name Kandara is said to be derived from their skill in archery
    (Kanda means arrow) and in former times they and the Pans formed the
    rank and file of the local militia. The Kandara, Kandra are also referred to
    as Kondra, Kondora, Kodma, Kuduma etc. in this district. They are an
    endogamous group and are divided into two sub-groups i.e., machua and
    chandali which are further subdivided into a number of exogamous lineages.
    All of them belong to one gotra i.e. Nagasya. Kandara family is nuclear,
    patrilocal and patrilineal. Primogeniture in male line is the norm for
    inheritance of paternal property. They practise adult marriage. Monogamy is
    the common form of marriage. They consider marriage through negotiation
    as ideal and prestigious. The other modes of marriage are by mutual
    consent, elopement and intrusion, by force and by service. Cross cousin
    marriage, junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers
    and divorcees are approved by their society. Dowry is paid both in cash and
    kind. They observe birth pollution for twenty one days and post natal ritual
    like sasthi, uthiary, barajatra and ekusia are performed on the sixth, seventh,
    twelfth and twenty first days respectively. They observe puberty rites for girls
    attaining their first menarche and the pollution period lasts for seven days
    and the girl takes ceremonial purificatory bath on the seventh day. The dead
    are buried and the death pollution lasts for eleven days. They have their
    caste council jatiyana at village level and mahasabha at regional level
    headed by behera at regional level and by adhikary at the village level. They
    are assisted by dakua- their messenger and some village elitesbhadraloka,
    to adjudicate intra-community disputes and to administer their social norms
    and traditions.
    They numbered 99849 in the district in 2011 Census. Cultivation and
    agricultural labour provide livelihood to a bulk of the Kandara population.
    Most of the people in their society also work as village Chaukidars.They take
    up avocations likecultivation, wage earning, basketry, fishing, mat making
    etc.Among them the rate of literacy in the state was 74.60 per cent in 2011.
    Kela
    The Kelas are a generic group comprising various nomadic acrobatic
    communities like the Bajikar, Matia, Patharia, Naik, Nalua, Sapua, Goudia,
    Ghusuria, Sabakhia, Dum Duma and Munda Potta. All these occupational
    groups, most of whom are folk artists, are endogamous in nature and are
    divided into a number of totemistic exogamous septs (gotra). Family is
    nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. Adult marriage and monogamy is the rule.
    They have the custom of paying dowry both in cash and kind. Ancestral
    property is inherited equally by all sons. Marriages are arranged through
    negotiation or by mutual consent. Junior levirate, junior sororate remarriage
    of widows, widowers and divorcees are permissible. They observe birth
    92
    pollution for twenty one days. Post delivery rituals like sasthi, uthiary,
    bararatra and ekusia are observed on the sixth, seventh, twelfth and twenty-
    first days respectively after child birth. On attainment of first menarche of a
    girl they observe puberty rites (rajathala) and pollution period continues for
    seven days. The dead are buried and death pollution lasts for eleven days.
    Each subgroup possesses its own traditional caste council (jatiana
    panchayat) to settle their intra- community disputes and to maintain their
    social norms and customs.
    The 2011 Census enumerated 2303 Kelas in the district. 61.46 per cent
    of them are literates. Various sections of the community pursue different
    avocations like trapping of birds, wage earning, selling bangles and herbs,
    snake charming, magic, acrobatics and jugglery etc.
    Khadala
    Khadalas are traditionally earth diggers. The term khadala is derived
    from the word khod meaning ‗to dig‘. They are also referred to as Bhoi and
    Bauri. The community is divided into two groups i.e. dulia and khandi which
    are further sub-divided into a number of exogamous lineages. All of them
    have one gotra i.e.nagasa or nagalo. Khadala family is nuclear, patrilocal
    and patrilineal. Inheritance of paternal property follows the rule of
    primogeniture in male line only. They practise adult marriage. Monogamy is
    the norm. They consider marriage through negotiation as prestigious mode
    of acquiring a spouse. The other modes of marriages are by mutual consent,
    elopement, by service and by exchange. Dowry is paid both in cash and
    kind. Junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers and
    divorcees are permitted. Birth pollution is observed for twenty one days and
    the purificatory rite ekusia is performed on the twenty-first day. They observe
    puberty rites for girls on their first menarche and pollution period lasts for five
    days. They cremate their dead and death pollution continues for eleven
    days. They have their own traditional caste council to administer their social
    norms and customs.
    As per 2011 Census there were 18 631 Khadala in the district. Their
    literacy rate is 65.19 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of earth work,
    salt making, mat weaving, rickshaw pulling, wage earning etc.
    Kurunga
    They have synonyms as Karenga and Koranga. Kurunga is an
    endogamous community and are divided into various totemistic exogamous
    gotras such as nageswar,kachchap, kashyap, bishoi, batsya and salmach
    etc. Their family is mostly nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. Inheritance of
    ancestral property follows the rule of male equigeniture. They practise adult
    marriage. Monogamy is the norm. Marriages are arranged through
    negotiation. The other modes of marriage are by mutual consent and by
    93
    service. Bride price is settled by parents. Junior sororate, junior levirate,
    remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted in their society.
    They observe birth pollution for eleven days and also perform pre-delivery
    ritual panchy and post natal rituals like ekusia, name giving and ceremonial
    first cereal feeding. They cremate their dead and death pollution continues
    for ten days. They have rich traditions of folklore, folk songs and folk dances.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 4615 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    69.11 per cent. They pursue avocations like carpentry, castration of bullocks
    andgoats, and stone cutting etc.
    Mahuria
    Mahuria is an endogamous community and is divided into various
    exogamous gotras such as basistha, kashyapa, sarbamuni and
    chandramuni etc. Mahuria family is nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal.
    Parental property is inherited equally by all sons. They practise adult
    marriage. Monogamy is the rule. They consider marriage through negotiation
    as ideal. The other modes of marriage are by mutual consent and by service.
    Junior levirate, junior sororate remarriages of widows, widowers and
    divorcees are permissible in their society. They have the custom of payment
    of bride price. They observe pre-delivery rituals (poncho)and some post-
    natal restrictions. Birth pollution continues for eleven days. They also
    observe post delivery ritual ekusia followed by the name giving and first
    cereal feeding rites. They observe puberty rites for girls on attaining their first
    menarche and pollution period lasts for seven days. They bury their dead
    and death pollution continues for ten days. Their statutory panchayat is
    heterogeneous in nature. They have rich oral traditions of folk songs,
    folklores and folk dances. Their women play musical instruments during
    festive occasions.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 1132 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    76.45 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of music playing, carrying loads
    on bullocks, wage earning etc.
    Namasudra
    They have migrated from Bangladesh during and after partition of the
    country. They have synonyms like Chandal, Naumsud and Nama. According
    to legend, they are descendants out of illicit union of son and daughter of
    Lomasa muni, who cursed them to become chandal. Namasudra are divided
    into a number of occupational endogamous groups viz; dhami nama, sieli,
    nama, jien nama and maninama. They have one gotra such as kashyap.
    Their exogamous surnames are roy, sarkar, biswas, mandala, mazumdar,
    mistry, das, haldar and sarkar etc. Namasudra family is nuclear patrilocal
    and patrilineal. Inheritance of paternal property follows the rule of

    94
    equigeniture in male line only. They practise adult marriage. Monogamy is
    the norm. Marriages are settled through negotiation. Dowry is paid both in
    cash and kind. Junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows,
    widowers and divorcees are permissible. They observe pre-delivery rites
    sadbhakshan. Birth pollution continues for thirty days. Post delivery rituals
    like natta on the ninth day and sastipuja on the thirtieth day are performed.
    They also observe tonsure (mundan) and first cereal feeding rites. They
    cremate their dead and dispose of the mortal remains in a river. Ancestors
    are worshipped during the annual sradha ceremony. Their women work as
    agricultural labourers and act as midwives and also as maid servants. They
    also weave mats.
    As per 2001 Census, out of 1 53 026 Namasudras in Odisha, 8193
    were enumerated in this district Census. In Baleshwar district they are found
    mostly in villages under Bhograi, Jaleshwar, Basta and Baliapal
    policestations. Fishing is their traditional occupation. At present they have
    taken to other trades for their living. They believe in Hinduism and perform
    all the religious rites by their own community priests. Literacy among them is
    73.87 per cent in 2011.
    Pan
    The community is divided into three endogamous occupational
    subgroups like Betra Pano, Buna Pano and Dhulia Pano which are further
    subdivided into a number of exogamous lineages that regulate matrimonial
    alliances. They have one gotra i.e. nagasa. Pano family is nuclear or
    extended, patrilocal and patlineal. Inheritance of paternal property follows
    the rule of equigeniture in male line only. Adult marriage and monogamy is
    the rule. Marriages are arranged through negotiation. The other modes of
    acquiring a mate are by mutual consent, by service and by elopement.
    Dowry is paid both in cash and kind. Junior levirate, junior sororate,
    remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted in their society.
    They observe birth pollution for twenty one days and perform post delivery
    rituals like sasthi, uthiary, barajatra and ekusia on the sixth, seventh, twelfth
    and twenty first days respectively. They observe puberty rites (rajathala) for
    pubescent girls. They bury their dead and observe death pollution for eleven
    days. They have their own traditional community council (jati samaj) headed
    by behera. The other office bearers are bhadralok - some village elders and
    a dakua- their messenger. They also have a regional council called des
    mahasava. Their community council adjudicates intra-community disputes
    and upholds their social norms and traditions. Brahmans, Dhobas and
    Bhandaris do not serve them. They have their own caste Purohit who
    performs in social functions.

    95
    As per 2011 census, out of 12 05 099 Pans or Panos in Odisha, 68 129
    persons live in Baleshwar district. It is the most numerous Scheduled Caste
    but they are backward socially, educationally and economically. After
    independence some changes are noticed among them. More and more
    children of this community are getting education. As a result, 70.36 per cent
    were found to be literate among them. Their customary calling is said to be
    weaving, but they mostly work as day-labourers, drummers and cane-
    weavers. Many of them have also taken to cultivation. The village
    Chaukidars and postal runners were generally recruited from their ranks.
    Pantanti
    Also called Pana Tanti or Buna Pano, they are an endogamous section
    of traditional weavers of the generic Pan/Pano caste but now they have
    become a separate caste. Patra Pano, Patro Pana, Patro Pano are synonyms
    of Pana Tanti. The Pana Tantis who mostly use ―Patra‖ as their surname and
    practise weaving are popularly known as Patra Pana or Buna Pana / Buna
    Pano. Their traditional occupations are weaving from cotton thread and
    agricultural wage earning. Their main products are coarse dhoti, saree and
    gamchha. The demand for such type of cloth is very low now-a-days as the
    handwoven coarse cloth has gradually been replaced by cheap and attractive
    mill made cloth which are plentily available in the market. For this reason
    some of the Pana Tantis have adopted agriculture as their main occupation.
    By their traditional occupation they are distinguished from the SC community
    called Patra Tanti who specializes in weaving of silk or tassar clothes (Pata).
    The Pana Tanti are further divided into a number of extended lineages such
    as Kesurali, Suansia, Uluma, Baghti, Athbhaiya, Dasbhaiya, Kunjara,
    Bhanjara, Bekuda, and Likinda which are exogamous. Some of the lineage
    names are also used as surnames. They observe all important local Hindu
    festivals and follow the customs and traditions of the higher castes in their life
    cycle rituals.
    The Census of 2011 returned 2535 Pantantis in Baleshwar district.
    They live in ruraI areas and earn their livelihood by weaving clothes. Some
    of them have changed their customary calling and have adopted other
    avocations. In 2011, 73.37 per cent were found to be literate in their society.
    Patratanti
    They are an endogamous community and are divided into totemistic
    exogamous gotras such as nageswar and kashyapa etc. Their family is
    mostly nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. Inheritance of paternal property
    follows the rule of equigeniture in male line only. They practise adult
    marriage. Monogamy is the rule. Marriages are arranged through
    negotiation. The other modes of marriage are by mutual consent and by

    96
    service. Bride price is paid both in cash and kind. Junior levirate, junior
    sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted in
    their society. They observe pre-delivery ritual ponchu and post natal ritual
    ekusia. Birth pollution is observed for ten days. They observe puberty rites
    for adolescent girls and pollution continues for seven days. They cremate
    their dead and death pollution is observed for eleven days.
    According to the Census of 2011 the Patial, Patikar, Patratanti or Patua
    numbered 2324 in the district. Though they earn their livelihood by weaving
    silk and fine cotton clothes, some of them depend on other professions to
    supplement their income. In their society 67.52 per cent were found to be
    literate in 2011. Like other Hindus they worship gods and goddesses and
    observe festivals.

    Ujia
    Ujia are an endogamous community and are divided into a number of
    clans (gotra) such as nag, fingasa / nageswar and basanta etc. Their family
    is mostly nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. Inheritance of ancestral property
    follows the rule of male equigeniture. They practise adult marriage.
    Monogamy is the norm. Marriages are arranged through negotiation. Bride
    price is paid both in cash and kinds. Junior levirate, junior sororate,
    remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permissible. They
    observe birth pollution for a period of ten days. Pre-delivery ritual ponchu
    and post natal ritual ekusia are performed by them. They also observe
    puberty rites for girls on the onset of their first menstruation and the pollution
    lasts for seven days. They practise both burial and cremation to dispose of
    their dead.

    In 2011 Census, 18409 persons were returned as Ujias in Baleshwar


    district. Catching and selling fish and cultivation are the mainstay of their
    economy. Literacy was confined to 49.99 per cent in their society. Like
    Gokhas and Keutas they celebrate chaitra parba as their caste festival. They
    earn their livelihood out of fishing, selling fish products and cultivation.

    Scheduled Tribes
    According to 2011 census, of the 959076 Scheduled Tribe
    population in the state, 275678 or 2.78 per cent live in Beleshwar
    district.93.79 percent of them live in rural areas. The literacy rate among ST
    is 52.24 percent. For males it is 63.70 per cent and for females it is 41.20
    percent. Of the 51 Tribes found in Baleshwar district, numerically important
    tribes having population of 5000 and above are Bathudi, Bhumij, Kolha,
    Santal and Shabar Lodha. A detailed list of the various Scheduled Tribes
    found in the district is given in the following table.

    97
    Population of the Scheduled Tribes of Baleshwar District
    (2011 Census)*
    Sl. Name of the Scheduled Tribes Males Females Total
    No.
    1 2 3 4 5
    1 Bagata 125 108 233
    2 Baiga 125 110 235
    3 Bathudi 7973 8529 16502
    4 Bhottada 1 1 2
    5 Bhuiya, Bhuyan 803 822 1625
    6 Bhumia 163 148 311
    7 Bhumij 34966 35048 70014
    8 Bhunjia 19 13 32
    9 Binjhal 2 3 5
    10 Binjhia, Binjhoa 1 1 2
    11 Bondo Poraja 2 4 6
    12 Desua Bhumij 30 40 70
    13 Dharua 12 22 34
    14 Gadaba 1 1 2
    15 Gond, Gondo 37 56 93
    16 Ho 53 69 122
    17 Holva 15 20 35
    18 Juang 3 2 5
    19 Kandha Gauda 114 102 216
    20 Kawar 32 30 62
    21 Kharia, Kharian 698 711 1409
    22 Kharwar 5 0 5
    23 Khond, Kond, Kandha 226 241 467
    24 Kisan 34 46 80
    25 Kol 54 70 124
    26 Kolah- Loharas, Kol-Loharas 289 294 583
    27 Kolha 24363 24971 49334
    28 Koli, Malhar 2 1 3
    29 Kondadora 63 58 121
    30 Kora 780 751 1531
    31 Korua 11 8 19
    32 Koya 23 19 42
    33 Kulis 32 34 66
    34 Lodha 25 29 54
    35 Madia 903 945 1848

    98
    36 Mahali 216 252 468
    37 Mankidi 0 3 3
    38 Mankirdia 136 122 258
    39 Matya 840 836 1676
    40 Mirdha 811 801 1612
    41 Munda, Munda Lohara, Munda Mahalis 612 553 1165
    42 Mundari 385 387 772
    43 Omanatya 7 6 13
    44 Oraon 1027 1023 2050
    45 Paroja 68 71 139
    46 Rajuar 146 157 301
    47 Santal 53126 51870 104996
    48 Saor, Savar, Saura 388 413 801
    49 Shabar, Lodha 3290 3288 6578
    50 Sounti 926 1116 2042
    51 Tharua 824 870 1694
    Unspecified 2961 2857 5818
    Total 137748 137930 275678

    Tribal people express their cultural identity and distinctiveness in their


    social organization, language, demography, rituals and festivals and also in
    their dress, ornaments, art and craft. Each tribal community has distinctive
    characteristic features reflected in their social, economic, political and
    religious sub-systems. Each possesses its own unique culture which
    differentiates one from the other.
    The spread of education, communication facilities and implementation
    of various development schemes have helped the Scheduled Tribes to move
    out of their traditional manners and customs to a certain extent. A brief
    description of the peculiarities of Scheduled Tribes with population of
    inhabiting the district is presented below.
    Bathudi
    The Bathudis are one of the highly Hinduised tribes of Odisha.
    According to the Census Report for Mayurbhanj State 1931, the Bathudis
    originally belonged to Batuligarh in Dudh. Subsequently they migrated
    following the course of the river Godavari in Deccan. It has also been
    mentioned that the forefathers of the Bathudis migrated from Bakua in the
    Similipal hills. Their settlements are generally uniclan and homogeneous. In
    multi-ethnic villages they live in separate hamlets maintaining their cultural
    identity. Bathudis observe local Hindu festivals and worship Hindu deities
    along with other tribal deities including the deities of Sarna - the sacred
    99
    grove. Their traditional priest is Dehury. Family is nuclear, patrilocal and
    patrilineal. The community is divided into several exogamous septs (Gotra or
    Khili), viz. Saluka (wood husking) Kusmardia (wild grass), Nag (serpent),
    Thariyar (a wild fruit), Panipuk (water insect), Sankhiyar (conch), Dhanphul
    (paddy flower) and Parasar, Sailya, Kashyap, Bharadwaja, etc. Marriages
    are monogamous though there are few cases of polygyny in their society.
    Marriage through negotiation is commonly practised and bride price both in
    cash and kind is given to the bride‘s parents before marriage. Other modes
    of acquiring mates, such as by service and by capture have become rare.
    Marriage of widows, widowers, divorcees, junior levirate and sororate are
    permissible, but cross cousin marriage is tabooed. The Bathudis practise
    both cremation and burial for the dead. The death pollution continues for ten
    days. The Bathudis have their own community council (Jati Samaj) headed
    by a hereditary chief to deal with their community matters. At the village level
    Pradhan is the secular chief and his associates, Desh Chatia, Dakua and
    Chowkia manage the communal affairs.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 16 502 in the district. Their literacy rate
    is 63.71 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of cultivation, forest
    collection, wage earning etc.
    Bhuiya, Bhuyan
    The name ‗Bhuyan‘ is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit
    word ‗Bhumi‘, meaning land or earth. The tribe is also named as Bhuiya,
    Bhuiyan and Bhuinya. The tribe can be classified into two groups according
    to their levels of socio-cultural and economic development such as the Hill
    Bhuyans and the Plains Bhuyans. While the former live with an archaic
    mode of life in a condition of backwardness, the latter are undergoing a
    stage of acculturation under the influence of Hindu way of life led by their
    caste neighbours. The Bhuyan hamlets or villages are situated either on
    plateau land on the hilltops or on the hill slopes in the middle of the forest.
    The villages are generally small in size and contain a homogeneous Bhuyan
    population. The Bhuyan family is mostly nuclear. The smallest social unit is
    the lineage or ―Kutumba‖ formed by a group of families with blood relations
    and several agnatic kutumbas constitute an exogamous khilli or bonso
    (clan). All the members of a khilli are believed to be descended from a
    common ancestor. The next biggest unit is the village, which may comprise
    the members of one or several khillis. In the past the Bhuyan villages were
    homogenous and all the households in a village were related to one another
    by blood.Therefore intra-village marriage was forbidden. Marriages by
    elopement, by capture (Ghichha), by love and by negotiation are the
    different modes of marriage. Death pollution is observed for two to three
    days. At the end of it, the villagers are given a feast by the bereaved family.

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    The Bhuyans revere Dharam Devata (Sun God) and Basukimata (Earth
    Goddess) as their supreme deities. In every Bhuyan village there is a
    traditional panchayat which meets at the darbar (community center)
    whenever required. The village headman or pradhan presides over the
    panchayat. A group of villages form a confederation called a pirha. The
    panchayat at this level is called the pirhapanchayat, and the secular
    headman who presides over it is called the sardar. These councils handle
    their community affairs.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 1625 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    63.14 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of cultivation, forest collection,
    wage earning etc.
    Bhumij
    Bhumij are divided into five categories, viz., Bara Bhumia Bhumij, Teli
    Bhumij, Tamadia Bhumij, Desua Bhumij and Haladipokharia Bhumij. In
    Nilagiri Sub-Division most of the Bhumij belong to Haladipokharia category.
    The Bhumijs usually marry late in life. This is due to financial reasons. Bride
    price and the over-all expenditure in a marriage are too heavy for a Bhumij to
    bear. They follow four forms of marriages, vlz. (i) the usual type of arranged
    marriage through negotiation, (ii) Daw dopa or love marriage, (in)
    Sindurigesa or marriage by trial and (iv) Apartipi or marriage by capture. Of
    these, arranged marriage is generally followed. Divorce is permissible in
    Bhumij society but the divorced women cannot remarry until the approval of
    the village elders is obtained by the parents of both parties. Polygamy is
    practised among the Bhumijs. Usually they observe and follow the Hindu
    social customs in case of births and deaths. The Bhumij generally bury the
    dead and in rare cases the dead body is burnt.
    Sing Bonga is the Supreme being of the Bhumij. The Bhumijsbelieve in
    superstitions. A Bhumij will not proceed in his journey concerning a marriage
    negotiation if he comes across a man easing himself or if he finds a branch
    falling from a tree or a dog barking. Sight of oil is considered inauspicious.
    These beliefs are slowly fading under long and constant contact with the
    caste-population.
    Makar Parba (Makara Sankranti) is the most important festival of the
    Bhumij and with this their new year starts. This festival is observed in the
    month of Pousa (December-January). They observe Harpuna festival is
    observed in April for sowing seeds. It synchronises with the Akshayatritiya
    day when Hindus also sow seeds. Another very important festival of the
    Bhumij is Saharai when members of the tribe enjoy considerable freedom in
    revelry and merry-making. The festival is usually observed for four days in
    the month of November.

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    In 2011 Census they numbered 70 014 in the district. Their literacy rate
    is 52.06 per cent. They pursue avocations like cultivation, forest collection,
    wage earning etc.
    Kolha
    The name Kolha is derived from the Munda word Ko, which means
    'they are their own'. The Kolha are early settlers of Kolhan region of
    Singbhum districts of Jharkhand and have different appellations like Kol,
    Kolha, Ho, Munda, Mundari and Larka Kol. In course of time they migrated to
    Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. TheKol settlements are
    generally uniclan and homogeneous. In multi ethnic villages they live in
    separate hamlets. Family is mostly nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. The
    tribe is divided into several exogamous clans (kur). Family is monogamous.
    Polygyny exists in some cases. Marriage through negotiation (Andi) is
    regarded as prestigious. Bride price (Gonam) is prevalent and is paid both in
    cash and kind, in the form of cows and goats etc. Cross cousin marriage,
    junior levirate, junior sororate and remarriage of widows and widowers are
    permitted. The other forms of marriage are by capture (Oportipi), by mutual
    consent (Raji Khusi) and by intrusion (Anadar). They observe birth pollution
    for a period of seven days. The Kol practise burial for their dead and observe
    death pollution for seven days. They have their tribal deities like Sing Bonga,
    Nagea Bonga, Marang Bonga, Basgea Bonga, Borum Bonga, Sendra
    Bonga, propitated by their traditional priest, Dehuri. The Kol have their own
    traditional community council. Pradhan is the village head who is assisted by
    village elders and a messenger (Dakua). The regional head is known as
    Sardar. The Kol are quite fond of dance and music. They use their traditional
    musical instruments like Madal, Dholak, Tomka and Mazina and dance
    during festive occasions.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 49 334 in the district. Their literacy rate
    is 42.23 per cent. Their traditional occupation is cultivation and wage labour.
    Kora
    The name Kora, Kuda or Kura seems to be a generic name signifying the
    occupation of earth digging. Economically and occupationally, the Kora are
    noted for their traditional skills and specialization in digging tanks and doing
    other kinds of earth works. In course of time they have added the trade of
    Catechu-making for which their neighbour called Khaira or Khayra. Now they
    are settled agriculturists. The tribe is segmented into several endogamous
    groups. The Kora of Odisha claim that they belong to the Suryavansi group.
    They are divided into a number of totemistic exogamous septs (gotra) such
    as Kaich, Nag, Mankad, Khapur, Dhan, Nun, Adower, Maghi, Pradhan,
    Bagha, Bahera etc. and are further divided into lineages. They are patrilineal

    102
    and patrilocal. Nuclear family and monogamous marriages are common in
    the Kora society. The most common and ideal type of marriage is by
    negotiation. However, polygyny, cross-cousin marriage, junior levirate, junior
    sororate, marriage by elopement, by capture, divorce and remarriage of
    widows, widowers and divorcees are also permitted. Bride price is paid in
    cash. They observe post-natal pollution for 21 days. They cremate the dead
    for natural death and practise burial in cases of unnatural deaths. They have
    their traditional panchayat headed by Majhi who is assisted by Parmanik. It
    plays an important role in ensuring conformity to their social norms and
    traditions. It deals with customary matters like breach of norms of clan
    exogamy, killing of cow, sins of suffering from dreadful diseases, and the
    like.
    The 2011 Census enumerated 1531 Koras in the district. 68.54 per cent
    of them are literates. Their traditional occupation is earth work that is
    supplemented by cultivation, wage earning.
    Madia
    They are said to be a section of the Koya tribe. Typical bamboo
    palisade fencing all around is a distinguishing feature of Madia settlements.
    Very close to their settlements one notices stone pillars and wooden posts
    (menhirs) erected in memory of their dead ancestors. The number of houses
    in a village varies from ten to thirty. They have mud houses beautifully
    thatched by a type of jungle grass. Houses are rectangular giving shelters to
    humans along with the livestock like pigs and fowls. Herds of cattle are put
    or tethered in front courtyard. Each house, its courtyard and adjoining
    kitchen garden are nicely fenced by bamboo splits. They have two important
    deities: Bijagudi, house deity and Gudimata, village deity. They worship
    mother-earth as village deity. They offer sacrifices of eggs, pigeons, fowls,
    goats, and pigs, cows and buffaloes to their deities and spirits. Koya society
    has five broad social divisions, katta, such as, Kowasi, Sodi, Madkami, Madi
    and Padiami. Each social division is further subdivided into several groups
    and sub-groups. Their kins (kutumb) and affines (wiwalwand) are clearly
    distinguished. Marriage is termed as pendul. Apart from arranged marriages,
    marriages by service, intrusion, and exchange are also practised. The
    custom of bride price is prevalent. Marriage negotiation starts at an early
    age. They observe burial rites de passage. The secondary burial ritual is
    observed most elaborately. The traditional village council is headed by
    pedda, the village headman, and perma, the priest. The posts of pedda and
    perma are hereditary. In spite of impact of modernization, they have retained
    their rich cultural heritage in different forms.

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    In 2011 Census they numbered 1848 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    48.36 per cent. They pursue avocations like food gathering, forestry,
    livestock rearing,agricultural labour, basketry etc.
    Matya
    TheMatya is numerically a small tribe. They live in multi-ethnic villages.
    They along with other ethnic groups of the village worship village deities.
    Their village priest is Pujari and the astrologer is Disari. Their village
    Goddess, Gramdebi installed in a grove gets sacrifices of fowl and pig on
    Pus Punei and Chait Parab. In addition to these they visit local Hindu shrines
    of Siva, Durga and Jagannath. They have four exogamous totemic clans,
    like Bagh (tiger), Nag (cobra), Cheli (goat) and Kachim (tortoise). They have
    the common surnames like Kape, Naek, Pujari and Prema. They practise
    adult marriage. In addition to arranged marriage, marriage by elopement, by
    capture and by service are also allowed. Cross-cousin marriage is preferred.
    Payment of bride price both in cash and kind is prevalent. A husband seeks
    divorce from his wife when the latter runs away with another man. In that
    case, the first husband gets compensation known as sogarta. They observe
    birth pollution for seven days in case of a female and nine days for a male.
    They cremate or bury the dead. Death pollution is observed for three days.
    The headman of the village is called Naek who along with Pujari and Disari
    and assisted by Challan and Barik look after their community matters relating
    to breach of their customs, marriage rules, family disputes and partition of
    property.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 1676 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    51.05 per cent. Their traditional occupation is earth work that is
    supplemented by cultivation, wage earning.
    Mirdha
    The Mirdhas are a section of Kisan Tribe. The word ‗Mirdha‘ implies
    head coolie. They are a small Dravidian tribe who are known as ‗Koda‘ or
    ‗Kuda‘ in the districts of Angul, Sambalpur and Bolangir in Odisha due to
    their past occupation of digging and carrying earth. Mirdhas‘ settlements are
    generally uniclan and homogenous. In multi-ethnic villages they live in
    separate hamlets. They are an endogamous community. Their family is
    mostly nuclear, patrilocal, patrilineal and monogamous. Marriage through
    negotiation is regarded as ideal and prestigious. Bride price is prevalent and
    cross- cousin marriage is preferred. The other modes of marriages are
    through capture, elopement and by service, which are becoming rare in
    these days. Remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are permitted
    and junior levirate and junior sororate are also socially permitted. They
    observe birth pollution for a period of seven days. They also observe puberty

    104
    rites for an adolescent girl and the pollution period continues for seven days.
    The community practises both burial and cremation for the dead. They
    observe death pollution for eleven days. On the twelfth day they observe
    purificatory rites. Their traditional community priest Kalo officiates in the
    rituals and Brahmin priest worships the deities. The community has its own
    traditional council known as Jati Samaj headed by a Sardar or Kotwar whose
    office is hereditary.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 1612 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    62.31 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of earth work, cultivation, wage
    earning and seasonal forest collection.
    Oraon
    The Oraon is an agrarian tribe of Odisha. As per their legend, they got
    originated from the thorax, uras or urof a holy ascetic and thus were called as
    Urager. Later they were known as Oraon for their unclean food habits. They live
    in multiethnic villages and have scattered settlement pattern. Their houses
    are spacious having verandah at the front and back and an outer courtyard.
    The tribe comprises several exogamous clans (Bargas) viz. Tirki, Lakda,
    Topo, Khalko, Minz. Barla etc. named after totemic plants, animals and
    objects. They practise adult, monogamous and negotiated marriages. They
    have preference for cross-cousin marriage. Levirate and sororate marriages
    are also in vogue. Bride price is prevalent. The Oraon observe purificatory
    rites, chhati, on the tenth day of child birth. They either bury or cremate to
    dispose of their dead depending upon the nature of death. The bereaved
    men and women purify themselves by undergoing a treatment of smoke
    prepared by burning rice barn and sprinkling a mixture of turmeric water and
    oil onto them. On an appointed day the bones of all the deceased villagers
    are ritually thrown to a nearby river or stream. Their traditional village council
    is constituted of the village headman- Mahato, priest- Naega, and the village
    elders. At the territorial level they have parha organization to settle inter-
    village disputes. In the recent past some of them have adopted Christianity.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 2050 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    67.57 per cent. They pursue economic activities like cultivation, agricultural
    labour, minning and quarrying for their living.
    Rajuar
    The Rajuar has synonyms like Rajbansi, Rajwar and Rajualas and
    claim equal social position with that of the Bhuyan citing about their
    Kshyatriya origin. TheRajuars‘ settlement pattern is traditionally uniclan and
    homogeneous. In multi-ethnic villages they live in separate hamlets. Family
    is predominantly nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. The tribe is divided into
    three exogamous septs, such as, Nageswar, Sankha and Kashyapa.
    105
    Monogamy is a common practice in their society and marriage through
    negotiation is regarded prestigious. Cross-cousin marriage, junior levirate,
    junior sororate, remarriage of widows and widowers and divorcees are
    socially permitted. Other forms of marriage are through mutual consent and
    by service. Bride price is obligatory and is paid both in cash and kind. The
    Rajuars usually practise cremation and in circumstances of unnatural death
    they bury thedead. Death pollution is observed for eleven days. Birth
    pollution is observed for nine days and name-giving ceremony is held on the
    twenty-first day. They observe puberty rites for adolescent girls. The
    pollution period lasts for seven days and the girl remains in seclusion. The
    Rajuars profess Hinduism and worship Hindu deities like Laxmi, Kali, Durga,
    Shiva and village deities like Gaon Thakurani, Chandi, Basuli, Situli, etc.
    They have their own traditional community council. The headman of the
    community is called Paramanik who is assisted by a Chatia who acts as a
    messenger-cum-assistant.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 301 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    51.97 per cent. Their traditional occupation is preparation and sale of
    pounded rice which is supplemented by cultivation andwage labour.
    Santal
    Santal is the third largest tribe in India after the Gond and the Bhil.
    Santals are found distributed mostly in districts of Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar
    and Keonjhar. They speak Santali, one of the Munda languages. They have
    developed a script called OLChiki. Their language Santali with its script Ol
    Chiki has recently been recognized by the Constitution of India. They are
    also conversant in Odia and Hindi languages.
    The Santal settlements have parallel rows of houses facing the
    common street. In front of the house of Manjhi, the village Chief, they have
    Manjhithan, the sacred place and the seat of Manjhi-haram, the founding
    ancestor deity. Jaher, the sacred grove in the outskirts of the village is
    regarded as the abode of all Santal deities. The Santal build beautiful multi-
    roomed houses of definite artistic design having spacious compounds and
    courtyards. They paint the walls with different colours, mainly red and black.
    Roofs are either thatched or tiled.
    Men wear coarse dhoti and gamuchha and women wear short check
    saris mostly of blue and green colour. Women put on tattoo marks.
    They are divided into several totemic exogamous clans, Paris. Each
    clan is further divided into sub-clans, maximal lineages, Bansa, and minimal
    lineages, Kutum. The kinsmen, at the level of broad groups refer to each
    other as kutum pele, lineal kins and bandhu pele, affines. They observe
    Janam Chatiar, purificatory ritual on the seventh or ninth day of birth, and
    106
    natyam, name giving ceremony within one year. Death rites are observed
    within ten to twenty days of death. The bone of the deceased is ceremonially
    immersed in a holy river, termed as Damodar.
    Marriage, bapla is a significant event in Santal life. The common types
    of marriages permitted in their society are by negotiation, by elopement, by
    intrusion and by service. They practise junior levirate marriages also.
    The Santals are agriculturists. Besides, they work as wage earners,
    mining and industrial labourers. They also raise livestock.
    Sing Bonga, Sun God, otherwise called Thakur or Dharam, is their
    Supreme Deity and is revered as the creator of the universe. Their important
    village deities are Marang Buru, Monreko Tureiko, Jaher Era, Gosani Era
    and Manjhi Haram. Besides, there are a number of other deities like hill and
    forest deities, earth goddess (Basumata), ancestal spirits (Hapranko Bonga),
    household spirits (Abe Bonga) etc. Their festivals such as Erok-Sim, Harihar-
    Sim, Janthan, Sahari, Magha Sim, Baha and Iri-Guldi-Sim are associated
    with agricultural activities and eating of first fruits.
    The traditional village council is headed by the secular chief, Manjhi
    assisted by Paramanik, the deputy chief, Naik, the village priest, Jog Majhi,
    the Moral Guardian, and Gadet, the messenger. At the inter-village level they
    have inter-village council called Pirha or Pargana.
    The Santals are very fond of song and dance that they perform on all
    ceremonial and festive occasions. They play musical instruments like
    Tamak, Dhol, Bhuang, Sarangi and flutes. Hinduization as well as
    industrialization and urbanization have brought about changes in their life
    style.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 1 04 996 in the district. Their literacy is
    55.57 per cent.
    Shabar, Lodha
    In British India the Shabar Lodha or Lodha Shabar was notified as a
    criminal tribe until the revocation of the criminal Tribes Act in 1956. It is
    widely accepted that the tribe derived its name from the word lubdhaka
    meaning the fowler or trapper. They claim their ancestry to Byadha or Kirata,
    the Savara king Viswabasu and consider Lord Jagannath as their supreme
    deity. They take pride in giving their identity as Lodha Savar. They used to
    have one-roomed houses with raised verandah in the front. Inside the
    house, close to the hearth there is a raised earthen platform called isan. This
    is said to be the seat of the family deity. A few household artifacts for
    multipurpose use are found in a Lodha house. They have exogamous
    totemic clans like Bhotda, Malik, Bag, Nayak, Dandapat, Paramanik, Ahori,
    Bhuria and Kotal. They practise clan exogamy. Child marriage is still
    107
    prevalent among them. After marriage the ladies put vermilion mark on
    forehead and iron bangle around the wrist. The practice of bride price is still
    in vogue in their community.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 6578 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    53.29 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of hunting, food gathering and
    seasonal forest collections.
    Sounti
    ‗Sounti‘ in Odisha is a local term which means "gathering things". The
    community is believed to have originated out of a union of persons out
    casted from different communities in the past. They have synonyms like
    Bedajal and Berdajhal. TheSounti settlement are traditionally uniclan and
    homogeneous. In multi ethnic villages they live in separate hamlets
    maintaining distance from other communities. Family is generally nuclear,
    patrilocal and patrilineal. The community comes under one totemic gotra,
    Nageswar (cobra) and is divided into a number of exogamous clans (Khilli)
    like Doldasia, Bardia, Saru and Tangsaria, etc. Family is predominately
    monogamous, though polygene is still found in a few cases. They prefer
    marriage by negotiation. Payment of bride price is obligatory. Remarriage of
    widows, widowers, divorcees, junior levirate and sororate are permitted. The
    birth pollution is observed for twenty-one days. They practise both cremation
    and burial to dispose off their dead. The bereaved family observes death
    pollution for ten days. The Sounti are Hindus by faith. They worship village
    deities like Thakurani and Mangala and other Hindu deities like Shiva and
    Raghunath and observe Hindu festivals. Dehury is their traditional priest.
    The Sounti have their own traditional community council headed by village
    chief and influential elders. It settles family disputes and acts as guardian of
    traditional norms and customs.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 2042 in the district. Their literacy
    rate is 59.58 per cent. They earn their livelihood out of cultivation, wage
    earning, livestock rearing, forestry etc.
    Tharua
    The Tharua is an artisan community called by other names like,
    Tharua-Bindhani, Tharua- Kumbhar, etc. They live either in uni-clan
    homogeneous villages or in separate hamlets in a multi-ethnic village. Family
    is nuclear, patrilocal and patrilineal. A few cases of vertically extended
    families are also seen. The community is endogamous and divided into a
    number of exogamous totemic septs, such as, Kachim, Latha, Supala,
    Ahadar, Kanyari, Dhakitanga, Bhuiyan and Tetenga etc. Family is
    monogamous and marriage through negotiation is the common practice.
    Other modes of marriage are by capture, by mutual consent and by service.
    Besides, junior levirate and sororate, cross-cousin marriage, remarriage of
    divorcees, widows and widowers are permitted in their society. A few cases
    108
    of polygyny are also found in their society. The Tharua practise cremation for
    the dead. Death pollution is observed for ten days. Their traditional priest
    performs over their socio-religious functions. They have their own traditional
    community council. The regional head is called Behera. Lord Viswakarma is
    their principal deity worshiped during Viswakarma Puja along with their
    pottery wheel. They worship their village deities such as Raudia,
    Thanamatho, Maisasuri, Handia, Gamho and Kuli.
    In 2011 Census they numbered 1694 in the district. Their literacy rate is
    50.44 per cent. They pursue avocations like pottery, stone cutting,
    engraving, cultivation, wage earning etc.
    Social Life
    Inter-caste relations
    The traditional division of Hindus into castes, though basically still
    intact, has lost much of its social rigidity to modern outlook in human
    relationship and social status. The drive of Mahatma Gandhi against the
    social disabilities of the untouchables has broken the barriers between the
    high castes and the untouchables. As untouchability is now punishable
    under law, people of various castes do not hesitate to worship, sit and dine
    in a common place. The change of occupations, spread of education and
    appointment of persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
    Tribes in private and public sectors have shrunken the traditional differences
    between various castes. Inter-caste marriages, though rare in the district, are
    now tolerated. Under these circumstances, the traditional structure of the
    Hindu society based on caste is undergoing a sea change.
    The tribals have retained their individual identity based on clans and
    dialects, but they have cordial relationship and co-operation among
    themselves. Sometimes inter-tribe marriages, though not socially
    recognized, are tolerated and made regular after observance of due
    ceremonies.
    New religious leaders and movements
    Followers of Shri Ramakrishna, Maa Sarada, Swami Vivekananda, Shri
    Aurobindo, Shri Sathyasai Baba, Swami Shivananda, Thakur Anukula
    Chandra, Swami Nigamananda, Swami Aviram Paramahansa and Mahima
    Gosain, the founder of the Mahima cult are found at different places in this
    district. They have formed their own organizations and are carrying on
    religious functions with the help of their followers.
    (ii) Property and Inheritance
    As regards inheritance and succession to property all the Hindus of the
    district except the Bengalis are governed by the Mitakhara School of Hindu
    109
    law. The Bengalis are governed by the Dayabhag School of Hindu law. The
    Muslims are governed by the Mohammedan Law of Succession. The tribals,
    however, are governed by their own customs and usages. The Hindu
    Succession Act, 1956 has allowed equal share in properties to daughters
    and the widow along with sons. But the daughters are not generally
    enforcing the right as they do not like to alienate the sympathy of their
    broters in their parental home.
    (iii) Marriage and Morals
    The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 forbids polygamy. Monogamy prevails
    among most of the castes and tribes. The Hindu marriage is regulated
    according to gotra. Generally the gotra of one‘s father is taken into account
    when a marriage is contemplated. The practice of child marriage which was
    common in the former days has almost disappeared and the age of marriage
    has substantially increased in case of both the male and the female. From
    time immemorial dowry system is in vogue in our society. To eradicate this
    social evil, the Government of Odisha has also introduced the Dowry
    Prevention Act and its amendment of 1984 along with strictly implementing
    sections 498-A and 306 of the Indian Penal Code to prevent dowry death.
    Civil Marriage
    The Government of India‘s Special Marriage Act was first passed in the
    year 1872. It was substituted by the Special Marriage Act, 1954 with certain
    modifications. This new Act was enforced on the first day of January, 1955
    and the Government of Odisha framed rules to implement the Act in the
    same year. Under these rules civil marriages are registered by the Sub-
    Registrar. Of the 1766 civil marriage notices filed from 1969 to 1985 in
    Baleshwar district, only 629 civil marriages had been registered.
    Widow Remarriage
    Widow remarriage is no longer disapproved in the society. It is mostly
    now confined to the educated mass. Among the Scheduled Tribes and the
    Scheduled Castes widow remarriage is permissible by tradition.
    Divorce
    Marriage being considered a sacrament, some castes avoid divorce.
    But among certain castes divorce is easy. It can be brought about at the will
    of either party. According to the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, divorce is
    allowed on some specific grounds to be determined by the courts. In
    Baleshwar district, the number of divorce cases filed in the court was 64
    during 2000 to 2015.

    110
    The place of women in society
    Women occupied, high position in the Hindu society since the ancient
    times. In this connection Manu had said that Gods reside in those
    households where women are respected. Women were able rulers and
    brave fighters of which the history of Odisha bears ample testimony. A
    galaxy of women ruled Odisha in the 8th to 10th centuries. The status of
    women, however, declined after the Muslim invasions of India when
    seclusion or purdah came into vogue as a measure of safety and protection.
    The practice continued thereafter among different castes as a mark of social
    prestige. It was observed strictly in villages than in towns and more rigidly
    followed among the Muslims than among the Hindus. But things have
    changed with the spread of education and the former seclusion of women
    has almost disappeared. Nowadays educated women are coming out in
    increasing numbers to shoulder the responsibility of running the household
    by engaging themselves in economic pursuits.
    Prostitution, drinking and gambling
    In the darkness of the underworld prostitution thrives mostly in urban
    places. There is no organised brothel nor was there any in the past. Women
    police, a recent addition to the force, have booked a few cases under the
    suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act (SITA). There are no
    reformatory homes for the rehabilitation and restoration of ill-fated women in
    this district. There is one Kanyashram at Soro which is meant for small girls
    and their education. There is another Kanyashram at Baleshwar meant for
    the destitutes.
    Drinking has become a social evil. Educated youngsters are the
    foremost prey of this evil. Also people of poor economic status like daily
    labourers and rickshaw-pullers fell to this vice. The tribals accept it as their
    social custom.
    Gambling is going on at a lesser scale and it has not been completely
    stopped. There are regular drives from the police side to prevent both illicit
    sale of liquor and gambling.
    Type of Dwellings
    As per Census 2011 there were 14,11,829 houses in Baleshwar district,
    of which 13,31,508 were in the rural areas and 80,321 in the urban areas,
    the distribution of houses and the uses to which they are put in the district
    are given below.

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    Type of House Number
    1.Houses vacant at the time of house-listing 12,465
    2.Occupied houses used as:
    (i) Residence 2,79,425
    (ii) Shop-cum-residence 2,570
    (iii) Workshop-cum-residence including household industry 3,260
    (iv) Hotels, Sarais, Dharmasalas, Tourist homes and 695
    Inspection houses
    (v) Shops excluding eating houses 7,850
    (vi) Business houses and offices 1,860
    (vii) Factories, Workshops and Worksheds 4,495
    (viii) Restaurants, Sweetmeat shops and eating places 1,465
    (ix) Places of entertainment and community gathering 1,435
    (Panchayat Ghar) excluding places of worship
    (x) Places of worship (e. g. Temple, Church, Mosque, 8,235
    Gurudwara, etc.)
    (xi) Others 83,555
    Total houses 4,07,565
    It is seen from the foregoing statement that the majority of the houses
    are used as residence. Places of worship (e.g., temple, church, mosque,
    Gurudwara, etc.) houses constitute the second highest group and the lowest
    category includes hotels, Sarais, Dharmashalas, tourist homes and
    inspection bungalows and rest sheds.
    In the rural areas mud is the most common material for construction of
    walls. It is the only district in the state of Odisha to have more than 50 per
    cent of the houses in the urban areas having mud walls.
    Generally, grass, leaves, reeds, thatch, wood, mud, bamboo, tiles,
    corrugated iron-asbestos-cement sheets and RBC / RCC are used as
    materials for construction of roofs in the district.
    Cement, concrete and iron rods are available throughout the district.
    People whose economic condition is good now prefer RCC roof than other
    materials. Since the cost of building construction materials are increasing
    day by day, it has become impossible for the poor people to construct a
    house. Under these circumstances Government has been expediting the
    rural housing program and providing schemes for low-cost houses for the
    poorest of the poor belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and
    freed bonded labourers in the rural areas.

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    Household utensils, furniture and house decoration
    Most of the people live modestly. Their household articles comprises
    ordinary utensils, tin boxes and bamboo-made pedis (box), agricultural
    implements, earthen pots of different shapes and sizes and some bamboo-
    made articles like baskets.
    The utensils used by the people are generally of bell-metal, brass,
    aluminium, steel and stone. Big bowls of bell-metal are found in each
    household. The affluent ones have brass pitchers for fetching and storing
    water. Dishes, cups and tumblers made of the same substance are in
    common use. For cooking, earthen pots and pans of aluminium, iron and
    steel are used by all the households. As stone utensil factories are found in
    Nilagiri region of the district, most of the villagers use stone dishes, cups and
    bowls. In many families use of stainless steel utensils are popular. It is
    gaining popularity more in urban areas than in ruraI areas of the district.
    Bamboo-made baskets, winnowing fans, broom sticks, etc., are used
    by all. Articles of value are stored in Sinduka, trunk and bamboo-made
    pedis. In sophisticated families these items have become obsolete. They are
    now using steel almirahs and iron chests. Dhenki, the wooden huller, is
    found more or less in every village. Use of such device has considerably
    decreased due to advent of rice hullers. Sila and Chaki, the grinding stones,
    are common to all households. Modern devices of grinding are gradually
    replacing the traditional household appliances in many parts of the district.
    Like other household articles Batua is also found in many houses. It is
    used to keep pan, chuna, khaira, gundi, and guakati. People carry it
    wherever they go and prepare khili pan instantly when they like to chew it.
    This fashion is still popular among the older generation mostly in rural areas.
    Well-to-do families in the district use various types of furniture for a
    comfortable living. They possess chairs, tables, sofa sets, bench, stool,
    almirah, dressing table, bedsteads, wardrobe and other furniture made of
    wood, cane or steel according to their need, taste, status and capacity.
    Those who cannot afford remain content with wooden bedstead, chair, table,
    bench and stool of ordinary type. In the district most of the houses have no
    furniture but stringed charpoys. The frame of the charpoys is made of wood
    and the strings used are either of jute or Sabai grass.
    The households having electricity use television, radio, transistor,
    heater and ceiling fans. Non-electricity using households use lamp, lantern
    and petromax. Those households who have no lanterns use kerosene lamps
    made of tin called ‗Dibiri‘, Bicycle is commonly used by the people. A few
    persons have mopeds, scooters, motor cycles and motor cars.

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    In addition to household equipment, the people of Baleshwar decorate
    their dwelling houses on festive and ceremonial occasions. They smear their
    floors and walls with cow-dung and coloured earth or pastes. On all
    Thursdays, especially during the month of Margasira (November-December),
    Hindus decorate their floors, walls and door steps by drawing floral,
    geometrical, anthropomorphical and morphological designs with the help of
    chlte or etpene in honour of the goddess Lakshmi. The doors and windows
    of the houses are often artistically carved with different designs to arrest the
    eyes of the visitors. Proficiency in alpana or chita was considered to be the
    prerequisite of the Hindu housewife and the tradition still persists in many
    parts of the district. Apart from these, houses of well-to-do families are also
    decorated with door and window screens, door mats and flower pots. Some
    of the house walls are also decorated with photographs and calendars
    bearing pictures of gods and goddesses, eminent national leaders, scenery
    and toys.

    Dress and Ornaments


    Generally, men wear dhoti, gamuchha and lungi. They also use shirt,
    vest, pant, trousers, bush shirt and coat. Women put on sari. Use of blouse
    and saya has also become common except by the poorest of the poor
    ladies. The widows do not use bordered saris. Girls put on frocks, jumpers
    and middy blouses.
    During winter, the common men use cotton jerseys, coarse cotton
    Chaddars or wrappers. The women, at home, do not generally use any extra
    garment for the winter. Children are provided with jackets, cardigans and
    cheap quality dress materials. The affluent ones use woolen wrappers.
    During summer and the rainy seasons most of the people use
    umbrellas while going out. In rural areas the common people use pakhias
    made of palmyra-palm leaves. It is also used by members of both the sexes
    while working in the field.
    Cheap chappals are used by men when they move out. Women rarely
    use any footwear. The members of the affluent families use good quality
    chappals, socks and shoes.
    The people of Baleshwar wear a variety of ornaments. In the past the
    principal ornaments used by the women in the head were tiara and sinthi of
    gold or silver. Young women use hair pins with floral embroideries which are
    generally made of silver and sometimes of nickel also. They are called
    matha phulakanta and matha panakanta. For the neck they use
    Champakadi, Kanthi, jhinjira and necklece made of gold or silver. For the
    arms they use armlets and for the wrists they use bangles and bracelets of

    114
    silver or gold called bala, chudi, sankha etc. They also use bangles made of
    glass or plastic of different colours and designs. For the ears and nose, gold
    ornaments are used. The nose ornaments are called dandi, nakaphula, phuli
    and nuduka. Out of these, the dandi which is set with stones is the most
    common ornament. Ear-tops and ear-rings of various designs for the ears
    are used. Phasia, noli and kanachampa are common ear ornaments for the
    women. Silver and gold rings are worn in the fingers. Chandrahara a stout
    chain of silver is used round the waist. Anklets of silver called bankia are
    used on the ankles. Rings of silver are also used in the toes by the women.
    All these ornaments are not for daily use. It is only on festive occasions and
    ceremonies that the women put on most of their ornaments.
    The men ordinarily do not use ornaments but some wear rings of gold,
    silver or nickel in their fingers. According to the financial condition of the
    people, the use of ornaments varies from cheap materials to gold
    ornaments.
    There is no speciality in the hair style of women. The grown up and
    middle aged women generally tie their hair into knots behind after combing
    with combs made of wood, horn or plastic. The younger ones particularly of
    the higher caste Hindu families love to have plaits dangling on their back.
    Men generally trim their hairs short.
    Some women have tattoo marks on their limbs. Generally geometrical
    figures on the elbows and dot marks on the forehead of women irrespective
    of caste are noticed. Such marks are also seen on the palm and feet. Some
    men have their own names or the names of gods tattooed on their forearms.
    It is believed by women that the tattoo marks save them from being punished
    by the Yama, the god of Death.
    Food
    The food habits of the people are simple. Those staying in rural areas
    have not changed much by the passage of time. Their main food still
    consists of rice and vegetable curry. For breakfast and even for lunch the
    rural folk mainly women and children take watered rice called pakhal. The
    food habits of the urban people have, however, changed appreciably in
    recent times. They generally take rice, roti or bread, dal and vegetables with
    some ghee (clarified butter). The welt-to-dos in towns add such ancillary
    items as salad, chutney, pickle and some extra vegetables. The evening
    meals usually consist of roti and vegetable curry. Some people repeat rice
    and dal also at night. Fish, meat, egg, dried fish, lobster and crab are taken
    when available. On the occasion of feasts or festivals the meal is
    supplemented by sweetmeats and savories. Each community has a special
    culinary item to suit the occasion. The festive dishes vary according to one‘s

    115
    taste and purse. Most people have two meals a day, one at noon and the
    other in the night. In. between principal meals people usually eat pitha (rice
    cakes), chuda (flattened rice), murhi (puffed rice) and khai (pop rice) as tiffin.
    Popular Indian recipes are available in restaurants, both big and small
    throughout the district. Gaja of Baleshwar is well-known as special
    sweetmeat in the state. Taking tea is very common among the people. It was
    rarely used as drink fifty years ago. Nowadays it has become a universal
    drink. In summer the people of Baleshwar quench their thirst with cool
    drinks, sharbats and aerated waters. Smoking and chewing of betel leaves
    are common in the district. Apart from that people relish smoking and
    chewing tobacco. Some are also addicted to ganja and bhang.
    Mustard oil and ghee are used as the medium of cooking since long.
    Nowadays groundnut oil, vanaspati and the recently introduced palm oil are
    being used widely for preparation of cakes and other delicacies. Ghee is
    used very sparingly and mostly by the well-to-do to prepare delicacies for
    offering to the deities during festivals. Pure ghee has become not only costly
    but also a rarity.
    Firewood from forests is used as the principal fuel in the district. Dried
    leaves are collected and stored specially for boiling paddy. Cow-dung is also
    made into balls or flattened cakes and dried in the sun for use as fuel.
    Besides, kerosene stoves and electric heaters cooking gas is gradually
    becoming popular in urban areas.
    Communal Dance
    Chhau Nancha, Danda Nacha, Chadhei Chadheiani Nacha and
    Kandhei Nacha are popular in the district. Description of some dances is
    given below.
    Chhau dance
    Patronized by the ex-rulers, Chhau dance is prevalent in Nilagiri, area
    of Baleshwar district. Mainly male members participate in this dance.
    Different types of dresses are used by the artists for performing this dance.
    Most of the dances are based on the mythological themes such as Radha-
    Krishna Milan, Tandaba Nrutya of Shiva, war dance, etc. Background songs
    are provided during the performances of the dance. Funds are being
    sanctioned by the Odisha State Government from time to time for the
    promotion and preservation of the dance.
    Danda Nacha
    Danda Nacha (dance) is a ritual dance. The participants of the dance
    are the devotees of Hara-Parvati. They perform the dance in the month of
    Chaitra (March-April) and Vaishakha (April-May). Danda begins on an
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    auspicious day before the Chaitra Sankranti or Mahavishuva Sankranti with
    traditional worship and fasting. This dance consists of a series of different
    dances which are performed one after another by the male members
    generally belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. The
    music of the Danda Nacha varies for different dances. The songs are mainly
    devotional and are based on the stories from the epics.
    Fairs, Festivals and Recreation
    Out of many fairs and festivals celebrated in the district, the following
    are important.
    Chandan Jatra
    The Chandan Jatra is observed in many villages in the district. It starts
    from Akshaya Trutiya and continues for 21 days. To cut short expenditures,
    now it is observed for 4 or 5 days at many places.
    Baruni Jatra
    Baruni is observed on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the month of
    Chaitra (March-April). On this day many people take holy dip in the Pandab
    Ghat of Baleshwar, They pay oblation to their ancestors and visit nearby
    temples to offer prayer.
    Chadak Jatra
    The Chadak Jatra is celebrated in Chandaneswar temple on the last
    day in the month of Chaitra (March-April). A large number of people
    congregate celebrate the festivaI. Since the temple is situated near the
    border area of Odisha and West Bengal many people from the neighbouring
    state aIso attend the festival.
    Raja Sankranti
    Raja is an important festival connected with agriculture. It is observed
    by people of all walks of life in general and cultivators in particular. It is
    observed for three consecutive days in the month of Asadha (June-July).
    The last day of the month of Jyestha is called Pahili Raja. The first day of
    Asadha is known as Raja Sankranti. The second day and third day of
    Asadha are known as Bhuindahan and Basumati Puja respectively.
    Ploughing is not done for these three days, the popular belief being that the
    Mother Earth is in menstruation.
    Ratha Jatra
    The Ratha Jatra or the Car Festival of Lord Jagannath is held on the
    second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Asadha (June-July) at
    Nilagiri, Baleshwar, and other places of the district. The three deities -

    117
    Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra - are brought from the main temple
    and placed in the wooden chariot and drawn to the Shri Gundicha Mandira
    or Mausima Mandira. The deities remain in that temple for seven days
    worshipped there. At Nilagiri they assume Matshya, Kashyapa, Baraha,
    Nrushingha, Bamana, Rama, Balarama, Buddha, Parsuram and Kaliki
    Avatar. Large number of devotees come for Darshan on these days to the
    Shri Gundicha Mandira. That apart, make shift markets, circus, opera party
    and merry-go-round provide entertainment to the persons assembled there.
    The return car festival or Bahuda Jatra is performed on Asadha Sukla
    Dasami, i.e., the tenth day of the bright fortnight. At Nilagiri, the return of the
    deities from Shri Gundicha Mandira to the main temple generally take two
    days on the way. This festival is being observed in Nilagiri this Sub-Division
    with much pomp and show since the Durbar period.
    Gamha Purnima
    In the month of Shraban (July-August) Gamha Purnima is celebrated.
    People worship Lord Balabhadra. Cattle are also worshipped on this day.
    The other significance of the day is Rakhi-Bandhan. As a bond of protection,
    sisters tie a coloured silken thread as a sign of love and a plea for eternal
    protection. Sweetmeats, cakes and other delicacies are prepared in every
    house on the occasion.
    Jhulan Jatra
    The Jhulan Jatra or the swing festival of the deities Radha-Krishna is
    held from the 10th of the bright fortnight (July-August) in the month of
    Shraban to the full-moon day. It is observed at many temples and Mathas of
    the district of which mention may be made of the Khirachora Gopinath
    temple at Remuna.
    Janmastami
    Janmastami is observed on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the
    month of Shraban (July-August) to celebrate the birthday of Lord Shri
    Krishna. On this occasion a large number of devotees go to the temples for
    worship. The next day is celebrated as Nanda Ustab. Joyous scenes from
    Lord Krishna‘s life are re-enacted and sweets are distributed among the
    people.
    Ganesh Chaturthi
    On the fourth day in the month of Bhadrab (August-September) the
    birth of Lord Ganesh or Ganapati is celebrated. On Ganesh Chaturthi, the
    clay idol of the God is brought into the house and educational institutions
    and installed. It is kept for one day or more according to the will of the
    worshipper. The idol is worshipped with special prayers in the morning and
    118
    evening until it is ceremoniously immersed in a river or tank or canal. It is
    mainly celebrated in educational institutions. It is considered to be the most
    auspicious day of the year, when children are taken to school for the first
    time to begin their studies.
    Biswakarma Puja
    Worship of Lord Biswakarma, the Maker of the Universe in the month of
    Bhadrab (August-September) used to be the big festival of Badhei, Kamar
    and Tanti castes. However, now a days all industrial units and workshops
    are performing this puja.
    Karama Puja
    The tribals of the district observe Karama Parba on the 11th day after
    the full-moon of Bhadrab (September-October). Two branches of Karama
    tree are brought by three maidens who pitch them in an open space. Handia
    (country wine) is offered to the deities near these branches. Children and
    women dance around the branches to the rhythmic beating of drums. Feast,
    drinking of Handia and community dancing occupy the greater part of the
    day and night.
    Durga Puja
    Durga puja is one of the most popular festivals of the district. It is
    celebrated in the bright fortnight in the month of Aswina (September-
    October). This colourful festlvaI begins from Saptami (7th day) and ends on
    Dasami (10th day). Clay images of goddess Durga are worshipped at many
    places in the district with great pomp and splendour of which mention may
    be made of the celebrations held at Baleshwar, Nilagiri, Soro and Jaleshwar.
    The 10th day of the festival is called Dasahara. On this day the images are
    taken out in procession for immersion in tanks or rivers. Durga Puja is also
    celebrated at many Shakti shrines in the district. Animals were sacrificed to
    please the deity.
    Kumar Purnima
    After Durga Puja comes Kumar Purnima, It is held on the full-moon day
    in the month of Aswina. On this day the unmarried girls wear new clothes.
    They worship the rising sun in the morning and the rising moon in the
    evening in front of the Tulsi Chaura. Bhoga offered to the full-moon is called
    chanda. Unmarried girls establish friendship by exchanging Chanda to each
    other and call each other by that name. The girls sing songs typical to the
    occasion and play Puchi which is a kind of frolicking game. The children
    enjoy the whole night by organising cultural programmes.

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    Kali Puja and Deepavali
    Clay images of goddess Kali are set up and worshipped at Baleshwar,
    Soro, Nilagiri and other places in the district. It is observed on the 14th day
    of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartika (October-November). The new-
    moon day of Kartika is known as Deepavali Amabasya or Paya Amabasya.
    On this day the Hindus in remembrance of their ancestors perform Sradha
    and bid farewell to them with lighted kaunria (hemp) sticks in the night. Every
    house is decorated with rows of earthen lamps and the youth and the aged
    alike enjoy the evening with crackers and fireworks.
    Kartika Purnima
    This is observed on the full-moon day in the month of Kartika (October-
    November). Devotees, old and young, bathe in the rivers and tanks long
    before the dawn and then proceed to the temple. The devotees take
    habishanna once in the afternoon and touch no food after sun set. Some
    observe fasting on all the Mondays of the month and some do it for five days
    and yet many others fast on the full-moon day only. On the last day tiny
    boats made of banana pith and sheath or paper are floated in the tanks,
    canals and rivers by the people. It is said that the day is reminiscent of the
    maritime trade and prosperity of the ancient Kalinga empire.
    Prathamastami
    After Kartika Purnima comes Prathamastami in the month of Margasira
    (November-December). This is the day for the eldest issue in each family
    who is provided with new dress mainly from the maternal uncle‘s family.
    Cakes and delicacies are prepared in each family in honour of the eldest.
    The festival is observed by people of all castes.
    Makar Sankranti
    The first day of Magha (January-February) is known as Makar
    Sankranti. Many elderly persons take their bath before dawn and on
    returning home make offerings of sweetmeats and flowers to the Sun God.
    Cakes and delicacies are prepared in every home. A kind of sweet is
    specially prepared for the occasion called tilou. Powdered rice, treacle and a
    few grains of sesame seeds are the components of this cake. This festival is
    observed both by the Hindus and Adivasis. The Adivasis celebrate it for one
    week whereas the caste Hindus observe it for one day only.
    Muni Mela
    Muni Mela or Jatra is held on Makar Sankranti at many places of which
    mention may be made of the celebrations held at Jirtal, Abhana, and
    Ramakrushnapur.

    120
    Saraswati Puja
    Saraswati Puja is celebrated throughout the district on the Magha
    Shukla Panchami with usual gaiety and enthusiasm. The people decorate
    the clay image of Saraswati, the goddess of learning with flowers and offer
    sweetmeats and fruits. Children wear new dress on the occasion and are
    also initiated to the alphabet on this day.
    Shivaratri
    Shivaratri is celebrated in all the temples of Lord Shiva on the 14th day
    of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February-March). The
    devotees remain on fasting for the whole day. Both men and women
    observe this festival. Number of devotees assemble on the festive day in the
    Shiva temple, keep burning lamps in front of the God and wait till the Maha
    Dipa is taken to the top of the temple. The devotees watch this ceremony
    with keen interest and break their fast after it is over. The festival is observed
    with great pomp and splendour at the temple in Chandaneswar,
    Nangaleswar, Panchalingeswar, Jhadeswar temples. On the occasion of
    Shivaratri temporary stalls are opened in and outside the temple premises.
    Jatras and musical entertainments keep the visitors merry all through the
    night.
    Salui Puja
    Salui Puja or Baha is observed on Dola Purnima day (February- March)
    by the tribals of the district. The aim of this festival is to celebrate the advent
    of spring when palas and mohua flowers blosssorn.
    In the morning the villagers gather near a sal tree laden with blossoms
    and offer plantains, milk, honey and flowers to the Bongas (Supreme Being).
    Some youngmen then cut small branches containing the blossoms which are
    taken home and fixed on the thresholds. Crescent moons are pointed at the
    entrance door with vermilion and oil.
    After this the water festival follows. Coloured water is thrown on all men
    and women, young and old, which resembles very much the Holi festival. All
    those participating in the festival take their bath before the evening. They all
    drink Handia and spend the moonlit night in dancing and singing.
    Dola Jatra
    The last festival of the Hindu almanac is Dola Purnima. It is celebrated
    on the full-moon day of the month of Phalguna (February-March), This
    festival is enjoyed for five days beginning with Phagu Dasami (10th phase of
    the moon) and concluding on the full-moon day. On this occasion the images
    of Radha and Krishna are brought from the temple altar and placed in a
    decorated Biman and carried in procession from house to house where they
    121
    get Bhoga (offerings). All the communities join in the festival. Coloured
    powder (Abira) and coloured water are freely used all these days. In some
    places people observe Panchu Dola and Dasa Dola from the next day of
    Phagu Purnima or Dola Purnima. Bimans are also brought from different
    villages to the Melan Padia (a meadow for meeting) where aII enjoy in
    merriments. Sweet stalls and varieties of shops sit in this field. The whole
    area is agog with excitement.
    This is also the main festival of the people belonging to Gauda caste.
    They worship the cow and play Naudi (a play with sticks) by singing songs
    relating to Radha and Krishna.
    This festival is celebrated with pomp, grandeur and pageantry at
    Khirkona, Patirajpur, Golia, Abhana, Barikpur, Mathani, Pinchabania, Singla,
    and Matiali areas.
    Christian Festivals
    The Christians of the district observe New Year‘s Day, Good Friday,
    Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Christmas Eve and
    Christmas Day with great pomp and show.
    Muslim Festivals
    The Muslim inhabitants celebrate Id-Ul-Fitre, ld-Ul-Zuha, Shab-E-Barat,
    Shab·E·Quadar, Juma-Tul-Wida, Muharram, Shab- E-Maraj, Milad-Un-Nabi
    and Ramzan like their fellow brethren in other parts of the state. Of these,
    the Very important festivals celebrated by Muslims are ld-Ul-Fitre, ld-Ul-Zuha
    and Muharram·
    Id-Ul-Fitre comes with the new-moon and marks the end of Ramzan,
    the 9th month of the Muslim year. Muslims keep a fast every day during this
    month and on the completion of the period, which is usually decided by the
    appearance of the new-moon Id-UI-Fitre is celebrated. On the occasion,
    prayers are offered in mosques and the Idgahs. People greet each other
    warmly. Hindus and Muslims join in the celebration of this great festival.
    ld-Ul-Zuha commemorates the ordeal of Hazrat Ibrahim, who was put to
    a severe test once by God. When he was asked to sacrifice what was
    dearest to him, he decided to sacrifice the life of his son. When he was on
    the point of applying the sword to his son‘s neck, it was revealed to him by
    the God that this was meant only to test his faith. Instead of it, he was asked
    to sacrifice only a ram.ld-Ul-Zuha is celebrated on the 1oth day of Zilhijjat,
    when the Haj festival at Mecca is rounded off by the sacrifice of goats and
    camels.

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    The observance of Muharram commemorates the tragic death of the
    Prophet Muhammad‘s grandson. The first days of Muharram which is in the
    first month of the Muslim year, are dedicated to the mourning and martyrdom
    of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
    Recreation
    Leisure and recreation are essential for life. Apart from assembling in
    temples, church, mosque and Gurudwara to offer prayer for refreshment of
    mind,people also meet at places to listen to the recitals from Ramayan,
    Mahabharata, Bhagabat Purana, Gita, Koran, Bible and Granth Sahib. Some
    people get pleasure by singing classical, modern and devotional songs with
    the help of musical instruments. Occasionally, acrobatic feats, monkey
    dance, bear dance, snake-charming and magic performed by professional
    groups provide entertainment to the people. In some places amateur
    dramatic clubs stage dramas. The theatre parties display folk-dances and
    operas. Pala and Daskathia also provide recreation to most of the people in
    the rural areas in this district. Film is a common source of entertainment.
    There are film houses in the district. In every house of the society people
    witness different television programme being televised by the different
    channels.
    Libraries, reading rooms, television and radio sets provide more
    recreational facility to the people. Sometimes people of all walks of life
    assemble in public places to discuss about the regional, national and
    international affairs and exchange their views.
    Fishing is a favourite pastime. Cock-fighting is popular among the tribal
    people. Although poaching in the forests is prohibited under law, some
    people at times go to the hills in Nilagiri area with their guns, bows and
    arrows and bag some game birds. Schools, colleges and athletic clubs in the
    district offer opportunities to the students for out-door games. In-door games
    like playing cards, dice and ludu are not rare.
    Hotels and restaurants are also places for social gathering and
    amusements. There are a few good hotels and restaurants in Baleshwar,
    Chandipur and Nilagiri. Besides, people also find pleasure in visiting picnic
    spots, parks and garden. In the district, Kuldiha, Panchalingeswar, Remuna
    Ajodhya, Abhana, Chandaneswar, Kupari, Raibania, Talasari and Chandipur
    picnic spots attract a large number of persons from all walks of life.

    123
    CHAPTER – IV
    AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION
    Physiographic and Agro Climatic Conditions
    Baleshwar is one of the thickly populated coastal districts of Odisha.
    The economy of the district is largely agriculture oriented. The district used
    to be popularly known as the granary of Odisha. Agriculture, Animal
    Husbandry, Forestry and Fisheries combinedly account for 23.70% of NDDP
    as against 19.92% at the state level. Bulk of the total workers i.e. 69.38% in
    the district are cultivators and agricultural labourers. Agriculture thus
    supports a disproportionately larger per cent of workers relative to its
    contribution to NDDP at the district level. Agriculture, the world‘s oldest
    occupation is an important source of sustained livelihood for the people of
    Baleshwar district. It has an impeccable track record of meeting the
    challenges of food security.
    Agro-Climatic Condition and Soil
    It is divided into three natural divisions: (i) the coastal belt (ii) the sub-
    mountainous region (iii) and between these two regions a zone of highly
    fertile land intersected by a network of rivers. The state of Odisha is divided
    into ten agro-climatic zones such as, (1) North Western Plateau, (2) North
    Central Plateau, (3) North Eastern Coastal Plain, (4) East and South Eastern
    Coastal Plain, (5) North Eastern Ghat, (6) Eastern Ghat Highland, (7) South
    Eastern Ghat, (8) Western Undulating Zone, (9) Western Central Table Land
    and (10) Need Mid-Central Table Land. Jagatsinghpur is one among the
    three districts covered under the North Eastern coastal plain agro-climatic
    zone in the state.
    The climatic condition of the district is generally hot with high humidity
    during April-June and cold during December-January. The monsoon
    generally breaks in the district in July. Having an average rainfall of 1583
    MM, lack of irrigation facility does not pose a problem. But unfortunately
    natural calamities like flood, drought and cyclone are very common to this
    district. Agriculture in the district is mainly rainfed. Till recently the cultivation
    in the district is predominated by the traditional method of cultivation. The
    number of small and marginal farmers is too high.
    Nature and Types of Soil and Soil Fertility
    The soil of the district is alluvial laterite. The soil of central region is
    clay, clay-loam and sandy-loan which is very fertile for production of paddy
    and other agriculture commodities. Nilagiri Sub-division is mostly gravelly
    and laterities soil, which is less fertile. A small group of saline soil is also
    seen along the extreme coastal part of the district. Saline soil and acid soils
    124
    put constraints on the way of enhancing production. The presence of soluble
    salts in this soil is mainly due to the salty water of Bay of Bengal that surge
    over the coastal plains. To get rid of such situation and to make the soil
    neutral, liming is quite necessary. The Government is now providing funds
    for acid soil management by promoting the use of peppermill sludge.
    Due to high cropping intensity which is 169%, the soil fertility status is
    deteriorating day by day creating deficiency and imbalance in plant nutrients
    in the soil. The Government of India have decided to issue soil health card to
    each farmer. Accordingly the farmers will apply the manure and fertilizer at a
    balanced rate as per the need of the crop. Within a period of three years all
    farmers are expected to be able to get their soil health card.
    Land Utilization Pattern in the District
    Out of the total geographical area (381000 Ha.), net sown area
    amounted to only about 191000 Ha. or 50.13% as in 2013-14. For the state
    as a whole the share of net sown area is relatively lower at 34.83%. Forest
    area, land put to non-agricultural use, barren and unculturable land and
    current fallow, etc. have a roughly equal shares in the total geographical
    area in the district. With a net irrigation area of 127690 Ha.the gross cropped
    area works out to about 322000 Ha. Hence the cropping intensity in the
    district is 169% which is higher than the cropping intensity at the state level
    i.e. 167%. The details of comparative land utilisation pattern at the district
    and state levels are given in the following table.

    Land Utilisation Pattern: 2013-14


    (‗000 Ha)

    Indicators Baleshwar Odisha


    Geographical Area 381 15571
    Forest Area 33 5813
    Misc Trees and Groves 25 342
    Permanent Pasture 16 494
    Cultivable Waste 9 375
    Land put to Non-Agricultural Use 33 1298
    Barren and Unculturable Land 10 840
    Current Fallow 59 756
    Other Fallow 5 229
    191 5224
    Net Area Sown
    50.13% 34.83%
    Important Agricultural Statistics

    Net Area Sown (‗000 Ha.) 191 5424


    Gross Cropped Area (000 Ha.) 322 2054
    Cropping Intensity 169 167
    Net Irrigated Area (‗000 Ha.) 127.69 2253.67
    Source: Odisha Agriculture Statistics, 2013-14

    125
    Smallholder Agriculture
    Balashwar district is characterised by smallholder agriculture both by
    ownership and operational holdings. This is true for most of the states in
    India and also of Odisha. This fact is given in the following table.
    Number and Operational Holdings 2010-11
    Size Class Baleshwar Odisha
    No. and area % No. and area %
    Marginal No. 239347 83.76 3368296 72.17
    (<1.0 ha) Area (Ha.) 127403 57.50 1921842 39.61

    Small No. 38063 13.32 918647 19.68


    (1-2 ha) Area (Ha.) 64476 29.10 1497752 30.87

    Semi-Medium No. No. 7010 2.59 311261 6.67


    (2-4 ha) Area (Ha.) 22830 10.30 918947 18.94

    Medium No. 911 0.32 63688 1.36


    (4-10 ha) Area (Ha) 5517 2.49 381272 7.86

    Large No. 28 0.01 5574 0.12


    Area (Ha.) 1355 0.61 132201 2.72

    All Sizes No. 285759 100.00 4667466 100.00


    Area (Ha.) 221581 100.00 4852014 100.00
    AvergaeSize (Ha.) 0.78 1.04

    Source: Odisha Agriculture Statistics, 2013-14

    It may be seen from the table that the typical rural household in
    Jagatsinghpur district now holds a marginal plot. The marginal farmers in the
    district constitute about 84 percent of the total who own 57.50 percent and
    small farmers account for 13.32 per cent of farmers and 29.10 per cent of
    farm land. Together they comprise 97.08 percent of farmers and own 86.60
    percent of agricultural land. For Odisha as a whole the two together account
    for about 92 percent of framers and 78.48 percent of farm land.The average
    farm size deplorably small i.e. 0.77 Ha.and often unviable. For the state, the
    average size is 1.04 Ha. Thus, the situation at the district is more deplorable
    than at the state. Demographic pressures and lack of suitable alternative
    livelihoods have contributed to this sad state quite significantly, though other
    forces are also at work.

    126
    Major Crops
    The major crops of the district are as follows:
    Cereals
    Paddy: Paddy is thestaple crop of the district. Presently the old practice
    of broadcasted rice has been obsolete due to delayed monsoon and
    adoption of improved mechanised farming practices and new technology.
    About 1% of area is being broadcasted and 99% area is being covered
    under transplanted rice as winter crop. So also summer paddy area is
    enhanced to 16% during 2014-15 the total area under paddy during winter,
    High yield variety covered 1,94,150 ha and the local paddy area is 22,525
    ha. Summer paddy covered an area of 34,409 ha. Under HYV, per hectare
    yield is 32.97 Qtl. during Khariff and 49.78 Qtl. per ha. duringRabi as in
    2014-15.
    Wheat: So far as the cultivation of wheat is concerned in this district,
    the area is diminishing day by day due to change of climate /
    temperature.Presently 285 ha.ofarea is being covered under wheat and the
    yield is 18.5MT per ha.
    Millets: Presently maize is cultivated in an area of 7215 ha. during
    Khariff and 220 ha. during Rabi with yield of 10.10MT and 12.80MT per ha.
    respectively.
    Pulses
    Mung: Mung is the predominant crop in Baleshwar district next to
    paddy. Now the usual practices of the farmers have been changed to
    cultivate mung during winter and summer seasons owing to climate change.
    In the year 2014-15 mung has been cultivated over an area of 79173 ha.
    and the total production was 366.92 MT with an average yield of 4Qtls / ha.
    Biri: Biri crop covers an area of 7566 ha. having yield of 4.2 Qtl / ha.
    during 2014-15 and this crops cultivated in both Rabi and Summer seasons.
    Kulthi: Kulthi crop is not accepted by the farmers because of
    predominance of mung and biri crops and during 2014-15 only 16 ha. of
    area was covered and the yield was 3.20 Qtls. per ha.
    Other Pulses: Besides mung andbiri other pulses like gram, field pea
    and cowpea are being cultivated during Rabi season in an area of 346 ha.
    and the yield was Q8.4 per ha. during 2014-15.
    Oil Seeds
    Ground Nut: Groundnut being the largest grown oil seed crop during
    Rabi covered an area of 12,790 ha. having yield of 11.00 Qtl per ha. during
    2014-15.

    127
    Mustard: During Rabi 2014-15, 5130 ha. areawas cultivated with yield
    of 3.20 Qtls per ha.
    Til: Til crop is being cultivated as a pre Rabi and Rabi crop now a days.
    During the year 2014-15 it was grown in an area of 970 ha. and the yield
    rate was 4.30 Qtl. / ha.
    th
    Sunflower: Sunflower is the 4 leading oilseed crop in the district and
    is mostly grown during Rabi season. During 2014-15 an area of 357 ha.was
    covered under this crop and the yield was 7.10 Qtl/ ha.
    Fibre Crops
    Jute: Among fibre crops jute is being cultivated during Khariff season.
    An area of 1590 ha.wasused for grown of jute during 2014-15 Khariff season
    having yield of 12.20 Qtl/ ha.
    Sugarcane: Although it is a cash crop, the cultivation process is
    cumbersome and needs heavy man power. The farmers face marketing
    problem because there is no sugar factory in nearby area. Hence, the area
    under this crop is gradually decreasing.Area of 121 ha.was cultivated during
    Rabi 2014-15 and the yield was 460 Qtl/ ha.
    Betel vine (Pan)
    The Cultivation of Pan (Betel), another important cash crop is growing
    extensively in two blocks i.e. Baliapal and Bhogarai Blocks. The introduction
    of betel in this district bears a story behind it. According tothe Baleshwar
    Gazetteer of 1907 written by O‘ Malley. ―It was instructed by some men of
    Bauri Caste, who came from Bengal and settled down in Baleshwar and it is
    still grown for most part by men of this Caste. The gardens are carefully
    fenced and covered with a thatched roof constructed with a kind of reed
    locally available. This is locally called as a ―Pan Baroj‖. The vines are
    planted in rows supported by props and grown under shade. The cultivation
    required constant and careful supervision.
    Area and Yield
    Kharif and Rabi crops are raised by farmers in Baleshwar district as
    elsewhere in the state. Paddy (Rice), wheat, maize, potato, sweet,
    vegetables, chillies, and sugarcane are grown in the Kharif season. In the
    Rabi season the crops which are raised in Jagatsinghpur include rice, wheat,
    maize, mung, biri, cow pea, kulthi, groundnut, sesamum, sunflower, mustard,
    sweet potato, potato, onion, vegetables, chillies, and coriander. The details
    of area under selected major crops in the district are presented in the
    following table.

    128
    Kharif Cropped Area 2013-14

    (‗000 Ha.)
    Crops Baleshwar % Odisha %
    Rice 195.43 96.24 3879.7 66.61
    Other Cereals 0.17 0.08 451.83 7.76
    Total Cereals 195.60 96.32 4331.5 74.37
    Total Pulses 0.01 0.01 685.61 11.77
    Total Food Grains 195.61 96.33 5017.1 86.14
    Total Oil Seeds 0.01 0.01 299.64 5.14
    Total Vegetables 3.12 1.54 275.98 4.74
    Total Fibres 1.53 0.75 151.87 2.61
    Total Spices 2.80 1.38 79.93 1.37
    Total Cropped Area 203.07 100.00 5824.5 100.00
    Source: Odisha Agriculture Statistics, 2013-14
    Rabi Cropped Area 2013-14
    (‗000 Ha.)
    Crops Baleshwar % Odisha %
    Rice 30.86 28.80 300.54 11.11
    Other Cereals 0.65 0.61 36.15 1.34
    Total Cereals 31.51 29.40 336.69 12.44
    Total Pulses 17.75 16.56 1402.69 51.84
    Total Food Grains 49.26 45.96 1739.38 64.28
    Total Oil Seeds 29.79 27.80 452.76 16.73
    Total Vegetables 24.20 22.58 401.35 14.83
    Total Spices 3.67 3.42 75.37 2.79
    Sugarcane 0.25 0.23 35.34 1.31
    Tobacco 0.00 0.00 1.69 0.06
    Total Cropped Area 107.17 100.00 2705.89 100.00

    Source: Odisha Agriculture Statistics, 2013-14

    Gross Cropped Area: 2013-14


    (‗000 Ha.)
    Crops Baleshwar % Odisha %
    Rice 226.29 70.23 4180.22 46.17
    Other Cereals 0.82 0.25 487.98 5.39
    Total Cereals 22.11 70.48 4668.2 51.56
    Total Pulses 17.76 5.51 2088.3 23.06
    Total Foodgrains 244.87 76.00 6756.5 74.62
    Total Oilseeds 29.80 9.25 752.4 8.31
    Total Vegetables 27.32 8.48 677.33 7.48
    Total Fibres 1.53 0.47 151.87 1.68
    Total Spices 6.47 2.01 155.3 1.72
    Sugarcane 0.25 0.08 35.34 0.39
    Tobacco 0.00 0.00 1.69 0.02
    Fruits 11.96 3.71 523.64 5.78
    Gross Cropped Area 322.20 100.00 9054.07 100.00
    Source: Odisha Agriculture Statistics, 2013-14

    129
    It may be read off the table that paddy/rice is the major crop in the
    district. In the Kharif season paddy/rice is cultivated in 94.24 percent of total
    cropped area in the district as against 66.6 percent area in the state. Other
    cereals account for about 8 percent of total cropped area at the state level
    but their share is almost nil at 0.08 per cent in the district. Pulses have a
    share of 0.1 percent in the district and 11.77 per cent in the state. As a broad
    group, foodgrains are cultivated in 94.32 percent of Kharif cropped area in
    Baleshswar district but their share is little less at 86.14 percent at the all
    Odisha level. This means that the share of non-foodgrains is higher and
    foodgrains lower in the Odisha context relative to Baleshwar district.
    In the case of Rabi crops, foodgrains have a 65.5 percent share with
    pulses having a share of 4.6 percent and non-foodgrains are cultivated
    about 54 percent of cropped area in Baleshwar district. At the state level
    food grains and non-food. This shows that even in the Rabi season, the
    cropping pattern is heavily tilted in favour of foodgrains in the district.
    Combining Kharif and Rabi crops as a whole yields information on
    gross cropped area (GCA). Of the gross cropped area of 322200 Ha. in
    Baleshwar district paddy/rice is cultivated in 70 per cent of total area.
    Over the years traditional agriculture has yielded place to modern
    commercial agriculture based on HYV seeds, mechanisation and chemical
    fertilizer and pesticides. The use of new technology has brought about
    significant increases in land productivity i.e. yield per unit of land. A summary
    picture of trend of yield of major crops in Baleshwar district vis-a-vis the state
    of Odisha is presented below.
    Yield Rate of Major Crops (Kg/Ha.)
    Foodgrains 2008-09 1375 1249
    2009-10 1515 1258
    2010-11 1738 1293
    2011-12 1999 1175
    2012-13 1660 1737
    2013-14 1193 (1580.00) 1426 (1356.33)
    Oilseeds 2008-09 1382 848
    2009-10 1321 776
    2010-11 885 828
    2011-12 1361 867
    2012-13 1451 919
    2013-14 1188 (1264.66) 928 (861.0)

    Source: Odisha Agriculture Statistics, 2013-14


    Note: Figures in parentheses indicate averages for six years

    It may be seen from the table that the yield rate of crops has been
    increasing over the years and any break in the trend is due largely to the
    occurrence of natural calamities. Jagatsinghpur being a coastal district is
    130
    prone to natural disasters and hence instability in yield is not a surprising
    phenomenon. However, braving all natural hazards, agriculture in
    Jagatsinghpur has experienced higher yields in paddy, food grains and
    oilseeds than the state.
    Cropping Pattern and Crop Rotation
    As stated above, the cropping pattern in Baleshwar district continues to
    remain dominated by food grains, especially paddy. In addition to paddy, the
    other major crop that is cultivated in the district is pulses and oilseeds.
    Paddy followed by paddy, pulses/oilseeds is the major crop rotation pattern
    adopted by farmers in the irrigated areas in the district. In irrigated areas,
    vegetables are also cultivated in some plots. In some irrigated areas, three
    crop based cultivation practice is followed. However, in majority of the farms
    having irrigation, a two crop based rotation is practiced.
    Use of Agricultural Implements, Manure and Fertiliser
    Power tillers, tractors, rotavotors, special power driven implements,
    reapers, transplantors, threshers,diesel pump sets and tractors are now
    being widely used by the farmers along with the traditional implements. The
    Department of Agriculture is implementing the state Agriculture Policy 2013
    and playing a significant role in the process of mechanizing agriculture and
    increasing productivity. Agro Service Centers have been established at the
    Gram Panchayat level to facilitate the use of modern and mechanised
    agricultural practices in the district.
    The use of electrical Pump sets is increasing in the district due to rural
    electrification and low operation cost. The popularization of agricultural
    implements is due to number of demonstrations and trainings being
    conducted in the farmer‘s field with the support of College of Agriculture and
    Engineering Technology, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology,
    Krushi Vigyan Kendra as well as with the suppliers/manufactures.
    In spite of concerted efforts undertaken by the Government the
    implementation of different schemes to popularize the use of tractors, power
    tillers, paddy reapers, power pulse threshers etc, farmers of
    Baleshwardistrict have not been able to reap the benefit of using advanced
    technology in farming. However tractors, power tillers, harvesters etc are
    used by some of the affluent farmers which are quite negligible. During
    2013-14, 180 tractors, 1601 power tillers, 94 self propelled repears and
    transplanters, 305 power operated implements, 697 power threshers, 631
    rotavators, 40 combined harvesters, and 6201 pumpsets were used by the
    farmers in Baleswar district.

    131
    Application of organic manures and chemical fertilizers plays a vital role
    in enhancing the production and productivity in agricultural sector. Per
    hectare consumption of fertiliser has been recorded at 101.76 Kg.In the
    district as against 57.11 kg for the state in 2013-14.A summary picture of the
    same in given in the following table.

    District / State Kharif Rabi All

    Baleshwar 107.88 90.15 101.76

    Odisha 64.46 41.27 57.11

    In order to boost agricultural production, the Agricultural policy-1996


    emphasises increased use of chemical fertilizer and organic manure to the
    extent of 74 kg per hectare. But in Baleshwar district the use of chemical
    fertilizer is very much above that level as also above the state average.
    Crop Diseases, Control Mechanism and Crop Protection

    The main crop of the district is paddy followed by pulses, oilseeds and
    vegetables. Paddy crop is mostly affected by 5-6 insects like stem borer, gall
    midges, leaf folder, case worm, BPH and green leaf hopper and 4-5
    diseases like blast, bacterial leaf blight, root rot, sheath rots, brown spot, etc.
    Similarly the pulses and oilseed crops are also affected by 4-5 insects like,
    pod borer, leaf eating catter pillar, mites and aphids and 3-4 diseases like
    powdery mildew, cercospora leaf spot, blights stem root rot as well as
    mosaic viruses. Vegetables are attacked by sucking-pests, and borers and
    blight and sugarcane is affected by early-shoot-borer and top-shoot-borer.
    Integrated Pest Management concept is now being popularized for effective
    pest management. Use of Pheromontraps, Trichocards and neem based
    pesticides are being adopted by the farmers in small areas. E-pest
    surveillance is now being operated in the fields of the district for successful
    pest management programme.The incidence of all these diseases and
    insects are regularly monitored by the farmers and the field staff of the
    Agricultural department. Accordingly when the attack crosses the economic
    thresh hold limit, spraying and breaching chemical pesticides are carried on.
    For this there are authorised pesticide dealers and PP equipments and
    pesticides are being regularly supplied on subsidised scale to farmers under
    the different ongoing schemes.
    Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation
    Being a low land coastal district, the soill of the land faces mostly
    erosion, due to rainfall, river erosion, shoreline erosion, floods and
    windblows.Human activities like falty agricultural practices and deforestation
    too contribute for the process.
    132
    Soil
    Soil Testing Laboratory (STL) has been established almost in all
    districts level to promote use of chemical fertilizers testing results. STL
    Baleshwar is rendering soil analysis work for better production of crops in the
    district. The annual soil health testing capacity is 20,000 samples.
    Basing on the soil analysis and survey of the soils, map of the
    Baleshwar district has been prepared. In the district, the Nitrogen fertility
    status is low, phosphorous status is medium and potash status is low.
    Similarly the micronutrient status of the soil like calcium, magnesium,
    manganese, copper andiron is adequate, while sulphur, zinc and boron are
    marginal.
    One vermi hatchery unit under NPOF (National Project on Fertilizer)
    scheme has been established during the year 2006-07 in the campus of the
    Soil Chemist office, Baleshwar. Earth Worm and Vermi Compost are being
    produced and supplied to the farmers at subsidized rate. The production for
    different years is as follows
    Year Earth worm (in kg.) Vermi Compost (in kg.)
    2012-13 7.000 790.000
    2013-14 1.500 1652.000
    2014-15 Nil 1660.000

    Improvement of Agriculture through State and Central Assistance


    th
    During 11 plan schemes like RKVY, NFSM, ATMA and State Plan
    schemes are being implemented in the district to increase the production
    and productivity. These schemes lay emphasis on line transplanting,
    Integrated Diseases and Pest Management, Integrated Nutrition
    Management, Farm Mechanisation, Irrigation and Capacity building of the
    farmers as well as extension officials.
    Agriculture Exhibition
    Krushi Samparka Mela, Krushi Rathas and Agricultural folk dance are
    organised at block level and GP level respectively to disseminate the
    agriculture schemes and package of practices. District level exhibition -
    Krushi Mahotsav was organised during the year 2014-15 where progressive
    farmers were awarded for their contribution in the field of agriculture and
    allied activities.
    Plant Protection
    Generally due to spread lack of knowledge in integrated pest
    management (IPM) technology the cultivators are stoic to adoption of plant
    protection measures for their crops. Scientific plant protection measures are
    133
    being popularised for effective awareness generation, adoption and quick
    results. E-pest and disease surveillance work is being done by the field staff
    and Krushak Sathis. Pesticides and sprayers are supplied to cultivators at
    subsidised rates through implementation of different schemes.
    Agricultural Farms
    After separation of Bhadrak district from Baleshwar district there are
    only 3 seed producing farms operating in this district under Deputy Director
    Agriculture, Baleshwar.
    Balia Farm: This farm was established in the year 1916 over an area of
    15.73 Ha. Now the cultivable area is 3.00 Ha. During 2014-15 Q. 52.80 of
    certified paddy seeds were produced out of which 10 ha. of land has been
    diverted for AIMS satellite project and 0.4 ha. has been diverted for fertilizer
    testing laboratory).
    Sergarh Farm: This farm is located near Sergarh over an area of 18.65
    ha. Of this the cultivable area is 14.00 ha. During 2014-15 Q. 519.00 of
    Certified paddy seeds were produced in the farm.
    Baharda Farm: This seed farm is located at a distance of 8 k.m from
    Basta block. The total area of the farm is 17.50 ha., out of which 13.00 ha.
    iscultivable. During the year 2014-15, Q. 480.40 of Certified paddy seeds
    were produced in this farm.
    Research Station and Krushi Vigyan Kendra
    Under the World Bank assistance two Research stations and KVK have
    been established with facilitation of the sponsored National Agriculture
    Extension Programme by OUAT as supporting activities for agricultural
    extension. They are:
    1. Krushi Vigyan Kendra, Baleshwar, Baliapal.
    2. Adoptive Research Station, Baleshwar, Baleshwar.

    Irrigation-Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects


    Major Irrigation Projects
    Banktira Barrage Project
    The Banktira Barrage Project across the river Burhabalanga near
    village Banktira in Remuna Block of Baleshwar district envisages
    Construction of a Barrage at Village Banktira in Remuna Block. The
    estimated cost of the proposed Banktira Project is Rs. 203.05 crore at price
    level 2012. Now the project is in preliminary stage. The Project targets to
    provide khariff irrigation for 6100 ha in Sadar (Baleshwar) and Basta Blocks.

    134
    Salandi Irrigation Projects
    This project is providing irrigation to an area of 18833 ha of Khaira and
    Simulia Blocks of this district. It irrigates 5207 ha. area in Khaira block and
    13626 ha. area in Simulia Block during the Kharif-2014-15. Besides, there is
    reserve of water to cover 2000 ha. during Rabi season as per available
    water in dam. In this project about 47 Pani Panchayats have been involved.
    Sunei Medium Irrigation Project
    Now this project supplies irrigation water to an area of 2005 ha. of
    land in 27 villages under 6 Gram Panchayats in Nilagiri Block during Khariff
    season.
    Minor Irrigation Projects in Baleshwar District
    Minor Irrigation (Flow) takes care of construction, maintenance and
    management of irrigation projects of cultivable command area (CCA)
    between 40ha to 2000ha utilizing the surface flow. Minor Irrigation Projects
    are meant for protective irrigation which is highly sought during water
    scarcity period. There are 52 Minor Irrigation Projects (MIPs) in Baleshwar
    district, out of which 49 numbers are functional, 2 are completely derelict and
    1 is on-going. The design layout of the project is 10457 ha in Khariff and
    3198 ha in Rabi and certified layout is 8350 ha in Khariff and 2024 ha in
    Rabi.Under Nilagiri Scheduled Area, 13 Minor Irrigation Programmes are
    providing Khariff irrigation to 2826 ha. and Rabi irrigation over 129 ha.
    Now, more emphasis is given for proper utilization / management of
    created potential through Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM). In this
    context, formation of Pani Panchayat (PP)/ Water User Association (WUA) in
    Minor Irrigation Projects are playing a significant role. Till now, 48 Pani
    Panchayats have been formed covering an area of 8981 ha in Baleshwar
    district. The Pani Panchayats has been formed as per Odisha Pani
    Panchayat Act 2002 and Odisha Pani Panchayat Rules 2003.
    Check Dam
    Government of Odisha launched this scheme during 2010-11 with the
    objective to conserve water at the end of monsoon for drinking water, ground
    water recharge and incidental irrigation purposes. Preference has been
    given to Blocks having less than 35% irrigation coverage, areas where
    farmers are using traditional irrigation by constructing temporary cross bunds
    on streams and where farmers are willing to take up operation and
    maintenance of the project.
    Administrative approval has been obtained for construction of 339
    Check Dams in Baleshwar district, out of which 277 Check dams were
    completed by June-2015. Through Minor Irrigation Division, Baleshwar,153
    135
    Check Dam Projects under Nilagiri scheduled Notified Area have been taken
    up and necessary construction works are in progress. The construction work
    of 123 check dams have been completed and irrigating about 1391 hects.
    Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RR and R)
    Rehabilitation work of 6 MIPs had been completed during the 11th Five
    Year Plan. In the process 488 ha of lost ayacut has been revived.
    During the current Five Year Plan, rehabilitation work of 2 MIPS namely
    Ghagara MIP and Rissia MIP have been taken up for revival of 549 ha of lost
    ayacut and works of both projects are in progress.
    Critical Grant
    During the Financial Year 2014-15 repair and renovation of 7 MIPs
    have been completed and 302 ha of lost ayacut have been revived. During
    current financial year 2015-16 there is a provision for repair and renovation
    of 12 MIPs for revival of 430ha of lost ayacut.
    Odisha Community Tank Management Project (OCTMP)
    This scheme is being implemented with the loan assistance from the
    World Bank. Rehabilitation work of 27 Minor Irrigation Projects have been
    taken up covering a command area of 5828 ha, supported with an
    institutional framework for participatory irrigation management and livelihood
    development activities.
    By the end of June-2015, rehabilitation work of 16 MIPs have been
    completed with revival of 1580 ha of lost ayacut, of which the work of 3 MIPs
    are nearing completion and the work of 8 MIPs are in progress.
    Odisha Community Tank Management Project (OCTMP) has
    undertaken Potato Cultivation Programme in convergence with the RKVY,
    being administered by the Directorate of Horticulture. Out of the total cost of
    potato seed Rs. 4,200/- per Quintal, OCTMP supported Rs 2,200/- per
    Quintal and the rest are met by the Horticulture Department. The RKVY
    input subsidy of Rs 16,000/- per acre will be routed to the farmer through
    input supplying agencies after due verification and GPS measurement by the
    Departmental officers of the districts with due written concurrence from the
    farmers.
    In Baleshwar district, 2,400 Quintal of Potato seed with required
    quantity of compost, Sulphur, Boron, Urea, DAP etc have been supplied to
    farmers through Pani Panchayats for cultivation of 300 acres of land that
    yielded 13696 Quintal of potato.

    136
    Lift Irrigation
    The district comes under two distinct geological formations, namely,
    unconsolidated sediments and consolidated archeans. The former covers
    major river basins and coastal alluvial tracts which constitute 86 per cent of
    the gross area of the district in 19 Blocks. In this tract granular aquifers
    occurring in multiple layers, alternating with clay beds provide vast scope for
    installation of all types of irrigation wells. But the behavior of coastal saline
    tract is a little different. Due to the intrusion of saline water top in this region,
    aquifers are contaminated with salinity over a large area and hence, it is not
    suitable for installation of irrigation wells.
    Basins of river Salandi provide good scope for integrated development
    of surface water and ground water. As the Nilagiri-I, Nilagiri-II and Khaira
    block areas represent Achaean type of rocks; they have comparatively
    limited scope for ground water development.
    Rivers Subarnarekha, Jambhira, Burhabalanga, Kansbans, Salandi,
    etc., serve as the main drainage system for the district and provide large
    scope for installation of river-lift projects. By the end of March 2015, 229
    numbers of river-lift projects exist along the banks of different rivers in the
    district which irrigate 4941 hectares of land areas.
    Irrigation wells have been installed in almost all the Blocks of the
    district. Altogether 6,725 dug wells, 782 dug wells with pump sets, 2060
    deep tube wells and 229 river-lift projects have been installed by the
    OdishaLift Irrigation Corporation. These sources irrigate 43513 hectares.
    Programme has been chalked out to install further 300 tube wells during the
    12th Five Year Plan period to provide irrigation facilities for 6000 hectares in
    the district.
    Jalanidhi
    Government is operating the Jalanidhi scheme for providing irrigation
    facilities to agricultural lands through micro river lift projects on cluster basis
    with individual ownership. The points are to be installed on small rivers/
    streams to tap the surplus water flowing down to the sea. The achievements
    under the programme are given in the following table.
    PLIPS under Jalanidhi 2013-14

    STW DW BW RLIP Total Command


    (Ha.)
    Baleshwar 2151 - 600 - 2751 6637.50
    Odisha 5148 1687 6511 4 1300 27990.85

    137
    Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services
    Before independence there were not much of veterinary/animal
    husbandry activities in the district. There was only one Veterinary
    Dispensary at Baleshwar town. A District Veterinary Office was opened at
    Baleshwar in December 1952 consequent upon reorganization of the Animal
    Husbandry and Veterinary Department. The office of the Chief District
    Veterinary Officer started functioning from 01.07.1983. He is assisted by two
    Additional District Veterinary Officers. One District Training Co- Coordinator
    has been appointed for extension education.
    The district possesses a considerable livestock resources. Animal
    husbandry avocation has become a major programme because of its
    potentiality to generate employment and income, both to farming and non-
    farming households.

    Most of the livestock are of non-descriptive type and are maintained


    with minimum care and attention. The over-all livestock production in terms
    of milk, meat, eggs, etc. is below the desired level. To provide health care to
    the livestock, there are 20 Veterinary Dispensaries, One Veterinary Hospital,
    111 Livestock Centers, 93 Gomitra and 12 integrated Livestock
    Development Centres in the District.

    In the early 1930s some efforts were made to improve cattle breeds by
    cross breeding. To increase the number of cross breed cows lots of
    extension activities and motivation campaigns are being taken up now along
    with castration of scrub bulls. During the three years 2012-13 to 2014-15
    artificial insemination (AI) has been done in 2,14,691 cases, but the number
    of progenies born was 87,904 which gives an overall average success of 41
    per cent.
    To increase green fodder production for demonstration plots raised with
    different varieties of seasonal crops like M.P chari, sorghum, maze, cowpea,
    breseern, oats etc during Kharif and Rabi seasons and perennial grass roots
    slips of hybrid napier, para grass are being distributed to interested dairy
    farmers. Efforts are being made in all settlements in reserve lands for
    pasture and reservation of 50 percent of effective area of a village as gochar
    and prohibition of encroachment of Gochar land. The availability of balanced
    concentrates is also lacking but the OMFED is supplying cattle feed through
    MPCS and local markets. The demand of concentrate have considerably
    increased due to increase of high yielder crossbred cows. The milk
    production in the district has comparatively increased and the supply of
    roughes, green fodder and feed supplements has been made available
    through Azolla cultivation and enrichment of crop residue with urea and
    minerals through demonstration. A considerable quantity of milk is collected
    through primary milk societies. To sustain the milk production and producing
    138
    good yield cows, calf feed are being supplied through MPCS under CRP
    scheme. A chilling plant of one lakh liter has been installed at Remuna by
    OMFED where processing and packing of pasteurized milk is being done.
    Therefore strengthening of milk union and expansion of Dairy plant is
    required for dairy development in district.
    Sheep and Goat Farming
    As per 2012 census the population of sheep is 5032 which is in
    decreasing trend.As per 2012 Census the goat population is 2.87 lakh. Goat
    rearing has a good prospect in the district particularly in Nilagiri Sub-Division
    and some part of Jaleshwar Block i.e., in Raibania area. Now-a-days some
    farmers in Nilagiri Sub-Division are rearing goats on commercial basis and
    generating a good income from this farming.
    Piggery
    Tribal people are fond of rearing the local pig breeds as they are
    disease resistant and need no maintenance. This activity is limited to Nilagiri
    Sub-Division of Baleshwar district. In other parts of the district the usual
    omnivorous type are bred by the one caste called Ghusurias.
    Poultry
    As per 2012 census the poultry population in the district is 11 lakh
    recording a marginal growth compared to earlier years. There are about 600
    broiler units and one commercial layer unit in the district under private sector
    through bank and self finance. There is a district poultry Hatchery at Remuna
    which is providing day old chicks for backyard rearing in farmers‘
    house.Annually around 1.5 lakh farmers are rearing poultry in backyard of
    house mostly of Rainbow Roster, Banarajaand Grampriya varieties. Through
    CSP scheme, improved variety chicks are being supplied to some BPL
    families of this district. For enhancing egg production Government has
    launched subsidized scheme like CAE for entrepreneurs to adopt the layer
    farming.
    Veterinary services
    Various veterinary services rendered by the department during the last
    3 years are given below.
    Indicators 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
    No of animals treated 442870 4,87,683 5,41,320
    No of preventive inoculation done 15,47,885 13,44,860 13,54,945
    No of Bull calf castrated 36,458 42,259 35,512
    No of A.I done 65,525 81,275 83,523
    No of progeny born out of A.I 24,031 26,039 29,717

    139
    Fisheries
    Aquaculture in the district of Baleshwar is an old practice. Most of the
    people in this district love fish in their dishes. So there is a high demand for
    fish in the market. The district is endowed with vast inland, brackish water
    and marine resources from fisheries point of view. It is important to
    judiciously develop and exploit these resources in a sustainable and eco
    friendly manner for improving the livelihood, socio-economic status and for
    safety and welfare of fishers through viable schemes and programmes.
    Fisheries Resources
    The district has 80km long coastline, 5380 Sqkm continental shelf area,
    5949 ha of fresh water bodies in shape of tanks and ponds, 2465 ha of
    brackish water area, and a Government Fish Seed Hatchery at Dighirahania.
    Status of Fisheries Development and Management
    A brief outline of the status of fisheries sector in Baleshwar district is
    given below.
    The following table indicates the trend of fish production from different
    sources in the district.

    2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-


    16(June‘2015)
     Fresh water fish 17866.00 2169.00 19646.64 4407.00
     Brackish water 3002.00 3250.00 4235.00 1721.00
    fish
     Marine fish 27234.00 27330.00 25242.25 2700.00
    Total fish 48,102.00 52249.00 49123.89 8828.00
    production

    The present level of fish production is 76% of the total fisheries


    potential. Only about 5949Ha of water spread area so far brought under
    freshwater aquaculture and 2465Ha of water spread area so far brought
    under brackish water aquaculture. The average fish productivity is around
    2.71 tones/ha and the average brackish water productivity is around 1.5
    tones /ha.More than 200 SHGs are linked with Bank under different
    programme for the promotion of commercial fisheries, Rs.430.00 lakhs of
    fish seeds were supplied to the farmers of the district during 2014-15 and at
    present 1830 fishing crafts both mechanized and non-mechanized are
    operating in 12 landing centers and different bases of the district.

    140
    Inland Aquaculture Scenario of the District
    Various activities have been integrated with pisciculture with proper
    technical backup from Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources
    Development in the district. These include Fish farming with Duckery,
    Poultry, Diary, and Horticulture. Besides this, majority of the farmers are
    practicing polyculture of freshwater prawn and in some cases monoculture of
    freshwater prawn.
    However, the culture of brackish water shrimp is carried out on the
    basis of low-input sustainable system advocated by the Coastal Aquaculture
    Authroity. As many as 245 farmers have applied for L. Vannamei culture in
    around 300Ha. Now steps are being taken to cover all area under
    registration and renewal of licenses.
    Ongoing Schemes for Development of Inland Aquaculture
    Centrally sponsored schemes on Development of Inland Fisheries and
    aquaculture are currently operated with three components namely,
    Development of Fresh water aquaculture (FFDA), (NFDB) and (NMPS),
    Development of Brackish water aquaculture (BFDA) and Development of
    water logged area (FFDA).
    The financial assistance in shape of subsidy on development activities
    is shared on 75:25 basis by the Government of India and the State
    Government. The subsidy assistance is upto 20% of the project cost under
    the scheme. For FFDA, NFDA, NFDB, TOP-UP the subsidy is upto 20-25%.
    In NMPS subsidy is provided at 40% with top-up10% and in BFDA subsidy is
    25% with top-up 25% released to the beneficiaries. Training areimparted to
    the beneficiaries, SHGs and Fisheries Co-Operative society for capacity
    building and promotion of fisheries. The details for four years are given in the
    following table.

    Sl.No. Scheme 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16


    Target Ach. Target Ach. Target Ach.(ha) Target Ach.(ha)
    1 FFDA 90.00 50.95 150.0 85.40 120.0 127.60 200.00 56.48
    2 NMPS 18.00 18.8 30.0 10.60 30.0 21.81 40.00 16.64
    3 NFDB 10.00 1.76 0 0 0 0 0 0
    4 Water 5.00 6.28 0 0 0 0 0 0
    log
    Total 123.00 77.79 180.0 96.0 150 149.41 240.00 73.12

    141
    Matsyajibi Unnayana Yojana (MUY)
    Matsyajibi Unnayan Yojana is being implemented in the district since
    2012-13 for the benefit of fishers as elsewhere in the State. In the inland
    sector, 3 components are implemented. They are as follows:
    Assistance of Fish Marketing Infrastructure to Fishermen
    Rs.2000/- subsidy is provided to the fishermen who purchases a
    Bicycle with Ice box for marketing of fish, Rs.7500/- subsidy is provided to
    the fishermen who purchases a Motor-Cycle with Ice box for marketing of
    fish, and Rs.35000/- subsidy is provided to the fishermen SHGs who
    purchase a three wheeler with ice box for marketing of fish. No such group
    has been provided with subsidy till date.
    Scholarship to Meritorious Students of Fishermen Families
    One time scholarship amounting to Rs.3000/-, 5000/- and 7500/- will be
    provided to meritorious students of fishermen families who have secured
    marks above 50%, 60% and 70% in the HSC Exam. The details of
    scholarships provided for three years are given below.

    Year No of Fishers students Amt. of Scholarship


    provided
    2012- 128 Rs.6,29,500
    13
    2013- 199 Rs.9,90,500
    14
    2014- 251 Rs.12,60,000
    15

    Provision of Boat and Net to Fishermen


    Rs.12500/- subsidy is provided to the fishermen who purchase boat
    andnet for fishing purpose.
    Fish Seed Production
    Dighi Rahania Government Fish Farm is the only Government Fish
    Farm in the Baleshwar district, located 5kms away from the township. This
    farm meets the seed demand of the fish farmers of the district as well as
    neighboring districts like Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, even Cuttack and
    Jagatsinghpur.
    The farm is having Gross Area of 26.50 Ac (10.60Ha.) and Water
    Spread Area of 12.42 Ac (4.968Ha). It has 24 Nursery Tanks covering 5.42
    Ac, 2 Rearing Tanks covering 1.00 Ac, 6 Stocking Tanks covering 6.00Ac,
    one Spawning Pool, and one Hatching Pool.

    142
    The physical and financial achievements in respect of fish seed production
    are given below.

    Year Production (Lakh) Financial


    Spawn Fry
    Target Achievement Target Achievement Target Achievement
    2012-13 600.00 409.50 75.00 92.72 - 14,08782.00
    2013-14 600.00 406.00 90.00 93.20 - 15,61,000
    2014-15 600.00 420.00 100.00 42.82 - 9,00,115
    2015-16 650.00 158.00 100.00 3.42 - 1,70,000

    The farm has been designated as a Research Farm for the Department
    from the year 2010-11. Fingerlings of improved quality have been stocked in
    the farm for raising of brood stock to provide better quality seed to the
    farmers. There is proposal for culturing varieties of seed other than IMC in
    the coming year.
    Cooperatives
    There are 75registered Co-operative societies in the district. Of them 37
    are functional comprising 17 inland PFCS and 20 marine PFCS. Among the
    38 non-functional societies 34 have been liquidated and 4 are moribund.
    Total membership in the 37 functional societies is 5350 of whom 4313 are
    male and 1037 are female.
    Accident Insurance
    Under insurance coverage to each of the active fishermen has been
    extended every year by the Government through the National Federation of
    Fishermen Co-Operative Ltd. New Delhi with annual premium of Rs.29/- to
    each on 50:50 basis as state and central share to enable the beneficiaries to
    get the accidental death / partial disability claim due to accident
    @Rs.200000/- and Rs.100000/- respectively as assistance to the families of
    the deceased / disabled.
    During 2014-15, 90,200 persons were enrolled under this scheme and
    nominees of 31 persons have been enrolled. Nine cases have got the
    insurance claim amounting to Rs.9.00 Lakhs.
    Marine Fisheries Activities of Baleshwar District
    Baleshwar District is one of the north-eastern coastal districts of Odisha
    having a coast line of 80kms with continental shelf area of 5380sqkm. There
    are 12landing bases located in the coast of Baleshwar namely Talasari,
    Kirtania, Kankadapal, Choumukh, Hanskara, Bahabalpur, Chandipur,
    Mahisali, Khandia, Jamuca, Gadeisagar and Panchubisa of which Chandipur
    143
    and Bahabalpur are the two major landing bases. Agriculture and fisheries
    are the two main occupations of the rural people of the district. Among the
    fisheries related activities marine fisheries occupy the prominent position
    which provides ample scope for exploitation of the pelagic and demersal
    fisheries resources in the coastal water of the sea.
    There are 290fishermen villages involved in the marine sector of the
    district consisting of 14704families with population of 115931comprising
    40923 are male, 39938 are female and 35070 are children. Among the total
    male population 25687are active fishermen and 12496are part time
    fishermen engaged for fishing and ancillary activities respectively. For
    smooth management of the marine fisheries activities five marine extension
    units, namely Chandaneswar, Baliapal, Bahabalpur, Chandipur and
    Gopalpur are functioning in the district and they are headed by an Assistant
    Fishery Officer. He looks after the development of marine fisheries activities,
    implementation of OdishaMarine Fishing Regulating Act and welfare
    programmes meant for the fishermen.
    For exploitation of the marine fisheries resources 1868registered fishing
    boats are in operation under different landing bases of the coast covering
    different categories of the boats namely Trawler, Gillnetter, Motorized and
    Country Crafts for fishing. The details are as follows.

    Unit Wise and Base Wise Operation of Fishing Vessels

    Sl.No. Name of Marine Name of No. of No. of No. of No. of Total


    Extension Unit Landing base Trawlers Gillnetters Motorised country
    boats Crafts
    1 Chandaneswar Talasari - 4 79 72 155
    Kirtania - - 69 76 145
    2 Baliapal Kanakadapal - - 2 32 34
    Choumukh - - 4 48 52
    Hanskara - - 64 68 132
    3 Chandipur Chandipur 407 - 62 - 469
    4 Bahabalpur Bahabalpur 185 136 288 56 665
    Mahisali - - 19 19
    Khandia - - 17 - 17
    5 Gopalpur Jamuca - - 53 3 56
    Gadeisagar - - 11 1 12
    Panchubisa - - 100 12 112
    Total 592 140 768 368 1868

    Schemes
    For development of marine fisheries the following schemes are
    operational in the district and the targets and achievements under these
    schemes for last seven years are as follows:

    144
    Fish Production (Catch Statistics)

    Year Target (in M.T) Achievement (in M.T.)


    2006-07 34000 34938.00
    2007-08 35000 35163.40
    2008-09 35000 35916.00
    2009-10 35000 37402.45
    2010-11 35000 35182.80
    2011-12 35000 27337.50
    2012-13 35000 23646.30
    2013-14 35000 29819.00
    2014-15 35000 35201.25
    2015-16 39000 12164.50(As an 31.8.15)

    Out of the above total landed fish 20% fish are being exported to outside
    the country, 30% used for local consumption, 40% being supplied to
    neighboring states and rest 10% are used for dry fish production.

    Marine fisheries constitute an important source of public revenue.


    The details of revenue from marine fisheries activity are given in the
    following table.

    Year Target (Rs. In lakhs) Achievement


    (Rs. in lakhs)
    2006-07 4.00 4.31
    2007-08 4.00 4.02
    2008-09 4.50 4.99
    2009-10 5.50 6.08
    2010-11 5.50 6.60
    2011-12 5.50 6.51
    2012-13 6.50 5.78
    2013-14 6.50 6.75
    2014-15 6.50 6.584
    2015-16 7.00 4.36623

    Saving-cum-Relief

    Under this programme the beneficiaries must be members of Co-


    operative society and belong to with BPL category.Each members has to
    deposit Rs.900/- in 9 months i.e. July to March of the financial year against
    which government will provide Rs.1800/- as matching share i.e., Rs.900/- by
    state and Rs.900/- by central government which will be released to the
    beneficiaries in 3 monthly installments @Rs.900/- in each installment from
    April to June of the next financial year to avoid the financial hardship during
    the fishing ban period. The details of target and achievement in this regard
    are given in the table below.

    145
    Year Target Achievement

    2006-07 1000 1000


    2007-08 2000 2300
    2008-09 2000 2015
    2009-10 3000 613
    2010-11 1000 765
    2011-12 1000 200
    2012-13 1000 1032
    2013-14 1200 377
    2014-15 1300 826
    2015-16 1000 445

    A Group Accident Insurance Scheme is also there with coverage to marine


    fishermen.

    Year Target Achievement No. of beneficiaries


    benefitted
    2006-07 27000 27000
    2007-08 30000 30000
    2008-09 51000 51953
    2009-10 53000 53030
    2010-11 53000 53030
    2011-12 63000 63030
    2012-13 67927 66230 6
    2013-14 67737 69634 2
    2014-15 67737 63634 1
    2015-16 67737 - 1

    Under this accident insurance programme beneficiaries have nothing to


    deposit towards insurance premium. Government is depositing the insurance
    premium for each fishermen covered under this programme @ Rs.30/- for
    each with contributing 50% and centre 50% on receipt of the list from the
    district authorities. In case of death the nominee of the beneficiary will get
    Rs.2,00,000/- from the insurance company and in case of partial damage the
    beneficiary will get 1,00,000/- towards his claim through Fishermen Co-
    operative Federation, Bhubaneswar.This year 2014-15,three Death Claim
    Cases have been settled under this programme.

    Way Forward
    For the development of marine fisheries fish landing jetties with all
    facilities including electricity, water supply, all weather road connectivity,
    medical facilities, cyclone shelter houses and a well functioning wholesale
    fish market are the essential requirements at all the 12 landing centres in the
    district. The sooner these facilities are provided, the better it will be for the
    development of fisheries.

    146
    CHAPTER-V
    INDUSTRIES
    Old Time Industries
    The cottage industries sector have flourished in the district since
    generations. Weaving, pottery, brass and bell metal work, processing of
    cereals and pulses, carpentry and black smithy, stone carving, cane and
    bamboo work, salt manufacture etc were the most reputed categories of
    industries. The artisans who produced these articles formed, for centuries,
    an integral part of the village community, being paid largely in kind and in
    some cases, holding lands towards remuneration for the services rendered
    to individuals or community as the case may be. Competition of cheap
    machine made goods as well as various administrative discriminatory
    measures adopted by the British destroyed their prosperity. As a result, most
    of those cottage industries are lying in a moribund condition. We get a good
    picture of the old time industries of the district, from the following account
    given by O Malley in the Baleshwar District Gazetteer, published in 1907.
    ―The importance formerly attached to Baleshwar as an Industrial centre
    th
    may be gauged by the fact that in the 17 Century it contained the factories
    of no less than five European nations-The Portuguese, the Dutch, the
    Danes, the French and the English. The chief settlement of the English was
    in Baleshwar town. But they also had subordinate factories at Soro and
    Balaramgadi around which weaver colonies gathered. The fine cotton cloths
    and muslins produced by their looms formed the chief articles of commerce
    and frequent mention was made in the earlier records of the English of the
    Baleshwar ―Sannoas‖ and ―Cussayas‖ as these fabrics were called. With the
    general dislocation of trade caused by the Marahata raids the industry
    appears to have languished and it did not revive when the Pax Britannica
    was introduced.‖
    In a report submitted by the Faujdar of Baleshwar in 1761, we find, rice,
    iron and stone plates referred to as the principal exports and cotton cloths
    were not mentioned, while Stirling, writing in 1822, has left it on record that
    the manufactures and trade of Odisha proper are very inconsiderable and
    unimportant. A sufficiency of the coarser cloths is made for the use of the
    inhabitants in all parts of the district. The calicoes of Baleshwar, Soro etc.
    were once prized and sought after under the name of Sannahs, but the
    demand for the finer fabrics of that description having long since declined
    the quantity now manufactured is very trifling.
    Apart from the cotton weaving, silk weaving constituted small industry.
    The only kind of silk manufactured was tusser. It was carried on by weaver

    147
    families who lived in the northern part of the district in the villages Patpur and
    Raibania.
    In the north, the weavers were not confined to any particular caste. The
    silk weavers purchased tusser cocoons from the neighbouring ex-states of
    Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar. The articles manufactured were sold mostly in
    the district. The products of the local looms could not compete with the
    cheaper machine made articles of British though the local handloom
    products were much more durable.
    Besides the weaving industry, there were two other important industries
    namely, salt manufacture and ship building. Salt in fact was the largest
    export of the district at that time. The manufacture of salt gave employment
    to a large number of people. British Government, therefore, established a
    monopoly in salt manufacture. The finest salt of India, says A. Stirling, was
    manufactured in the wild inhospitable tract along the sea-board and yielded
    annually to the East India Company a net revenue falling little short of 18
    lakhs of rupees. The monopoly was abolished in 1862-63, but salt making
    continued for many years later to be the staple manufacture of the district. In
    1875-76, nearly 7400 tonnes (200,000 maunds) was manufactured.
    th
    During 19 century the manufacture and sale of salt was a quite
    profitable business. But in course of time this trade could not prosper. Then
    the state government decided to take up the salt manufacture but it was not
    executed and finally it was entrusted to OMCAD (Odisha Maritime and
    Chilika Area Development Corporation Ltd.) in October1978. The project
    Model salt farm at Chudamani situated on the bank of river Gamei in
    Basudevpur Tahasil (Now in Bhadrak District) was first taken over by
    OMCAD covering an area of 41.71 hectares (103.09) with a view to
    manufacturing salt on commercial basis and develop salt manufacturing unit
    in rural areas and to meet the requirement of salt in Basudevpur Tahsil in
    particular and Baleshwar district in general.
    The salt field is situated at a distance of 5km from the village Iram. The
    period of procurement of salt was from December to May depending on
    varied climatic conditions. The unit started its production from1970-80. But,
    frequent natural calamities like cyclone and heavy rain fall during the
    year1982-83 and1983-84 caused great loss to the corporation. In the year
    1985-86 only 600 Tonnes of salt was produced, out of which only 100
    tonnes of salt was sold. Remaining 500 tonnes were washed away by heavy
    rainfall. From 1978-79 to 1987-83 the total income from the trade was
    Rs.0.82 lakhs whereas the expenditure was Rs 7.56 lakhs. Therefore
    keeping this in view the entire unit had to be stopped. The immediate
    ceasing of salt unit naturally had some repercussions on the economic

    148
    condition of the people in Baleshwar. However a salt society was formed at
    Bolang, Baliapal which is still surviving and in miserable condition.
    The industry of ship–building was in existence in Baleshwar for a long
    time. Saista khan, before launching out his expedition to Chittagong, had
    ordered Khan-I-Duran, the Subedar of Odisha to manufacture ships in
    Baleshwar port. Cartwright had founded the factory at Baleshwar, being
    invited by Mir Kasim, who is described as Governor of a town called
    Ballasserye, a sea town where shipping was built and in Bruton‘s account
    Baleshwar has been described as a ―great sea town, where too much
    shipping belonged‖.
    Other two old time industries of the district are the bell-metal industry of
    Remuna and stone-ware works of Mangalpur and Nilagiri which are still
    surviving though in a decadent condition. Among the minor industries,
    mentioned may be made of mat making rope twining from jute and coconut
    fibre, baskets of reed and bamboo, earthenware and gunny bags. Gunny
    bags were formerly made in large numbers near Chandbali (now in
    Bhadrak); they were replaced by the cheap articles from Kolkata. Brassware
    and bell-metal utensils of all descriptions including heavy brass ornament for
    women were made by the local braziers chiefly at Baleshwar. But the
    manufacture declined owing to the import and sale of cheap German silver
    ornaments.
    Present Industrial Scenario
    District Industries Centre
    According to the policy of central Government the District Industries
    st
    centre with a General Manager as the head of office is operating since 1
    August 1978. This is an institution at the district level which provides all
    services and facilities to the entrepreneurs and artisans at one place for
    setting up MSMEs, cottage and handicraft enterprises. DIC plays a great role
    for promotion of entrepreneurial activities which include.
    i. Resource survey/ Demand survey for promotion of MSMEs
    (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) in the District;
    ii. Identification of viable projects and guidance in preparation of
    technically feasible and economically viable projects in MSME
    sector;
    iii. Identification of prospective Entrepreneurs to set up MSMEs;
    iv. Facilitating clearances from different Government
    departments allotment of land, NOC from Pollution Control
    Board, VAT Registration, Licence-Mining, Excise and Factory
    and Boiler, Labour-Water, Electricity for investors through e-
    Biz under single window system;
    149
    v. Facilitating for obtaining Udyog Adhar Number in favour of the
    Enterprises;.
    vi. Recommendation for financial assistance to OSFC / NSIC /
    Commercial and rural Banks;
    vii. Recommendation for allotment of scarce raw-material;
    viii. Monitoring and Technical Guidance during implementation of
    the project to solve the problems faced by the entrepreneurs
    through Single Window and District Level Facilitation Cell;
    ix. Recommendation and sanction of various incentives / facilities
    under Industrial Policy Resolution and MSME Development
    policy of the State Government;
    x. Promotion of Ancillary and Downstream enterprises;
    xi. Identification and revival of sick units;
    xii. Organizing Awareness camps and Arrangement of EDP
    training;
    xiii. Providing Marketing assistance;
    xiv. Identification of Clusters and implementation of Cluster
    Development Programmes; and
    xv. Conduct Workshop, Seminar and Arrangement of
    exhibition,fair, publicity and Exposure visit of entrepreneurs.
    Baleshwar has been declared as an industrially backward district by the
    Government of India in the year 1983-84. Because of entrepreneur-friendly
    policies and programmes of the Government, a conducive atmosphere was
    created for development of Industries over the years and now this district
    has been declared an industrially advanced district in the state. There has
    been substantial change in the industrial scenario of Baleshwar. As on date
    there are 07 large scale industries, 06medium enterprises and about 8798
    small and micro enterprises in running condition in the district.

    Large Scale Industries


    Oriplast Limited: Oriplast is a major industry of the district and is
    manufacturing UPVC pipes and fittings alongwith water tanks and listerns.
    The company was founded in Baleshwar in 1965.
    Birla Tyre Limited: A flagship of the Kesoram Group of Industries, the
    Birla Tyre Limited is a tyre manufacturing company in the state.
    Baleshwar Alloys Limited: Baleshwar Alloys Limited is a flagship of
    unit of Arcelor Mittal Group and is manufacturing ferro chrome and charge
    crome from the captive chrome or mines.

    150
    Emami Paper Mils Limited: Established in 1982, Emami Paper Mills
    Limited is a constituent of Emami Group and is manufacturing newsprints,
    printing and writing papers.
    In all Baleshwar district has 10 large scale industries of which three
    have been closed due to reasons specific to them. The details of these
    industries are given in the following table.

    Sl. Name and address of the Item Date of Annual Employment Remarks
    No. unit Manufacturing starting capacity
    production
    01 M/s Birla Tyres Automobile 01.03.1992 31.64 2452 Own
    At.Bampada, PO.Chhanpur Tyres, Tubes lakhs Power
    Flaps Plant
    02. M/s Emami Paper Mills Ltd. Writing and 01.10.1983 32.200 1075 -do-
    At. Balgopalpur Indl.Area Printing M.T.
    PO. Rasalpur, Via. Papers
    Mitrapur,
    03 M/s Baleshwar Alloys Ltd. Ferro 01.01.1987 90000 618 -do-
    At. Balgopalpur Indl. Area, Alloy/Ferro M.T
    PO. Rasalpur, Via. chrome
    Mitrapur,
    04 M/s Polar Pharma India Rubber 01.04.1991 730 254 Closed
    Ltd. Prophylactics millon
    At. Plot No. 3, (Male PCs
    Samonathpur Indl. Area, Condoms)
    PO. Remuna
    05 M/s Indane Bottling Plant, LPG Bottling 23.08.1989 64000 82 -
    At.Bampada,PO.Chhanpur, M.T.
    06 M/s Shree Gopinath Cotton Yarn in 03.01.2001 12480 552 Closed in
    weavers Co.-Op. Spinning Hank and M.T. 2008
    Mill Ltd. Cone Form Due to fire
    At. Devog,PO. Baliapal,
    07 M/s Hydrabad Industries Asbestos 12.09.2008 90000 165 -
    Ltd. MT
    At. Plot. 2, Somathpaur
    Indl. Area, PO. Remuna,
    08 M/s GMB Ceramics Ltd.,At. Vitrus 08.12.1989 8000 217 Closed
    Somanathpur Pur Indl.Area Ceramics M.T.
    Senitary
    wares
    09 M/s Everest Asbestos Asbestos 17.05.2013 1,20,000 103
    IIDC, Somnathpur Sheets MT
    10 M/s Alom Extrusion Ltd.,At. Extruded 29.03.1989 12000 310
    Ganeswarpur Indl. Products M.T.
    Area,PO. Januganj,

    151
    Medium Scale Industries (Enterprises)
    At present 06 medium scale industries are functioning in the district.
    The details about the industries are given below.
    List of Working Medium Enterprises in Baleshwar District
    Sl. Name and address of Item Date of Annual Employment Remarks
    No. the unit Manufacturing starting capacity
    production
    01 B and A Packaging Mfg. of 35 315 -
    India Ltd., At. 22, Multiwall 01.04.1989 Million
    Balgopalpur Indl. Area, paper sacks Nos
    PO. Rasalpur,
    02 M/s Jaikishan Dass Mall Jute goods 05.06.1975 310 -
    Jute Products Pvt. Ltd. 7300
    Rupsa, M.T
    03 M/s Utkal Polyweave Woven Sacks 24.03.1987 1440 300
    At-Ganeswarpur IE, MT
    Remuna,
    04 M/s SNM Business Pvt. Rice 29.02.2000 9413 27
    Ltd, At- Patara, Sergarh, Refined Oil MT
    12750
    MT
    05 M/s ORIPOL Industries Woven sacks 01.12.1986 241 MT 49
    Remuna, Non-Woven 900 MT
    Sacks and
    fabrics
    06 M/s Alashore Marine Processed 19.06.2015 300 MT 200 Export
    Exports Pvt Ltd., Frozen Prawn oriented
    Somnathpur

    Micro and Small Enterprise


    In the early 1970s, Baleshwar district was not industrially
    developed.Some promotional initiatives were taken both by the Small
    Industries Service Institute, Directorate of Industries since then to motivate
    people for starting new Small Scale Industries in the district. Up to the end of
    the 1970s there were 257 small scale units in the district. Except one plastic
    pipe unit and few other repairing and service units, all were saw mills,
    carpentry units, rice mills and rice huller-cum-processing units.
    During 1978-79 there were 553 small scale industries in the district.In
    the next seven years i.e. 1979-80 to 1985-86 there was appreciable change
    in the establishment of tiny and small scale industries. Upto the end of March
    2015, 8798 micro andsmall enterprises have been set up with investment of
    Rs.28586.35lakh providing employment to 50824 persons because of
    concerted and sustained efforts of the entrepreneurs and active support of
    government, semi government as well as all other related organizations.
    Yearwise abstract is furnished below.

    152
    Period No. of Units Set Up Investment (In Lakhs) Employment
    Up to 1979-80 489 364.86 4492
    1980-1985 571 504.59 3871
    1985-1990 599 2611.45 4108
    1990-1991 132 856.62 869
    1991-1992 130 327.75 1049
    1992-1997 784 2746.08 4368
    1997-2002 1037 4643.26 5272
    2002-2003 225 817.13 5272
    2003-2004 264 524.70 1168
    2004-2005 270 759.61 1076
    2005-2006 303 368.11 1311
    2006-2007 233 920.06 1084
    2007-2008 262 738.50 1144
    2008-2009 272 606.32 984
    2009-2010 293 808.00 1083
    2010-2011 293 1637.31 1972
    2011-2012 260 776.53 1235
    2012-2013 356 1922.61 2192
    2013-2014 423 1999.86 2032
    2014-2015 1602 4653.00 6242

    Food and allied Enterprises


    Baleshwar District is primarily an agrarian district having its economic
    activities centred round agriculture, particularly roundpana (Betel), dhana
    (Paddy) and mina(Fish) these are the basic raw materials for the host of
    industries. Unsurprisingly, Food and Allied Enterprises are prominent in the
    district. There are about 397 enterprises in this category working throughout
    the district till date. Out of them major enterprises are rice mills, bakery units,
    marine and other fish processing enterprises, units using cereals as raw
    material, and those producing spices.
    Chemical based Units
    There are a good number of units established in the district in this
    sector. Till date about 107 enterprises are established throughout the district.
    Out of them the important ones are homeopathic dilutions, ferric and non-
    ferric alum, sodium silicate, marine blue, phenyl, acid manufacturing
    enterprises.
    Electrical and Electronics
    Under this category presently about 247 enterprises have been set up
    throughout the district. Major products include electrical cable, stabilizer
    andinverter, battery, transformers, electrical andauto lamps.

    153
    Engineering and Metal Based
    These category of units are located throughout the district. Their major
    products are steel furniture and almirah, aluminium profiles, circles and
    utensils, brass andbell metal utensils, agro implements and other fabrication
    items and light engineering works. In all there are 820 enterprises in this
    category in the district.
    Wood and Forest based
    Major enterprises in this category are saw mills, furniture, wood carving
    products, sal leaf cup andplate, bamboo products etc. Till date 487 such
    enterprises are working in the district.
    Glass and Ceramic based Enterprises
    These types of units mainly manufacture humepipes, PSC poles,
    cement concrete products, KB bricks, fly ash bricks etc. About 728 such
    enterprises are engaged in production of these items.
    Paper and Paper product based
    M/s EMAMI Paper Mills is the only large Industry in this category. The
    other enterprises numbering about 189 in this group are established under
    MSME sector. They manufacture corrugated paper boxes, multilayer food
    grade packaging items, exercise note book, printing press, paper cone etc.
    Plastic and Rubber based
    Baleshwar is known as the Plastic hub of Eastern India. Major products
    manufactured by about 85 plastic and rubber based units include tyre and
    flaps, HDPE, UPVC pipes and fittings, woven and non-woven sacks, plastic
    furniture and utility products, thermocol products, containers, rubber
    products and other packaging items. Due to concentration of plastic based
    industries a plastic and polymer cluster has been developed in this district
    under industrial infrastructure up-gradation scheme of Government of India.
    Textile based
    In keeping with the pace of development and changing taste of people
    the demand for Textile products are growing day by day and a 1225 textile
    based industries have come up in this district in recent past. Readymade
    garments manufacturing units, yarn manufacturing, power loom, bag
    manufacturing and other cottage units form the major part of this category.
    Miscellaneous Manufacturing
    The major product in this category are stone statue and stone ware,
    flex items, other handicraft items etc and there are about 1832 enterprises
    have been established throughout the district till date.
    154
    Repairing and Servicing based
    This category has about 2681 units which provide employment to many
    people at every small market and town area as also in big towns like
    Baleshwar, Soro and Jaleshwar. Major units in this category are four/two
    wheeler servicing, body building, welding works, electrical andelectronics
    repairing, mobile phone repairing, communication centres, tailoring etc.
    Ancillary and Down Stream Industries
    The big industries such as M/s. Birla Tyres, M/s. Emami Paper Mill and
    M/s. Ispat Alloys requireraw materials some of which are obtained locally.
    This has provided a kind of forward linkage effect and led to the
    development of some ancillary and down stream units in the district. A brief
    sketch of such units is given in the following tables.
    Ancillary Units

    Sl. Name of Large Scale Industry Item purchased Name of the


    No. Supplier
    Ancillary Unit
    01 M/s Birla Tyres HDPE/PVC pipe and Fittings M/s ORI
    PLAST Ltd.,
    O.T.Road,
    Flaps M/s IRC
    Tubes,
    Somnathpur
    Nylon strips M/s
    Baleshwar
    Plastic Prod.
    Indl. Estate ,
    HDPE Bags M/s Utkal Ply
    weave (P) Ltd.
    M/s Simple
    Polypack (P)
    Ltd.
    Conveyor belting M/s Lenox
    Belting,
    Baleshwar
    Rubber items M/s Odisha
    Rubber Prod.
    O.T.Road,
    Baleshwar
    Fabrication M/s Modern
    Engg.
    Soap solution M/s Utkal
    Polymer,
    Polythene sheets M/s Modern
    Poly packs
    Ind. Indl.
    Estate,

    155
    02 M/s Emami Paper Mill Ltd. Steel Furniture M/s
    Choudhury
    Metal Inds.
    Alum (Ferric/Non-Ferric) M/s Dimond
    Chemicals(P)
    Ltd.
    Sized Wood M/s Ganesh
    Saw Mill
    Stone Chips M/s Ganesh
    Stone Prod.
    Hume Pipe M/s Kalinga
    Spun pipe
    Acid sulphur M/s L.M.
    Industries
    Printing item M/s Navajyoti
    Printers
    Hume pipe M/s Nilachal
    Concrete (P)
    Ltd.
    HDPE sheet M/s ORIPOL
    Ind. Ltd.
    Plastic items M/s
    ORIPLAST
    Ltd.
    Acid Sulfur M/s Rajesh
    Chemicals
    03 M/s Ispat Alloys Ltd. Rubber membranes M/s
    OdishaRubber
    Prod, O.T.
    Baleshwar
    HDPE bags M/s ORIPOL
    Inds. Ltd.
    Remuna,
    Baleshwar
    M/s Simple
    Polypack (P)
    Ltd.
    Ganeswarpur,

    Down Stream Units


    Name of Large Industries Name of Down Stream Units
    01 M/S Birla Tyres Fly Ash Fly Ash Brick
    Rubber trimming Crusher Unit
    Packing Wood Packing Box
    Rubber Rubber mat
    compound
    02 M/s Emami Paper Mill Paper sludge Sun Dry paper Board/ Mill Board PRC
    Ltd. issued to M/s Star paper Board and
    Sunny paper Board
    Fly Ash Fly Ash Bricks 60 units

    156
    157
    158
    Industrial Infrastructural
    Industrial Estates
    At present there are 8 industrial estates in the district, the oldest among
    them being the Baleshwar Industrial Estate which constructed in the year
    1974. The other industrial estates are at Ganeswarpur, Balgopalpur,
    Somanathpur and Bampada in Remuna block area, Srikona in Sadar block
    area, Panpana in Bahanaga block area and Baliapal. These Industrial
    Estates are developed and maintained by IDCO. The land and shed are
    allotted to the entrepreneurs by IDCO with the recommendation of District
    Level Facilitation Cell headed by General Manager, DIC for non-polluting i.e.
    green category industries and District Single Window Committee headed by
    the Collector for other category Industries.The Industrial estate wise details
    of the land/shed are as follows.
    Sl. Name of the Industrial Total Land (Acres) No of Units Located
    No. Estate/Area
    01 Baleshwar Indl. Estate 31.29 84
    02 Ganeswarpur Indl. Area 64.075 54
    03. Somanathpur Indl. Area 458.61 57
    04. Balgopalpur Indl. Area 155.88 13
    05. Panapana Indl. Area 08.00 09
    06. Bampada Indl. Area 43.74 04 (Institutional allotment
    Only)
    07. Srikona Indl. Area 39.96 21
    08. Baliapal Indl. Area 25.00 03
    Total 826.555

    Railways
    The Railway runs for 142.54 Kms across the district connecting to
    Kharagpur, Kolkata, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Chennai etc. The district
    has also an 80 Kms. Railway line from Baleshwar to Baripada via Rupsa in
    the neighbouring district of Mayurbhanj.
    Road Communication
    In addition to the railways a good network of roads is also available in
    the district. National Highway No.5 (NH-5) is connecting major areas of the
    district i.e. Baleshwar, Soro, Simulia, Remuna. The main marketing and
    administration centres are located by the side of the NH-5. Baleshwar is
    connected to Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on one side and Tatanagar via
    Baripada on the other. All other small towns and markets and the important
    places of the district are well connected through various categories of roads.
    NH-60 is also connecting Baleshwar with West Bengal via Laxmannath. The

    159
    network of roads are a good help and provide great overhead benefits for
    industrial development.
    Transport
    Transport facilities are available in the district where motorable roads
    are existing. In the coastal areas a significant number of village are
    inaccessible during the rainy season as these are cut off by small rivers,
    checks and rivulets etc. Some villages of Jaleshwar, Nilagiri, Oupada,
    Baliapal and Khaira blocks are not well communicable because of presence
    of hills and small mountains. Hence road network in the district in these
    areas need to be improved substantially.
    Banking Facilities
    A sound banking system for financing trade and industry is existing in
    the district. There are about 120 branches of 23 Nationalised Banks, one
    Urban Co-Operative Bank, one Central Co-Operative Bank, one Regional
    Rural Bank and many private Sector Banks, one OSFC Branch and one
    Card Bank in this district which make significant contributions to the growth
    of industries.
    Power
    Power is the life blood of industry. Some of the large industries in the
    district such as M/s. Birla Tyres, M/s. Emami Paper Mill and M/s. Baleshwar
    Alloys have their own power plant. For the other industries power is supplied
    by NESU, Baleshwar. Power is not a constraint for industrial development in
    the district.
    Technical Man Power Generation Resources
    There are a good number of institutions in the district producing
    technical manpower. These include 5 Engineering Colleges 8 Engineering
    Schools, one Government ITI, one private ITC, one CIPET/ APPTC, the
    Training and Development Service Sub- Centre on Coir, the Handicraft
    Training Centre/School, one Art Collage and 5 Management education
    institutes.
    Industrial Associations

    There are 03 Industrial Associations at district level having co-


    ordination with state level organizations and are playing active role in
    promotion of MSMEs in the district. They are-Baleshwar Chamber of
    Industries and Commerce (BCIC), North Odisha Chamber of Commerceand
    Industries(NOCCI) and District Small Scale Industries Association(DSSIA).

    160
    Industrial Support Services
    There are institutions/organizations proving support services for growth
    of MSMEs in the district. These include the EPM Testing Lab, functioning in
    the Industrial Estate, Baleshwar under administrative control of EPM,
    Bhubaneswar; the OSIC depot at Industrial Estate, Baleshwar which deals in
    TISCO rod; IDCO Office,functioning at Industrial Estate, Baleshwar to look
    after Industrial Estates and areas and the NSIC Office, functioning at DIC,
    Baleshwar.
    Local resources
    Thereinnumerable and plantiful local resources which from the raw
    material input for the industry sector. They are paddy, betel of Baliapal and
    Bhograi, fish and prawn of Sadar and Bahanga blocks, groundnut, mustard
    and sabaigrass of Baliapal block, coconut of Baliapal and Bhograi blocks,
    cashew of Bhograi block, golden grass of Bahanaga and Baliapal blocks,
    oilseeds of Simulia block, milk of Remuna block, sal leaf of Basta and Nilagiri
    blocks, lac of Nilagiri block and granaite of Nilagiri and Oupada blocks.
    New Opportunities
    Expansion of Emami Paper Mill
    M/s Emami Paper Mill is under expansion for raising production of
    News print/Paper/Board from 130000 TPA to 460000 TPA. A new Power
    Plant of 120 MW is going to be installed by the Company. Thus there is
    scope for development of MSME sector.
    Subarnarekha Port Development
    As a major initiative to propel economic growth, Government of Odisha
    executed a Concession Agreement with Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd.
    (CPDL) on 11.01.2008 for development of Subarnarekha Port at
    Subarnarekha river mouth in the South-East of Chaumukh village of
    Baleshwar District. If the port comes up, it will be a great source of livelihood
    for many and economic growth for the state.
    Setting of APPTC
    Advanced Plastic Processing and Training Centre (APPTC) under
    administrative control of CIPET have started functioning at Baleshwar during
    2009 in a rental premises. This centre has a permanent set-up at Bampada
    Industrial Estate providing academic courses as well as laboratory testing
    facilities for plastic based industries.

    161
    Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS)
    Upgradation of Baleshwar Plastic and Polymer cluster has been
    completed under Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS)
    through Ministry of Commerce andIndustries, Government of India in PPP
    Mode and it has started functioning in the year 2015. The North Odisha
    Chamber of Commerce and Industries Infra (NOCCI infra), Baleshwar is the
    implementing agency of the scheme. Government of India and Government
    of Odisha have extended financial support for infrastructural development in
    Bampada and Somanathpur Industrial Estates andthe Project is a great
    source of help for development of plastic industries at Baleshwar. This
    project also provides skill development training to entrepreneurs, Handicraft
    Complex, Trade Tower, Exposition Hall, Truck Terminal, Godown, Mini Tool
    Room, Electrical Sub-station, Water Supply and logistic hob facilities for the
    industries.
    RSETI- UCO Bank
    As per decision of State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) one training
    centre has been set up by UCO Bank at Proof Road, Sunhat, Baleshwar.
    The basic orientation programmes, skill development programmes and
    intensive entrepreneurship development programmes are being taken up to
    facilitate credit flow to the MSME enterprise.
    OSFC
    OSFC Baleshwar branch has come up with a new approach of
    financing Micro and Small Enterprises after restructuring of the Corporation
    at state level. Assistance for preparation of project report, valuation of assets
    is also being provided by the Branch.
    OSIC Depot
    OdishaSmall Industries Corporation has its sales outlet in the Industrial
    Estate, Baleshwar. At present it is dealing with supply of raw-materials
    required for Micro and Small enterprises.
    EPM Laboratory
    EPM Laboratory is functioning at Industrial Estate, Baleshwar. It
    provides Testing and Quality control facilities for products manufactured by
    MSMEs.
    NSIC
    The support provided by NSIC includes single point registration, credit
    rating, technology upgradation, raw material supply, market support etc. to

    162
    MSMEs. There is a Branch office at DIC, Baleshwar which is rendering
    valuable services to MSMEs.
    Entrepreneurship Development
    There are a good number of organizations in the
    Governmentandprivate sector for entrepreneurship development in every
    district with budgetary support of MSMEDI, NSIC, NABARD, DC (HC), DH
    and CI, COIR Board, IED, ORMAS, DRDA, ITDA, KVIC, KVIB, DIC.The
    opportunities can be tapped for development of Small and Medium
    Enterprises.
    Hall Marking Centre
    In order to keep pace with the growing demands for pure gold
    ornaments conforming to the BIS 916 standard, Baleshwar has the
    distinction to have a Hall marking unit namely M/s Jagannath Hall Mark for
    testing the purity of gold jewellery. The unit is functioning since 2014.
    Skill Development
    Training Institutions
    There are some institutions set up by the Government to impart training
    in the Handicraft and Cottage Industries sector in the district. They are the
    Training Centre at Baulagadia on Stone Carving and TDSSC, BHOGRAI at
    Bhograi on Coir Sector.
    Skill Development Schemes
    Guru Sishya Parampara for development of Handicrafts, MCM Training
    Programme for development of Handicrafts and Field Training Centre on
    COIR sector are the important schemes for development of industry sector.
    Cluster Development Programme for Micro and Small Enterprises
    Over the years many industries have been established in the district.
    Keeping in view concentration of such enterprises, their requirements for
    infrastructure, raw-material and other logistic supports three clusters were
    proposed and they are in implementation stage. They are as follows.
    Cluster Area of Status
    concentration
    Plastic and Polymer Sadar, Remuna, Functioning
    and Basta
    Rice Mills Simulia, Khaira, Under
    Remuna implementation
    Fly-Ash Bricks Sadar, Remuna Under
    implementation
    Dry Fish Cluster Sadar Proposed

    163
    Salt Industries
    In the year 1958 some people of Bolang organized a Salt Co-operative
    Society known as Bolang Salt Manufacturing Industrial Co-Operative Society
    Ltd. The Revenue Department leased out 100 and 150 acres of land in 1958
    and 1975 respectively to the society. This unit is situated at a distance of 60
    km from Baleshwar. It is a seasonal manufactured commodity and the output
    fully depends upon the sun ray in summer. The production of the society
    decreased seriously due to uncertain rain and other natural calamities during
    the production season.
    Coir Industries
    There are four Coir Industrial Co-Operative Societies working in the
    district.They are located at Kakudibadha, Bindhapadmapur andJaleshwarpur
    in Bhograi Block and Dalanga in Simulia Block. Also a Government Training-
    cum-Demonstration Centre is functioning at Bhograi Block for development
    of Coir Industries.
    Beekeeping
    There are two Bee Keeping Societies functioning in the district, one at
    Alupur, Baleshwar and another is at Chhatrapur in Nilagiri Block.
    Development of Handicraft and Cottage Industries
    Baleshwar has a name in the realm of handicrafts and cottage
    industries. The brass and bell metal products and stone carving items of
    Baleshwar have drawn international attention.
    Status of Handicraft activities in the District
    District industries centre, Baleshwar is the nodal agency at the district
    level for promotion of handicraft and cottage industries. This district is rich in
    handicrafts village and cottage industries especially in the area of stone
    carving, bamboo crafts, terracotta, sabai craft, brass and bell metal, jute
    crafts, soft toys and applique, jari works etc. Handicraft being a potential
    sector for employment generation, DIC is making all out efforts to develop
    the sector by identifying traditional artisans, implementing craft village
    schemes, imparting training through MCM and guru shishya parampara
    scheme including rehabilitation of artisans by providing credit facilities
    through banks.

    164
    Bell Metal
    Bell Metal industry in the district is chiefly concentrated at Remuna and
    Simulia block areas. The artisans are engaged in manufacture of traditional
    utensils and other products.
    Stone Carving
    There are about 1500 families engaged in stone craft activities. The
    concentration is found in the villages of Baulagadia, Iswarpur, Kandagaradi,
    Kanpur, Santaragadia, Nayapatna in Oupada blockand Kesharipur,
    Mahisasuri, Manatri, Mangalpur, Angula, Mahumuhan and Uttareswar in
    Soro block. There is a Cooperative society established in 1955 at
    Baulagadia for the development of stone carving artisans. The stone workers
    manufacture various kinds of stone statues, artefacts and utensils.
    Three stone carving societies are functioning at Uttareswar, Soro and
    Bankipada in Oupada block. The products of Laxmi Narayan Marble and
    Stone carving Industrial Copoperative Society and B.K stone Carving
    Industrial Cooperative Society have a good demand in the international
    market.
    There is a Government Handicraft Training Centre with an intake
    capacity of 10 trainees at Baulagadia. Most of the Stone Carving Artisans
    after getting training from the centre are engaged in the craft locally and also
    throughout the country. The stone statue of this district is being exported
    mainly to Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, USA etc.
    Cane and Bamboo works
    Bamboo works is also one of the important cottage and handicraft
    industries of the district. A large numbers of people in many villages earn
    their livelihood through this craft. They manufacture various types of mats,
    baskets, decorative items and other household goods.
    Terracotta
    There are about850 artisans in the district who have been scattered in
    different villages of Sadar, Nilagiri, Oupada, Basta, Jaleshwar and Remuna
    blocks. They manually manufacture decorative items, earthenware and old
    fashion pots.

    165
    Blockwise details of handicrafts sector in the district is given in the table
    below.

    Sl. Block Craft No of No of Artisans


    No Families engaged
    1 Remuna Brass and Bell Metal 72 124
    Terracotta(Pottery) 90 135
    Bamboo Craft 105 215
    Stone Carving 15 22
    Cane Products 06 10
    Wood Carving 02 06
    Jari Work 01 03
    Jute Craft 35 62
    Soft Toys 12 27
    2 Baliapal Sabai Craft 94 126
    Jute Craft 15 23
    Applique 42 71
    Bamboo Craft 24 47
    3 Soro Stone Carving 289 395
    Bamboo Craft 21 37
    Terracotta 10 18
    4 Basta Bamboo Craft 105 214
    Jute Craft 26 42
    Terracotta 35 52
    Sabai Craft 40 52
    5 Nilagiri Paddy Craft 45 65
    Terracotta 48 85
    Lacquer Craft 65 98
    Appliqué 15 32
    Wood Carving 05 12
    Stone Carving 35 64
    Bamboo Craft 106 159
    Coir Craft 15 25
    Soft Toys 22 34
    6 Oupada Paddy Craft 115 153
    Stone Carving 542 945
    Terracotta 43 78
    7 Sadar and Brass and Bell Metal 05 12
    Municipality
    Terracotta 85 145
    Lacquer Craft 45 62
    Soft Toys 24 38

    166
    Appliqué and 16 21
    Embroidery
    Jari Work 01 01
    Cane and Bamboo 90 135
    Craft
    Jute Craft 45 70

    8 Bahanaga Cane and Bamboo 60 92


    Craft
    Stone Carving 51 68
    Jari Works 56 60
    Wood Carving 10 12
    Jute Craft 22 34
    9 Bhograi Sea Cell 56 82
    Artistic Mat 24 45
    Coir Craft 35 46
    Bamboo Craft 25 35
    10 Simulia Brass and Bell Metal 25 39
    Applique 20 35
    11 Khaira Applique 25 36
    12 Jaleshwar Jute Craft 30 52
    Sabai Craft 30 42
    Terracotta 160 240
    Bamboo Craft 150 285

    167
    CHAPTER – VI
    BANKING, TRADE AND COMMERCE

    History
    The history of Banking is interesting and reflects evolution in trade and
    commerce. With the expansion of trade the concept of banking gained
    greater ground. The handling of ―banking‖ transcended from individual to
    groups and to companies. Issuing of currency was one of the major functions
    of the banks. The earliest form of money was coins which were a certificate
    of value stamped on metal, usually gold, silver and bronze or any other
    metal, by an authority, usually the king. The story of Indian coin age is vast
    and fascinating. The Rig Veda speaks only of gold, silver, copper and
    bronze. The latter stage Vedic texts also mention tin, lead, iron and silver.
    The money economy existed in India since the days of Buddha. The origin of
    word ―rupee‖ is found in Sanskrit as rupya ―shaped stamped, impressed,
    coin‖ and is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word ‗rupa‘ meaning
    silver. The standardization of currency unit as rupee in India is largely due to
    Sher Shah in 1542.
    The English traders came to India in the 17th century and had houses
    in Kolkata and Mumbai. They began to conduct banking business besides
    their commercial business. The English agency houses served as banker to
    the East India Company. They started accepting deposit from the public and
    lending money for different trade and business activities. They issued paper
    money and established joint stock banks. The earliest of these banks was
    the Hindustan Bank established by one of the agency house in Kolkata in
    1770. The oldest bank in existence in India is the State Bank of India which
    originated from Bank of Kolkata in June, 1806 and thatsubsequently became
    the Bank of Bengal which was one of the Presidency banks during the
    British rule,the other two Presidency Banks being the Bank of Bombay and
    Bank of Madras. The three Presidency Banks were established under the
    charters from the British East India Company and acted as quasi- central
    banks. In 1921 these three Presidency banks merged to form the Imperial
    Bank of India which, after independence, became the State Bank of India.
    During the 19th century the Presidency Banks dominated banking in India
    and a number of Indian Joint Stock Banks were established like Allahabad
    bank in 1865 and Punjab National Bank in 1895. During the early part of
    20th century inspired by Swadeshi movement, Indian businessmen and
    political leaders founded banks for the Indian community. These banks, as
    they exist now, are Bank of India, Corporation Bank, Indian Bank, Bank of
    Baroda, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank and many other
    banks. After independence the Government of India initiated measures to
    168
    play an active role in the economic life of the nation and the Industrial Policy
    Resolution adopted by the government in 1948 envisaged a mixed economy.
    Government took major steps in the Indian Banking Sector Reform. The first
    step in this direction was nationalization of Reserve Bank in 1949,
    Enactment of Banking Regulation Act in 1949, Reserve Bank of India
    Scheduled Bank‘s Regulations, 1951, Nationalization of Imperial Bank of
    India in 1955, with extensive banking facilities on a large scale especially in
    rural and semi-urban areas and Nationalization of SBI subsidiaries in 1959.
    Government of India took many initiatives which were aimed to provide
    banking coverage to all sections and every sector of the society. By the
    1960s, the Indian banking industry had become an important tool to facilitate
    the development of the economy. But the village money lenders such as
    Mahajans, Kabuliwalas and Banias still constituted bulk of the rural lending
    activities at an exorbitant interest rate.
    Government of India issued an ordinance and nationalized 14 large
    commercial banks with effect from 19th July, 1969 and the Parliament of
    India passed the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of
    Undertaking) Bill on 9th August, 1969. A second dose of nationalization of 6
    more commercial banks followed in 1980. The number of nationalized banks
    was reduced from 20 to 19 due to merger of New Bank of India with Punjab
    National Bank. Currently there are 27 nationalized banks including State
    Bank of India and its group. The reason for nationalization was to give the
    government more control over credit delivery and to expand credit delivery
    system in the entire country as well as to minimize the dependence on rural
    money lenders in the rural areas. The second major turning point after bank
    nationalization in India was the Economic Liberalization. In the early 1990s a
    policy of liberalization was embarked upon by Government of India. Among
    other things, this enabled the issue of license to small number of new
    generation tech-savvy Private Banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank,
    UTI(Axis) Bank etc.
    Banking, Trade and Commerce
    The village money lenders, nay Mahajans, constituted the main bulk of
    the indigenous bankers for several generations. They were lending money to
    the needy people at an exorbitant rate of interest which differed from place
    to place. They lent money against pledge of gold/silver ornaments, land,
    household brass and bell metal utensil and even standing crop in the field.
    The Kabuliwallas were also found lending money to the poor village folk as
    well as the workers in the small industrial areas.
    The uneconomic size of holdings, insecurity of crops and concentration
    of land in the hands of a few were mainly responsible for indebtedness
    among the agricultural and rural households. As a positive measure to reach
    169
    the rural poor for their credit requirements, banks were nationalized in 1969
    as a result of which the requirement of rural poor could be fulfilled.
    Nationalized Banks
    In Baleshwar district there are 21 nationalized banks with 120 branches
    spread over 12 blocks of the district. As on 31st March, 2015 their total
    deposit was around Rs.5074 crore and total advanceswere around Rs.2324
    crore.
    Odisha Gramya Bank and Cooperative Banks
    There are 53 branches of Odisha Gramya Bank and 20 branches of
    Cooperative banks. The total deposit with them is around Rs.1375 crores
    and advances amount to Rs.1097 crore as on 31.3.2015.
    Private Bank
    There are 5 private sector banks with 20 branches in the district. Their
    deposit is around Rs.628 crores and advance is around Rs.451 crore as on
    31.3.2015
    Self Help Groups (SHGs)
    Self Help Groups programme is smoothly running by the help and
    guidance of the NRLM in the district. In the financial year 2014-15, there
    were proposal of 6000 linkage programs out of which 4663 proposals were
    sanctioned by different banks of the district. Samanwaya Mela is being
    organized Blockwise for interface meet between bankers and WSHGs in
    each quarter for a branch or group of branches. In order to sensitize and
    orient the bankers on NRLM guidelines on SHG bank linkage, workshops
    are being organized at the district level.
    PMJDY
    The Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana, launched recently, is a success
    in the district. In the 2nd phase of the said Yojana 3 more social security
    Yojanas were launched by the Government of India namely Prime Minister
    Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Prime Minister Surakshya Bima Yojana and Atal
    Pension Yojana which are being implemented with full dedication and
    cooperation by different banks and insurance companies operating in the
    district. The MUDRA scheme which is very recently launched is to be
    operational in the district soon. Crop insurance is done regularly for loanee
    farmers as well as non-Ioanee farmers in the district.
    Trading Centers
    Baleshwar: Baleshwar town is the district headquarters of Baleshwar
    district. There are many wholesalers and retailers and varieties of shops

    170
    have grown up in different parts of the town. Business of different
    commodities on a large scale is carried on daily. The chief business centers
    are located at Motiganj, Naya Bazar, Azimabad, Sahadevkhunta , Remuna
    Golei and Remuna Bazar. Big industries like Birla Tyres. Emami Paper Mill,
    Oriplast, Hariplast and Ispat Alloys have come up in a big way in the district.
    Recently NOCCI (North Odisha Chamber of Commerce and Industries) has
    been set up at Somnathpur, Baleshwar for coordination and development of
    industries in north Odisha including Baleshwar.
    Jaleshwar:Jaleshwar town has become a business hub of northern
    Baleshwar. Many Nationalized and private Banks have their branches at
    Jaleshwar.
    Nilagiri: Nilagiri is the only Sub-Division of the district some pockets of
    which are mostly inhabited by tribals. Integrated Tribal Development Agency
    gives a helping hand foruplifting them from poverty. Banks are financing
    handicrafts like paddy craft, stone carving and lac products.
    Soro: Soro town has the optimal density of business concerns and
    institutions which cater to the needs of the block as well as three adjacent
    blocks of the district.
    Cooperative Department
    The Registrar of cooperative societies, Odisha is the administrative
    head of the Department. The main functions of this Department in the district
    is to look after the administration of cooperative Institutions and
    implementation of different schemes. Special emphasis on the needs of the
    agriculturists, the workers and the consumers becomes a vital factor for
    stability and for rapid economic development in the district.
    The Divisional office at Baleshwar with a Deputy Registrar as its head
    started functioning since December 1969. The Baleshwar Division was
    created to cater to Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj districts. In August 1978,
    Mayurbhanj was separated from Baleshwar Division.
    At present there are three cooperative circles under the Deputy
    Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Baleshwar Division, with headquarters at
    Baleshwar, Bhadrak and Nilagiri established in 1948, 1970 and 2011
    respectively. The AssistantRegistrars of Cooperative Societies are in-charge
    of each Circle. The Jurisdiction of Baleshwar circle extends to 8 blocks
    andNAC / Municipality under Baleshwar Sub-Division, Bhadrak circle
    extends to all 7 blocks and NAC and Municipality of Bhadrak Sub-Division
    and 2 blocks andone NAC come under theNilagiriSub-Division. The Deputy
    Registrar is assisted by one Sub-Assistant Registrar, five Inspectors of Co-
    operative Societies and other sub ordinate staffs in the Division. The office of

    171
    the Regional Marketing officer is functioning separately since 1994 in the
    Division.
    At the block level, there are Co-operative Extension officers. Besides,
    there is an Audit officer of Cooperative Societies at Baleshwar. There are
    other functional Assistant Registrars of cooperative societies for industrial,
    weavers, fisheries, milk and poultry societies.
    At Baleshwar circle level there is one Assistant Registrar at the top
    having sanctioned strength of 7 other Sub-Assistant Registrars, 15
    Inspectors, one extension officer in each block and other subordinate staff.
    The newly created Nilagiri circle is having one Assistant Registrar of
    Cooperative Societies, one Inspector of Co-operative Societies, one Sub-
    Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies, one Senior Clerk and two
    Peons deployed from the office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative
    Societies, Baleshwar Circle, Baleshwar.
    A Central Cooperative Bank is functioning at Baleshwar along with its
    20 Branches located at different places of the district and there is one Urban
    Cooperative Bank functioning at Baleshwar.There is one Cooperative
    Agricultural Rural Development Bank functioning at Baleshwar. To provide
    integrated credit, supply, marketing and other services to the people of tribal
    areas, there are two Large-sized Agricultural Multipurpose Cooperative
    Societies (LAMPS). To meet the credit needs of rural people, 141 Primary
    Agricultural Cooperative Societies are functioning as the the principal credit
    agencies in the district. Besides, two Regional Cooperative Marketing
    Societies (RCMS), one wholesale Cooperative Store, 17 primary consumer
    cooperative stores, 2 Sub-Divisional House Building Cooperative Societies,
    one Town House Building Cooperative Society, 2 employees House Building
    Coperative Societies, 7 Labour Contract Cooperative Societies, 20
    Employees Cooperative Societies, one women Cooperative Society and 21
    other Cooperative Societies, one unemployed Engineers Cooperative
    Society in the Tribal area at Nilagiriand one District Cooperative Union at
    Baleshwar, 3 Regulated Market Committees one each at Baleshwar,
    Nilagiriand Jaleshwar have been established in this district.
    Baleshwar Central Cooperative Bank Ltd.
    The Bank advanced Rs. 37615.30 lakhs as short term and medium
    term loans for processing of the agricultural produce, purchase of cattle,
    purchase of machinery, sinking and repairing of wells and improvement of
    land. The total loan outstanding is Rs. 53217.80 lakhs of which and amount
    of Rs. 15696.52 lakhs.

    172
    Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd.
    The Bank has total membership of 6826 at the end of 2014-15. The
    working capital and the share capital of the Bank are Rs. 5519.15 lakhs and
    Rs. 82.68 lakhs respectively. A total loan of Rs. 611.92 lakhs were advanced
    by the bank. The loan outstanding is Rs. 1884.00 lakhs.
    Land Development Bank (CARD Bank)
    The Bank has total membership of 46788 persons. The Bank‘s total
    working capital is Rs. 205.27 lakhs of which paid up capital is Rs. 27.98
    lakhs.
    Large Sized Agricultural Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS)
    In the year 2014-15, there are two LAMPCS one at Nilagiriand Matiali
    with a total membership of 26.112 persons. These LAMPCS have total
    working capital of Rs. 1597.35 lakh of which paid up capital is Rs. 127.31
    lakh, deposits are Rs. 79.11 lakh and borrowing amount to Rs. 1737.51 lakh
    at the end of 2014-15. During the year 2014-15, the loan outstanding is Rs.
    1545.10 lakh of which an amount of Rs. 841.12 lakh are overdue. These
    LAMPCS advanced of Rs. 1537.52 lakh as short term and Rs. 14.62 lakh as
    medium term loan.
    Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS)
    In the year 2014-15, there were 141 primary Agricultural credit
    Cooperative societies with a total membership of 268305 persons in the
    district. These Societies are functioning at the village/gram panchayat level
    as the and are catering to credit needs of the farmers.They are also
    distributing agricultural inputs. The societies have a total working capital of
    Rs. 4371.12 lakh.Total deposits were Rs. 3156.49 lakh and borrowing
    wereRs. 5356.12 lakh. The societies advanced Rs. 5251.39 lakh and Rs.
    320.12 lakh as short term and medium term loans respectively.
    Regional Cooperative Marketing Societies (RCMS)
    In the year 2014-15, there were two RCMS functioning at Baleshwar
    andJaleshwar respectively. Total membership of these societies are 943.
    The working capital, share capital, purchase and sales of these societies
    were Rs.350.76 lakh, Rs.17.12 lakh, Rs.189.31 lakh and Rs.192.70 lakh
    respectively.

    173
    Wholesale Cooperative Store
    There is one wholesale consumer cooperative store located at
    Baleshwar. The membership of the store is 2692. The working capital, value
    of purchase and value of sales and profit position are Rs. 556.33 lakh,
    Rs.164.99 lakh, Rs.175.72 lakh and Rs.0.03 lakh respectively.
    Primary Consumer Cooperative Store
    There are 17 primary consumer cooperative stores. The total
    membership of these stores are 42152. The working capital of these
    societies is Rs.67.21 lakh profitsamounted to Rs. 3.67 lakh.
    House Building Cooperative Societies
    In the year 2014-15, there are five House Building Cooperative
    Societies with a total membership of 8359 persons. The working capital of
    these societies areRs.1083.75 lakh. Rs.638.89 lakh have been advanced for
    the purpose of building of house, loan outstanding and loan overdue are Rs.
    518.75 lakh and Rs.286.44 lakh respectively.
    Weights and Measures
    Prior to the introduction of the metric system, the weight in common use
    was the Indian hundred seer of 80 tolas. The common measure of volume
    was mana in all translating of rice, pady and other food gains. For measuring
    length, yard, feet and inch were in use. The local land measurement was
    100 decimals equal to 25 gunthas equal to one mana and 20 manas made
    on a bati.
    For the measurement of liquids gallons and seers of 80 tolas were in
    use.
    The peculiar system of dry measure was in use before metric system
    was introduced.They were seers equal to one pudi, 10 seers equal to one
    gauni, 400 seers equal to one pauti and 80 pauti equal to one bharan.
    However, these measures varied not only in nomenclature but also in
    capacity from area to area.Materials from which these measures were
    constructed also varied from place to place. As a result of such difference in
    the use of weight and measures, there was ample scope for the traders to
    cheat the consumers.
    With a view to overcoming these difficulties, the metric system of weight
    st
    and measures was introduced as an all India standard from the 1 April
    1962. Initial difficulties were experienced by both the consumers and traders
    but after regular practice and publicity through distribution of conversion

    174
    tables and chart and pamphlets the metric system has been accepted by the
    people and is in vogue.
    As per OILM recommendations metric system of weight and measure
    of solid and liquid materials are now followed in the district as elsewhere in
    the country. The measurement of area (Land) is decimal, hectare is used by
    the people of the district as prescribed in the legal metrology general Rules
    2011.
    Weights and measures used in the business transactions are being
    verified and certified by the legal metrology officer once in a calendar year or
    bi-annually as per guidelines issued to him by the Director, WandM.
    Government of India.

    The Regulatory System is as follows

    1. IPL International Prototype (WandM) Maintained by scientist (Paris)


    2. NPL National Prototype -do- Director, L.M.(New Delhi)
    3. Reference standards -do- -do- (BBSR)
    4. Secondary standards -do- Controller -do-(State)
    5. Working standards -do- Legal Metrology Officer
    6. Commercial standards –do- by Traders

    175
    CHAPTER – VII
    TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

    The progress and prosperity of a state depend much upon the transport
    and communication facilities. The hoary antiquities of Odisha indicate that
    she was connected with other countries by sea and land routes in the past.
    Old Time Transport Routes
    From early times, people of the district used to visit pilgrim centres like
    Gaya in Bihar, Birajakhetra at Jajpur and Srikhetra at Puri to offer pinda or
    oblation to their forefathers. It is obvious that there were pilgrim routes
    between these places in early days. The Mauryan Emperor Asoka the Great,
    came with a large army and conquered Kalinga in the middle of the 3rd
    Century B.C. The Mauryan army travelled all the way from Pataliputra to
    Tosali on a route highway where water and food stuff were abundantly
    available. In the 2nd or 1st Century B.C., Emperor Kharavela of Kalinga not
    only marched as far as Rajagruhe in the north, but also advanced in the
    west to the Kingdom of the Satavahanas and in the south to the kingdom of
    the Pandyas. The army of Kharavela consisted of four divisions, viz.,
    elephant, chariot, cavalry and infantry. For the movement of chariots a
    highway is essential. A these indicate that there were good roads in those
    days.
    In 1514, the Portuguese established a town in Pipili about 4:24 km.
    from the mouth of river Subarnarekha on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
    Pipili was then an important harbour on the Odisha coast and a great centre
    of Portuguese trade when their fleets commanded the whole sea-board from
    Chittagong to Odisha.
    Before the English had any footing in Odisha the Dutch settled in Piplll
    in 1625 and in, Baleshwar in the same year. At the time of the East India
    Company Baleshwar, Chandbali and Dhamara ports were active. These
    ports had trade link with the ports at Kolkata, Madras, Bombay, Ceylon,
    Maldive islands, Lakshadweep and occasionally Mauritius. During the
    Muslim rule, Baleshwar developed as an important port where ships from
    different parts of India lay anchored. It was also a ship- building centre under
    the state control during the Moughal rule and one Superintendent for ports
    and another Superintendent for ship construction were stationed there. The
    royal ships laden with cargoes of various kinds used to ply between
    Baleshwar and Porbandar on the western coast of India.

    176
    Roads in Modern Times
    Prior to independence most of the roads were unmetalled and
    unbridged and were negotiable only in fair weather.In course of time,
    demand for more and better roads increased due to rapid growth of
    traffic.For breaking the age-old isolation of many areas of the district,which
    are mostly inaccessible,construction of roads and development of road
    transport were considered sine qua non.To accelerate this large amounts
    were earmarked and spent on the development of roads in the successive
    plan periods.At present the district is served by National Highways
    (NH),State Highways (SH),Major District Roads(MDR), Other District Roads
    (ODR) and Classified Village Roads (CVR).
    As on 31st March 2015 the length of roads according to category and
    surface classification in Baleshwar district is given below.

    Category of roads Length in Kilometres


    National Highways (NH) 119.50
    State Highways (SH) 118.73
    Major District Roads(MDR) 109.30
    Other District Roads (ODR) 405.62
    Classified Village Roads (CVR)
    Total 753.15

    Classification of condition of Length in Km


    roads
    Black topped 667.40
    Cement Concrete 77.00
    Water Bound Macadam 7.29
    Morrum 0.00
    Earthen 1.48
    Total 753.15

    National Highways
    The Kolkata - Chennai National Highways No.16 starts from its junction
    with NH-19 near Kolkata connects Kharagpur in the state of West Bengal,
    Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khordha and Brahmapur in the
    State of Odisha,Vishakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh and
    terminates at its junction with NH-48 near Chennai in the state of Tamil
    Nadu. Similarly the Govindpur-Dhanbad-Puruliya-Chandil-Baripada-
    Baleshwar National Highways No.18 passes through Jharkhand, West
    Bengal and terminates at its junction with NH-16 near Naharpatna,
    Baleshwar of Odisha State. The Total length of NHs in the district is 119.50
    Km. It is motorable throughout the year and the NH-16 starts from 136.50 km
    near Ranital to Laxmannath of Jaleshwar P.S after passing through Soro,
    Baleshwar, Rupsa, Basta and Jaleshwar. To provide better communication
    facilities to the interior, feeder roads have been connected with the NH-16.
    177
    178
    State Highways
    The state highways are the roads which link important cities, towns,
    district headquarters within the state and connect them with national
    highways or highways of the neighbouring states. These highways provide
    connections to industries/places in key areas in the state making them more
    accessible. The State Highways are maintained by the State Government.
    Details about the State Highways are given below.

    Sl No. Name of the Road Length in Km


    1 Sergarh-Nilagiri-Jharanaghati Road 31.20
    2 Jaleshwar-Batagram-Chandaneswar - 39.60
    Digha Road
    3 Anantapur - Soro - Kupari Road 40.92
    4 Jamjhadi -Basudevpur -Dhamara 7.01
    Road.
    Total 118.73

    Major District Roads


    These are important roads within a district connecting areas of
    production with markets and connecting these with each other or with
    the State Highways and National Highways. It also connects Sub-
    Divisional and Block headquarters and rural areas to district
    headquarters. Details about the Major District Roads are as follows.

    Sl No. Name of the Road Length in


    Km
    1 Sugo-Solpata Road 1.00
    2 Old O.T. Road 1.50
    3 Basta - Baliapal Road 23.40
    4 Old N.H.-5 (Baleshwar 13.70
    Bypass Road)
    5 Salt Road from Baleshwar 42.00
    to Gud
    6 Charakmara Bypass Road 2.50
    7 Basta Bypass Road 3.80
    8 Haldipada Bypass Road 6.00
    9 Jaleshwar Bypass Road 15.40
    Total 109.30

    Other District Roads


    Other District roads are the roads serving rural areas and
    providing them with outlet to market centers, Sub-Division headquarters,
    block head quarters or major district roads, and would serve to connect
    villages with a population of 1000 and above or a cluster of villages. These
    roads are owned by Highways Department.

    179
    Vehicles and Conveyances
    The bullock-cart still plays a very prominent role in the economic life of
    the people, especially in the country-side where it provides the most
    economical means of transport of goods and passengers. Chhela, a unique
    system of transportation is still found in the rural areas of the district. It is
    made of gunny bags having two pockets on opposite sides mounted on the
    back of a bullock. The back is protected by a spongy cotton cover to carry
    the load comfortably. It is usually used by the farmers to carry manures,
    seeds and harvested crops. This mode of transportation is convenient even
    where no road system exists. Palanquins (Palki) are seen sometimes in the
    rural areas for carrying passengers, patients, bride and bridegrooms. Cycles
    are seen in every nook and corner of the district but cycle- rickshaws are
    mainly found in urban and semi-urban areas. Gradually with change of time
    the mode of transportation and conveyance has changed. Now-a-days motor
    cycles have been widely used both in urban and rural areas. Besides, cars,
    auto rickshaws, town buses are being used by the people in urban areas.
    Trucks and mini trucks are being used in both urban and rural areas for
    transportation.
    The details ofvehicles popularly used in the district as registered from
    the Beginning of the Regional Transport Office at Baleshwar till 31-07-2015
    are given in the following table.
    Sl.No. Category of Vehicle No. of Vehicles registered
    1 Motor Cycle 1,41,936
    2 Scooter 15,840
    3 Moped 3,848
    4 Scooter Side Car 4
    5 Auto Rickshaw (Passenger) 3,073
    6 Auto Rickshaw (Goods) 1,302
    7 Car (Private) 6,981
    8 Heavy Goods Vehicle 894
    9 Mid Goods Vehicle 288
    10 Light Goods Vehicle 3,416
    11 Pick-Up-Van 399
    12 Tanker 61
    13 Mixi Cab 2,759
    14 Car Taxi 494
    15 Del Van 16
    16 Tractor-Trailer 5,492
    17 Tractor (Agriculture) 585
    18 School Bus- 84
    19 Ambulance 82
    20 Bus (SC) 47
    21 Deluxe Bus 32
    22 Bus CC 20
    23 A/C Bus 13
    24 Private Bus Service 10
    25 Mini Bus 8
    26 Crane 2
    27 Postal Van 1
    Total 1,87,687

    180
    Movement by public conveyance is the most popular and convenient
    now-a-days. A summary picture of routes under bus service in Baleshwar
    district is given below.

    Sl.No Name of the Routes Length of Routes No. of Trips


    .
    1 Baleshwar – Sundargarh 510 2
    2 Baleshwar – Sambalpur 454 1
    3 Baleshwar – Rourkela 472 2
    4 Baleshwar – Berhampur 390 2
    5 Baleshwar – Baribil 345 2
    6 Baleshwar – Bhubaneswar 214 19
    7 Baleshwar – Cuttack 185 34
    8 Baleshwar – Baripada 62 71
    9 Baleshwar – Dhamara 110 11
    10 Baleshwar – Kupari 67 13
    11 Baleshwar – Balipala 50 16
    12 Baleshwar – Udala 57 18
    13 Baleshwar – Olamara 81 2
    14 Baleshwar – Sartha 45 2
    15 Baleshwar – Bishnupur 37 3
    16 Baleshwar – Bhadrak 72 3
    17 Baleshwar – Anantapur 47 4
    18 Baleshwar – Kasafal 60 2
    19 Baleshwar – Langaleswar 46 5
    20 Baleshwar – Balramgadi 18 11

    Fares
    th
    Bus fares effective from 4 June 2015 are given below.

    Category of Vehicles Rate of fares per person per kilometer


    Ordinary Bus 58 Paise
    Express Bus 61 Paise
    Super fast Bus 80 Paise
    Deluxe Bus 101 Paise

    Railways
    The district is served by the Howrah-Madras, the Rupsa-Bangriposi and
    the Baleshwar-Nilagiri railway lines of the South-Eastern railway. The Bengal
    Nagpur Railway (BNR) has been renamed as South Eastern Railway.
    Baleshwar Railway station is established in the year 1896. This line is fully
    electrified is December 2005. Description of each of the railway lines is
    given below.

    181
    Howarh-Madars Line
    The Howrah-Madras (now Chennai) line of the South-Eastern railway
    passes through the district in a south-western direction. The Kharagpur-
    Cuttack section of the main line was opened to traffic in 1899 and the
    Cuttack-Waltair section between 1893 and 1897. Waltair to Madras was
    however opened prior to that. The length of broad gauge double line in
    Baleshwar district is 140 km. The line enters the district near Lakshmannath
    Road and leaves the district at a short distance from Markona. There are 22
    stations. Of these, five are busy stations. These are Jaleshwar, Rupsa,
    Baleshwar and Soro.
    Rupsa-Bangriposi Line
    From Rupsa station a branch line, 89.86 km. in length, runs westward
    to Mayurbhanj district. This narrow gauge branch line was constructed in two
    phases, (a) Rupsa to Baripada (52:16 km) opened to traffic on the 20th
    January. 1905 and (b) Baripada to Bangriposi (37:20 km) on the 15th July
    1920. This line is converted to broad-gauge in July 2006.
    Baleshwar-Nilagiri line
    This broad gauge railway line was constructed in 1944 by the army for
    defence purpose. The length of this line is 16.068 km. It was constructed by
    the army during the Second World War. After war the army handed over the
    line to the Railway department. Since then the railway is used for carrying
    ballast, boulder and chips. It is not used for passenger traffic.
    Role of the railways in the economy of the district
    The South Eastern Railways has changed the economic condition of
    the people of Baleshwar district since 1899. It has accelerated agricultural
    and industrial development by providing transport facilities for the carriage of
    raw materials and finished products. Besides the industrialised zone in the
    immediate vicinity of Baleshwar, a number of saw mills, rice mills, brass and
    bell-metal industries, earthen and stoneware industries and other kinds of
    handicrafts have come up all along the rail routes. Apart from serving all
    these industries, the railways also contribute largely to the movement of rice,
    betel leaf and fish.
    Rail-road competition and regulation of transport
    There are 42 road routes in the district. Most of the routes run parallel
    to the railways. Due to high density of population in the urban areas, both
    road and rail services are equally patronised by the people. NH-5 and Major
    District Road No. 74 running, more or less, parallel to the South-Eastern
    Railways up to Lakshmannath Road, the northern most station within the
    district on that railway, shares with the latter a large volume of traffic. On
    182
    other roads swifter motor transport is available in plenty. As a result, people
    are depending more on buses and trucks than on trains for movement of
    passenger and goods traffic. In important towns of the district Carry Co.,
    Tatanagar Transport, Transport Corporation of India. Economic Transport
    Organisation, Assam Bengal Roadways, Great India Roadways, Cuttack
    Roadways, etc., are active. These road transport organisations help
    movement of goods faster than the railways. Municipal and Notified Area
    Council authorities are collecting huge amount of tax from these road
    transport organizations. Daily 56 pairs (Up and Down) Mail/Express and
    Goods Trains and nine pairs of passenger trains are running through the
    district.
    Train Accidents
    Of the railway accidents in the district a major accident occurred on the
    8th March. 1964 in Baudpur railway station due to collision of Down Madras-
    Howrah Express train on a line occupied by a Goods train. In this accident
    22 persons were killed and 110 persons were injured. A sum of Rs.10,450
    was paid by the Government as ex gratia. Railway property worth Rs.
    6.07,100 was damaged.
    Railway Over Bridge
    A large roadway over bridge of 568‘90 metres long and 10.70 metres
    breadth has been constructed across the railway line at Baleshwar town at a
    th
    cost of Rs. 1,74,701/-. It has been opened to traffic since 13 April 1984.
    One Fly over bridge is under construction at Soro station. Another such
    bridge is under construction near Tamilia level crossing gate of Baleshwar
    town.
    Waterways
    Rivers
    In 1907, O' Malley had given an account on navigation in rivers which is
    as follows. ―Notwithstanding the numerous rivers which intersect the district,
    there is no great inland river traffic in Baleshwar. The reason for this
    apparently is that during the rains they become dangerous for navigation
    owing to the high floods they bring down; and during the rest of the year their
    current is sluggish and the volume of water small. The large rivers have
    sufficient water to enable boats to ply along the lower reaches, and there is a
    fair amount of traffic in tidal waters; but the other rivers are, on the whole, too
    shallow or too uncertain to be very largely used, and they do not possess
    any great value as trade routes. On this account the use of boats is
    restricted, and the people have long been accustomed to carry on internal
    traffic by means of pack-bullocks and carts.

    183
    Canals
    The Odisha Cost Canal was constructed in the year 1880. It entres
    Odisha at Narsarabad in Bhograi Block at R.D. 89.60 Km, ends in river
    Kansabansa R.D. 186.10 Km and has a total length 88.50 Km. Now the said
    canal is in defunct condition. It is pertinent to note that the renovation of the
    Coast Canal itself would have a huge impact on the coastal region in terms
    of creationirrigation potential as well as drainage clearance in the vicinity.
    The Executive Engineer, Baleshwar Irrigation Division, Baleshwar is in
    charge of maintenance of the canal.
    Bridges
    Prior to independence, most of the roads in the district were unbridged.
    This was a great bottleneck in the development of road transport. After
    Independence, along with the construction of roads, large amount was spent
    for the construction of bridges. As a result almost all the important roads in
    the district are now bridged. More bridges are under construction. The
    statement below gives the number of culverts and bridges on different
    st
    categories of roads as on 31 March 2015.

    Category of Roads Total Culverts with Minor bridges with Major bridge
    number of length upto length above 6.00 with length of
    Culverts 6.00 meteres but less that 30.00 and
    and meteres 30.00 meters above
    Bridges
    State Highways 253 238 9 6
    Major District 127 101 16 10
    Roads
    Other District 754 724 18 12
    Roads
    Classified Village 1418 1347 65 6
    Roads

    Radio and Wireless


    The All-India Radio has no broadcasting station in the district. There
    are 26 wireless stations in the district. These stations have been installed by
    the Police Department for smooth running.

    184
    CHAPTER – VIII

    MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS
    Introduction
    In the chapters on Agriculture and Irrigation, Industries and Banking,
    Trade and Commerce, the major sectors of economy were dealt with at
    length. But these sectors by themselves do not give the entire economic
    picture of the population. The people of the district are also engaged in
    miscellaneous occupations like public administration, teaching, legal,
    medical and personal services. Those who are in administration or learned
    profession form the intellectual class and despite their small percentage,
    exert maximum influence in the affairs of the district. In domestic and
    personal services, the occupation of barber, washermen, tailors, drivers,
    street vendors, shopkeeper,s contractual laboures etc. are also essential for
    the society and they constitute an important social group.
    Public Administration
    Both the educated and the uneducated people prefer jobs in public
    service departments because of service security and other benefits. The
    Statistical Abstract shows the employment situation in various branches of
    public administration. The table below gives the number of employees of the
    central government, state government andquasi-government undertakings
    and local bodies of the district.

    Employees in Public Sector Local Total


    Central State Quasi Government Bodies
    Government Government Central State
    5456 22464 2395 4657 297 35,269

    Amenities provided to Government Servants


    The pay structure of central as well as state government employees of
    th
    all categories have been revised as per the recommendations made by to 6
    Pay Commission with effect from 01.01.2006. Besides providing Dearness
    Allowance, the State Government has made provision for granting festival
    advance and also loans for construction of residential buildings. Staff
    quarters are provided to government employees on reasonable rent as per
    availability or house rent allowance in lieu thereof. The government also
    considers loan applications from its employees for purchase of vehicles.
    Apart from that, Travelling Allowance, Medical Expenses Reimbursement
    etc. are provided to government servants and their family members. Group

    185
    Insurance facility is being provided to them since 1976 in case of untimely
    death during the service period to this helps to alleviate the financial
    hardship caused to the bereaved. The employees of the corporations like the
    Life Insurance Corporation of India, the Food Corporation of India, Indian Oil
    Corporation of India, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, have their
    own schemes of allowance, leave, medical relief, provident fund, gratuity,
    etc.
    Employees’ Organisations
    Due to implementation of five-year plans there has been considerable
    expansion in the public services at central and state government levels, and
    in the local bodies. These employees have formed their respective unions
    with a view to redressing their grievances. The State Government
    employees have formed a number of unions and associations of which the
    Odisha State Non-Gazetted Employees Co-ordination Committee, Odisha
    Amala Sangha, Odisha Sarakari Sikhyak Sangha are important. Employees
    of local bodies have similar organizations in the district.Besides, a good
    number of Trade Unions have been formed to ventilate employees‘
    demands.
    Learned Professions
    A good number of different courts i.e., civil, criminal, revenue and non-
    revenue are functioning to deliver justice to the people of the district.
    To accommodate the profession, a good number of judges,
    administrators of central and state government and managers of factories
    along with teachers, lawers, doctors, etc., are included in the noble
    profession. Professors andteachers contribute immensely to vitalizing the
    cultural and social life of the district. They work in various academic
    institutions. Besides, intellectuals also contribute to the societies. By2015,
    total number of 17319 teachers are engaged in primary schools, 8038 in
    middle schools, 1345 in secondary schools and 4190 in colleges for general
    education.
    VAWS, Nurses, Pharmacists, Laboratory Technicians, Drivers, Peons
    and other Group-C and D employees contribute a great deal of their valuable
    service for the people in their respective fields.
    Lawers
    The number of legal practitioners in the district is 2535 by the end of
    2015. They generally reside in urban areas where law courts are located.
    They offer their services in civil, revenue and criminal cases to their clients.
    The amount of fees charged by the lawers varies according to the nature of
    the case and popularity and competency of the lawyer who handles it.
    186
    There is a Bar association in this district at Baleshwar and others at
    Jaleshwar, Soro and Nilagiri. The Baleshwar Bar Association is the oldest in
    the district as it started almost a century ago. Those at Jaleshwar, Soro and
    Nilagiri courts are of recent origin. The object of formation of Bar
    Associations is to preserve and promote the welfare of the members and
    also to provide amenities like library facilities to the members. The president,
    secretary and other office bearers are elected from among the members.
    Some members are also elected to the state Bar council.
    Doctors
    During 2015, altogether 2053 persons were engaged in medical and
    other professions relating to human health. Many other technical and non-
    technical persons are doing private practice.
    There are 25 ayurvedic dispensaries and 32 homoeopathic
    dispensaries functioning in the district during 2015. Due to its low-cost
    medicines, homoeopathic system is popular among the people. There are
    also many private homeopathic practitioners in the district and some of them
    earning a good income.
    Domestic and Personal Services
    This profession includes the services of domestic servants, vendors,
    barbers, washermen, tailors, etc, In course of time these professions have
    undergone noticeable changes with the changing economic pattern in the
    society.
    Domestic servants
    In different local trains, domestic private servants and daily laborers are
    coming daily to Baleshwar town in thousands. Cooks, bearers (domestic and
    institutional) and maid servants are included in this class. They numbered
    4693 in 2015. This number must have been considerably increased by now
    due to the growth of industrial townships near important urban areas like
    Baleshwar and Remuna. Their wage rates are not attractive compared to
    other occupations but they enjoy the benefit of free fooding and clothing in
    addition to their wages. Those who are not given food, clothing and
    shelter,get higher rate of wages. Many middle class families engage
    servants on a part-time basis for attending to various routine domestic
    works.

    187
    Other Services
    Hair-cutting
    This is the traditional occupation of the Bhandari caste. In rural areas,
    the barbers go door to door with a small wooden box or cloth bag which
    contains the necessary instruments for hair-cutting and shaving. The
    practice of paying him in kind is still prevalent in some villages according to
    the old jajamani system. However, their number is dwindling owing to spread
    of self-shaving with safety razors even in rural areas. As such, barbers, as
    traditional occupational groups, have shifted to other occupations. In 2015
    there as 303 saloons functioning in the urban areas of the district. Each
    saloon generally employs one or two persons. In small towns, the income of
    the barber varies from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per day, while in big towns like
    Baleshwar and Nilagiri the average daily income varies between Rs. 200 and
    Rs.350.
    Laundry
    This occupation is mostly confined to the Dhobi caste. A good number
    of laundries are found in Baleshwar and Nilagiri but such establishments are
    few in other towns. Majority of these are family concerns where the owners
    with the help of members of their family carry on the business. Big
    establishments employ a few workers on monthly payment basis. The
    majority of the laundries are located in rented pacca building and house in
    rented wooden cabins. In 2015, a total number of 2011 laundries are
    operating in the urban areas of the district.
    Generally the poor people do not give their clothes to the laundries.
    Some middle class people wash their clothes at home and at times get them
    ironed in the laundries. The launderers receive payment according to the
    number of pieces washed. At present the charges vary from Rs.4 to 5 for a
    cotton and synthetic dress, and they charge more for costly garments. The
    earning of the laundries which deal in dry-cleaning of woolen garments is
    higher. The income of the establishments varies according to the volume of
    business done.
    Tailoring
    This category of service is done by men and women irrespective of
    caste and creed. Tailoring is attracting a considerable number of persons in
    urban areas and consequently more tailoring shops are being located in the
    town areas of the district. In 2015 a total number of 1405 tailoring shops
    were catering to the needs of the urban population in the district. The income
    of the tailoring shops varies according to the strength of the establishments.

    188
    The business goes on well during the marriage season and some religious
    festivals.
    Cycle repairing
    At present, in spite of spread of 2 wheelers, large number of people use
    bicycles in their day to-day life. To keep the cycle in running condition, cycle
    repairing shops have been opened throughout the district. In urban areas the
    repairing shops are found in large numbers. In order to run a shop the
    owner-mechanic usually appoints one or two young boys to help him in his
    works. Their income varies from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 per month. It consists
    of the repair charges and profit on spare parts sold. Some big cycle-repairing
    units in Baleshwar, Soro, Jaleshwar and Nilagiri towns earn more than Rs.
    10,000/- per month. Some of the bicycle-repairing shops also give dynamo
    sets on hiring. In 2015, 2367 cycle-repairing units were functioning in the
    urban areas.
    Betel Shop
    There are a good number of betel shops in the district run on sole
    proprietorship basis. Most of these shops also sell other items like perfumes,
    cigarettes, bidis, confectioneries, candles, match box, aerated water and
    other articles. They are mostly housed in rented premises and small wooden
    cabins. There are large number of betel shops in urban areas like
    Baleshwar, Rumuna, Soro, Nilagiri, Basta, Baliapal, Markona and Jaleshwar.
    In 2014-15, there are 10,126 shops in the urban areas of the district.
    Tea Stall
    Drinking tea has become very common among the people. Tea stalls
    are coming up in every corner of the district. No enumeration of these stalls
    has yet been undertaken. Scarcity of fresh milk and sugar has contributed to
    rise in the price of tea and coffee. In 1986 these stalls charged Rs. 0.50 for a
    cup of tea and the price has gone upto Rs.5 now.Some tea stalls also sell
    light refreshments. The monthly income of these establishments depends
    upon the size of the stall and the locality in which they are situated. The
    stalls located in urban areas usually earn more. In order to maintain a stall
    the owner generally engages one or two boys to help in serving the
    customers and washing the utensils. Most of these employees are also
    provided with food and lodging by the employers. By 2015 a total number of
    4826 tea stalls are functioning in the urban areas of the district.
    Brass and Bell-metal workers
    There are a number of Thatari families in Remuna and Kumada who
    are engaged in brass and bell-metal industry. They make house-hold

    189
    utensils of brass and bell-metal and earn a fair income by exporting to other
    places and by local sale.
    Cobblers
    The cobblers (Mochis) are found mostly in urban areas like Soro,
    Jaleshwar, Baleshwar and Nilagiri they usually repair old and worn-out foot
    wears. They also undertake shoe polishing and repair of the leather articles.
    The cobblers have gained intelligence andthey now make beautiful cheap
    foot-wears. The unskilled cobblers usually earn from Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 per
    day.The daily income of skilled ones is more.
    Fishing
    Fishing is an important occupation of a section of the people of the
    district. A small fishing post has been constructed at Bahabalpur, Chandipur.
    Deep sea fishing is carried on at Udaypur, Choumika, Chhanka, Bahabalpur,
    Dagana and Balaramgarhi near Chandipur. The traditional fishermen belong
    to Gokha and Keuta castes. Besides, persons belonging to other castes are
    also found to be engaged in fishing business. Now a-days fishing have
    become lucrative due to introduction of modern equipments especially on
    the sea. The catches from the district are regularly exported to neighbouring
    districts and also to Kolkata market in west Bengal.
    Stone Workers
    Laterite stones are found in large quantities in and around Nilagiri
    police-station area. Due to low-cost and easy availability the local people
    prefer stone to brick for building houses. The stone cutters in the quarry get
    Rs.10 to Rs.15 for cutting one block of stone. On an average the stone
    cutter presently earns Rs.200/- to Rs.300/- per day. For dressing and setting
    one hundred stone blocks of different sizes, the charges vary from Rs.20/- to
    Rs. 300/-.
    Quality stones for the construction of roads and buildings are also
    available in the district. Hundreds of people are engaged in breaking stones
    into small pieces. They get daily wages or paid on contract basis. The daily
    income of an employee of this category usually varies from Rs.250 to
    Rs.300/-.
    There are some families of stone-carvers in Baulagadia and other
    adjacent villages in Nilagiri police-station. All the adult members of a stone-
    carver‘s family are usually engaged in this business. They make chaki, sila,
    pathuri and other household appliances for sale in local markets and at
    different places where big fairs are held.

    190
    Television and Radio repairing
    There are 203 television and radio-repairing shops in the district. These
    shops mostly provide employment to one or two people with a good income.
    Radio repairing has declined because of development of other modest
    entertainment.
    Cycle-rickshaw driving
    Driving of cycle-rickshaw provides livelihood to a number of people
    belonging to the weaker sections. In towns rickshaw provides easy and
    cheap transport to the people. Rickshaw-pullers are earning their livelihood
    in the towns of Baleshwar, Jaleshwar, Nilagiri, Soro, Bhograi, Baliapal and
    Markona.
    Over the years, there has been a change in the construction of
    rickshaw. Automatic machines are now filled to play them. These rickshaws
    are in operation in Bhograi and Jaleshwar area.
    Potters
    Pottery is an age-old industry in the district. It is the traditional
    occupation of the people belonging to the Kumbhar caste. At present the
    wide use of plastic, aluminium, steel and other metals have greatly affected
    this occupation. But use of earthen vessels in the urban and rural
    households as well as in the places of worship is still continuing. The potter
    works with his wheel and prepares earthenware vessels and takes them to
    the nearby village or town for sale. Some of the potters also manufacture
    country tiles. Some households still use the earthenware for cooking food
    and storing water and food grains. Usually the potter carries on the work with
    the help of his family members in his own house. Availability of the main raw
    material, i.e. clay, in the vicinity reduces the cost of transport and price of the
    articles too. It is difficult to estimate the daily income of a potter‘s family. On
    a rough estimate, it may be Rs.100 to Rs.200 per day.
    Automobile repairing workers
    Mahindra is having its own service centre in Baleshwar and so also
    other automobile companies, such as Maruti and Ashok Leyland. With
    increasing use of automobiles, especially in towns, repairing shops are
    coming up to do the maintenance service to the vehicles. A good number of
    people are earning their livelihood out of it. Generally two to three people
    work in small repairing shops while in bigger ones five to eight people are
    engaged in 2015 there are 609 automobile repairing shops in the urban
    areas of the district.

    191
    Employment in shops and commercial establishments
    The Odisha shops and commercial establishments act of 1956 is in
    force in Baleshwar, Soro, Jaleshwar and Nilagiri towns of the district. The
    labour officers visit the shops and other commercial establishments in these
    places to find out whether the workers employed therein are properly paid,
    given holidays and have fixed working hours. They also look to the safety,
    health and welfare of the workers. At the end of December, 2014 there are
    1752 shops and commercial establishments in four towns of the district,
    namely, Baleshwar, Nilagiri, Soro and Jaleshwar. A total number of 9180
    workers were in employment in these establishments in 2014.

    192
    CHAPTER - IX
    ECONOMIC TRENDS

    Livelihood
    The economy of Baleshwar is basically agrarian in character. The vast
    majority of people are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. In the
    pre-independence period, Baleshwar was the main centre of economic
    activity and there were some subordinate factories at Soro and Balaramgarhi
    surrounded by weavers‘colony. The fine cotton cloths and muslins produced
    by their looms was the chief article of commerce and an important source of
    engagement, income and livelihood. The manufacture of salt was a very
    important industry and it gave employment and income to a large number of
    people. During those days, the finest salt of India was said to be produced in
    Baleshwar district. The district was also famous for mats made of straw,
    grass sticks, palm and date leaves, and chatai and it continued to be so
    even now. Workers in bell-metal units earned their livelihood from sale of the
    articles made of bell-metal. There were stone carvers and other traditional
    artisans making their livelihood from pottery, black smithy, gold smithy and
    such other occupations. People in coastal habitations were earning their
    livelihood from fishing.
    In the post-independence period and with spread of education, training
    and diversification of economic activities traditional agriculture, caste based
    crafts and fishing have become commercialized and new industries,
    commerce and services sectors have come up. All these have brought about
    significant changes in the structure of employment and income of the people
    as also their livelihood. As per Census 2011 reports, 38.41 percent of
    workers were agricultural labourers, 30.97 percent were cultivators, 3.08
    percent were household industry workers and 27.55 percent were other
    workers. Cultivators and agricultural labourers together constitute 69.38
    percent of total workers. The primary sector accounts for about 23.71
    percent of Net Distlrict Domestic Product and this share of agriculture,
    animal husbandry, forestry and fisheries was estimated at 23.69 percent.
    This means that agriculture and allied activities are the mainstry of the
    district economyand a pivotal source of livelihood. Like elsewhere in the
    economy, consumerism has also spread into the people‘s livelihood pattern
    in the district and this holds even for the rural areas.

    193
    District Domestic Product – Composition and Trends
    Income is considered to be the most important indicator of economic
    well being. In view of the importance of decentralized planning and micro
    area development, estimation of income at the district level is gaining
    focused attention in recent years. The income of a district is termed as
    District Domestic Product (DDP). DDP estimation has the five broad
    objectives such as a) Measurement of economic development of a district; b)
    Analysis of the sectoral contribution to the district economy; c) Evaluating the
    objectives of planning in the district; d) Improvement of planning at the
    district level and e) Examining income disparity among the districts.
    Any discussion on District Domestic Product presupposes a clear
    understanding of terms like Gross District Domestic Product, Net District
    Domestic Product and Per Capita (DDP). Gross District Domestic Product
    (GDDP) is the money value of the volume of goods and services produced in
    a district within a year, counted without duplication. It is equal to the income
    generated by the production of goods and services within the geographical
    boundary of a district. It can also be defined as the unduplicated value of
    output of all goods and services produced within the boundary of the district
    during the year. Net District Domestic Product (NDDP) is the net value of
    final goods and services produced within the district during one year. GDDP
    minus depreciation i.e. consumption of fixed capital, is equal to NDDP. The
    average income of the people of a district in a particular year is called DDP
    per capita in that year. This concept helps one to know about the standard of
    living of the people of a district.
    In Odisha, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics prepares
    estimates of District Domestic Product of all the districts. As of now
    estimates are available for 2004-05 to 2011-12. According to the
    methodology adopted for estimation, District Domestic Product (DDP) in
    Baleshwar comes from the contributions of four sources, such as, the
    Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Finance and Services sectors. The
    Primary Sector includes Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry,
    Forestry, Fishery, Mining and Quarrying. The Secondary Sector consists of
    Manufacturing (both registered and un-registered), Electricity, Gas and
    Water supply, and Construction. Trade, Hotel and Restaurant, Transport and
    Communication come under the Tertiary sector. In Finance and Services are
    included Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Community, Social and Personal
    services.
    A summary picture of the trend of NDDP at constant 2004-05 prices for
    Baleshwar district for the period 2004-05 to 2011-12 is presented in the
    following table:

    194
    Year Baleshwar Odisha
    NDDP Rank Per Rank Comparative NSDP (Rs. Per
    (Rs. Capita Per Capita Lakh) Capita
    Lakh) NDDP Income NSDP
    (Rs.) (Rs.)
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
    283124 9 13341 22 -4309 6798702 17650
    2004-05
    (4.16) (76.00)
    290552 9 13507 25 -4687 7100497 18194
    2005-06
    (4.09) (74.00)
    331705 9 15213 20 -4981 7984484 20194
    2006-07
    (4.15) (77.00)
    367054 8 16608 20 -5032 8669191 21640
    2007-08
    (4.23) (77.00)
    398134 8 17772 20 -5191 9320665 22963
    2008-09
    (4.27) (77.00)
    402516 8 17726 20 -5120 9395723 22846
    2009-10
    (4.28) (78.00)
    443514 8 19268 22 -4700 9987972 23968
    2010-11
    (4.14) (75.00)
    467394 8 20032 21 -4510 10362763 24542
    2011-12
    (4.51) (82.00)

    Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha

    Note: 1- Figures in parentheses at col.2 indicate percentage share in


    NSDP, Odisha
    2. Figures in parentheses at col.5 indicate NDDP Per capita in
    Baleshwar as percentage of per capita income, Odisha
    3. Product / Income figures are at 2004-05 Constant prices
    The table shows an increasing trend of NDDP. In terms of the size of
    th
    NDDP it has the 8 ranking among the districts. When viewed in respect of
    comparative contribution it is observed that the NDDP of Baleshwar
    constitutes little above 4 per cent of NSDP of Odisha. Its share stood at 4.51
    per cent in 2011-12. The per capita NDDP of Baleshwar also shows an
    increasing trend throughout except is 2009-10 when it recorded a little
    decline from the 2008-09 level.
    All through per capita NDDP remained far lower than per capita
    NSDP as can be seen from figures in columns 4,8 and 6. In terms at per
    capita income, the Baleshwar has a ranking of 21 among the districts as in
    195
    2011-12 and it constitutes 82 per cent of per capita NSDP. A low ranking in
    per capita income than in NDDP may be because Baleshwar is a populous
    districts.
    A comparative picture of trend of per capita income at the district
    and state levels is presented in the following figure. It may be seen from the
    figure that the line representing per capita income for Baleshwar district is
    gently rising in consonance with that of the state but lies below the latter.

    Comparative Trend of Per Capita Income in Baleshwar District


    30000

    25000
    Per Capita Income

    20000

    15000
    Baleshwar
    10000 Odisha

    5000

    Year

    Sectoral composition of NDDP throws light on the relative contributions


    of the four major sectors of the economy to the DDP. A detailed comparative
    picture for Baleshwar district is given in the following table:

    Baleshswar
    Year Finance &
    Primary Secondary Tertiary All
    Services
    2004-05 28.14 20.79 19.88 31.19 100
    2005-06 26.25 19.06 22.20 32.48 100
    2006-07 24.62 21.08 23.63 30.67 100
    2007-08 23.19 22.88 23.67 30.27 100
    2008-09 20.88 22.70 24.19 32.24 100
    2009-10 23.98 14.34 26.32 35.36 100
    2010-11 26.89 13.28 25.32 34.52 100
    2011-12 23.71 13.34 27.88 35.07 100

    196
    Odisha
    Year Finance &
    Primary Secondary Tertiary All
    Services
    2004-05 32.37 23.31 19.22 25.1 100
    2005-06 32.16 21.27 21.18 25.4 100
    2006-07 30.28 23.12 22.52 24.08 100
    2007-08 28.49 24.89 22.66 23.95 100
    2008-09 27.03 24.05 23.35 25.56 100
    2009-10 28.55 18.45 25.16 27.83 100
    2010-11 26.35 18.61 26.68 28.35 100
    2011-12 24.58 19.32 27.42 28.68 100
    Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha

    The table makes interesting reading. The district economy is observed


    to be more dependent on tertiary and finance and services sectors than the
    state economy which is seen to be comparatively more dependent on
    primary and secondary sectors. The shares of the primary and secondary
    sectors in NDDP are found to be gently lowering and those of tertiary and,
    finance and service sectors rising in the recent years. In the year 2011-12,
    the shares of the latter in NDDP combined by stood at about 63 per cent and
    those of the farmer together are estimated to be about 37 per cent. For the
    state the shares are 56 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. They suggests
    that the structural change in NDDP is little greater compared to that in
    NSDP.
    A detailed picture of the contributions of sub-sectors and broad sectors
    to NDDP / NSDP for 2011-12 is given in the following table:
    Sectors / Sub-Sectors Percentage Share in
    NDDP-Baleshwar NSDP-Odisha
    A. Primary Sector 23.71 24.58
    Agriculture and Animal Husbandry 18.80 16.20
    Forestry 1.81 2.64
    Fishery 3.09 1.08
    Mining and Quarrying 0.02 4.66
    B. Secondary Sector 13.34 19.32
    Manufacturing -Registered 2.95 2.14
    Manufacturing -Unregistered 2.63 2.32
    Electricity, Gas and Water Supply 1.11 1.84
    Construction 6.66 13.02
    C. Tertiary Sector 27.88 27.42
    Trade, Hotels and Restaurants 18.57 16.80
    Railways 0.91 1.15
    Transport by other means 5.91 7.26
    Storage 0.14 0.14
    Communication 2.35 2.08
    D. Finance and Services 35.07 28.68
    Banking and Insurance 10.53 7.47
    Real Estate, Ownership of Dwellings, 6.77 6.18
    Business Services and Legal Services
    Public Administration 3.92 3.71
    Other Services 13.86 11.32
    E. All 100.00 100.00

    Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha

    197
    It can be seen that within the primary sector, agriculture and animal
    husbandry sub-sectors are predominant while in the secondary sector
    construction is of paramount importance. In case of the tertiary sector, the
    trade-hotels-restaurants sub-sector and within finance and services, banking
    and insurance, and other services are the main stay. These hold good both
    for Baleshwar as also for the state.
    Monthly Per Capita Consumer Expenditure
    The level of material prosperity and quality of life of people is
    determined to a large extent not only by the level of per capita income but
    also by the level of per capita consumption expenditure. The Directorate of
    Economics and Statistics, Odisha has brought out a Report on monthly per
    capita consumer expenditure (MPCE) for Odisha and at the disaggregated
    th
    level, for the districts for the year 2009-10 in the light of the 66 Round
    NSSO survey. In the Report two methods viz., Uniform Recall Period (URP)
    and Mixed Recall Period (MRP) have been used. In the URP method MPCE
    is defined as the household consumer expenditure over a period of 30 days
    preceding the date of survey, divided by household size. Mixed Recall
    Period (MRP) method, expenditure on all the food and some important non-
    food items are collected over a reference period of 30 days. But for
    expenditure on some durable items like furniture, clothing and medical
    institutional expenditure data are collected over the reference period of 365
    days. The findings of the survey as relevant to Baleshwar district are
    presented in the following table.

    Unit MPCE Urban- Percentage Rural-Urban


    Rural Gap Gap Disparity
    Rural Urban

    MRP- Based

    Odisha 693.16 1374.84 681.68 98.3 50.4

    Coastal 785.95 1429.22 643.27 81.8 55.0

    Baleshwar 646.20 1210.41 564.21 87.3 53.4

    URP- Based

    Odisha 655.81 1326.34 670.53 102.2 49.5

    Coastal 732.16 1344.61 612.45 83.6 54.4

    Baleshwar 583.49 1093.87 510.38 87.5 53.3

    Source : Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha

    198
    Expectedly, in preparing the Report, the Directorate has accepted
    the NSSO division of Odisha into three regions i.e., Coastal, Southern and
    Northern Regions. Baleshwar, is included in the Coastal Region. It may be
    seen from the table that MPCE-Urban is expectedly greater than MPCE-
    Rural at the district, regional and state levels. But MPCE for Baleshwar is
    lower than that for the regional and State levels irrespective of rural and
    urban areas. Baleshwar also has a higher percentage Urban-Rural MPCE
    Gap of more than 87 per cent compared to the Coastal Region and rural
    MPCE as percentage of Urban MPCE is roughly 53 per cent in Baleshwar
    compared to 54.4 and 55 per cent for the Region. This holds for both URP
    and MRP methods, speaks of glaring inequalities between urban and rural
    areas and calls for effective corrective action.
    The General Level of Prices
    Baleshwar being a typically agrarian economy, the general level of
    prices bears a direct relation with agricultural produce, especially food grains
    and particularly rice, the principal crop grown in the district. Generally food
    grains become cheaper immediately after harvest and dearer before harvest.
    Prices are also lower or higher depending on the volume of production. The
    rise of prices of the principal produce contributed materially to the prosperity
    of the agriculturists.
    Pre-Independence Period
    th
    During the latter half of the 19 century, the cost of essential
    commodities increased even more than the rate of wages and the price of
    rice, the staple food of the people, rose enormously, The highest increase
    took place after 1866, the Great Famine (Naanka) of Odisha, and it is indeed
    a common saying that the high prices which commenced during the famine
    have never left the land.
    L.S.S.O. Malley in Baleshwar Gazetter mentions the following price of
    rice in Seers* purpose (excluding the ex-state)
    Period Quantity of rice per Rupee in
    Seers Kg
    1837-51 49.8 46
    1852-66 24.8 40
    1867-81 42.7 23
    1882-96 19.8 18.5
    1897-1905 17.7 16.5

    Note: One seer = 0.933 kg


    During the period 1900-05, price of rice was not affected much by the
    opening of the railway in 1899 in the district. The district had already been
    opened out by the canal system to a brisk export trade in rice by sea. The
    effect of the railway on the general trade of the district and its potential value
    as a means of making prices independent of local demands were, however,
    199
    unquestionable. There was a great increase in the price of other agricultural
    produce, of pulses, ghee and tobacco. But, cotton-yarn and oil were cheaper
    while there had been little change in the cost of sugar and of betel-nut. The
    average price of salt fell due to the reduction of the duty and improved
    facilities of communications.
    During the decade 1893-1902, in the ex-state of Nilagiri, the average
    prices of rice, gram and salt remained practically stationary and these were
    available at 17.500 kg, 10.850 kg, and 9.680 kg. per rupee respectively.
    It is noticed from the report on the Revision Settlement of Odisha
    (1922-32) by W. W. Dalziel, that the movements in the price of rice showed a
    rise and fall between 1900 to 1930 with an upward movement on the whole.
    He has mentioned that ―Expressed in terms of seer to the rupee the average
    price rose to 15 in 1901, steadily dropped in the next 3 years to 20 in 1904,
    rose sharply to 10 between 1904 and 1907, dropped again to 5 in 1910 and
    1911, rose between 1911 and 1915 to 9, dropped to 13 in 1917 and 1918. It
    again rose very highly to 7 in 1919 and 6 in 1920. This was the highest point
    reached. There was a decline to 12 in 1923, followed by recovery to 8 in
    1924 and 1925. This level was maintained in 1926 and 1927 but it dropped
    again to 10 in 1928 and 1929 and to 12 in 1930. Then came the serious
    slump when the price dropped right down to 16½ in 1931, reaching 18 in
    November of that year.
    The comparatively high peak reached in 1907 and 1908 can be
    attributed to floods in Odisha and famine in north India. The normal rise in
    1919 and 1920 was probably due to improvement of world markets after the
    1st World War, while the floods of 1920 also contributed. The price seems
    then to have reached to more normal level until a series of flood years in
    1925 to 1927 caused another rise. The recent remarkable drop is of course
    a world-wide phenomenon to which many factors have contributed.
    The price level again shot up in 1935-36 and the average harvest price
    of rice, rape and mustard, and sugarcane was 14.370 kg., 5.970 kg., and
    8.290 kg. per rupee respectively. This trend was maintained up to 1939-40
    with a little variation. In 1941-42, there was a marked rise in the price of rice
    due to poor crop and rice was available at 9 kg., per rupee. In 1942, there
    was a phenomenal rise in the prices of agricultural produce resulting from
    conditions of the Second World War and the destructive cyclone
    accompanied by heavy rain on the 16th October which swept over north
    Baleshwar. In 1942-43 and 1943-44, the rice was available at 5.410 kg and
    4.100 kg, per rupee respectively. The price of sugarcane and rape and
    mustard also rose higher and was available at 1.870 kg., and 1.770 kg., per
    rupee respectively. This price level was maintained more or less the same
    up to 1946 -47.

    200
    Post-Independence Period
    In 1947, the price of food-grains rose and the harvest price of rice,
    sugarcane and rape and mustard was 2.980 kg., 2.490 kg., and 1.490 kg.,
    per rupee respectively. It was thought at first that this sharp rise might be
    only a temporary phase, but the prices started stabilizing at the high level
    without any prospect of recession. However, the rise of prices during the
    decade 1951 -60 was not as drastic as in the decade 1941-50. But the
    common man was hit hard because of the increase in price index in this
    decade. Though comparatively small, it came on the top of the price spiral of
    the decade preceding, the cumulative effect of which was enough to break
    the economic backbone of the middle and the lower middle class people.
    With the launching of the Third Five Year Plan (April, 1961 to March, 1966),
    the price level rose further and in 1961, the retail price of rice, wheat, green
    gram, black-gram, arhar and salt were 2.3 kg., 2.10 kg., 1.9 kg., 1.15 kg., 2.5
    kg., 1.6 kg., and 8.5 kg., per rupee respectively. In the next year, the pries of
    rice, wheat, ragi, green-gram, gram, black-gram, arhar and salt rose higher
    still and were available at 1.8 kg., 2.5 kg., 1.2. kg., 1.5 kg., 1.8 kg., 1.6 kg.,
    1.3 kg., and 7.1 kg., per rupee respectively. In 1963, the price of wheat
    Green-gram, and salt remained constant while the price of rice, ragi, gram,
    black-gram and arhar fluctuated slightly. In between 1964-70, the prices of
    all commodities grew higher still and in 1970 the retail price of rice, wheat,
    black-gram, green-gram, mustard oil, potato and onion per rupee was 1 kg.,
    1.125 kg., 0.890 gram, 0.870 gram, 0.250 gram, 2 kg., and 2 kg.,
    respectively. Ordinary cloth was available at Rs. 1.46 per meter. The prices
    of all commodities rapidly grew in 1974 and in the month of February, 1974,
    rice, wheat, gram and arhar were sold at 500 gram, 720gram, 360 gram, and
    340 gram per rupee respectively. Kerosene oil was available at Rs.1.11 per
    litre. Ordinary cloth was available at Rs. 3.56 per metre.
    This data taken from the District Gazetteer of 1994 is of interest to
    people who cannot believe that prices were so low not so long ago. Many
    commodities were covered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, a
    successor to one with respect to controlled commodities, and other prices
    would show not the cost of the goods; but possibly inflatory and subsidies. If
    rice is available to a section of population at Rs. 1 (one) per kg and arhar dal
    (the preferred dal today) at Rs.140 per Kg, what conclusions can be drawn?
    If a kg of arhar dal cost Rs. 2.95 in 1974 and Rs.140 in 2016, the inflation
    rate is 47.46%. If rice was sold at fifty paisa per kg in 1974 and at Rs.1/- is
    2016, the inflation is merely 100%.
    However, these data have been included in the Gazetteer to show why
    some prices cannot be related to market forces, and how markets
    compensate by raising the price of uncontrolled commodities when there is a

    201
    price regime for a controlled commodity. Of course the gains from black
    market of a controlled commodity have not been analysed for Baleshwar.
    The recent prices of some common items in 2016 in the district are tabulated
    below:
    Commodity Price in rupees per kg
    /litter
    Rice (Common) 18
    Atta (Wheat flour) 23
    Mung dal 82
    Mustard oil 114
    Patato 15
    Sugar 40
    Guda (jaggery) 42

    The consumer price index (CPI) in May 2014 of Odisha was 727
    against base of 100 in 1986-87. This roughtly indicates the state of price
    inflation in the district.
    Services and Wages
    Pre-Independence Period
    The wages obtained for labour increased greatly during the period 1850
    to 1902 specially in the towns. In 1950, the wages of ordinary day labourers
    were Re. 0.06 per day. The wages of the carpenters amounted to Re. 0‘12
    per day and blacksmiths Re. 0.15 to Re. 0.19 per day. Outside the villages,
    adult male day labourers earned a daily wage of Re. 0.22, female Re. 0.12
    and boys Re. 0.3. Carpenters, masons and blacksmiths got Re. 0.37 to Re.
    0.50 according to their skill.
    In villages, a skilled labourer got from Re.0.25 to Re. 0.37 and an adult
    unskilled labourer Re. 0.12 a day, but the amount of wages paid depended
    on the ‗demand for labour, the nature and amount of the work performed and
    the size and position of the village, that is to say, whether it was a remote
    and out of the way-track or a neighbourhood of the town. For making and
    repairing agricultural implements carpenters and blacksmiths were mostly
    paid in kind, the annual payment averaging about 8.400 kilograms of rice
    from every client. The day labourers when paid in kinds got varying
    quantities of paddy equivalent to 1.866 kg. to 2.332 kg of rice for a days
    work.
    In the 18th and 19th centuries many people of Baleshwar who sought
    employment in Kolkata monopolised certain services like dock workers and
    palanquin beareres. These services fetched them handsome income. So,
    naturally they could remit a substantial amount to their home.

    202
    In the ex-state of Nilagiri, during the period 1893 to 1902 there was
    decisive rise in wages by nearly 50 per cent in the case of skilled workers
    and a somewhat smaller rise in the case of the unskilled. The average daily
    wage during the period was for superior mason Re. 0.39, common mason
    Re.0.25, superior carpenter Re.0.37, common carpenter Re.0.25, a day
    labourer Re. 0.12, superior blacksmith 0.28 and common blacksmith Re.
    0.21.
    The following table shows the figures of the three censuses of rural
    wages in 1911, 1916 and 1924. The figures for unskilled labourers in the
    agricultural areas were:
    1911 Re. 0.12
    1916 Re. 0.15
    1924 Re. 0.27
    The wage level remained constant from 1924 to 1932. Towards 1932,
    the system of paying wages in produce continued, but was not so prevalent
    as it used to be. The level of wages in kind did not vary much, the average
    being (4 seers 3 chataks) 3,900 kg. of paddy per day. This was applicable to
    agricultural labourers. The wages of the carpenters in cash varied between
    Re.0.50 to Re. 0.75 per day, a considerable increase on the figure of Re.
    0.15 given by William Hunter in 1875 and that of Re. 0.25 to Re. 0.37 given
    by J.F.W. James at the Revision Settlement of 1906-12. Blacksmiths
    generally got Re. 0.50 per day as compared to Re. 0.15 in 1875.
    Post-Independence Period
    In the beginning of the 20th century, there were three kinds of
    agricultural labourers, viz., the Baramasia, nagmulia and thika-mulias, of
    whom the first two were paid entirely in kind. The Baramasia was a labourer
    hired for the whole year. He received boarding and lodging in his employer‘s
    house and annual wage of Rs. 12.00 to Rs. 15.00, of which a portion was
    advanced to him free of interest. In addition, four garments and one winter
    cloth were given to him. The Nagmulia did not live or eat in his employer‘s
    house. He received about 5 kg. of paddy per day, besides two garments in a
    year. He was also allowed a plot of land to cultivate for his own consumption,
    free of rent. Engagements for one year service were made in the month of
    Phalguna (February-March) and he received a loan varying from Rs.2.00 to
    Rs. 5.00 free of interest which was returned at the termination of his
    engagement. The Thikamulia was employed on dally wage basis and got
    about Re.0·12 a day.
    During 1954-55, an economic survey was conducted by the
    Government of Odisha. It was noticed that in the rural areas a large number
    of families derived their main source of livelihood by earning wages in farm

    203
    and non-farm occupations. The survey showed that majority of the labourers,
    i.e., 90.01 per cent were employed on casual basis. Labourers engaged on
    annual terms constituted 9.99 per cent. A labourer, on the average, got work
    for 202 days a year. Towards 1957, with the rise in prices of food-grains, the
    wage level was also increased. A carpenter got Rs. 3.09, a cobbler Rs 2.83,
    and a blacksmith Rs.2.53 per day. Field labourers and herdsmen were paid
    Rs. 1.32 and Rs. 1.54 respectively. Other agricultural labourers, such as,
    those who watered the fields, carried loads and dug wells, etc., were paid at
    Rs. 1.65 per day.
    In 1963, the wages rose further with the rise in prices. The killed
    labourers, such as, carpenter, cobbler, and blacksmith got Rs.3.50, Rs.3.12
    and Rs.2.35 respectively per day. Field labourers and other agricultural
    labourers were paid Rs.1.34 each per day. A herdsman got Rs.1.60 per day.
    In between 1964 and 1968, the wage level increased further and the skilled
    labourers, such as, carpenter, cobbler and blacksmith got Rs.3.00 to Rs.5.00
    per day. Other agricultural labourers got about the same wages as that of
    field labourers. Between 1969 and 1973, the wages were enhanced further
    and skilled labourers, such as, carpenter, cobbler and blacksmith got
    Rs.5.00 to Rs.6.00 per day. Male labourers got about Rs.2.50, women
    Rs.2.00 and children Rs.1.50 per day. Other agricultural labourer got more
    or less the same wages as that of the field labourers. A herdsman got
    Rs.2.00 per day. In between 1974 and 1977 the wage level was increased
    further and the skilled labourers, such as, carpenter, cobbler and blacksmith
    got Rs. 5.00 to Rs. 6.00 per day. Male labourers got about Rs.2.50 women
    Rs.2.00 and children Rs.1.50 per day. Other agricultural labourers got more
    or less the same wages as that of the filed laborers. A herdsman got Rs.2.00
    per day. In between 1974 and 1977 the wage level was increased further
    and the skilled labourers, such as, carpenter, cobbler and blacksmith got Rs.
    6.00 to Rs. 9.00 per day. Male labourers got Rs.3.00 to Rs.4.00, women
    Rs.2.50 to Rs.4.00 and children Rs.2.00 to Rs.3.00 per day.
    With the rise in prices the wage level was also increased towards 1980.
    In 1980, agricultural labourers got Rs.4.00 to Rs.5.00 in rural areas and
    skilled labourers such as mason, goldsmith, etc., got Rs.10.00 to Rs.15.00
    per day in Baleshwar Sub-Division. In Nilagiri Sub-Division, the agricultural
    Iabourers got Rs.3.00 to Rs.5.00 per day.
    Minimum Wages Act and Wages
    The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 is a Central Act and provides for fixing
    and revising minimum wages in certain employments. This Act came into
    force with effect from 15th March 1948. Under this Act, the State
    Government have been authorised to fix / revise the minimum rates of
    wages in different employments like agriculture, construction, timber trading,
    collection of Sal seeds, Kendu leaf, etc. which are included in the schedule
    of the Act. In respect of mines, however, the Central Government fixes /

    204
    revises minimum rates of wages. For proper implementation of the Act the
    State Government framed the Odisha Minimum Wages Rules 1954. The
    minimum rates of wages can be fixed/revised in respect of those
    employments, which are included in the schedule of the Act and in order to
    cover a large number of workers employed in different types of
    employments. The State Government/Central Government are adding
    different types of employments to the scheduled employments. State
    Government can fix / revise minimum wages in the scheduled employments
    in their respective spheres from time to time primarily on consideration of
    rise in the consumers‘ price index.
    In 1980-81 and 1981-82, the minimum wage in respect of all category
    of employment in agricultural sector was Rs.5.00 per day. During the year
    1982-83 the wages fixed for the agricultural labourers was Rs.6.00 per day.
    In 1983-84 and 1984-85 the wage level was increased and an agricultural
    labourer got Rs.7.50 per day. During the year 1985 -86 the wages were fixed
    at to Rs.10.00 for 8 (eight) hours per day for all categories of employment in
    agricultural sector only.
    The minimum wage in 2012 was again revised and fixed at Rs. 150/,
    Rs.170/-, Rs.190/- and Rs.205/- per day payable to the unskilled,
    semiskilled, skilled and highly skilled categories of employees employed in
    83 activities both in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The minimum
    wage in case of agricultural sector was further clarified and fixed at Rs.126/-
    and Rs.150/- per day for the non-ploughing and ploughing workers
    respectively.
    With the rise in the price index, the wage level was further revised in
    2015. As per the Notification, the minimum wage in respect of all category of
    employment was enhanced from Rs.150/-, Rs.170/-, Rs.190/-and Rs.205/-
    and fixed at Rs.200/-, Rs.220/-, Rs.240/- and Rs.260/- per day for unskilled,
    semi skilled, skilled and highly skilled categories respectively under 88
    activities. The minimum wages for different kinds of employment (agricultural
    and non-agricultural sectors) as fixed under this notification are given below.
    Revised
    minimum
    Sl. Categories of
    Name of the Employment rates of
    No. Employees
    wages per
    day
    1 2 3 4
    1 Agriculture
    Agarbati and Candle making Worker's
    2
    Establishments.
    Automobile servicing, repairing garages
    3
    and workshops.
    4 Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacy
    Bakeries and Confectionaries including
    5
    Biscuit making.
    6 Bamboo Forest Establishment
    7 Brass and Bell Metal Industry
    8 Carpet Weaving Industry
    9 Cashew processing establishments Unskilled 200
    Cement pipe making and allied products
    10 Semi-skilled 220
    industry.

    205
    11 Ceramic and Pottery Industry Skilled 240
    12 Chemical Industry Highly skilled 260
    13 Cinema Industry and Film Production
    14 Clay Pottery
    15 Coir Industry
    16 Collection of Sal Seeds
    Construction or maintenance of Dams,
    17 Embankments, Irrigation Projects and
    sinking of wells and tanks.
    Construction or maintenance of roads or in
    18
    building operations.
    Contingent and Casual Employees in
    Govt. and other establishments, Courier
    19 and Cargo Services.

    20 Cotton Ginning and Pressing Industry


    Dispensary of Medical Practititioner in any
    Establishment of Medical Consultant or in
    any Chemical or Pathological Laboratory,
    21
    Private Nursing Homes, Private Medical
    College Hospitals, Super Specialty
    Hospitals, Clinic, Laboratory etc.
    22 Distilleries
    Domestic Workers (shall be calculated as
    23
    per hours of work).
    Electricity transmission, generation and
    24
    distribution.
    Employment in Non-Government
    25 Organisation and Voluntary Social
    Organisation.
    Employment in laying of underground
    26 Cables, Electric lines, Water supply lines
    and under Cable Operators.
    Finishing Dying of yarn and fabrics,
    27
    painting, knitting and embroidery.
    28 Fisheries and Sea food Industry.
    Forest produce such as Genduli gum,
    29
    Mahua making of coal and resin.
    Foundry Industry with or without attached
    30 Unskilled 200
    machine shop.
    31 Glass Industries Semi-skilled 220
    Gold and Silver Ornaments and articles of
    32 Skilled 240
    artistic design.
    33 Graphite Industry including beneficiation. Highly skilled 260
    34 Handloom and Hosiery
    35 Hotels, Eating Houses and Restaurants.
    36 Ice Factory and Cold Storage.
    37 Jute Industry and Jute Twine Industry
    38 Kendu Leaf Collection
    Khadi Village Industries including
    39 manufacture of Khandasari and other
    products.
    40 Laundry including dry-washing
    41 Leather Industry
    Liquefied Petroleum Gas manufacture and
    42
    distribution.
    43 Local Authority
    44 Manufacture of brush and brooms
    45 Manufacture of Coke and Burning Coals
    46 Manufacture of Cold drinks, Soda and

    206
    other allied products.
    Manufacture of Electrical Bulbs and all
    47
    allied electrical equipments.
    Manufacture of matches, fireworks and
    48
    explosives.
    49 Manufacture of nails and pines
    50 Manufacture of paints and varnishes
    Manufacture of plastic products including
    51
    toys
    Manufacture of Radio by assembling with
    52
    parts.
    53 Manufacture of ropes
    Manufacture of Utensils including
    54 Unskilled 200
    Aluminum and Hindaliem products.
    Metal Industry (except the cottage and
    55 village scale units) Semi-skilled 220

    Major or Minor Engineering Industry


    including Sponge, Secondary Steel,
    56 Skilled 240
    Rolling Mills, Ferro Alloys, Metal Industries
    (employment less than 50 persons).
    57 Motor body building Highly skilled 260
    Non-teaching staff of all private
    Educational Institutions including Indsutrial
    58
    Training Institute and Training Institute
    Coaching Centre.
    59 Oil Mill
    60 Paper and Cardboard Industry
    61 Petrol and Diesel Oil pumps
    62 Pharmaceutical Industry
    63 Power loom Industry
    Printing Press, Desktop Publication Centre
    64
    and Offset Printing Press
    65 Private Road Transport
    Private Security Agencies and Private
    66
    Security Services.
    67 Public Health Engineering
    68 Public Motor Transport
    Readymade Garments Industries including
    69 Mechanized Trade of Readymade
    Garment Industry.
    70 Refractory Industry.
    Regulated markets, Marketing Societies,
    71
    Co-operative Societies and Banks.
    Rice Mill, Flour Mill or Dal Mill, Chuda Mill
    72
    and Masala Mill.
    73 Rubber and Rubber Products Industry.
    74 Salt Pans
    75 Saw Mills
    Shops, Commercial Establishments,
    Saloon, Beauty Parlour, Spa, Massaging
    76 Centre, Xerox Shop, Subscriber Trunk Unskilled
    Dialing Booth, Tent House, Newspaper
    Hawkers and Newspaper Establishments. 200
    77 Siali leaf pluckers and Sal leaf pluckers Semi-skilled 220
    78 Soap and Detergent Manufactory Skilled 240
    79 Social Forestry Highly skilled 260
    80 Spinning Mills
    81 Stone breaking or Stone crushing
    82 Tamarind collection
    83 Tile and Brick Making

    207
    Timber Trading (excluding felling and
    84
    sawing)
    Timber Trading (including felling and
    85
    sawing)
    Tobacco (including Bidi making)
    86
    Manufactory
    87 Trunks, Suitcase and Bucket Manufactory
    Wood works and Furniture Making
    88
    Industries

    Standard of Living
    Pre-Independence period
    In the Final Report on the Survey and Settlement of the province of
    Odisha (1890 to 1900 A. D.) by S. L. Maddox, the general standard of living
    has been described as follows. ―The Oriya cultivator is content with very little
    and that he generally gets. A full meal of rice once a day, taken with a little
    salt, some pulses or vegetables and perhaps fish, suffices him, and he eats
    cold in the morning what is left over his evening repast. Animal food is a
    luxury, but well-to-do men eat a little mutton and goat‘s flesh, and all classes
    eat game cock whenever they help their luck to kill any. The poorest classes
    take to supplement their rice, boiled kulthi and mandia cakes, and find a
    substitute for vegetables in the many herbs and grasses that grow wild and it
    is very few indeed who cannot fill their bellies with food which if not
    appetising, is certainly satisfying. If the harvest fails or supplies run short, the
    cultivator finds in the mahajan a banker always ready to advance money on
    good security‖ In spite of their indebtedness the agricultural classes had
    more resources than any other people. However, the economic status of the
    cultivating classes as a whole cannot be said to be one of plenty, though
    certain sections enjoy the fair major of prosperity. The labourers in the
    villages were benefitted by the rise in the prices of food grains, as wages
    were paid mainly in kind.
    Writing in the early part of the 20th century, L.S.S. O‘ Malley, described
    the material condition of the cultivators of the district as follows, ―the houses
    of the cultivators consists of four mud-wails enclosing a court, and used as
    the gables of little room which lying the court inside. A Baleshwar man has
    usually at least five of these little apartments, one for his cows, another for
    his cook-shed, a third for storing his paddy, and two rooms for sleeping and
    general use. There is generally a verandah outside the wall on both sides of
    the principal door for receiving strangers, and as a place where the men of
    the family talk and lounge. Sometimes, but rarely, the cow-shed is built
    outside the walls. The mud enclosure stands in the middle of a bright green
    patch of vegetables, and the whole is shut in with a good fence of prickly
    shrubs.

    208
    The summer dress of a Baleshwar peasant is a cotton waist-cloth
    (dhotl) falling over the things, and tucked up when at work, with a scarf
    (gamcha) thrown over his shoulder; occasionally also a turban around his
    head. A well-to-do shopkeeper wears an ample cotton shawl (chadar)
    instead of the scarf, which he twists round his head and ears. He has also a
    pair of coarse shoes, with long turned-up toes and no heels, elaborately,
    though roughly, embroidered with coloured thread. In winter the peasant
    wraps his head and the upper part of his body in a thick double sheet
    (dohara) ; the shopkeeper indulges in a broadcloth scarf (Iungi) and a cotton
    shirt. A peasant‘s furniture consists of a few brass pots, plates and cups, one
    or two bedsteads, a few mats and often some instruments of defence. The
    better-off class has generally one or two palm-leaf books on Hindu
    mythology in their houses, or a legend out of the Mahabharata or
    Ramayana.
    Rice and milk form a peasant‘s food, even dried fish being a luxury
    among the poorest classes. The year‘s supply of it is stored up in reed
    baskets, and sparingly doled out. Vegetables also are luxuries not always
    within their reach. The peasants set aside their boiled rice till it turns slightly
    sour and esteem this unpalatable mess a favorite article of diet. After boiling,
    the rice is allowed to stand for 24 hours in water, until fermentation has
    slightly set in and to this sour menu a little salt is added. It need scarcely be
    added that the invariable diet of the Odia peasant is unstimulating and
    unwholesome‖.
    Towards the twenties, the traditional style of living for each of the main
    classes continued and there was no appreciable change in the standard of
    living, though a tendency towards spurious luxury was noticeable in some of
    the poorer classes. The trade and commerce of the district was mainly in the
    hands of the outsiders. Social and religious ceremonies continued to be as
    numerous and indispensable as ever and there was no tendency for
    reducing the expenditure on them. Debts were incurred more for this
    purpose than for agricultural operations but no statistics are available to
    differentiate between loans incurred for one or the other.
    Post-Independence period
    In a sample survey· in 1954-55, investigation was conducted collect
    information about the size of the income of rural families. As majority of the
    population live in rural areas, a broad picture of rural income indicated the
    average level of income of the district. In this survey the family was taken as
    a unit and the data revealed that the average annual income per farming
    family was Rs.675·88. Next to the farming families in numerical importance,
    are the house-holds who depend primarily, and many of them wholly, on
    wages by working on farms or in non-farm occupations. Their average
    209
    annual income per family was Rs. 142-84 in 1954-55. The data revealed that
    the level of income of the barbers, washermen and priests was around
    Rs.200 a year. This clearly indicates that the families pursuing these
    occupations belong to the low income group.
    A family budget enquiry was conducted in 1960. The data show that
    cereals claimed 27 per cent of the total consumption in the rural areas as
    against 24.5 per cent in the urban areas. Milk and milk products claimed a
    lower proportion in rural areas than in the urban. Other food-items
    constituted 17 per cent in the rural family budget, as against 40 per cent in
    the urban budget. In non-food items the urban people spent a greater
    proportion of their total consumption in cash terms where as in rural areas
    they consume less in non-cash terms. This clearly shows that the urban
    people buy most of their cereal requirements while rural people depended
    on home-grown stock or that obtained in exchange of goods and services.
    As regards milk and milk products, more or less, an even distribution was
    prevalent between cash and non -cash consumption in the rural areas, while
    in the urban areas cash consumption constituted the only factor. Milk, which
    the villagers produce was generally taken to the towns for consumption. In
    respect of fuel, light, toilet and sundry goods non-cash consumption was
    very meager. For miscellaneous goods, services, durable and semi-durable
    goods, cash consumption both in rural and urban areas was of over-
    whelming proportion.
    The above consumption pattern holds good till now but the increase in
    prices of various articles of daily consumption and housing accommodation
    has hit hard the urban people. In towns, the number of houses has not
    increased in proportion to the growth of their population during the last
    decade. However, shops dealing with grocery, (with stationery, oil, fuel, pan-
    bidi, steel and wooden furniture, utensils, medical equipments, optical
    goods, books and journals, etc. have sprang up like mushrooms. The
    number of automobile repairing shops and motor tyre repairing shops is on
    the increase in the urban areas. The urban area presents a picture of all the
    socialIy significant sections of the people from the unskilled labourer to the
    well-to-do and the rich. The impact of urban life and the modern means of
    communication have some effect on the food habits and luxuries of the rural
    people. Many fashionable articles like motor-cycles, cars, jeeps, trucks,
    scooters, radios, transistors, television sets, electric fans, petromax lanterns,
    stoves, cookers, textiles of wool and synthetic yarn, cycle-rickshaws,
    watches, microphones, cameras, tractors, water pumps, etc., have made
    their way into the rural areas. With the expansion and improvement in
    communication business men are able to despatch their goods to remote
    countryside. Consequently, shops selling variety of goods, both luxurious
    and essentials, have now appeared in almost all big villages. Tailoring
    shops, cycle-repairing shops and tea shops are coming up in every village.
    210
    With more money in the hands of cultivators and labourers the use of wheat,
    sugar, egg, fish, meat, milk-products, vegetables, etc., by them is being
    noticed. Most of the villages have been electrified. Pucca houses with
    reinforced concrete cement roof have been constructed by the well-to-do
    people. Model houses are built by the Blocks. The standard of living of the
    people is improving due to the adoption of improved agricultural techniques,
    execution of irrigation projects, use of improved seeds and manures, and
    above all general consciousness created through the agency of Community
    Development Blocks. The various development programmes of the
    government evoke an urge for improvement and progress among the
    masses and they are now being attracted to non-agricultural and non-rural
    occupations. With the availability of co-operative credit and bank loans the
    cultivators find an easy way to escape from the clutches of private money-
    Ienders who charge a high rate of interest. The Savings Bank facility and the
    availability of Small Savings Certificates in post-offices are attracting many
    people to keep their savings in pass books and Savings Certificates.
    Paddy, maize, pulses, oil-seeds and vegetables are grown in the district
    in plenty. Fish from Chandipur is being exported to the Kolkata market.
    Baleshwar and Jaleshwar are famous for handloom weaving; Bolang for saIt
    manufacturing, Nilagiri and MangaIpur for stone wares; Baulagadia for
    stone-carving, Remuna for the handicrafts, such as, cane and bamboo
    works, mats and basket works and bell-metal works. Jaleshwar, Nampoo,
    Navada and Baliapal are famous for coir-mats, carpets and ropes as the
    traditional crafts. With the nationalisation of banks, people have been
    benefited by availability of cash loans for productive and self-employment
    purposes. A number of branch offices the commercial banks including
    Odisha Gramya Bank have come up in every nook and corner of the district.
    Baleshwar being essentially an agricultural district, the standard of
    living of the people is largely determined by the acehivements in agriculture
    and allied activities. Expansion of education and training, and diversification
    in economic activities have a decisive influence as also the growth of
    conscimerism. However, expenditure on food remains very high in the
    district as can be seen from the following table.
    Percentage Share of Food and Non-Food Items in Household
    Consumer Expenditure

    The proportion of expenditure on food and non-food items by rural and


    urban sector based on MRP method has been presented in the following
    table.
    Location Food Non-Food
    Rural 57.08 42.92
    Urban 48.91 51.09

    211
    The expenditure on food remained higher in rural areas as compared to
    urban areas. In rural areas of Baleshwar district, the share of expenditure on
    food items constituted 57.8 %. Obviously, urban areas have high share in
    non food expenditure at 51.09 percent.

    District Rural Development Agency

    To effectively implement the various poverty eradication programmes,


    the District Development Organization had to be strengthened. At the district
    level a single agency being responsible for implementation of all such
    programmes is the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) which
    functions under the chairmanship of the Collector and with a class-IOdisha
    Administrative Officer or an IAS officer as the Project Director. A number of
    subject matter specialists on veterinary, agriculture, co-operatives, and
    industry were appointed as Additional Project Officers to assist the agency in
    identification of families of the target group in each Block, preparation of
    plans for assisting these families, arranging credit support for them from
    nationalized banks, monitoring the progress and implementation of the
    schemes and other follow-up actions to ensure that the beneficiaries derive
    lasting benefits whereby they come above the poverty line. The normal
    pattern of assistance to individual family is 25% subsidy for small farmers
    and 33.33% subsidy for marginal farmers and landless labourers. But for
    tribal people a uniform subsidy of 50% was fixed. The balance amount
    required for implementation of the various family-oriented development
    schemes was to be arranged through bank finance of the various
    nationalized banks on a differential rate of interest (DRI) which is 4 %
    against the normal commercial rate or 18%. The DRDA office at Baleshwar
    is doing a commendable job in the field of rural development.

    Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)

    In 1985, IAY was launched by earmarking funds for construction of


    houses for SC/ST and freed bonded labourers. When Jawahar Rozogar
    Yojona was launched in April, 1985, 6% of the funds were allocated for rural
    housing and from 1996 I A Y was declared a flagship programme by Ministry
    of Rural Development with the intention to provide houses to the BPL
    families covering 20 square meters to live with dignity in the society. The
    present unit cost of the scheme is Rs.70,0001/- per house with convergence
    of other schemes to provide toilet and 90 days labour to the IAY
    beneficiaries.

    During 2008-09 the Government of Odisha launched Mo Kudia scheme


    in the line of lAY for those who are not covered under lAY scheme. The said
    scheme has been launched with the intension to provide pucca houses to
    the deserving and genuinely poor people who were left out during 1997 BPL
    212
    Survey and 2002 household survey list. The scheme is poperating in
    Baleshwar district.

    Gopabandhu Gramina Yojana (GGY)

    The Government of Odisha launched Gopabandhu Gramina Yojana


    during the year 2006-07 with the aim of providing Bjuli, Pani, Sadak
    (electricity, water supply and road) in the rural areas. The projects are
    selected through Palli Sabha and Grama Sabha on need based manner and
    in every year the Government releases funds out of State exchequers to
    create the above infrastructure for the welfare of the public. The district level
    committee under the chairmanship or Collector approves the projects where
    Hon‘ble M.Ps, MLAs and President Zilla Parishad are the members.
    Baleshwar district administration has taken a lead role in implementing the
    programme.

    Constructions of cement concrete road (C.C road)

    Government of Odisha launched cement concrete road scheme during


    2009-10 with the intention to provide cement concrete roads in the rural
    areas. The priority has also been fixed to provide cement concrete road (i) in
    PVTG villages, (ii) ST uncovered/partially covered villages. (iii) SC
    uncovered and partially covered villages, (iv) for other castes. These projects
    need to the approved in Palli Sabha, Grama Sabha and the respective
    Panchayat Samities and are implemented in Baleshwar district..

    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme


    (MGNREGS)

    The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme


    (MGNREGS) has been introduced in the district since 2007-08 with intention
    to provide 100 days engagement to the rural families having job cards,
    issued through the Sarpanches/panchayat samities and to create public
    infrastructure in the locality. The major projects under the scheme will be
    earthen road, farm pond, community tanks, multipurpose farm pond,
    plantation, watershed projects, BNRGSK building, GP building etc.

    All these projects need to be approved in Palli Sabha, Grama Sabha,


    Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad before their execution. The ratio of
    wage: material is 60:40 to be maintained at GP level. The funding pattern is
    100% labour charges by Central Government and 80:20 by Central and
    State Governments in case of materials. The achievements in respect of
    implementation of MNREGS in the district in some recent years is given in
    the following table.

    213
    Year No. of Job No. of Employment No. of Person-days Households
    Cards households Offered Households employment Completed
    Issued demanded Employed generated 100 days
    employment
    2007-08 251960 34969 34470 33589 900019 156
    2008-09 268031 45419 45299 44860 1191760 367
    2009-10 288892 25971 25967 25446 632402 148
    2010-11 304656 50304 50280 49322 1970759 1987
    2011-12 310247 32296 32296 31798 989430 707
    2012-13 322240 55308 55305 51697 1701176 1941
    2013-14 327436 53677 53673 50065 1587325 1981
    2014-15 334990 41635 41604 37543 1073428 760
    2015-16 345601 60769 60695 55451 1604959 1411
    Source: DRDA Office, Baleshwar

    Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM)


    Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) has started functioning in the district
    through a cell since 2012-13 with the intention to provide engagement to the
    members of women self help groups with bank linkages. Initially, the subsidy
    and revolving fund were provided to the groups. But from 2015-16 the credit
    linkage to the eligible WSHGS have been provided through Banks and skill
    development to the rural youths have been provided to enrich the skills of
    the youths for their engagement in different sectors. Apart from this,
    producers‘ groups have been organized in different trades and soft loan
    have been provided by OLM.
    Bonded Labour
    Government of India enacted a legislation called the Bonded Labour
    Scheme (Abolition) Act for the abolition of bonded labour system (Bethi
    system) with a view to preventing the economic and physical exploitation of
    the weaker section of the society. With effect from 25th October, 1975, every
    obligation of a bonded labourer to re-pay any debt as remained unsatisfied
    stood extinguished and that bonded labourer got free from such obligations.
    Any agreement or custom in respect of the enforcement of bonded labour
    system was made illegal and punishable under the Act. But the emphasis
    remained more on rehabilitation of the bonded labourers rather than on
    prosecution of bonded labourer keepers. This Act replaced the Odisha Debt
    Bondage Abolition Regulation 1948 which had aimed at making the Bethi
    system illegal without making provision for rehabilitation of the helpless
    bonded labourers. At present, there is no bonded labourer available in
    Baleshwar district.

    214
    Employment and Unemployment Situation
    Employment status of people is an important indicator of economic
    development. This is simply because employment determines income which
    in turn determines standard of living, work efficiency and economic
    prosperity. Unemployment, on the contrary, is the root cause of poverty and
    economic backwardness. Any discussion on the economy of a district / state,
    therefore is excepted to focus on the employment-unemployment situation
    prevailing in the region. Some concepts need to be clarified before we probe
    deep into the study of employment-unemployment scenario in Baleshwar
    district.
    Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is the number of persons in the
    labour force per one thousand persons. Worker Participation Rate/ Worker
    Population Ratio/ Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) is the number of
    persons employed per one thousand persons. Unemployment rate (UR) is
    defined as the number of persons unemployed per one thousand persons in
    the labour force i.e., employed + unemployed.
    The present analysis of employment-unemployment situation in
    Baleshwar district is based on two concepts i.e. usual status and current
    weekly status. The usual status approach uses a reference period of 365
    days i.e. one year preceding the date of survey of NSSO for measuring
    employment-unemployment. It has two dimensions- principal and subsidiary
    status. Usual Principal Status uses the major time criterion and refers to the
    activity status on which a person spent longer part of the year i.e. 183 days
    and more. Usual Subsidiary Status refers to the activity which a person could
    have pursued for a smaller period, not less than 30 days, in addition to the
    usual principal status which he/she pursued for a longer part of the year. If
    these two are added together, usual status is obtained. Usual status is
    obviously a more inclusive measure.
    A person is considered as working or employed according to the
    current weekly status (CWS) if he/she was engaged for at least one hour on
    any day of the week preceding the date of survey. Alternatively, a person is
    considered as unemployed according to this criterion if he/she had not
    worked for even one hour on any day of the previous week.
    For a clear understanding of employment and unemployment situation
    in Baleshwar district we have identified four indicators, such as, (a) Work
    Participation Rate, (b) Classification of Main Workers, (c) Live register, and
    (d) Unemployment rate.
    The details of workers and non-workers as revealed from the
    provisional results of Census 2011 are given in the following table: To
    facilitate comparison, figures for Odisha have also been given.
    215
    Indicators Baleshwar Odisha
    Total Workers (Main + Marginal) 40.19 41.79
    Male 57.68 56.11
    Female 21.92 27.16
    Main Workers 26.63 25.51
    Male 45.60 41.46
    Female 6.81 9.21
    Marginal Workers 13.56 16.28
    Male 12.08 14.65
    Female 15.10 17.95
    Non-Workers 59.81 58.21
    Male 42.32 43.89
    Female 78.08 42.84
    Category of Workers 100.00 100.00
    Cultivators 30.97 23.40
    Male 35.46 28.36
    Female 18.61 12.92
    Agricultural Labourers 38.41 38.42
    Male 32.10 29.25
    Female 55.76 57.78
    Household Industry Workers 3.08 4.46
    Male 2.72 3.69
    Female 4.07 6.10
    Other Workers 27.55 33.72
    Male 29.73 38.70
    Female 21.56 23.20

    Source: Census-2011

    It may be seen that Baleshwar district has more or less the same work
    participation rate (40.19 percent) as the State as a whole (41.79). workers
    have a rate 26.63 per cent while marginal workers have a rate of 13.56 per
    cent in the district. At the state level main workers have a rate of 25.5 per
    cent as against 16.28 per cent for marginal workers. Category-wise
    classification of workers in the district indicates that agricultural labourers
    have the highest share (38.41 per cent) followed by Cultivators (30.97 per
    cent), other workers (27.55 per cent) and household industry workers (3.08
    per cent) in that order. For the state the pattern in more or less the same
    with agricultural labours at the top (38.42 per cent) and household industry
    workers at the bottom (4.46 per cent) but other workers have a higher state
    (33.72 percent) than cultivators (23.40 per cent). The is in tune with the
    composition of domestic income presented earlier.
    In Odisha, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics has prepared
    district level disaggregated estimates of employment and unemployment for
    th
    the year 2009-10 on the basis of the 66 Round NSS data. Such data are
    presented in the following table:

    216
    Employment-Unemployment situation in Baleshwar : 2009-10

    Status Indicators Baleshwar Odisha


    Rural Urban Rural Urban
    Usual Labour Force 387 350 398 360
    Status Participation
    Rate(LFPR)
    Worker 378 334 386 330
    Participation
    Rate(WPR)
    Unemployment 09 16 12 30
    Rate(UR)
    Current Labour Force 351 344 353 352
    Weekly Participation
    Status Rate(LFPR)
    Worker 334 328 330 324
    Participation
    Rate(WPR)
    Unemployment 17 16 16 28
    Rate(UR)

    Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Odisha

    Using the Usual Status approach the table shows that by and large
    labour force participation rate (LFPR) and worker participation rate (WPR)
    are lower for both rural and urban areas in Baleshwar district than for the
    State. The Unemployment Rate which defines the difference between LFPR
    and WPR are also lower in Baleshwar compared to Odisha. A more or less
    similar pattern is indicated when one looks at the situation in terms of CWS.
    The only difference in this approach is that WPR is higher in Baleswar than
    in Odisha.
    District Eployment Exchange
    The District Employment Office has been functioning since 1958 in
    Baleshwar. Its jurisdiction is over entire revenue district of Baleshwar. It has
    been established to promote employment of the unemployed youths of the
    district. Registration and Renewal of names of the job seekers, sponsoring of
    names of eligible registered candidates against the vacancy requisition
    received, collection of placement report, survey of Employment Market
    Information, inspection of establishment under CNV Act of both public and
    private sector establishments, vocational guidance work, organising
    Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp, Group discussion, Career Counseling,
    Career conference etc. These are the conventional functions. Over the years
    the role of Employment Exchange has been changed keeping in view the
    present Job Market scenario. To make the activities more lively, Odisha

    217
    State Employment Mission has been introduced since 2005. Its very purpose
    is to promote employment and self-employment by imparting Skill
    Development Training, Placement Linked Training, and Pre Recruitment
    Training for Defence Services etc. This apart, other additional activities like
    organizing Job Fair at Sub-Divisional and District levels are organised for
    facilitating direct employment of job seekers in different growing private
    sector institutions. Under the District Employment Exchange, there are two
    Employment Sub-offices one at Nilagiriand another at Jaleshwar. The details
    of registered job-seekers and Live Register in the District Employment
    Exchange, Baleshwar are given in the following table.
    Year Registration Out of Total Registration
    Male Female Total S.C. S.T.
    2012 6692 2486 9178 1537 387
    2013 9350 4334 13684 2289 604
    2014 7728 3111 10836 2013 511
    2015 Up to July 3053 1140 4193 935 209

    Employment Market Information (EMI)


    The EMI section has been effective in Baleshwar District Employment
    Exchange since 1960. Its actual purpose is to conduct manpower survey
    and identify employment opportunity in the job market. It is also responsible
    for enforcing CNV Act 1959 and Rule 1960 in both the public and private
    sector establishments to ensure equal opportunity of job for the un-employed
    youths. The information made available for the period 2012-2014 in respect
    of public and private sectors is given below.
    Public Sector
    Year No. of Estimated No. of Estimated Employments
    Establishments Male Female Total
    2012 413 16540 2782 19322
    2013 413 16455 2746 19201
    2014 413 16264 2750 19014

    Private Sector
    Year No. of Estimated No. of Estimated Employments
    Establishments Male Female Total
    2012 25 6830 87 6917
    2013 25 6707 99 6806
    2014 25 6705 99 6804

    Vocational Guidance
    Vocational guidance work are done through Career Talks in
    Educational Institutes, Career counseling, Spoken English courses. One
    Students Information Bureau (SIB) is functioning at F.M. (Auto) College,
    Baleshwar, and presently spoken English course programme is taken up by
    the SIB.

    218
    Employment Mission:
    Odisha State Employment Mission (OSEM) came in to effect in 2005.
    District Employment Mission, Baleshwar is a part of the OSEM and it has
    been doing various activities from the beginning. The detailed activites are
    as follows.
    Skill Development training through ITl/lTCs
    It provides skill development training to yuths for making them
    employable. The details in this regard are given below.
    Sl. Name of the No. of Candidates imparted training year wise
    No. Trade 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
    1 Welding and 40 40 220 180 440 360
    Fabrication
    2 House wiring 40 60 280 200 480 280
    3 R.E.A 40 40 200 160 420 340
    4 Date Entry 40 40 120 60 180 160
    Operator
    Total 160 180 820 600 1520 1140

    Atmanijukti Paramarsha Mela.


    The Programme is being held at Block Level to promote awareness for
    employment in private sector and self-employment available through various
    Government departments up to the grass root level. This programme
    continued till 2009 and it has been converted to Block Level Counseling
    Camp.
    Block Level Counseling Camp
    This programme is conducted at the Block level with the active
    involvement of the Block Development Officer. Through it a platform is
    created for the job seekers and the training partner i.e. Placement
    Implementing Agencies concerned to OSEM to interact directly for bringing
    about awareness among fresh candidates and select the eligible interested
    candidates for training under Placement Linked Training Programme (PLTP)
    and for self employment. Under this, counseling was given to 2300
    candidates in 2013-14 and to 3263 candidates in 2014-15.
    Year No. of candidates counseled
    2013-14 2300
    20 I 4-15 3263
    Placement Linked Training Programme
    This programme under O.S.E.M. was introduced since 2011-12 and it
    has been continuing. The very purpose of the programme is to impart
    training to the unemployed on the demand driven sector of the job market
    like, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Banking and Insurance, Marketing,
    Garments, Medical and Nursing, IT and ITES sector, Driving etc.

    219
    The Status of Placement Linked Training Programme from 2012-13 to
    2015-16 (July 2015) is shown in the following table

    Year No. of Activities in No. of Candidates


    which Training was Completed Training Given Placement
    imparted
    2012-13 15 412 184
    2013-14 14 1230 426
    2014-15 18 513 -

    Job Fair
    Job Fair is being organised since 2012 district level or Sub-Divisional level
    to create a platform for interaction between the employer of private sector and
    job seekers. Placement implementing Agencies also participate for selecting
    and employing candidates for PLTP.
    The detailed status of Job Fair organized during 2013-14 and 2014-15 in
    this district is given below.

    Nos of Date of Venue job fair No of candidates No of


    job fairs organization selected employers
    of Job fair participated
    02 during 16.05.13 K.C. High School 192 for direct 10
    2013-14 field, Nilagiri employment and
    406 for PLTP
    10.12.13 Government, 894 for direct 13
    I.T.I., Field, employment and
    Baleshwar 1329 for PLTP
    01 during 07.01.2015 Baleshwar Govt. 435 for direct 11
    2014-15 I.T.I. Field, employment and
    Baleshwar 325 for PLTP

    Pre-Recruitment Training Camp


    Pre-Recruitment Training Camp is organized under Employment
    Mission to increase employability of youths in Defence Services. One PRT
    Camp was organized during 2013-14 in this district at Baleshwar Technical
    School, Baleshwar in which 51 candidates were selected for direct employment
    in defence services.

    220
    CHAPTER – X

    GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

    The district administration is based on a hierarchical British model


    with the Collector at the apex of the hierarchy.He is responsible for the
    maintenance of law and order and revenue and development administration.
    The Collector is the guardian of law and order, and promoter and advisor of
    social welfare activities and institutions in the district. He is the Chief
    Coordinator and the guiding angel in the district administrative machinery.
    General Information
    The Collector of Baleshwar is the head of the general, revenue and
    developmental administration of the district. He is also designated as the
    District Magistrate and is thus the highest authority in the district for
    maintenance of law and order. With regard to superintendence and control
    of the administrative functions, he is under the Revenue Divisional
    Commissioner, Central Division having headquarters at Cuttack, whose
    jurisdiction also extends to Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada,
    Jajpur, Nayagad, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj districts. So far as the
    administration of the tenancy acts, stamps, land records and surveys are
    concerned, he is under the control of the Member, Board of Revenue,
    Odisha. The power of the Member, Board of Revenue and of the
    Commissioner vis-a -vis the Collector have been defined in the Odisha
    Board of Revenue Act, 1951 and the Odisha Revenue Divisional
    Commissioners Act. 1957 respectively.
    At present the Collector is assisted by two officers of the Senior Class-
    IOdisha Administrative Service designated as the Additional District
    Magistrate (ADM) (General), and Project Director, DRDA. The Collector is in
    charge of emergency, development, relief and rehabilitation and civil
    supplies. He is the chairman of the Regional Transport Authority and also
    controls the District Treasury. The Additional District Magistrate is in
    supervisory charge of the other sections of the collectorate. He consults the
    Collector and takes his orders on all important matters concerning their
    respective sections. The ADM (General) is functioning as the ex-officio
    District Registrar.

    For general administrative purposes, the district is divided into two Sub-
    Divisions with headquarters at Baleshwar and Nllagiri. Nilagiri Sub-Division
    was created in 1948 after the merger of Nilagiri ex-state in Odisha. The Sub
    Collector of the Baleshwar Sub-Division had no separate office or
    221
    establishment before 1964 as he was to assist the Collector by remaining in
    charge of some of the sections of the Collectorate. But, as the Sub-Collector
    has a host of duties to perform, his office was separated from the
    collectorate in 1964.

    The district office of the Collector is divided into component sections


    like the General and Miscellaneous, Compensation, Revenue,
    Establishment, Record Room, Judicial, Election, Emergency, Land
    acquisition, Nizarat etc. Separate officers are posted by the Government for
    ST/SC Development and social Welfare section and Grama Panchayat
    section who are designated as ‗the District Welfare Officer, District social
    welfare officer and District Panchayat Officer respectively. Most of the
    sections of the district officers are administered by the revenue officers, who
    are appointed by the Government to remain in charge of a particular section.
    The functions of these officers are to assist the Collector in taking decisions
    and in the efficient discharge of various administrative functions. Some of the
    officers like the Land Acquisition Officer, Certificate Officer and the
    Compensation Officer are empowered under specific laws to discharge
    certain statutory functions in their day to day work.

    Collector and Judiciary

    The above picture does not take into account the administration of
    criminal justice in the district which has been separated from the executive
    since 1st May 1960. By this separation, the judicial power of the Collector-
    cum-District Magistrate with regard to the trial of criminal cases was
    transferred to a new set of officers, called the Judicial Magistrates. Under
    this scheme, a Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate along with one or more
    Judicial Magistrate is posted in each of the Sub-Divisions of the district. They
    all work under the administrative control and supervision of the Odisha High
    Court. With the introduction of separation scheme, an officer of the rank of a
    District and Sessions Judge has been appointed. Subsequently an officer
    from the cadre of Superior Judicial Service (Junior Branch) has been posted
    as Additional District Judge having headquarters at Baleshwar. Judicial
    Magistrates are sub-ordinate to the Additional District Judge while all the
    Magistrates are subordinate to the District Magistrate. The District Magistrate
    (Executive) and the Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) act independently
    of each other in their respective spheres of work. The Sub-Divisional
    Magistrate of the pre-separation period who used to combine both executive
    and judicial functions is now designated as the Sub-divisional Officer, and
    Magistrate with adequate powers over police for maintenance of law and
    order and for trying cases under preventive sections of the Code of Criminal
    Procedure.

    222
    At present there is one Chief Judicial Magistrate at district
    headquarters, Baleshwar. For all practical purposes he exercises all powers
    under the code of Criminal Procedure 1973 within the district. There is one
    Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate for each of the Sub-Divisions of
    Baleshwar and Nilagiri. The sanctioned strength of Baleshwar Sub-Division
    is Judicial Magistrate of the 1st class and one Munsif for the Nilagiri Sub-
    Division exercises the powers of the Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate, 1st
    class since merger of the ex-state. The District and Sessions Judge,
    Baleshwar is in overall charge of the entire civil and criminal administration
    of the district.

    Collector as Development Administrator

    The Book Circular No. 34 of the State Government enjoined on the


    Collector to play the role of a captain of the development team which
    consists of district level Office of various departments of the state. He was
    the Chairman of the District Development Committee and the District
    Development Board. The former is a representative official body while the
    latter consisted of officials and nominated non-officials. He is also
    empowered by the government to have considerable administrative control
    over the district level officers of other departments. The purpose of vesting
    him with these powers was to co-ordinate the developmental activities of
    various departments in the district to ensure effective implementation of all
    plan schemes and to frame future plans and programmes on prescribed
    lines keeping in view the needs of the people in the district. This set-up lost
    its vitality after the enforcement of the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act with effect
    from 26th January, 1961. According to the provisions of this Act, the
    developmental administration of the district was decentralized into three tiers
    viz., the Zilla Parishad at the district level, the Panchayat Samiti at the Block
    level and the Gram Panchayat at the village level with an elected body of
    members at each stage. But on 1st November, 1968 the Zilla Parishad was
    replaced by the District Advisory Council. Since 14th November, 1970 the
    District Advisory Council has been replaced by the District Development
    Advisory Board (later renamed as District Development Board) constituted of
    both official and non-official members. Again in the year – Zilla Parishad
    came into existence. The District Development Committee (D. D. C.)
    envisaged in Book Circular No. 34 was revived with effect from 26th August
    1970 giving a pivotal coordinating and commanding role to the Collector for
    smooth and effective implementation of development programmes in the
    district. 289 Gram Panchayats functioning in the district have elected
    representatives in the manner prescribed in the Zilla Parishad Act to form 12
    Panchayat Samitis each of which is coterminous with a Community

    223
    Development Block. Now most of the developmental schemes are
    implemented through the Blocks and Panchayats.

    The Block Development Officer is in overall charge of the Block with a


    number of Extension Officers like the Agricultural Extension Officer, Social
    Education Organiser, Veterinary Extension Officer, Welfare Extension
    Officer, Block Level Extension Officer, Ro, GPEO, SEO, ML. REO,
    JES/GPTAS (co-operation) and Sub-Assistant Engineer under him, each
    being a specialist in his respective sphere and receiving technical guidance
    of the concerned district level officers whenever necessary.

    As mentioned earlier, the Collector is designated as the District


    Magistrate and as such he continues to be the chief functionary under the
    various special Acts and other enactments in force. He is in charge of public
    relations and is assisted by a District Information and Public Relations
    Officer appointed by the Government in Information and Public Relations
    Department. Similarly, in respect of supply of food-grains and other essential
    commodities, he is assisted by the Civil Supplies Officer from the Food and
    Civil Supplies Department. The Additional District Magistrate is the ex-officio
    Registrar for the district and is vested with necessary powers under the
    Registration Act. He is relieved of daily registration work by the District Sub-
    Registrar who remains in charge of this and other routine duties. The
    Superintendent of Excise functions directly under the supervision of the
    Additional District Magistrate.

    Collector and Treasury

    The district treasury is located at Baleshwar. There are also Sub-


    Treasuries at Jaleshwar, Nilagiri, Soro and Basta. These are managed by
    the officers from the Odisha Finance Service (Sr. /Jr.).

    Sub-Divisional Level Administration

    The district is divided into two Sub-Divisions, viz., Baleshwar, and


    Nilagiri. Each Sub-Division is in charge of a Sub Collector who belongs to
    the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS-Class I Senior). He continues to
    exercise within his jurisdiction aII the powers of a Magistrate 1st class under
    the preventive sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure. He exercises
    powers in connection with investigation, searches, arrest and enlargement
    on bails, etc., till the stage of submission of charge-sheet or to accept the
    final form and to dispose of any objection thereto, if filed in time. Besides he
    has powers of a Magistrate under the Arms Act, the Cinematography Act,
    the Dramatic Performance Act, etc. He also functions as the Appellate
    authority over the orders of the Tahasildars of his jurisdiction in revenue
    cases. He is entirely responsible for the maintenance of law and order in his
    224
    Sub-Division. After separation of the judiciary from the executive, the Sub
    Collector has only powers to take cognizance of offences complained of or
    brought to his notice while on tour in mufasil areas. But such cases have to
    be referred to the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate for necessary action.
    The Sub Collector is burdened with the responsibility of supervision of both
    revenue and developmental works in Tahasils and Blocks of his Sub-Division
    and to exercise effective control over all officers and staff.

    Each Sub-Division is divided into one or more Tahasils with a


    Tahasildar belonging to the OAS Cadre. After the abolition of estates, the
    responsibility for collection of land revenue has devolved directly on the
    Tahasil staff like the Revenue Supervisors, Revenue Inspectors and
    Collection Mohorirs. The Tahasildar is aIso the Certificate Officer for
    recovering arrears of land revenue, FWR Bewf/CBWR., Cess and
    miscellaneous revenue, and Taccavi loans. The Revenue Supervisors
    supervise collection, make enquiry into revenue cases and assist the
    Tahasildar in revenue matters.

    Baleshwar Sub-Division

    The office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Baleshwar was separated from


    the Collectorate in the year 1964. The Sub Collector is functioning as a full-
    fledged head of office with a separate staff under him. He is assisted by four
    gazetted officers who are posted as the Revenue Officer, The Certificate
    Officer, the Nizarat Officer and the Emergency Officer. This Sub-Division has
    been divided into 10- Tahasils, viz., Jaleshwar, Basta, Baleshwar,Soro.
    Simulia, Khaira, Bhogarai, Baliapal, Remuna, Bhahanaga. There are 10 C.
    D. Blocks and 257 Grama Panchayats under this Sub-Division. TheSub-
    Collector is also assisted by SDPO, Assistant District Welfare Officer, Sub-
    District Social Welfare.

    Nilagiri Sub-Division
    Nilagiri constitutes a small Sub-Division in Baleshwar district. It consists
    of two Blocks and two tahasils i.e. Nilagiri and Oupada which are
    coterminous.
    The list of offices functioning at Baleshwar is given below.
    Offices Located at Baleshwar
    Government of India

    a. Proof and Experimental c. Superintendent of Posts


    Establishment and Telegraphs
    b. Assistant Engineer, d. Branch Manager, Life
    Central Flood Forecasting Insurance Corporation

    225
    e. District Manager, Food h. Assistant Engineer, open
    Corporation of India line, South Eastern
    f. Superintendent of Central Railway
    Excise i. Meteorological Office
    g. Income-Tax Office

    Government of Odisha
    1. Sub Collector 19. Executive Engineer,
    2. Tahasil Office Electrical
    3. Deputy Inspector GeneraI 20. District and Sessions
    of Police Judge
    4. Superintendent of Police, 21. District Planning Authority
    5. Deputy Director •. 22. Chief District Medical
    Agriculture Officer
    6. Deputy Director, Fisheries 23. District Treasury Officer
    (Marine) 24. District Agriculture Officer
    7. Deputy Director, 25. Chief Veterinary Officer
    Fisheries (Inland) 26. District Statistical Officer
    8. Deputy Director, 27. District Employment
    Consolidation of Holdings Office
    9. Deputy Registrar, Co- 28. District Health Office
    operative Societies 29. District Industries Centre
    10. Charge Officer, 30. District Rural
    Baleshwar-Mayurbhanj Development Agency
    Major Settlement 31. Divisional Forest Office,
    11. Superintending Engineer, C.S.B. Division
    P.W.D.(Rand B) 32. Regional Transport Office
    12. Executive Engineer, 33. District Transport
    P.W.D. (R and B) Manager, O.S.R.T.
    13. Executive Engineer, Corporation
    Irrigation Division 34. Tourist Office
    14. Executive Engineer, ft 35. District Education Office
    Irrigation 36. Block Education Office
    15. Executive Engineer, 37. Inspector of Factories
    Mechanical Division 38. Assistant Labour
    16. Executive Engineer, Commissioner
    Public Health 39. Assistant Commissioner,
    17. Executive Engineer, Commercial Taxes
    National Highway 40. Assistant Soil
    18. Superintending Engineer, Conservation Office
    Electrical
    226
    41. Assistant Controller,
    Weights and Measures Government of India

    Collectorate :
    1. Food Corporation of India
    1. General and
    2. Commanding Officer,
    Miscellaneous
    N.C.C.
    2. Revenue
    3. Branch Manager, Life
    3. Tauzi Insurance Corporation of
    4. Establishment India
    5. Nizarat
    6. Library
    7. Judicial
    8. District Election
    9. District Emergency
    10. Compensation Zone I
    11. Compensation Zone II
    12. Superintendent of Excise
    13. District Information and
    Public Relations
    14. Land Acquisition
    15. Civil Supplies
    16. District Welfare
    17. District Development
    18. District Panchayat
    19. Special Land Acquisition
    20. District Record Room
    21. District Sports
    22. District Culture
    23. Assistant Director,
    Planning
    24. District Development
    Advisory Boa rd
    25. District Social Welfare
    26. Superintendent of Land
    Records
    27. Main Offices located at
    Bhadrak
    227
    CHAPTER-XI

    REVENUE ADMINISTRATION

    Early Revenue Administration


    As stated earlier, Baleshwar was made a district only in 1828. Till that
    year it formed a part of the erstwhile Cuttack district. Hence detailed records
    of Revenue Administration in Balasore district in the pre-1828 period are not
    available. Whatever little information is available can be viewed as an
    integral of administration of Hindu Kings, the Moughal emperors and
    Marhatas.
    Hindu Administration
    During the reign of Hindu Kings,Odisha the country was broadly divided
    into two administrative Divisions i.e. military chiefs of the hilly tracts on the
    western border together with a strip along the coast on the east and the
    crown lands consisting of the more fertile alluvial plains running through the
    centre of the province. The former had been granted to military chiefs by the
    reigning sovereign on the condition that they protected the border and
    furnished contingencies to the State Army in the time of war. They were
    regarded as ―proprietors‖ having title of Bhuyan or as translated by the
    Moughals ―Zamindars‖. The other more valuable portion of the country
    comprising the greater part of the districts of Cuttack, Baleshwar and Puri
    was regarded as the property of the crown. The rents were collected from
    the cultivators and paid to the royal treasury by the hereditary officials who
    were also entrusted with the police administration of the villages under them.
    The Hindu rulers recognized no middle-men between them and their
    subjects. Every cultivator was in theory bound to pay to the sovereign
    roughly about 116th of the produce of the land.
    The residents of each village paid their quota to the headmen of the
    village called Padhan. The unit of collection was the revenue village
    consisting of a collection of houses and the land, cultivated or waste,
    attached to it. A group of villages made up the district called Khand or Bisi.
    The names of some of such fiscal divisions still exist in certain parts as Noa-
    Khand or Derabishi. Over each Khand or Bisi, were the supervising officers,
    viz., the Khandapati who was charged with generaI management including
    control of police and the Bisoi (also called Bhoimul), who was charged with
    collection of revenue, though both were jointly responsible for the payment
    to the royal treasury. Others were miscellaneous servants and officials. Each
    revenue village had also two officials, the Padhan and the Bhoi. It was the
    job of the Bhoi to check the village accounts. All these officials were in
    228
    practice, though not in theory, hereditary. They enjoyed a certain share not
    exceeding 1/20th of the total land revenue under collection and were also
    allowed to retain some part of the collection as perquisite of their offices.
    This was the system in the regular provinces of the Hindu kingdom but along
    the hilly borders and on the scantily populated littoral sea-coast the land was
    held by the military chiefs who paid tributes to their suzerain and were
    independent as regards the internal administration of their areas.
    Moughal Administration
    The Khandapat and Bisoi who held hereditary offices appear to have
    been confirmed by Todarmal, Akbar‘s victorious General who in 1568
    annexed the province after it had been over-run end plundered by the
    Afghans during some 50 years before. Hence forward the Khands and Bisis
    were called Parganas. The nomenclature of ―pargana‖ as a fiscal division
    survived the period of Marahata and British administration. The Khandapatis
    received the title of Choudhury. The Bisois or Bhoimuls became Kanungos,
    The Padhan became the Makadam and the revenue village was known as
    Mouza. The Parganas were divided into two or more Sub-Divisions called
    Taluks and the officials were known as Talukdars, a name subsequently
    applied to all pargana officials. The Parganas were grouped under three
    main divisions or Sarkars as Cuttack, Bhadrak and Jaleshwar, each of which
    was in charge of an Amil or Chief Executive Officer.lt was Todarmal who
    consolidated the Moughal rule in Odisha. One of his first acts as an
    administrator was a detailed survey and settlement of the crown lands, now
    called Mughalbandi, taken up in 1580 in all the three Sarkars of Cuttack,
    Bhadrak and Jaleshwar. Rates of rent were fixed for each village. This
    settlement was concluded in 1591 by Raja Man Singh. The revenue as given
    in the Ain-l-Akabari was fixed at Rs. 17 lakhs for the whole of the province
    (According to Stirling the revenue of the province under the Moughals was
    15.89 lakh of rupees). In the Ain-e-Akabari the revenue for the four Sarkars
    of Baleshwar district which then included a portion of Jajpur has been stated
    as follows
    No. of Mahals Revenue in
    Bhadrak Sarkar - 19 4, 02,131
    Sora Sarkar - 15 1, 97,814
    Remuna Sarkar - 20 2, 18,458
    Basta Sarkar - 10 1, 18,752
    Total - 64 937,155
    The border chieftains were left untouched. The hereditary Hindu
    officials of the Parganas were confirmed in possession of their lands. The
    revenue system of the Hindus was maintained almost intact by Todarmal
    and Man Singh, both being of Hindu stock. The hereditary officials, while
    229
    being entrusted with the collection of revenue, were also vested with other
    rights and liabilities of Zamindars for the portion of the Pargana or Taluk
    under their direct management. The village headman, now called Makadam,
    who had the customary right to hold one acre in twenty free of assessment
    was now given a definite quantity of land as Jagir. Where there were no
    hereditary headman or where the Padhan had been dispossessed,
    collections were often made through an agent or farmer called Sarbarakar
    appointed by the Talukdar and many of them developed into hereditary
    tenure-holders with rights almost equal to those of Makadams. The
    Talukdars and superior officers were nominally appointed by the sovereign
    or his representative and could be removed from their office for bad conduct.
    But under the two centuries of misrule and revolt that followed Akbar‘s reign,
    their hold on the land grew stronger and the right to appoint lapsed into a
    purely formaI custom of confirming the heir of the deceased official. Even the
    Amil and the Sadar Kanungo came to hold large estates stepping into the
    shoes of dispossessed Talukdars for whom they stood security and they aII
    claimed proprietary right. This was the origin of the myriads of proprietary,
    sub-proprietary and proprietary tenure-holder rights which we find during the
    long period of British rule in Odisha. Their office was abolished by the
    Marahat who appointed Amils and Sadar Kanungos of their own and at
    British conquest those ex-officials were found as holders of large and
    valuable estates.
    Besides the Talukdars, there were also a few land-holders in
    possession of a whole Pargana. They alone were officially styled as
    Zamindars as they were generally either descendants of old reigning
    princes, as in case of Zamindar of Utikan, who was the Raja of Kanika, or
    were border chiefs (Khandait or Bhuyan) such as those of Darpan,
    Madhupur, Balarampur or Ambo. Besides, a good many superior officials of
    the status of Amils were also appointed as zamindars in return for special
    services. Like the Talukdars, they also held under deeds of appointment.
    Though their position was more honourable, their rights and liabilities did not
    in any way differ from those of Pargana officials. In fact, there was a general
    fusion of rights and titles of the hereditary Zamindars, officials and officially
    created Zamindars, while Talukdars became exalted to the rank of
    Zamindars, the proper Zamindars mounted a step higher and styled
    themselves as Rajas.
    Marahata Administration
    In 1751 Odisha became a Marahata province under the control of a
    Subedar. The new conquerors made in theory no change in the fiscal
    organization and recognised people whom they found to be in possession of
    land without asking inconvenient questions. Baleshwar was divided into
    three Chakalas or circles, i.e. Bhadrak, Soro and Baleshwar. These were
    again subdivided into 150 Parganas each of which included a varying

    230
    number of Taluks. The revenue administration of the whole area was
    entrusted to 32 officers called Amils. Each Amil was responsible for the
    revenue of each Chakala, and he was assisted by a Sadar Kanungo under
    whom there were Gomatos also known as Villayati Kanungos, who made the
    muffasil collections. The Marahata Subedars recognised only those
    Talukdars who regularly paid revenue without any trouble. They commenced
    to oust the Talukdars on the ground of non-punctuality in payment of
    revenue and towards close of their rule, it also became a common practice
    to take engagements direct from the village headmen or Makadams who had
    previously paid through the Talukdars. About 1/8th of the total revenue
    paying area was so held by Makadams. Though it had previously been the
    custom to make the yearly detailed computation of rentals on which the
    Makadam was allowed a percentage for collection expenses, towards the
    close of the century the Amils found it convenient to take engagements from
    them for a lump sum. This custom was also followed to some extent with
    those Talukdars who were fortunate enough to be left in possession of their
    estates. It was Raja Ram Pandit, described by Stirlingas the most
    enlightened of the Marahata Subedars, who first commenced to dispense
    with the Talukdars as collection agents in 1773. This resulted in
    disappearance of a large number of those hereditary officers. The Sadar
    Kanungo who generally stood security for payment of revenue by the
    Talukdars was allowed in cases of default to take over the Taluk on payment
    by him of the arrears. At the British accession both the Sadar and Villayati
    Kanungos were found in possession of a large number of estates, who later
    claimed proprietary right over the lands held by them during the enquiries
    held by the British officers and were recognized as such in most cases.
    British Administration
    When the British conquered Odisha in 1803 it comprised an area of
    8085 sq. miles or 20940 sq. km. It was divided into two districts, vlz., Cuttack
    and Purl. (The revenue administration of Baleshwar, excluding Nilagiri ex-
    state, finally acquired a definitedimensions in 1870 when the northern
    boundary was defined and the Baitarani and the Dhamara rivers were made
    the southern limit of Baleshwar. No revenue documents worth the name
    were obtainable from the officials of Marahata Government except certain
    Jamabandi papers or records of assessment. The Kanungos who were the
    depositories of all information and other relevant materials about land
    revenue administration were not only indifferent but also hostile towards the
    new Government.
    The first British proclamation about the land revenue administration of
    Odisha was made on the 15th September 1804. This was later embodied in
    the Regulation XII of 1805. Before this, an area of 186 square miles or 482
    sq.km.in 150 permanently settled estates towards extreme north of
    Baleshwar was originally a part of the district of Midnapur in West Bengal, as

    231
    early as 1760. Therefore, this area lying between two rivers of
    Rupnarayanpur and Subarnarekha came within the purview of the
    Permanent Settlement Regulation of 1793 enacted by Lord Cornwallis. As a
    result, before Odisha was conquered, a part of Baleshwar district had come
    under the touch of Permanent Settlement. The rest of the area of the district
    was subjected to as manyas eleven annual, bienniaI, triennial, quinquennial
    and decennial settlements till 1837. This was completely a new experience
    to the people as Odisha was subjected to long term settlements during the
    pre-British days.
    It is generally accepted that the early British revenue administration
    was disastrous in its effect on Zamindars and raiyats alike. If to the errors of
    administration be added the severe natural calamities to which the district
    was subjected in the early part of 19th century, it is not difficult to understand
    and concur in the assertion that the people were not better off under the
    British rule than they had been under the Marahatas. The causes
    contributing to the wretched state of affairs of the district in the early part of
    the 19th century may be summed up as follows
    (1) Disorganization of the administration
    (2) Severity of assessment
    (3) Introduction of Bengal Sale Laws
    (4) Natural calamities to which the district was subjected
    (5) Promise of a permanent settlement which was eventually denied
    Stirling‘s minutes of 1821 was the first attempt made to deal
    exhaustively with the principles of revenue settlement but it was not until the
    settlement of 1837-45 that the rights and titles of the land owners were finally
    settled and adjusted. Meantime there was utter confusion. Marahata officials,
    viz., Amil, Sardar, Kanungos, Talukdars and Makadams were all intent on
    preserving for their own use the information which should have been at the
    hands of Government. Those persons in whom the actual collection of rent
    was vested were not interested in disclosing the real amount of their
    collection, while their supervisors used their knowledge as a means of
    extortion by threatening to disclose to the authorities the fact of under-
    assessment. Some were busy in establishing a zamindary title which had
    never existed and others in furthering the claim to hold lands liable to
    assessment as rent free. ―The hands of the most were against their
    neighbors and every man‘s hands were against Government‖. The early
    Collectors being accustomed to the stringency of Bengal Regulations were
    not at all inclined to admit claims for reduction of the demand on ―various
    grounds admitted by Marahatas such as failure or shortage of crops owing to
    drought or flood. No reductions were allowed on ground of abandonment or
    non-cultivation though such reductions had hitherto been customary. The
    demand at the earlier British settlement was considerably in excess of that of
    232
    Marahatas. The severity of early settlement was subsequently fully
    recognized and in settlement of 1837—45 large reductions were made in
    previous revenue in certain parts of the district.
    Since assessments were severe it was not surprising that there were
    many defaults in payment. The introduction and enforcement of the Bengal
    Revenue Sale laws was perhaps the most unfortunate feature of the early
    British rule. At least haIf of the estates in the district changed hands between
    1805 and 1822. The policy was certainly disastrous as regards old hereditary
    official families as very few of them were left at the settlement of 1837-45.
    (These measures have often been stated to have resulted in the extinction of
    the Odia Zamindars as the predominantly land-holders of Odisha. They were
    supplanted in Cuttack and Puri districts generally by Bengalis who were
    sometimes wealthy absentees, but very often Amlas of the Collectorate. This
    problem was not so severe in Baleshwar district, because Baleshwar was
    not made a separate district until 1828 and until that time revenue
    administration was centered at Cuttack. It was natural that the Bengali Amlas
    being residents of Cuttack preferred the acquisition of estates nearer their
    homes. The proximity was convenient and they were much better aware of
    the circumstances of the properties. Trade interests on the other hand drew
    a considerable number of BengaI merchants to Baleshwar and only after
    1828 they began to turn their attention towards acquisition of estates, when
    with Rickets as Collector, the old sale policy of selling the estates of the
    defaulters was put aside in practice. The families of Raja Baikuntha Nath De,
    the Kars and Bhagaban Ch. Das of Baleshwar town date their rise as
    Zamindars from this period. During the settlement of 1837-45 out of 1,509
    recorded proprietors only 174, i.e. 21 per cent were Bengalis as against 78
    per cent Odias).
    In this confused and disturbed state of the province the question of
    permanent settlement was mooted in 1806. In fact, orders were actually
    given to make preparations for its introduction. But this proposal was
    strongly resisted by the local officers. Though Regulation VI of 1808 held out
    to the proprietor hopes which were frequently renewed in the subsequent
    regulations the decision was postponed from year to year, until eventually in
    1816 it was practically withdrawn. The policy for making a number of short
    term settlements each of which was intended to be a preparatory for a
    permanent one was most ruinous in its effect. The proprietors were
    interested in concealing their collections and throwing lands out of cultivation
    in order to get better terms at the permanent settlement. Some, whose
    estates were extremely over assessed, did not like to forsake the property
    which was seen to be settled with them forever. None were desirous for
    improving the conditions of their lands and their tenant. Regulation VII of
    1822 which extended the previous settlement for a period of 5 years
    provided also rules for revision of that settlement. It was proposed that each
    year a certain number of estates should be taken up in hand; information
    233
    should be collected and recorded with reference to interests of all persons in
    the land from the Raiyats upwards that, tables of rates should be prepared
    and this work should be undertaken by the Collectors in addition to their
    routine works. As a consequence scarcely anything was done and in 1831
    the Collector of Baleshwar, Rickets had completed the settlement of only
    one small estate and was about to undertake that of the Government
    Khasmahal of Nananda. Rickets in his explanation had stated ―That he saw
    no prospect whatever of a settlement under Regulation VII ever being
    completed. It was 9 years since that Regulation had been passed and in that
    time 1 /400th had been settled, a rate of proceeding which would require
    three thousand five hundred ninety one years for the completion of the
    district‖. He, therefore, recommended for a separate set of officials to be
    employed exclusively for settlement work under the supervision of the
    Collector. The recommendation was finally accepted by the Board but the
    work of revision did not commence until appointment of Maffat Mills as
    Special Commissioner in 1837.
    Settlement of 1837-45
    The unit of revenue assessment during the British period right from the
    beginning till the abolition of the estates under the Estates Abolition Act.1951
    was the ―estates‖. This was defined in the Bengal Tenancy Act and repeated
    in the Odisha Tenancy Act as:
    ―Estate means land included under one entry in any of the general
    registers of revenue-paying lands, and revenue-free lands prepared and
    maintained under the law for the time being in force by the Collector of a
    district, and includes Government Khasmahals and revenue-free lands not
    entered in any register) and including also the sub-proprietary
    interests……….. During the settlement operations, this was described as
    ―mahal‖ or tauzi, meaning revenue paying lands and ―lakhrajbahal‖ or simply
    ―bahal‖ meaning revenue-free lands. The interest of a sub-proprietor who
    executed an agreement in course of settlement of land revenue to make
    payment of his land revenue through a proprietor or another sub-proprietor
    was also termed as ―estate‖. During the Moughal and Marahata period it has
    already been stated that parganas were sub-divided into taluks which still
    remained as collection centres. But owing to alienations or combination of
    land of various taluks many ―estates‖ became possessed of areas outside
    the border of their proper pargana: those areas were de-facto included in
    that pargana. It became the custom to regard any village greater part of
    which belonged to an estate in another pargana as a ―tahasil-alahida ―village
    of that pargana and the same confusion was imported into the designation of
    smaII portions of villages which belonged to an estate holding a
    neighbouring village, these being regarded as ―tahasil- alahidas‖ of that
    village. The pargana or estate division therefore bears little reference to
    physical or other factors considered as a local division. They are confusing.

    234
    The number of parganas existing in Baleshwar district was 67, divided into
    five groups, vlz., northern parganas (12), upper central parganas (18), lower
    central parganas (4 including Banchas-egar group ),south-eastern parganas
    (10) southwestern parganas (12), the Banchas-egar group itself consisting of
    12 parganas. At the time of 1837—45 settlement, there were 953 estates
    including 150 permanently settled estates in Baleshwar. Excluding killa
    Ambo (since transferred to Kendujhar district after merger), Mangalpur and
    Patna, the revenue of which amounting to only Rs.1725 was fixed under
    special orders, the previous revenue of the district which amounted to Rs.
    3,41,332/-was settled for Rs. 3,83,498. The net increase was, therefore, only
    Rs.42,166 of which Rs.35,434 were contributed by resumed lakharaj
    holdings. Some reductions (31, 867) in revenue were allowed in estates
    along the sea-coast and in the north of the district and some increases
    (73,853) were made in south- western parganas where there had been
    greater extension of cultivation. This settlement had not been undertaken
    with any view to benefitting the exchequer, but to equalise the assessment
    ―which had been fixed and augmented haphazard without reference to the
    capabilities of the estates, to fix boundaries and decide disputes relating to
    them on the spot, to settle aII questions of rights and tenures between
    landlords, and tenants, and to enquire into the validity of the multitudinous
    rent-free tenures‖. The totaI settlement cost incurred in this district was
    Rs.5,11,896 and a large share of this expense was assignable to the
    resumption proceedings. In fact no less than 81.673 claims to hold land
    revenue-free were investigated. In this settlement in Baleshwar, the
    cultivated areas dealt with amounted to 2,10,963 hectares of which 1,99,753
    hectares were assessed, i.e. a little more than half the total area of the
    temporarily settled estates. The Regulations provided for the investigation of
    all claims to hold land revenue-free. In this settlement systematic recordings
    were undertaken to decide these claims and those found valid were
    confirmed in perpetuity. The class of tenants known as Bajyapatidars
    originated in the failure of some of these claims. Out of 81.673 claims to hold
    lands lakharaji or revenue-free, more than half i.e. 42,200 were found to hold
    on invalid titles and therefore were resumed and assessed on Bajyapti
    tenure.
    In the discussion about the term of the settlement, the authorities
    considered various aspects from theoretical and practical stand points. A
    period of 30 years was considered to be advantageous for agricultural
    improvement. That would balance the vagaries of natural calamities and
    currency depreciations. The first thirty years of settlement was to expire in
    1867 A. D. when Odisha was in the grip of a serious famine, i.e. ―Na-anka
    Durvikhya‖ in 1866. The famine had completely dislocated the administration
    and shattered the economy of Odisha. The authorities were not in a position
    to undertake the responsibility of a new settlement. Moreover, even if there
    were a new settlement the Jumma could not have risen more than what it
    235
    was in 1837 settlement because vast areas were left uncultivated. It was
    therefore decided to extend the first thirty years settlement to another 30
    years instead of making a new settlement. Thus the settlement of 1837
    which was to end in 1867 was extended to 1897. Those who later advocated
    against the prolongation for another thirty years contended that ―this extreme
    leniency was scarcely needed and that a resettlement might well have been
    made some twenty-five years ago, to the advantage of Government and
    without undue harassment of the people. The result of the excessive
    prolongation of the former settlement was the exclusion of Government for a
    lengthy period from its fair share of the produce of the soil. And retention by
    the landlord classes in Odisha during the same period of profits to which
    they had no equitable right‖.
    During the period of long settlement there was aII-round progress in
    agriculture, communication and trade. The prices of staple crops were
    trebled securing considerable profits to the cultivators.
    Settlement of 1889-1899 (Provincial settlement)
    The next settlement was made during the years 1889-1899 which is
    generally known as Maddox Settlement or Provincial Settlement. This was
    the work of a great magnitude. The operation extended over a period of 10
    years from the end of 1889 to the end of 1899 and over an area of 12,949.50
    sq. km. It covered the whole of the temporarily settled areas in Cuttack, Puri
    and Baleshwar districts including the revenue free estates as well as the
    Killas of Darpan, Madhupur and Aul. The area under settlement in
    Baleshwar was 1.710‘75 sq. miles (4,430‘92 sq.km.) computed as follows
    Area of temporarily settled estates -- 9,59,100 acres
    Area‘ of Lakharaj Bahal lands -- 1,09,000 acres
    Area of Government lands -- 13,600 acres
    10,81,700 acres
    Deduct lands of Baleshwar estates in (-)-- 7,700 acres
    Cuttack district Balance -- 10,74,000 acres
    Add lands of Cuttack estates in -- (+) 20,900 acres
    Baleshwar district
    10,94,900 acres
    = 44,30.92 sq. km
    The area of the district as stated in Maddox Report is 2076‘88 sq. miles
    or 5379‘00 sq. km. which includes 1,11,923 acres or 452.93 sq. km. of
    permanently settled estates of Kanika in Baleshwar district and 1.21,376
    acres or 491 sq. km. of permanently settled estates where settlement was
    not done. The revenue was fixed at Rs. 6.26,177/- giving an incidence of 92
    paise per acre in 1.417 temporarily settled estates (19 Khasmahals included)
    including Killas Ambo and Mangalpur, the revenue of which were fixed
    nominally at 440 and 1130 respectively under special orders of Government.
    236
    The settled assets were 11.51,400 the revenue being fixed at 50 to 55 per
    cent of the gross assets. The enhancement made in the land revenue was
    as much as 67 per cent which appears prima facie large. It must be
    remembered that where the zamindars received an income of about Rs.
    1.88,000 at the time of previous settlement,in this settlement they received
    an income of about Rs. 5.23.300. Thus while the revenue had been
    enhanced by 67 per cent, their income increased by 163 per cent. The
    revenue of the temporarily settled areas was revised and fresh engagement
    taken for a period of 30 years from 1897. The rents of the tenants were
    settled under section 104 of the Bengal Tenancy Act, 1885. The total area of
    the temporarily settled estates increased in this settlement during the last
    sixty years from 3,81 ,539 hectares to 3,88,257 hectares, or by rather less
    than 2 per cent whereas the cultivated area increased from 2.10,963
    hectares to 2,82,188 hectares and the assessed area increased from
    1,99,753 hectares to 2,80,786 hectares.
    Revision Settlement (1906-1912)
    After completion of the provincial settlement, the first revision
    settlement which is generally known as Jame‘s settlement started in 1906
    and continued till 1912. In this operation the revenue was unaffected, but
    settlement of rent was done by application of the parties under section 105
    of the Bengal Tenancy Act. This revision settlement was undertaken
    primarily to clear the way for continued maintenance of records, but the
    maintenance scheme was ultimately ordered to be abandoned by the
    Government of India. The revision operation brought prominently to notice
    the unsuitability of the Bengal Tenancy Act to Odisha conditions and led to
    enactment of the Odisha Tenancy Act in 1913. Some of the permanently
    settled estates those were not included in the provincial settlement were
    taken up during this operation.
    Dalziel Settlement (1922-1932)
    The next comprehensive survey and settlement operation covering both
    permanently and temporarily settled estates was conducted during the
    period 1922-1932 which is known as Dalziel Settlement. This revision
    settlement operation covered an area of 2056 sq. miles (5325 sq. km.) in
    Baleshwar district andis computed as follows:
    Permanently settled estates -- 336 sq. miles
    Temporarily settled estates -- 1,512 sq. miles
    Revenue free estates -- 172 sq. miles
    Government lands -- 36 sq. miles
    Total -- 2056 sq.miles

    237
    By Dalziel Settlement also there were still some estates in the Tauzi roll
    of Baleshwar and Cuttack which had lands partly in Cuttack and partly in
    Baleshwar district as given below:
    No.
    Area
    Lands in Cuttack included in 109 5,241.02 acres
    Tauzi of Baleshwar (2,121 hectares)
    Lands in Baleshwar district included in Tauzi of Cuttack
    158 5,496.34 acres
    Partitions since last settlement led to an increase in the number of
    temporarily settled estates from 1398 to 2394. The area assessed in those
    estates during this settlement was 7,41,703 acres (3,00,158 hectares) and
    un-assessed area was1,98,199 acres (80,208 hectares). As a result of the
    settlement of rents in this settlement the gross assets rose to Rs.15,45,438.
    The revenue of the temporarily settled estates rose by 37.5 per cent to
    Rs.8,20,404 representing 53.1 per cent of the gross assets. The proportion
    of assets taken as revenue remained practically unchanged in keeping with
    the approved policy of the Government, i.e. the revenue percentage should
    lie between 50 and 55.
    Settlement in ex-state areas of Nilagiri
    The previous revenue history of the ex-state of Nilagiri is obscure. The
    first settlement was undertaken in the year 1849 during the time of Raja
    Krushna Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan and was concluded in the year
    1853.According to this settlement the revenue of the ex-state was Rs.
    15,233 on an assessed area of 12, 255 acres (4,960 hectares). One Bengali
    officer was deputed to do the settlement. He applied certain Bengal rates
    which the cultivators accepted. No record is available regarding the
    principles followed in applying these rates. The second settlement was done
    by the same paja after a lapse of 33 years in 1886 and was completed in
    1897. This settlement showed an increase of about50% both in revenue and
    in area. The revenue came up to Rs. 49,412 on an assessed area of 26,169
    acres (10,590 hectares). In both these settlements the unit of an area was a
    Mana which is equivalent to 0.62 acres (0.25 hectares). Lands were
    measured by means of a rod of 8'-3" in length. No maps ware prepared.
    Records prepared were Khasra, Khatian, Jamabandi and Ekapadia or rent
    roll. A copy of the land records was given to each headman of the village for
    the purpose of collection of rent. The period of this second settlement was
    20 years on the expiry of which a third settlement was undertaken in the year
    1917 and concluded in 1922. In the third settlement survey was done with
    more delicate instruments to obtain greater accuracy. Village maps and
    238
    detailed record-of-right of the tenants were prepared on the area. For the
    first time in the history of the ex-state, a copy of the Khatian called Parcha
    was granted to each raiyat. The documents were very much appreciated by
    the holders. The village boundaries were laid by plain table. The maps and
    records prepared were very much reliable. Lands were classified on the
    basis of nature of the soil, situation and advantage and disadvantages.
    Rates of rent fixed were on the productivity of different classes of lands and
    on the basis of the produce. Rent was enhanced under section 32 of the
    Bengal Tenancy Act in consideration of the rise in prices. The gross rental
    was Rs.83,994 on an assessed area of 32047 acres (12969 hectares). The
    net revenue of the state after deduction of collection charges was Rs.
    73,496. The period of this settlement was 14 years, which expired in 1936.
    No new settlement was taken up thereafter owing to economic
    circumstances until the ex-state merged in Odisha on 1st January 1948. The
    next settlement was taken up in 1962 along with other areas of Baleshwar
    district.
    Land Tenures
    Land tenures in Baleshwar district excluding Nilagiri
    Interests in the land in the state were made more complicated in the
    early period of the British and they varied with minor distinctions between
    rights of different classes which led to litigations in various courts. The series
    of settlements and tenancy legislations have since gone a long way in
    reducing their number and variety. Prior to the enactment of land reforms
    and tenancy legislations various kinds of interests in land were existing in
    Cuttack and Puri as well as in theerstwhile Baleshwar district. They were i)
    The so called ‗proprietors‘ directly responsible to the state for the revenue of
    the land they own, i.e., zamindars and revenue-free proprietors called
    Lakharaj Baheldars; ii) Tenure holders with quasi-proprietary rights, holding
    under the proprietors, viz. Makadam, Padhans and Sarbarakars, etc.; iii)
    Holders of resumed revenue-free tenures or Bazyaptidars; iv) Purchasers of
    waste lands, reclaimed and settled; v) Resident cultivators, whose right to
    hold at a rent fixed for the term of settlement was recognised, viz., Thani and
    Chandana raiyats; vi) Cultivators who had no such recognized rights, i.e.
    Pahiraiyats, occupancy and non-occupancy; vii) Persons holding land free of
    rent in consideration of their services to an individual or to the community,
    i.e. Jagirdars; viii) Under tenants of classes (3) to (7); and ix) Government
    estates or Khasmahals.
    Incidence of their rights and liabilities are described in brief as follows:

    239
    Proprietors
    There were several classes of persons who under the Moughal and
    Marahata rules were directly responsible for payment of revenue to the state.
    They were 1) Ancient Zamindars or Rajas of the Killajat estates, 2)
    Zamindars of Moughal or Marahata creation, 3) Choudhuri and Kanungo
    Talukdars, 4) Mazkuri Makadams, 5) Mazkuri Sarbarakars and 6) Holders of
    Kharidagi (purchased) land.
    None of them except only the Zamindars and the Khandayats of the
    border had before the British conquest any recognized proprietary right,
    although a custom of hereditary succession had grown up. On the
    acquisition of the province by the British, engagements for payment of
    revenue were taken from the holders of several classes of estates borne on
    the revenue roll of the Marahatas and also from the holders of the small
    Taluks and zamindars included in large estates and from the hereditary
    Makadams who for five years past had paid their revenue directly into the
    public treasury. To these were subsequently added the holders of lands of
    more than 75acresinextentwhichwere alleged to have been held rent-free or
    on a quit-rent but were resumed and assessed during general enquiry.
    Though not so stated all these persons appear to have been regarded as
    ―actual proprietors of the land‖ under section VI of Regulation XU of 1805.
    Either purposely or owing to misunderstanding of their true position, these
    collectors and payers of revenue were allowed all the rights of proprietors
    subject only to the liability to saIe of their estates for default and to
    dispossession for improper conduct. Their various titles of Choudhury,
    Kanungo and Makadams merged into the more honorific appellation of
    ―Zamindar‖, They held three classes of estates, viz., permanently settled
    estates, temporarily settled estates and revenue free estates. The incidence
    of rights of the proprietors of these three classes of estates was more or less
    similar except in respect of revenue. In the permanently settled estates, the
    revenue was fixed for ever. In the temporarily settled estates, the revenue
    was fixed for the term of the settlement subject only to reduction for
    acquisition of land by Government and in the revenue-free estates, no
    revenue was payable by the proprietor to the Government but only cesses
    were paid. The incidence of their rights and duties as grown up during the
    British rule were as follows:
    1. Right to inherit according to the personal law of the proprietor.
    2. Right to transfer the whoIe or any portion of the estate.
    3. Right to partition subject to the security of the revenue.
    4. Right to receive rent fixed in the settlement and to all profits of new
    cultivations and to lawful increment of rents.
    240
    5. Right to all profits from the jungles and waste land and other un-
    assessed areas and from fisheries and forest subject to the
    prescriptive rights of the community.
    6. Right of co-sharers to open a separate account and pay their
    revenue separately into the treasury.
    7. Obligation to treat rayats well and not to collect un-authorised
    cesses.
    8. Obligation to give information to the police for breach of peace and
    certain cognizable offences.
    9. Liability of the estates for sale in the event of default in payment of
    revenue before the latest date.
    10. Obligation to supply Rasad (supplies) under Regulation XI of 1806.
    From the British period, the proprietors were permitted to enjoy the right
    of inheritance according to Hindu law and not according to the law of
    primogeniture which was in force previous to the British conquest. They were
    also given almost unlimited right of partition and absolute right of sale and
    transfer. This led to multiplication and tininess of the estates and placed in
    their hands the instrument of their own destruction. It is only in the Killajat
    estates that the law of primogeniture was followed in which the estate
    passed on to the eldest son, others being provided by grant of Viradar Jagir
    lands. Although there were 150 permanently settled estates in Baleshwar
    (Dalziel Report speaks of 189 such estates), none of them were governed by
    law of primogeniture. But unlike in Cuttack there were a few Killas in
    Baleshwar. They were only four in number, namely, Ambahata, Patna,
    Mangalpur and Ambo (Ambo has since been transferred to Kendujhar district
    after merger). They were held on military tenures subject to payment of a
    tribute and their circumscribed differed little from those of the tributary states,
    until the British accession. Although assessed with special leniency the latter
    3 Killas have been held on same terms as estates of ordinary Zamindars.
    Killa Ambahata was resumed by the Marahata and so it ceased to be a Killa
    except in name. The Killa Patna was sold in 1897 under a civil court decree
    for debt. The Bhuyan of that Killa was in wretched circurnstances and
    maintained himself with difficulty from the income of his Debottar lands.
    Besides, another permanently settled estate Killa Kanika which was borne in
    the revenue roll of Cuttack district, a part of which lies in Baleshwar (453 sq.
    km out of 1140 sq. km) was also governed by the law of primogeniture and
    was therefore impartible.

    241
    Revenue-Free Estates (lakharaj Bahal lands)
    The main classes of revenue-free estates in Baleshwar district were
    Debottar, Pirottar, Brahmottar, Khairat and Mahatran. Debottar properties
    formed the bulk of the area of revenue-free estates, being 58,340 acres
    (23,609 hectares) as per Maddox Settlement Report. As per DaIziel
    Settlement Report, the Debottar lands were 60,032 acres (27,294 hectares)
    out of a total of 1,09,841 acres (444.51 hectares) of revenue-free properties.
    These fall under two main heads according as they were assigned in trust for
    a charitable or religious purpose or were the absolute property of the
    individual. The first class consisted mainly of lands bestowed on the Gods
    such as grants to Hindu idols, and Muhammedan shrines called as Debottar
    or Pirottar respectively. The managements of these religious grants to deities
    or Pira lay with trustees who were designated as Sebaits or Marfatadars in
    the case of Debottar properties and Matawalis or Darogas in the case of
    Pirottar grants. In the eye of law these grants were of the nature of trusts.
    The land was the absolute property of the temple idol or monastery. In
    practice, however, all these revenue-free grants were being treated as the
    private property of the trustees, and the religious grants were used for
    secular purposes and freely bought and sold, nominally in the interest of the
    deities. It was not uncommon to find a grant of land belonging to a Hindu idol
    in possession of a Muslim or land dedicated to a Pir in possession of a
    Hindu. In most cases the original object of the charitable grant was entirely
    lost sight of and the endowments were misapplied or misappropriated and
    though there was provision in the law for correcting such abuses, it was no
    one‘s business to take action.
    The second class included lands originally assigned for their support of
    individuals, such as grants to Brahmanas, i.e. Brahmottar or Mahatran or
    ―deliverance‖, i.e. small grants to Hindus other than Brahmanas. Such grants
    were the absolute property of the grantees who could transfer the whole or
    any part of it by sale, mortgage or lease. Their paid rent to no one and only
    rendered to Government taxes and cesses according to the value of the
    property.
    Abwabs (Illegal cesses)
    Although the earlier Regulations and the terms of the Kabuliyats
    executed by the proprietors stipulated that they should not collect
    unauthorised cesses from their tenants, in practice, however, besides the
    lawful cesses, many illegal cesses called Abwab continued to be collected.
    These extra collections were more prevalent in Baleshwar district. It was
    estimated during provincial settlement that powerful zamindars were able to
    extort about 2 annas (Re 0.12) more per rupee in the form of extraordinary
    demands in addition to regular cesses which was about 4 - 5 annas (Re 0.25
    242
    to Re 0.31) on a rupee of rent. Imposition of a new cess was attended with
    less difficulty than enhancement of rent. The cesses recognised by the law
    were (1) road cess at 2 paise per rupee of rent from raiyats, one anna per
    rupee from rent-free holders and at intermediate rates from tenure-holders.
    (2) public works cess at 2 paise per rupee and (3) Zamindari dak cess at one
    paise per rupee. Kingsford in his provincial settlement report of Baleshwar
    district instances the following demands which were being regularly levied by
    the zamindars.
    1. Road and Public Works cess at rates varying from one to one-
    and-a half anna (Re 0‘25 to Re 0.28) per rupee.
    2. Bisodhani-atrates varying from six paise to one anna per holding
    on receipt by the tenant of a Bisodhan or full acquittance of the
    year‘s rent.
    3. Bibahachina or Bahachina - A marriage fee paid by the father of
    the bride or by the parents of both the parties separately. Some
    Mahaprasad or betelnuts accompanied the fee varying from Re.
    1 to Rs. 4.
    4. Suniabheti - Paid on the first day of the Odia year as an
    acknowledgement of the Zamindar‘s authority mostly in shape of
    presents according to the profession and circumstance of the
    raiyat. The Zamindar, however, did not get much profit on this
    occasion since he had to distribute clothes to feed the villagers
    and to hold an expensive Puja. In some estates the fee in cash
    payment was made with the rent at rates varying from two annas
    to several rupees.
    5. Magan - These are miscellaneous subscriptions raised for
    meeting various expenses of the Zamindar and include Bibaha-
    magan, for marriage in his family Karma Magan for a funeral and
    Magan for the festivals of Durga Puja, Dol Jatra, Chandan Jatra
    and Rahas Jatra or for the purposes of erecting a shrine. The
    rate varied from three paise to four annas per rupee of rent or
    from eight annas to Rs. 2 per plough.
    6. Salami or Nazarana - This was paid when a tenant took a new
    land for cultivation or the Zamindar first visited the village or
    came to it after a long interval or when the raiyat paid his first
    visit to the zamindar or invited the latter to his home, the tenant
    who returned from Kolkata with savings or domestic servant
    returned from Kolkata to his home on leave. The amount varied
    from eight annas to 50 rupees or more according to the
    ‗circumstances of the tenant and the strength and capacity of the
    243
    Zamindar. It is not that every Zamindar practised these
    extortions. They varied in proportion to his ability to extort them
    and his power of inflicting punishment for refusal. Besides being
    rendered subject to the touch of low caste peons, they were
    declared Nian-pani band, i.e. debarred from fire and water which
    no villager might supply to them without incurring the Zamindar‘s
    displeasure. They were denied the aid of the village servants
    and could obtain neither the Dhoba to wash clothes for them nor
    the Bhandari to shave them. It is not surprising that they usually
    ended in purchasing the comfort by submission to the demand.
    7. DakhaI Kharaj or mutation -This was a fee collected for entering
    the name of the transferee or the successor of a holding in the
    Zamindar‘s records. This was being regularly levied until it was
    abolished by amendment to the Odisha Tenancy Act in 1938
    and it varied up to 25 per cent of the consideration money.
    8. Tahasil Kharacha- A fee varying from half-an-anna to two annas
    (Re0.03 to Re0.12) in the rupee of rent, levied for maintenance
    of collection staff.
    9. Piyadamiadi or TaIwana - A fee varying from one and a half-
    anna to three annas (Re 0.08 to Re 0.19) per day realised from
    a tenant by the peon sent either to demand rent or to summon
    him to Zamindar‘s kacheri.
    10. Jorimana - Petty cases were often enquired into and disposed
    off on complaint by either of the parties or by agreement
    between them when referred to the Zamindar for decision. A fine
    was inflicted on the aggressor which was pocketed by the
    Zamindar.
    11. Pathasala Kharacha - A fee to defray the cost of maintenance of
    a school at the residence of the Zamindar, generally three paise
    per head.
    12. Nacha Salami- A fee to enable the Zamindar to keep a party of
    dancing girls.
    13. Rahadari - A fee for covering the cost of sending money to
    treasury with escort.
    14. Thani Kharacha - A fee realised from the Thani raiyat to retain
    the services of the Gumasta or Amin for the purpose of
    remeasuring the holding or laying down the boundary of fields, it
    amounted to 2-3 annas (Re. 0.12 to Re. 0.19) per holding.

    244
    Khas mahal
    Khasmahals are those estates which were managed directly by
    Government without intervention of any intermediaries. They arose out of
    either recusancy or out of failure of bidders at revenue auction sale for non-
    payment of revenue at Kist dates in which case Government took over the
    estate for a nominaI sum of rupee one only. In 1845 the number of
    Khasmahals was 8 and in 1855 the number had risen to 12 with a gross
    rental of Rs. 16,170 of which Rs. 15,076 was contributed by Nuananda
    alone and the remaining by petty estates. In Maddox settlement period there
    were 19 Khasmahals with settled rental of Rs. 39,675 with a total area of
    21,797 acres (8,821 hectares). By Dalziel settlement period there were 11
    Khasrnahals, the largest being Nuananda bearing Tauzi No. 1316. It had a
    totaI area of 17,975 acres (7,274 hectares) in 104 villages and was
    purchased by Government for Re. 1 at a saIe for arrears of revenue in 1818.
    This estate contained the important market at Mirzapur. The Bichitrapur
    Khasmahal (on the river Subarnarekha) was a permanent lease taken by
    Government from the proprietor of Berapal estate for the purpose of salt
    manufacture for which it was never actually used. Government paid the rent
    of Rs. 799/- from 1,809 onwards but derived no income from the estate till
    1872 when it was sublet to one Babu Kailash Chandra Ray Mahasaya as an
    Ijarder.
    Sub-proprietors and tenure -holders
    It is doubtful whether under the Moughal and Marahata rule, the
    Zamindars of the plains had any right to create permanent intermediate
    tenures between themselves and their raiyats. None of them appears to
    have been created by the Zamindars with the exception perhaps of some
    Sarbarakars and Sikimi Zamindars. The other tenures have grown
    concurrently with the growth of Zamindar‘s interest inspite of the opposition
    of the Zamindars during the British period. The village headman was
    transformed into Makadam, the purchasers of the waste land grew into
    Kharidadars, the Zamindar‘s subordinate rent-collector ripened into
    Sarbarakar just as the master, having originally been rent collector of a
    higher grade, crystalized into a permanent Zamindar. During the Moughal
    period the idea of centralization found favour with the ruling kings. The
    tables were turned during the Marahata rule when the latter favoured the
    village headman at the expense of the zamindars. In the earlier days of the
    British conquest even-handed justice was done to both the classes to save
    themselves from the Zamindars. Many Makadams and Sarbarakars applied
    to be admitted into direct engagements with the Government and their
    prayers were allowed. This accounted for the large number of petty estates
    not only in Baleshwar but also in two other districts - Cuttack and Puri.
    Elaborate enquiries were made in 1837-45 settlement and the rights of the
    tenure-holders were settled once and for all.
    245
    Bajyaptidars
    These tenures formed the surviving land-mark of the attempt made by
    the middle classes to create revenue from lands for themselves in the name
    of the ruling power. When the British took over the province all persons
    claiming to hold Lakharaj or revenue-free were Invited to register their claims
    in the office of the Collector for investigation of their titles under section 18 of
    the Regulation XII of 1805. It was not until the settlement of 1837 that
    systematic proceedings were undertaken. Frauds on an extensive sale were
    attempted. In Odisha ciaims over 3 lakh acres were disallowed and those
    lands were resumed. But they were very liberalIy deaIt with and most of
    them assessed at half rates. Such tenures were called Adhajarna or Nisfi-
    bazyapti land the holders-Bajyaptidars. Such concessions were granted with
    a view to avoiding wide-spread discontent and hardship. Others were
    allowed to hold at nominaI rates (but not at full rates). They were called
    Purajama or Kamil Bajyaptidars and the holders commonly described as
    Kamildars. The Bajyaptidars were for the most part Brahmans and took pride
    in calling themselves Lakharajdars. Those whose claim to hold revenue free
    was disallowed were recorded as Bajyaptidar tenure-holders and those
    whose claim to hold rent free was disallowed ware recorded as Bajyaptidar
    raiyats. In Maddox settlement the totaI number of Bajyapati holdings
    resumed was 42, 200 in Baleshwar covering an area of 1,13,400 acres
    (45,591 hectares) and they were assessed at Rs. 51,700. Of this Kamil-
    bajypati tenancy was 14, 100, covering an area of 38,200 acres (15,459
    hectares) and the rents assessed amounted to Rs. 28,400. The number of
    Nisfi- bajyapati holdings was 28,100, covering an area of 75,200 acres
    REVENUE ADMINISTRATION (30,432 hectares) with a rental of Rs. 23,300.
    In revision (or Dalziel) settlement the area of Bajaypti holdings in temporarily
    settled estates decreased to 1,08,224 acres (43,796 hectares) as
    encroachers on Bazyapti holdings perfecting their title by adverse
    possession were not recorded as Bajyaptidars but as Stithiban raiyats), but
    the number of holdings increased to 1,73,114 due to unrestricted partition
    and transfer.
    Other Tenants
    The principaI tenant who held beneath the proprietors or proprietary
    tenure-holders may be divided roughly into five classes, i.e., (1) Thani raiyats
    or resident cultivators whose rents were fixed for the term of this settlement,
    (2) Pahi raiyats or non-resident cultivators who ware practically tenants-at-
    will, (3) Chandanadars who held only homesteads and whose rent was aIso
    fixed for the term of the settlement, (4) holders of service or other Jagirs who
    held their land rent- free either in consideration of service rendered or as
    rewards for service in the past, and (5) under-raiyats of tenants (1) to (4). Of
    these, the most numerous and important were the Thani and Pahi raiyats.

    246
    Raiyats
    The actuaI cultivators of the soil at the time of the British conquest were
    found to be divided into two classes, viz, Thani or resident and Pahi or non -
    resident raiyats. The term Thani is a corruption of Sthani or Sthaniya, i.e.
    locaI. The Thani raiyat had a hereditary right of occupancy in his lands, while
    the Pahi raiyat was a mere tenant-at-will. The advantages enjoyed by the
    former were that a) He held his homestead and garden land rent-free, b) his
    lands were the best in the village, and c) he had the preference in the
    reclamation of new lands.
    He had communal rights to pasture, fire-wood and thatching grass. He
    could not be ousted so long as he paid his rent. The possession of these
    advantages increased his importance in the eyes of his neighbours and
    strengthened his credit with the money- lender. On the other hand, his rent
    was much higher than that paid by the non-resident raiyat: and he under the
    extra contributions and impositions exacted from him by his landlord. These
    demands were often so excessive as to swallow up all the profits of
    cultivation, and the Thani-rayat, reduced to despair, often compelled to
    abandon his home. The Pahi-raiyat paid a much lower rate of rent, but on
    the other and he was liable to be turned out of his holding at any moment.
    Chandandars
    In the case of the cultivating classes, their homesteads generally
    formed part of their agricultural holdings, but the, shopkeepers, artisans, and
    the labouring classes, who had not arable land in the village, but only
    homesteads wore called Chandanadars. The term originally implied
    inferiority in status as on this class fell the obligation of supplying forced
    labour. But this obligation having fallen into disuse, the word ―Chandana‖
    came to be used for aII homestead land paying rent separately from the
    arable lands. At the provincial settlement, Chandanadars were given leases
    securing to them fixity of rent for the term of the settlement. Under the
    Odisha Tenancy Act their status was recognised and defined, and they were
    protected from eviction except in execution of a decree for arrears of rent.
    Save for these express provisions the incidents of the tenancy continued to
    be regulated by locaI custom and usage. The term Chandanadar is strictly
    applicable only to the Chandanadars in the temporarily-settled estates.
    Homestead tenancies which exist in the permanently-settled and revenue-
    free estates (recorded under Gharbari status) are governed entirely by
    contract and custom. But by an amendment of Odisha Tenancy Act (Odisha
    Act Xof1946) the Chandanadar‘s right in respect of his homestead has been
    made synonymous with the right of an occupancy raiyat both in the
    permanently settled and temporarily settled areas. There were 8507
    Chandana holdings with an area of 1786 acres (723 hectares) as per DaIziel
    Settlement Records.

    247
    Jagirdars
    A Jagirdar is one who holds land rent-free or on low rent in return for
    services rendered. There were two classes of Jagirdars, i.e., (1) those who
    rendered services to the landlord arid were liable to ejectment on failure to
    perform such service, and (2) those who performed services to the village
    community. Such Jagirs were called Desheta or Chakran Jagirs. The system
    of giving Jagir land to village servants such as barber, washerman,
    carpenter, potter, astrologer, etc., prevailed in Odisha from ancient time. In a
    small or newly established village where the number of inhabitants was too
    small to offer sufficient remuneration to the barber or the blacksmith, these
    were induced by grants of small areas of land rent-free to take up their
    residence and thus complete the formation of the village community. It was
    never intended that these Jagirdars should supply the needs of the villages
    without payment. The generaI custom was therefore that these village
    servants would also receive some small payments of paddy or cash annually
    from the raiyats. On special occasions they received doles of rice, cloth or
    money for performing duties connected with religious or social observance of
    the people. The lands given rent-free to the servants of the landlord were,
    however, valued for the purpose of revenue assessment. In Dalzlel
    Settlement, 1615 acres (635‘59 hectares) were recorded as personal Jagirs
    and 2399 acres (971 hectares) as Desheta Jagirs in the temporarily settled
    areas. In the permanently settled estates of north Baleshwar 602 and 18
    acres (243 and 7 hectares) were recorded as personaI and Desheta Jagirs
    respectively.
    Under- raiyats
    Tenants holding whether immediately or mediately under raiyats
    (occupancy, non-occupancy and Bazyaptidar raiyats) are classed as under-
    raiyats. These are commonly called Shikimi raiyats. Besides, persons
    cultivating protected or Nijot lands of proprietors or sub-proprietors to whom
    occupancy right could not accrue under the law were also treated as under-
    raiyats. In Dalziel Settlement there were 24,316 under-raiyats with an area
    on 12,857 acres (5203 hectares). Of these there were 19,490 cash-rented
    holdings with an extent of 8470 acres (3428 hectares).
    Although the Odisha Tenancy Act included under-raiyats as a class of
    tenants, it did not define their rights visavis their landlords and left them to be
    governed by contract or custom. Thus the custom or usage under which an
    under-raiyat could, under certain circumstances, acquire a right of
    occupancy was saved by section 237 of the Odisha Tenancy Act. They were
    given occupancy right over their homestead only by an amendment of the

    248
    Odisha Tenancy Act under section 236 in the year 1946. Not until the
    passing of the Odisha Tenancy Protection Act 1948, they could be statutorily
    protected against arbitrary eviction and rack-renting.
    Lands of other statuses
    In Dalziel Settlement, 10.762 acres (4.353 hectares) were recorded
    under Kharida Jamabandi tenures, 62,102 acres (25.132 hectares) under
    Bajyapti tenures; and 33, 299 acres (13.475 hectares) under other tenures.
    26.926 acres (10,596 hectares) were recorded as Nijot lands of
    proprietors/sub-proprietors which were in their Khas possession and being
    their private lands, raiyati right could not accrue. 84.556 acres (34.219
    hectares) were recorded as Nij-chas (lands in possession of proprietors!
    sub-proprietors which were not private lands), 55,665 acres (22,527
    hectares) were recorded as Rakshit (reserved for communal purposes) and
    12,437 acres (5033 hectares) as Sarbasadharan. 1.85,171 acres (74,936
    hectares) were recorded as Abad Jogya Anabadi (culturable waste)
    including 1,37,871 acres (55,795 hectares) of old falIow and 28,989 acres
    (11.731 hectares) of jungle. Besides, 25,141 acres (10.174 hectares) were
    recorded as current fallow, 3.94,171 acres (1,59,516 hectares) were
    recorded as Abad Ajogya Anabadi not available for cultivation.
    Land tenure in Nilagiri ex-state
    The system of tenures prevalent in Nilagiri ex-state before merger is
    given in the FinaI Report on the Nilagiri Settlement, 1917-22. Raiyats were
    divided into five classes. viz.,
    1. Thani (resident cultivators of a village-28,539.7 acres or 11,711.53
    hectares.
    2. Pahi (non-resident cultivators)-13,502‘01 acres or 5,464‘26 hectares.
    3. Chandana (resident non-cultivators occupying homestead lands
    only)-138‘70 acres or 56.13 hectares.
    4. Bajyapti (resumed Lakharaj lands assessed on full-rent) -4530·47
    acres or 1833.42 hectares.
    5. Kotha Chas (Khas lands sublet to tenants on payment of Sanja
    paddy)- 357.08 acres or 144.5 hectares.
    There was no law or record showing the rights enjoyed by the raiyats.
    But during the last settlement some rights and liabilities could be ascertained
    with due regard to establish usage in the state. The Thani raiyats got one
    Guntha (1/20 acres) of homestead land free of rent on every Mana
    (0.62acre) of wet land. No class of tenants had any right to transfer the lands
    without permission of the state. However, numerous cases of illegaI
    249
    transfers were detected during the last settlement. Mutation fee varying from
    anna to one rupee was charged for recording transfers, inheritance, saIe or
    gift. Delays or defaults in intimating inheritance, sale, etc were penalised by
    charging double the prescribed rates. No raiyat whether Thani or Pahi had a
    right of occupancy over his holding but no one was to be evicted except on
    satisfactory evidence of disloyalty to the state or on failure to pay arrears of
    rent. The raiyat was also liable to be evicted if he failed to bring under
    cultivation any waste land for which lease had been taken by him. Rent
    assessed was not liable to be enhanced or commuted during the term of the
    settlement. The raiyati holding was heritable but could not be divided among
    the heirs without the knowledge of the state authority. No raiyat could cut or
    utilize any tree standing on his land but was entitled to fruits of the trees. No
    unauthorised cess or Magana could be levied on any pretext. For default in
    payment of rent on due dates, the raiyat was liable to pay kisti khilap and his
    lands were liable to be sold for the arrear dues. As per last settlement there
    were 24,649 raiyati holdings with an area of 47,088.98 acres (19.056.32
    hectares) average area per holding being 1.91 acres or 0.77 hectares in the
    state.
    Besides the raiyati lands, there were Jagir lands. As per last settlement
    records there were 36 different classes of Jagirs covering a total area of
    2,370.76 acres (959.44 hectares). A Jagirdar had no transferable rig ht.
    Possession over the land continued so long as the specified duties were
    faithfully performed. Fruits standing on Jagir holdings were enjoyed by the
    Jagirdars but they had no right over the trees. Among the Jagirdars were the
    village Choukidars locally called Chatias. They depended more on the
    charity of the villagers than upon any aid from the state. They received a few
    sheaves of paddy from every cultivator at the harvest time and every
    resident supplied them one bowl of cooked rice every month. There were
    143 Choukidars who held 368 acres (148.93 hectares) of Jagir lands. There
    were another set of Jagirdars called Bethias. They were of low-castes. They
    carried luggages, etc., of the ruling chief and the officers on tour. They also
    helped ruling chief in Shikars (hunting).
    Revenue and Rent settlement in the past
    In October 1803, the British occupied Odisha and in 1804 made the first
    settlement under the instructions of the Commissioners subsequently
    embodied in Regulation XII of 1805. S. L. Maddox has given the
    comparative figures of annuaI revenue for 312 estates that existed under the
    Marahata and the early British period in the then Baleshwar district as
    follows:
    Marahata revenue Rs. 1 ,50,285
    Revenue in 1803 -05 Rs. 1,54,381

    250
    Revenue in 1805-06 to 1808-09 R5. 1,62,218
    Revenue in 1809-10 to 1811-12 Rs. 1,79,450
    Revenue in 1812-13 to 1814-15 Rs. 1 ,80,072
    Immediately prior to 1837-45 settlement the revenue was Rs. 3,41,332.
    In this settlement the revenue was settled at Rs. 3,83, 498. The net increase
    was mostly due to assessment on resumed Lakharaj holdings. As had been
    stated previously this revenue remained unaltered till it was revised in
    Maddox settlement. The total revenue of the temporarily settled estates as
    assessed at Maddox settlement in 1899 was Rs. 5,96,737 representing 53·3
    percent of the gross assets mostly due to extension of cultivation during the
    last 60 years. But in (Dalziel) Revision Settlement (1922-32) the revenue of
    these estates (the number was 2304) was Rs. 8,20,404 representing 53·1
    per cent of the gross assets (Rs. 12,54,454). To this may be added the total
    revenue of Rs. 34,835 which was permanently fixed in respect of 150
    permanently settled estates in the north of the district. The incidence of
    revenue per acre of assessed lands in Dalziel settlement was Rs.110 as
    compared with Re. 0·87 at Maddox settlement. Calculated on total area, the
    incidence was Re. 0·87 in Dalziel settlement as compared with Re. 0·63 in
    Maddox settlement.
    In the provincial settlement the assessed area in temporarily settled
    estates was 6,78,393 acres (2,74,537 hectares) of which the settled/
    occupancy tenants held 4,35,200 (1,76,120 hectares). The then existing
    rentaI of 7,23,500 of these tenancies was raised by Rs. 60,800 to Rs.
    7,84,300 giving an average incidence of Rs.1·77 per acre (Rs. 4·37 per
    hectare). In DaIziel revision settlement the assessed areas in these estates
    was 7,39,804 acres (2,99,389 hectares) of which the settled occupancy
    raiyats held 5,42,575 acres (2,19,573 hectares). The normal enhancement
    of four annas in the rupee was applied and the average incidence of rent
    rose to Rs. 2·22 per acre (Rs. 5·48 per hectare) in DaIziel settlement. But in
    the permanently settled estates the average incidence of rent on occupancy
    tenants (68,940 or 27,899 hectares) was Rs. 2.00 per acre (Rs, 4·94 per
    hectare) while in the revenue-free estates (34,627 estates) with 59,982 acres
    or 24,275 hectares it was Rs.1·83 per acre (Rs. 4.52 per hectare). There
    were varying rates of rent for different classes of tenancies from Rs. 5.22 per
    acre (Rs. 12.90 per hectare) in case of Chandanadars to Rs.1.26 per acre
    (Rs.3·11 per hectare) in case of Bazyaptidars.
    The Odisha Tenancy Act, 1913, no doubt, had prescribed certain
    procedures for rent settlement. Even then the emphasis was on existing rent
    and agreement between the parties to be the basis for rent settlement rather
    than on a rate of rent for each classification of land. No doubt the Act
    provided for a table of rate to be prepared and applied for fixation of fair and

    251
    equitable rent of a holding, but that was never applied in practice. This
    anomaly was not removed until passing of the Odisha Survey and
    Settlement Act, 1958 which for the first time definite principles regarding
    settlement of fair and equitable rent on the basis of productivity of land and
    other relevant factors like situation of a village, communication and
    marketing facilities, liable to vicissitudes of season, etc. the on-going
    settlement operations in Baleshwar is being earned since the year 1962
    under provisions of this Act, and this will be discussed separately in this
    chapter.
    Extension of Cultivation
    In the temporarily settled areas of Baleshwar the assessed areas in
    Maddox settlement was 6,92,200 acres (2,80,125 hectares) out of a
    cultivated area of 7,76,000 acres (3,14,837 hectares). But in Dalziel
    settlement this rose to 7,39,800 acres (2,99,388 hectares) out of a cultivated
    (cropped) area of 8.46,600 acres (3,42,600 hectares), showing an increase
    of 9.1 per cent in the areas under cultivation. This increase was 13 per cent
    in Sadar Sub-Division In the entire district covering temporarily settled,
    permanently settled and revenue-free estates the cropped area in Dalziel
    settlement was 9,21,707 acres (3,73,002 hectares). These figures do not
    include an area of 9·30 sq. miles (24.08 sq.km.) excluded from settlement,
    i.e., 6.00 sq. miles (15.54 set. km.) of Chandinipal jungles in Killa Kanika,and
    2.50 sq. miles (6.68 sq. km.) of Khasmahals borne in the revenue-roll of
    Midnapur district. In the temporarily settled estates there were 1,65,000
    acres (66,773 hectares) of culturable wastes including 1,13,000 acres
    (45,730 hectares) of old fallow and 22,700 acres (9,186 hectares) of jungle.
    Dalziel estimated that the additionaI areas available for cultivation are 16 per
    cent of the totaI area. The area actually brought under the plough since
    Maddox settlement was 49,400 acres (19,992 hectares) in the temporarily
    settled areas the then of Bhadrak Sub-Divisionnow Bhadrak district although
    Maddox settlement report states that only 40,000 acres (16,187 hectares)
    were open to future cultivation. Dalziel reported that even after extended
    cultivation there were still large areas in the sea coast available for
    reclamation. A large area that was previously shrub jungles in the coastal
    Pargana‘s was opened for cultivation since last settlement. The coastaI
    tracts were depopulated in the terrible cyclone of 1831 from which it couId
    not recover for a long time. The Odia cultivators never ventured to re-settle
    there. It was left for speculators from Midnapur to bring the lands under
    cultivation by taking settlement of large blocks from zamindars and getting
    them reclaimed by the Santal labourers from Mayurbhanj and by Muslims
    from Midnapur. These settlers were known as Chakdars. Although smaII
    embankments had to be erected, the cost of cultivation was low, the soil

    252
    being very good. The productivity of the land led to keen competition. The
    rate of Salami in late twenties rose to Rs. 50 and Rs.1 00 per acre.
    Subsequent to the last settlement, extensive areas were added to the
    coastal belt of Baleshwar as accretion from the sea. Those were not
    surveyed. The ex-intermediaries took advantage of this for settling them with
    persons mostly belonging to Midnapur and other districts of Bengal by
    getting higher Salami in preference to the claims of the local people. Some
    of these leases were made retrospectively after abolition of the estates by
    giving back-dated Pattas which attracted the penaI provisions contained in
    section 5 (i) of the Odisha Estates Abolition Act. Under this law if any
    settlement has been made after the 1st January 1946 with the object of
    defeating any provision soft the Estates Abolition Actor for obtaining higher
    compensation there under the Collector can set aside the lease after making
    proper enquiries. By law these accretions should have formed part of the
    holdings of the adjacent raiyats subject, of course, to payment of additional
    rent. These illegal leases led to a lot of commotion in the affected villages.
    To mitigate the effects of cyclone the Government has taken a decision to
    take up casuarina plantations within one kilometre belt from the high water
    mark of the sea under the Coastal Belt Afforestation Scheme. Butthis
    scheme ran into rough weather owing to large scale cultivation of the coastal
    lands by way of encroachments or by leases made by the ex -intermediaries.
    In Nilagiri an area of 55,214 acres (22,344 hectares) were recorded as
    cultivated and occupied in 1886-97 settlement. But in 1917- 22 settlements
    an area of 60,851.93 acres (24,626 hectares) were so recorded giving a rise
    of 5637.93 acres (2,282 hectares) as the extension of cultivation during the
    course of 30 years. This 10 per cent increase in the cultivated area in a
    period of 30 years shows that apparently there was not much room for
    reclamation.
    Landlord - Tenant Relationship
    Baleshwar was a district of smaII estates except in respect of a portion
    of Kanika ex-state which lay in this district. Barring a few, relationships
    between the landlord and the tenants in most of the estates was never
    satisfactory during the British period. As has been already stated previously
    they denied in many cases their legal right of occupancy in land and realised
    various forms of Abwabs (illegaI exactions) in addition to legaI rent details of
    which have been given elsewhere in this chapter. John Beams, Who was the
    Collector of Baleshwar during the period 1869-1873, has given some
    interesting instances of such Abwabs in his book called ―Memoires of a
    BengaI Civilian‖ posthumously published by his grandson Christopher Cook,
    which may be worthwhile to quote here:

    253
    Late Rajendra Narayan Bhanj Deo, ex-Zamindar of Kanika estate had
    imposed as many as 64 Abwabs in his estate during his rule on tenants
    which had practically broken their economic condition. This was strongly
    resisted by the people in his entire estate covering part of Baleshwar and
    Cuttack districts. The peasant revolution in Baleshwar portion of Kanika was
    spear-headed by late Chakradhar Behera in the early twenties of this
    century. Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das and UtkaI Keshari Dr. Harekrushna
    Mahatab had courted their first arrest by taking part in this peasant
    movement. Repressive measures of the Raja also attracted attention of
    Mahatma Gandhi. During his second visit to Odisha, in the year 1927, he
    sailed in Matai River from Charbatia in Basudebpur Thana to Panchutikiri.
    He heard the stories of exploitation and harassment of the tenants of Kanika
    estate but advised the leader Chakradhar Behera and his associates to
    continue their struggle against such repressive measures in a non-violent
    manner.
    In fact this peasant revolution was the precursor of the non- co-
    operation movement or independence struggle in Odisha. Some people in
    certain areas ceased to pay rent to raja and deposited the amount in the
    Government treasury. They also brought their complaints to the notice of the
    British Government. But no step was taken to redress their grievances, the
    situation gradually worsened and finally the raja took the help of the police
    contingent from Cuttack. Some people died and many were wounded by the
    police action in April 1922. At the intervention of raja the British Government
    took it as a part of non cooperation movement and as such tried to suppress
    the movement by aII means without making proper enquiries into the state of
    affairs. The raja also tried his level best not to introduce survey and
    settlement operations during the last Odisha Settlement by DaIziel. Due to
    agitation of some leaders like late Chakradhar Behera the Government
    ultimately agreed to take up survey and settlement operations in Kanika
    estate which facilitated recording of rights of and fixation of fair and equitable
    rent on their holdings. A book titled ―Dukhini Kanika‖ was circulated
    containing various forms of exactions and instances of repressive measures
    which evoked strong sympathy not only among the people of the estate but
    also among the people of Odisha in general. The relationship was so
    strained that at the time of harvest a police force with a Magistrate was being
    deputed invariably to remain present at the time of appraisement of the
    paddy in respect of the lands cultivated by the tenants under Dhulibhag
    status or Nijchas or Nij-jot lands of the proprietor even till the advent of
    independence. As has already been stated there were hardly any
    consciousness among the tenants that under the law Dhulibhag raiyats and
    the tenants of Nijchas lands had occupancy right and they could apply for
    commutation of rent which rig ht was never exercised.

    254
    The situation did not change very much even after independence
    except that the temporary lessees under the ex -intermediaries were granted
    ryoti right under the Odisha Land Reforms Act after abolition of the estates.
    The oppression of the zamindars ceased and illegal exactions stopped. But
    the consciousness of the tenants regarding their rights over lands cultivated
    by them on Bhaga basis was never roused. Under the Odisha Tenant‘s
    Protection Act, 1948 the Bhag-chasis were protected against arbitrary
    eviction and rack-renting by their landlords and this was also reiterated and
    strengthened in the Odisha Tenants Relief Act, 1955. Bhaga-chasis in
    generaI did not come forward to enforce this right particularly for payment of
    lawful rent (1/3rd of the gross produce for occupancy tenants, 2/5th for non-
    occupancy tenants under the Odisha Tenants Projection Act and 1/4th of
    gross produce under the Odisha Tenants Relief Act) rather than the
    customary Bhag of 50 per cent of gross produce. The practice of Bhag-chas
    was quite rampant in the past and continues unabated even till today in spite
    of statutory restrictions under the Odisha Land Reforms Act since 1 st
    October 1965,
    In the ex -state of Nilagiri a peasant agitation started in the year 1928
    demanding abolition of Bethi (forced labour) and other forms of Abwabs.
    Here also many cesses and fees were collected forcibly some of which went
    to the private treasury of raja and were not credited to the state treasury. On
    speciaI occasions, such as Shikar, Kheda, preparing roads for Shikar,
    carrying wood, coaI and straw for the palace, attending to the tours of the
    officiaIs, extinguishing fire in the jungle, carrying luggage of the officers, and
    clearing the aeroplane ground, a paltry sum (2 to 6 paise) was paid to
    labourers. Rasad which means forced suppIy of articles demanded by the
    raja or his officers played its part of oppression along with Bethi. Sarbarakars
    were fined for failing to supply Rasad to raja‘s camp, Fruits, sweetmeats,
    soda water, lemonade, cigarettes, foreign liquor and food articles which were
    not available locally were also supplied free of cost by the people procuring
    these either from Baleshwar or Kolkata, He-goats, fowls, and milch cows
    were aIso supplied free of cost to the raja, Besides these taxations, Magan
    was collected on the occasion of raja‘s marriage, marriage ceremony of any
    of the sisters or near relatives of the raia end the sacred thread ceremony at
    the rate of 50 per cent to 75 per cent of rent. Suniya Bheti was given to the
    raja on the day of Suniya (Oriya New Year‘s Day) by all the officers,
    Sarbarakars, Bhadraloks (respectable men), Lakhrajdars, Purohits and
    distant relatives of the raj family. There was a puncha system which means
    people must supply fuel and straw for use in the palace at nominal price.
    In 1928, the Raja of Nilagiri assessed on the tenants a heavy Abwab in
    connection with the celebration of the marriage ceremony of his daughter.
    There had already been discontentment among the tenants due to high
    255
    taxation and extraction on various pretexts as indicated earlier. So, they did
    not agree to the assessment of further enhancement of Abwab and revolted
    against it. The raja started oppression. The tenants on the advice of Dr.
    Harekrushna Mahtab left the state and came in thousands to Baleshwar. Dr.
    Mahtab wired Rev. C. P. Andrews to come to Odisha and look into the
    situation himself. It was at his intervention that a settlement could be arrived
    at and the raja agreed to pay proper remuneration for services obtained from
    the people. The tenants then stopped the agitation and returned home. In
    the book ―India and Simon Commission‖, Rev. Andhrews wrote, ―shortly after
    the departure of Mahatma Gandhi from Odisha for the Madras Congress
    about a thousand residents of a neighboring Garjatan away to Baleshwar
    with stories of relentless cruelty and oppression perpetrated on them. Their
    allegation was that the Raja was squandering away everything in luxury; that
    there were no accounts maintained of the rents realized, that people‘s
    suffering had exceeded all limits and many of them had left the State in
    search of justice. They were waiting at Baleshwar for months together with
    endless patience which could be compared with the patience of Job in the
    Bible.‖ They were firm that they would not return home until their sufferings
    were remedied. At Baleshwar some Swaraj workers had also helped these
    poor people by saving them from starvation. The situation changed after
    merger of the state in Odisha with effect from 1st January 1948 when the
    raiyats came directly under the State Government.
    Land Reforms
    With the implementation of land reform measures various incidences of
    land tenures described in the preceding paragraphs have only historical
    significance. The incidence of rights and Iiabilities, etc., of those tenures
    have either been obliterated or substantially modified since the attainment of
    independence in August 1947 owing to abolition of intermediaries. Pending
    enforcement of comprehensive land reform measures certain ad hoc
    enactments like of Odisha Tenants Protection Act, 1948 and the Odisha
    Tenants Relief Act 1955 were enforced to prevent arbitrary eviction and
    rack-renting of the tenants by the landlords. Land Reforms in its proper
    sense began with the enforcement of the Odisha Estates Abolition Act, 1951
    (Act I of 1952), which may be considered as the area test revolutionary
    measure in the field at land reforms. The objective of bringing the actuaI
    cultivation in direct relationship with the state was achieved in two phases.
    The first phase consisted of enforcement of the Odisha Estates Abolition Act
    which sought to abolish intermediaries between the state and the raiyat, and
    the second phase was the enforcement of the Odisha Land Reforms Act with
    effect from the 1st October 1965 which aimed at abolishing all raiyat-
    intermediaries between the state and the actual cultivator where the raiyat
    himself was not in cultivating possession of the land, by prohibiting Bhag-
    chas.

    256
    The broad features of these two revolutionary legislations are described
    in brief in the following paragraphs with their impact on the land tenures in
    Baleshwar district.
    Odisha Estates Abolition Act, 1951
    This Act came into force with effect from the 9th February, 1952 and it
    provided for abolition of all rights, title and interest in land of all
    intermediaries by whatever name known between the riayat and the state of
    Odisha and authorised the State Government to issue notification from time
    to time declaring that any estate has passed to and became vested in the
    state free from all encumbrance. An intermediary with reference to any
    estate was defined as proprietor, sub-proprietor, and landlord. land-holder,
    Malguzar, Thikadar, Gaontia, tenure-holder, under-tenure-holder and
    included an Inamdar, Jagirdar, Zamindar, llaqadar, Kherposhdar,
    Praganadar, Sarbarakar and Maufidar including the ruler to an lndian state
    merged with the state of Odisha and all other holders or owners of interest in
    land between the raiyat and the state. A raiyat was defined as a person
    having right of occupancy according to the tenancy law or rules or Custom
    prevalent in that area. On publication of the notification, the entire estate
    shall vest absolutely in the State Government free from all encumbrances
    and the intermediary shall cease to have any interest other than the interest
    expressly saved by or under the provisions of this Act for which he will get
    compensation as fixed under the Act. What were saved in favour of the
    intermediary were the homesteads in possession of the intermediary which
    he will retain on payment of rent as an occupancy tenant (Section 6 of the O.
    E. A. Act). Besides he will also retain all lands used for agricultural or
    horticultural purpose which were in his ―khas possession‖ on the date of
    vesting which will be settled with him on raiyati status on payment of fair and
    equitable rent (Section 7 of the O. E. A. Act). Such lands held by temporary
    lessees were aIso to be settled with him on similar terms if he was the owner
    of less than thirty-three acres. of land in total extent situated within the state.
    Temporary lessee (tenants without occupancy rights) under the
    ‗intermediary: owning more than 33 acres on the date of vesting and Jagir-
    holders who are village servants would be deemed to be tenants under the
    State Government and hold their lands under the same terms and subject to
    the same restrictions and liabilities under which they held the lands before
    the date of vesting (all such tenants were to attain raiyati status under
    provisions of the Odisha Land Reforms Act). But Jagir-holders for rendering
    personal service to the intermediary shall be discharged from the conditions
    of such service and lands in their possession will be settled with them on
    raiyati tenure. All such persons claiming raiyati status under the Act were to
    apply for settlement of lands before the Tahasildar within a prescribed
    period. As many persons failed to apply within the period prescribed,
    257
    Government extended the period from time to time by executive instructions
    and ordered to treat the application for settlements lease applications.
    The Collector was given the authority to cancel any lease given or
    transfer made of any land by the intermediary at any time after the 1st
    January 1946 if such lease or transfer was made with the object of defeating
    any provisions of the Act or obtaining higher compensation there under after
    ma king necessary enquiries and after giving opportunity to the parties
    concerned to appear and be heard (section 5 (i) of the O. E. A. Act).
    Subsequently from May 1986, Deshata Jagirs (village servants holding Jagir
    lands) were also abolished and the Jagirdars were treated as occupancy
    raiyats.
    On the 27th November, 1952 the first batch of notification under section
    3 of the Act vesting 271 permanently settled and temporarily settled estates
    were issued. The zamindar of Kanika whose estate partly lay to the extent of
    453 sq. km, in Baleshwar filed a writ petition in the High Court of Odisha for
    directing the State Government not to interfere in his rights and not to take
    possession of his estate which was ultimately dismissed. In the next batchof
    notifications 472 temporarily estates vested in 1953. In 1954, 2651 estates
    vested. Between 1956-64, 11 estates vested. Thus a total of 3405
    proprietary estates vested in the State Government under the O.E.A. Act. It
    may thus be seen that in Dalziel Settlement period the number of temporarily
    settled estates was 2394 and the number of permanently settled estates was
    150. Against 2544 estates the number of proprietary estates increased to
    3405 mainly due to partition among the co-shares of the temporarily settled
    estates. Besides the right, title and interest of sub-proprietors, tenure-
    holders, and revenue-free tenures and revenue-free estates were also
    abolished in different phases. One sub-proprietary estate vested in 1957,
    257 such estates vested in 1958 and 895 in 1959. Thus interests of 1153
    sub-proprietor estates vested by 1959 (in Dalziel Settlement period there
    were 1046 sub-proprietary tenures). Between 1956-1963 interests of 40.502
    tenure- holders were abolished. (In Dalziel Settlement period there were
    35.917 tenure holders in temporarily settled estates and 2820 in
    permanently settled estates). 334 tenures in Nilagiri ex-state vested in 1963.
    The records maintained in the Collectorate relating to the particulars of
    revenue-free and tiny estates were hopelessly out-of-date. Since
    notifications have to specify particulars regarding the estate to be vested it
    was thought that mentioning incorrect particulars may lead to serious legal
    difficulties. The Act was therefore amended authorising the Government to
    issue general notifications for vesting without mentioning the name of any
    intermediaries, but only describing the class to which the estates belong.
    After this amendment general notifications were issued abolishing aII
    intermediary interests including interests of revenue-free estates. Three
    258
    revenue free estates had vested in 1959 and two in 1960. But in 1963 as
    many as 34,231 revenue-free estates in Baleshwar proper and 5054 in
    Nilagiri vested. (Dalziel had recorded 34,627 revenue-free estates in
    Baleshwar.)
    In Baleshwar district 93,784 compensation cases were started, out of
    which 90,019 have been disposed of. Compensation of over 2 crores of
    rupees has been awarded till the end of March, 1987. Cases instituted and
    disposed of in all the Tahasils of the district under various sections of
    OEAAct are given below; 40,167 cases were started for settlement of lands
    under sections 6 and 7 of the OEAAct in Khas possession of the ex-
    intermediaries including trust estates and aII these cases have since been
    disposed of by March, 1987. No information or statistics is available
    regarding the extent of land, the number of beneficiaries and the amount of
    rent settled. It was, however, found that some intermediaries of petty and
    small revenue-free estates and tenures could not avail of the opportunity of
    filing their claims petitions in time due to their ignorance of law. Moreover, by
    the time settlement operation started many cases had not beer: disposed of
    by the Tahasildars. All such cases have been recorded under Bebandobast
    status in the current settlement records. 3,204 cases were started under
    section 8 (3) of OEAAct for settlement of lands in favour of Jagirdars doing
    personal service. All such cases have also been disposed of. No information
    is available regarding the Extent of land settled and the number of
    beneficiaries. Where cases had not been disposed of by the time settlement
    operations started, such Jagir lands have also been recorded in
    Bebandobast status. The Settlement Officer reports that in 3,305 villages
    completed so far from settlement operations in the district (This does not
    cover 418 villages transferred to the Consolidation Organization)‘ as many
    as 57,309 holdings with an extent of 53,809 acres have been recorded in
    Bebandobast status, These Iands if not covered by proceedings u/s 6,7 and
    8 (3) of the OEA Act will either vest in Government or be settled with the
    beneficiaries by the Tahasildars on fixation of fair and equitable rent.
    Government is losing a lot of money by not settling them in favour of persons
    who are entitled to such settlement or by not starting encroachment cases
    against persons in possession if they are not covered by the proceedings
    under the OEA Act. 11,268 cases were started under section 5 (i) of the
    OEA Act, out of which 11,048 have been disposed of leaving a balance of
    220 by March. 1987. No information is available regarding the extent of land
    in which the leases have been declared void and the extent of land
    confirmed. It has been observed elsewhere that there was substantial
    accretion of land from the sea after the last revision settlement. The ex-
    intermediaries had leased out most of these lands in favour of persons from
    outside Odisha in preference to the legaI claims of the villagers. Most of

    259
    these lands appear to have been leased out after vesting by giving back-
    dated receipts/documents. The district administration should take steps for
    declaring all such illegal leases void.
    As stated above many ex-intermediaries/Jagirdars could not file claim
    petitions within the prescribed period for settling lands in their possession in
    their favour. All such cases were ordered to be treated as lease cases under
    OEA Act. 66,600 cases were started either on application or suomotu by the
    Tahasildars. Out of this 66,219 have been disposed of by December, 1986,
    having a balance of 381. No information is available regarding the extent of
    land settled and the number of beneficiaries.
    Before ―enforcement of Land Reforms proper the private land (Iands
    held on the date of merger by a ruler free of rent) of rulers of ex-states were
    made liable to assessment and levy of rent under the Odisha Private Lands
    of Rulers (Assessment of Rent) Act, 1958. Under this law private land
    belonging to the Raja of Nilagiri and his relatives and dependants were
    assessed to rent. Chowkidari system was abolished under the OdishaOffices
    of Village Police (Abolition) Act, 1964. The Jagir lands held by the
    Chowkidars were resumed and vested in State Government but they were
    settled with rights of occupancy on fixation of fair and equitabe rent but free
    of Salami in favour of the Chowkidars or his co-sharers or tenants as may be
    found in possession of such lands on the appointed date. Government later
    ordered that if any Chowkidar had no Jagir land. Government waste land
    and even Gochar lands could be settled with them, if available, free of
    Salami in the same or in the neighbouring village.
    These Chowkidars who held offices more or less on hereditary basis
    were later re-placed by Grama Rakshis appointed under the Odisha Grama
    Rakhi Act. 1967.
    Odisha Land Reforms Act, 1960
    That Act came into force with effect from the 1st October, 1965 except
    Chapters III and IV. Chapter lll providing for resumption of land from
    ternporary tenants for personal cultivation and for giving raiyati rights to the
    irresurnable lands to such tenants became effective from the 9th December
    1965. Chapter IV relating to fixation of ceiling and disposal of ceiling surplus
    land became effective from the 2nd October 1973. The main features of the
    Act as subsequently amended from time to time and Its effect on the land
    tenures in the district are summarised in the following paragraphs;-
    In order to acquire the right of a raiyat, the temporary lease, the sub-
    tenant or the under-raiyat, as the case may be, or his successor-in- Interest
    (heritability to such temporary tenant was conceded for the first time by an
    amendment of the Act in 1976) has to apply to the ah3sildar for settlement of
    260
    the land with him within a prescribed period as extended from time to time
    and on payment of compensation at the rate of eight hundred rupees per
    standard acre of land to be paid in five equal installments as may be fixed by
    the Tahasildar (originally this was fifty per cent of the market value).13,425
    persons got raiyati right over 13,685 acres of land in Baleshwar district till the
    31 st December 1986 under this provision of law. A raiyat liable to pay
    produce rent shaII not pay more than 1/8th of the gross produce or
    equivalent thereof. The rig ht of a raiyat is permanent heritable and
    transferable but he shall have no right to lease out his lands unless he is a
    ―person under disabilitv‖ or is a ―privileged raiyat‖, The right of transfer of
    raiyati land has been made void from 1976 for a period of ten years without
    obtaining prior permission from the Tahasildar in respect of lands settled for
    agriculturaI purposes, except transfers made in favour of Scheduled Bank or
    a co-operative society by way of mortgage. He is liable to eviction if he
    (a) has used the land comprised in his holding in a manner which
    renders it unfit for the purpose,
    (b) Has leased out the land in contravention of the provisions of the Act,
    or
    (c) Has used the land for any purpose other than agriculture
    Conditions (b) and (c) are new obligations of the raiyat which were not
    there either in the Odisha Tenancy Act or in the Merged State (Laws) Act.
    Although Bhag-chas has been prohibited since 1st October 1965, rayats
    who are neither ―persons under disability‖ nor ―privileged raiyats‖ continue to
    lease out their rayati lands in full or in part to tenants and are realising about
    fifty per cent of the produce with impunity. Not a single case has been
    started for eviction of the raiyat for leasing out his land in contravention of
    the law. No tenant is willing to enforce his right of acquiring raiyati right over
    such land by applying to the Collector for fear of being evicted by the
    landlord. The cost of personaI cultivation has become prohibitive owing to
    sharp increase in cost of agricultural labour and inputs. Bag-chas is likely to
    continue indefinitely till personal cultivation continues to be unremunerative
    and till the tenants remain unaware of their rights or are unwilling to enforce
    them. Enforcement of their right in litigation is not easy. Similar is the case
    with regard to use of land for purposes other than agriculture. Although large
    scale conversion of agriculturaI land for non-agricultural purposes has taken
    place, no step has yet been taken for evicting the raiyat. These two
    provisions of law have, therefore, remained inoperative in practice.
    The transfer of land by a raiyat belonging to a Scheduled Tribe/Caste
    shall be void unless it is made in favour of a person belonging to a
    Scheduled Tribe/Caste or with the previous permission in writing of the Sub-

    261
    DivisionaI Officer·. The Revenue Officer shaII not grant such permission
    unless he is satisfied that a purchaser being to a Scheduled Tribe/Caste and
    willing to pay the market price is not available. The S. D. O. suomotu or on
    application by any person interested shall cause restoration of the property
    thus illegally interested to the transferor or his heirs after causing necessary
    enquiry. The transferee after being evicted from such land shall not be
    entitled to the refund of any amount paid by him to the transferor by way of
    consideration money. Similar provisions apply to unauthorised occupation of
    the whole or part of holding of a S.C./S.T. raiyat by way of trespass or
    otherwise. In such cases, the adverse possession in favour of the occupant
    will be ―thirty‖ years instead of ―twelve‖ years as provided in the Limitation
    Act, 1963. 1,065 cases were started for restoration of S. C‘/S. T. lands
    illegally transferred or forcibly occupied out of which 993 cases had been
    disposed of by the 31 st December, 1986 in which 273 acres were restored
    in favour of 469 persons. This provision of law in the O. L. R. Act is not
    applicable to Nilagiri Block No. 1 which has been declared as a Scheduled
    Area under the Scheduled Area (Constitution) Order in 1977. A similar law,
    namely, the Odisha (Scheduled Areas) Transfer of Immovable Property (by
    Scheduled Tribes) Regulation, 1956 (Regulation 2 of 1956) is applicable to
    this area, in respect of lands belonging to the Scheduled Tribes.
    A raiyat or a tenant of a village having no permanent and heritable right
    in respect of any site on which his dwelling house or farm house stands is
    entitled to get raiyati right on it or on a portion thereof not exceeding 1/5th of
    an area. 768 such persons have got raiyati rights over 110 acres of
    homestead lands under this Act up to the 31st December 1986.
    A tenant with temporary right (Bhag-chasi) shall not be liable to pay
    more than 1/14th of the gross produce of the land or value there of as
    produce-rent subject to a maximum of 8, 6, 4, 2 standard maunds of paddy
    or value thereof respectively for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes of land. This
    right has been made heritable (but not transferable) under the Odisha Land
    Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1976. The landlord has right to evict such a
    tenant only if the tenant-
    (a) Has used the land in a manner which renders it unfit for the purpose
    of agriculture; or
    (b) Has failed to cultivate the land properly or personally; or
    (c) Has failed to pay or deliver to the landlord the rent within a period of
    two months from the date by which it becomes payable there being no
    dispute regarding the quantum of such rent.
    Besides the tenant shall also cease to have the right to cultivate the
    land if the landlord is a ―person under disability‖ at the end of the year during
    262
    which the disability ceases or if the landlord being a privileged raiyat person
    under disability ceases to be the landlord. A person under disability is
    defined as a-
    (a) widow, unmarried or divorcee woman;
    (b) minor;
    (c) person incapable of cultivating by reason of some mental or physical
    disability;
    (d) a serving member of the Armed Forces:
    (e) a person, the total extent of whose lands held in any capacity does
    not exceed three standard acres (till 1976 this limit was five standard acres).
    A standard acre is defined as equivalent to one acre of class land
    (irrigated land capable of growing two or more crops a year). 1 acres of class
    land (irrigated land in which not more than one crop could be grown in a
    year), three acres of class-III land (unirrigated land capable of growing
    paddy) and 4 acres of class-IV land (any other land). A privileged raiyat is
    defined as (a) a co-operative society, (b) Lord Jagannath and his temple and
    (c) any trust or other institutions declared as such under the Act before
    commencement of Odisha Amendment Act 17 of 1973 or by a competent
    authority under the OEA Act or by the Tribunal to be a religious or charitable
    trust under section 57-A or any public financial institution. 1687 religious and
    charitable institutions have been declared as ―privileged raiyat,‖ but the
    number of persons declared as ―persons under disability‖ is not available.
    Bhoodan
    In the early part of fifties, Acharya Vinoba Bhave initiated a movement
    called Bhoodan Yagna for acquisition of land through voluntary gift with a
    view to distributing the same to the landless persons. To facilitate donation
    of lands in connection with Bhoodan Yagna and to provide for distribution of
    such lands and for matters of ancillary there to, the Odisha Bhoodan Yagna
    Act was enacted in 1953 which if implemented with the spirit with which the
    movement was ushered in, would have brought in a revolutionary chance in
    the ideas of land ownership. It provided for the establishment of a Bhoodan
    Yagna Samiti In favour of which donation of land could be made by the la
    rid-owners. Distribution of donated land was made through the Samiti in the
    prescribed manner. Certain restrictions were placed on the inthe matter of
    transfer and dispose of the allotted lands. The total extent of land donated
    and distributed to the allottees under Bhoodan/ Gramdan is 1424 acres till
    31 st December 1986. 968 Bhoodan cases were started, out of which 374
    were confirmed, and 517 rejected. 77 cases are still pending for disposal by
    31st March 1986. It is known that 102 cases are still pending for disposal by
    end of December 2014.
    263
    Waste Land Settlement
    As has already been stated there were no intermediaries with landed
    interest between the state and the raiyat in the ex-state of Nilagiri. In this ex-
    state waste land allotment was made directly by the Durbar Administration
    The rest of the district was a Zamindari area excepting a small area of
    18,558 acres 751 0.19 hectares) in 19 Khasmahals and allotment of land
    was made either or by sub-proprietors or by tenure holders or their official is
    according to the degree of ownership each class of tenure had over the
    estate. Thus-the landlords had the absolute power to lease out waste and
    forest lands including in some cases reserved lands like Gochar until this
    power was restricted by the Odisha Preservation of Private Forest Act 1947.
    This Act was followed by the Odisha Communal, Forest and Private Lands
    (Prohibition of Alienation.) Act, 1948 (Act I of 1948) which was enacted to
    prohibit retrospectively from 1 st April 1946 alienation of communaI forest
    and private lands without prior permission of the Collector. Section 61 of the
    Odisha Tenancy Act provided that no waste land could be reclaimed by the
    raiyat without the written consent of the landlord. But the consent of the
    landlord was presumed if within 4 years from the date on which the raiyat
    commence declamation the landlord has not made and application to the
    Collector for his ejectment. Thus aII encroachments over wastelands could
    be legalised as raiyati lands, as no landlord had exercised this right of filing
    application for ejectment. This law also applied to government lands in
    Khasmahal areas where the Government waf the landlord until section 61
    was made inapplicable to the Government lands under section 5 of the
    Odisha Government Land Settlement Act 1962. After abolition of the estates
    there was no law authorising and appropriate authority to lease out
    wastelands for agriculturaI or other purpose, except what was contained in a
    set of executive instructions in the Government Estate ManuaI. Government
    for the first time prescribed a set of principles for settlement of wastelands
    i.e. their order dated 26th October 1964 called ―Approved Lease Principles‖.
    This rule prescribed a priority of settlement outside reserved areas in favour
    of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes having Iands less than
    five acres to the extent of 5 acres only including homestead lands, The
    landless persons belonging to other backward classes and other land- less
    persons would get preference next to the landless S. Cs. and S. Ts. Persons
    having lands exceeding five acres were not to get and settlement of
    wastelands but all encroachments prior to 13th September, 1961 which were
    not objectionable were to be settled with encroachers irrespective of the area
    owned or encroached on payment of a nominal Salami of Rs.50/-to Rs.150/-
    according to the quality and productivity of the land. Under this rule the
    Tahasildars appear to have freely exercised powers to lease out government
    lands including those with good forest growth even in favour of persons who
    were not agriculturists. This happened because definition of ―landless

    264
    person‖ was not correlated to the source of livelihood. The definition of land-
    less person‖ was subsequently modified on 29th May1965 to mean a person
    having no profitable income or livelihood other than agriculture if he owns
    either as tenant or as raiyat less than five acres of land including land held
    as such by any member of his family living with him in one mess. The
    Approved lease Principles‖ were followed by the Odisha Government Land
    Settlement Act 1963 which came into force from 1st January 1965. This Act
    was supposed to supersede he executive instructions contained in Approved
    Lease Principles‖, but the lease principles being more exhaustive were
    followed in to as the O. G. L. S. Act as enacted in 1962 contained a lot of
    lacunae. Major changes removing most of the lacunae were effected in the
    Presidential Act 22 of 1973 which came into force from 1st February 1974.
    This Act also underwent further amendment in 1975 and in 1981 to make its
    implementation more effective. Government also amended the lease
    principles by issuing executive instructions from time to time. Under the
    revised instructions encroachments made prior to 16th August 1972 could be
    settled with an encroacher to the extent he was landless. In the definition of
    land- less 2acres was substituted for 5 acres for settlement of
    unobjectionable encroachments. But for S. Cs, and S. Ts. the limit of five
    acres for landless remained unaltered. ‗The lease principles besides making
    provisions for settlement of land for agriculture also made provisions of
    settlement of homestead lands in rural, semi- urban and rapidly developing
    areas according to a certain order of priority. Settlement of land in urban
    areas was made under the Odisha State Urban Land Settlement Rules,
    1959.
    The present law regarding settlement of government lands is that 70
    per cent of the settleable lands shaII be settled with persons belonging to the
    Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their respective
    population in the village in which the land is situated, and the remaining shaII
    be settled with other persons in the following order of priority:
    a) co-operative farming societies formed by landless agricultural
    labourers;
    b) any landless agricultural labourer of the village in which the land is
    situated or of any neighboring village;
    c) ‗Ex-servicemen or members of the Armed Forces of the Union, if
    they belong to the village in which the land is situated!
    d) raiyats who personalIy cultivate not more than one standard acre of
    land:
    e) in the absence of persons belonging to any of the foregoing
    categories, any other person.

    265
    No government land shall be settled in urban areas for agricultural
    purposes, lands covered by forest growth or recorded as forest shall not be
    settled for any purpose whatsoever without prior approval of Government In
    each village, land for homestead purpose shall be demarcated separately
    and no settlement shaII be made outside the demarcated areas. The
    statutory rules now provide for settlement of house-sites in urban areas. The
    powers of sanction of settlement of government land for various purposes
    have been specified in the Schedule of the Odisha Government Land
    Settlement Rules 1983. Power for settlement of land beyond the delegations
    made there in for purposes other than agriculture shaII lie with the
    Government. The Tahasildar‘s power of settlement for agricultural purposes
    in favour of landless agricultural labourers is limited to one standard acre
    and for homestead purpose up to five decimals subject to confirmation by S.
    D. O. (Sub-collector.)
    No reliable figure is available regarding extent of land settled under the
    lease principles or under the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act prior
    to 1974- 75. But from 1 974 -75 up to 31st March 1986 the extent of land
    settled with the landless persons is 4,727 acres in favour of beneficiaries.
    Out of them the number of S. T. beneficiaries is 2,724 who have got 1,785
    acres and the number of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries is 1802 who have
    got 1473acres. Providing homestead to homestead less persons is included
    in the 20-point Programme and Government also have laid emphasis on
    providing homesteads free of cost to poor people in the villages. Even in
    some urban and fast developing areas the homestead less persons are
    being given land up to 4 decimals free of cost. From the year 1974-75 to
    31st March 1986, 10,764 families have got 509 acres of land out of which
    5,299 Scheduled Tribes‘ got 266 acres and 3,221 Scheduled Castes families
    got 138 acres. Section 6-A of the OdishaLand Reforms Act prohibits transfer
    of such lands within a period of 10 years without the permission of the
    Revenue Officer (Tahasildar) end Section 3-B of the OGLS Act, authorises
    him to resume such lands if it is used for any purpose other than that for
    which it was settled. No case has yet been started for taking action for
    enforcement of this provision of law.
    Encroachments
    Encroachment on wasteland was always being encouraged by the
    zamindars in the interest of reaIisaton of relit from the cultivators.
    Encroachments on communal/reserved lands were being dealt with as public
    nuisance under provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure or the
    encroachers were being prosecuted under section 290 of the Indian Penal
    Code which was an indirect method. But under section 61 of the Odisha
    Tenancy Act an encroacher could acquire an occupancy right even if the
    Iand was Rakshit, After abolition of inter- mediates which resulted in vesting
    of a II waste/jungle/ Rakshit communal lands in the State Government free

    266
    from a II encumbrances, the Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act
    was passed in 1954 for prevention of unauthorised occupation of
    Government land which included in its definition lands of locaI
    authorities/corporations/ companies owned or controlled by the State
    Government. This Act was replaced by the O. P. L. E. Act, 1972 which has
    since undergone severaI amendments, one in 1975, another in 1976, a third
    in 1979 and a fourth in 1983. This Act gave summary powers to Tahasildars
    for eviction of encroachrnents and for levy of assessment, penalty and for
    imprisonment in civil jail. This Act also provides for settlement of land in
    favors of encroacher, if the encroachment is unobjectionable in favour of
    certain categories of poor persons up to one standard e are in rural areas for
    agricultural purposes and 1/20th of an acre in urban areas for homestead. In
    spite of such stringent provision of law encroachments both in rural and
    urban areas are rampant. In spite of the circulars issued by the Board of
    Revenue and the statutory provision in O. P. L. E. Rules to cover all cases of
    encroachments by O. P. L. E. proceedings, encroachment cases are started
    only in respect of a few encroachments. Whatever case is started is not
    pursued and they continue indefinitely from year to year. According to entries
    in the encroachment case Registers of the Tahasildars, 40,163 cases were
    started, out of which only 2,609 were disposed by 28th February 1987, most
    of which were probably ended ill settlement rather than in eviction.
    Survey and Settlement
    The previous Settlement operation known as Major Settlement
    operation in the undivided Baleshwar district started in the year 1961 for
    simultaneous operation (Survey, Record of Right Preparation and
    Settlement of Rent) under Section 36 of the Odisha Survey and Settlement
    Act, 1958 just 30 years after the last Settlement was finalized in the year
    1932. Notifications bringing different areas of the district within the purview
    of the Settlement were issued between the year 1960 and1979. The
    programme covered the whole district including the ex-state of Nilagiri,
    excluding 345 villages of Basta Police station and 01 village named Nampo
    of Jaleshwar Police station (These 346 villages were subsequently intended
    to be covered under the Consolidation operation which were notified in the
    years 1974-76). Undivided Baleshwar district formed a wing of Baleshwar-
    Mayurbhanj Major Settlement with headquarters at Baripada with one or two
    Charge Officers at Baleshwar. Initially it functioned as a part of Cuttack
    st
    Major Settlement until its separation on 1 April 1964. Before taking up
    Survey and Settlement operation, the district had a total of 4442 villages.
    345 villages of Basta P.S. and 01 village of Jaleshwar P.S. were covered by
    the Consolidation operation before Settlement operation was taken up in
    these areas. Another batch of 91 villages consisting of 71 villages of
    Bhadrak P.S. and 20 villages of Singla p.s. were taken up by Consolidation
    organization. Thus 4005 villages were left for completion of Settlement
    operation. 73 villages were amalgamated with the neighboring villages and
    267
    29 villages were newly formed from the existing villages with the approval of
    Board of Revenue by resorting to Boundary Change Proceeding under Rule,
    61 of Odisha Survey and Settlement Rule,1962. The total nos of villages
    thus were reduced to 3961 villages. These villages were divided into seven
    Blocks (A, B, C, D, D-I, E andF) according to the year of initiation of
    operation. By the end of December, 1987 Settlement operation had been
    completed in respect of 3315 villages and by the year 1995 Settlement
    operation had been completed in respect of all 3961 villages.
    The sabik area of villages comprising the district was 1,324,486 acres
    (536,003 hecters) during the time of Major Settlement finalized in the year
    1932 and the hal area had been increased to 1,422,642 acres (575,725
    hecters). Increase in the area is attributed to inclusion of 31 villages (41
    villages of Mayurbhanj district and 01 village of Kendujhar district included
    and 11 villages of Baleshwar district transferred to Kendujhar district),
    survey of unsurveyed areas and amalgamation of some lands accreated
    from sea (The information furnished by different agencies with regard to the
    area of the district did not agree with each other and it was difficult to
    reconcile these figures. However, the area furnished by the then Settlement
    officer had been taken to be reasonably reliable). The area occupied by the
    Reserve Forests were not included with in the village area during the
    Settlement operation.
    During the Settlement operation, lands had been recorded mainly
    under 04 categories.
    1. Rayati land, i.e. lands held by rayatis under sthitiban status.
    2. Government land under four khatas viz. Abad Jogya Anabadi,
    Abad Ajogya Anabadi, Sarbasadharan and Rakshit.
    3. Departmental lands, i.e. lands held by different Departments of
    Government.
    4. Bebandobasti, i.e. lands vested with Government under the
    provisions of the Odisha Estates Abolition Act, 1951 (Act I of
    1952).
    Settlement operation was done under four stages, i.e. (1) Kistwar and
    Khanapuri, (2) Bujharat and Attestation, (3) DraftPublication and Objection
    Hearing, and (4) Final Publication and Patta Distribution. Under the first
    stage of operation the village was surveyed and lands held by different
    persons, institutions, departments etc. were separately mapped and
    preliminary record-of- rights prepared by causing local enquiries. In the next
    stage of operation extracts of priliminary record-of-rights were supplied to the
    land owners as well as landlords and record-of-rights explained, called
    Bujharat. Mistakes, omissions and commissions were enquired into and
    record corrected and attested. During the third stage of operation, the

    268
    attested records together with assessment of rent holding-wise were put to
    draft publication for a period of 60 days. Objections were received and
    decided by offering opportunities of being heard to all interested persons and
    maps and records, wherever necessary corrected. The statute was providing
    opportunities to the aggrieved persons to file appeal and revision before the
    competent authorities. Lastly record-of-rights are finally published and
    extract of record-of-rights supplied to the land owners.
    Settlement of rent was an important work during Survey and Settlement
    operations. Rent was fixed in accordance with the principles laid down under
    the Odisha Survey and Settlement Act, 1958 and rules framed there under.
    For fixing of rent villages were first grouped into 03 classes (Class-I, Class-II
    and Class-III) keeping in view of the situation of the village, communication
    and market facilities, depredation by wild animals and liability to vicissitudes
    of season. Lands were then classified with due regard to crop or crops
    grown on the land, nature of soil, situation of the land in the village and
    source of irrigation. They had thus been classified into 36 classifications,
    viz., Sarad (I,II,III), Sarad Dofasali (I,II,III), Sarad Jala (I,II,III), Sarada Jala
    dofasali (I,II,III) ,Taila (I,ll), Biali, Biali Dofasali, Pala (I,II,III), Baje Fasal (I and
    II), Bagayat (I,II,III), Jalasaya (I and II), Dalua (I and II), Ghar-bari (I and II),
    Rayati lands used for commercial purpose, miscellaneous land, puratan
    patita and homesteads (rural, urban and semi-urban). Varying rates of rent
    have been fixed (approved by Government) for each such class of land for
    each group of villages for each Thana completed from rent settlement. Rent
    of agricultural land is fixed taking into account average price of crop or crops
    normally grown on land, situation of the land and the nature of the soil and
    maximum rent assessed on land of similar quality and productivity in the
    state. Rent was linked with the net profit which a land owner derives from the
    land. The lands used for any purpose other than agriculture including all
    kinds of homestead land both in urban and rural areas is fixed having regard
    to situation of the land, purpose for which it is used, communication and
    marketing facilities and market value of the land. A statement showing Sabik
    and hal rent of the police stations completed from the Major Settlement
    operation in respect of erstwhile Baleshwar district is given below.
    SL.No Name of the Police station Sabik rent Hal rent
    1 2 3 4
    Rs. Rs.
    1 Raibania 84,636.38 3,49,833.00
    2 Baleshwar 1,84,123.00 4,63,284.00
    Sadar and Town
    3 Nilagiriand Berhampur 1,31,893.99 3,65,300.00
    4 Tihiri 149708.00 3,88230.00
    5 Bhograi 1,77,411.50 7,52708.00

    269
    6 Baliapal 57,609.30 2,10,656.50
    7 Soro, Remuna and Khaira 4,44,113.58 10,29,331.00
    8 Bhadrak, Chandbali, Dhamnagar, 6,64,422.00 17,25,673.00
    Bhandaripokhari, Bansada
    9 Similia, Bant and Basudevpur 85,860.00 2,02,486.00
    10 Singla 67,449.88 3,20,720.36
    11 Jaleshwar (R )Jaleshwar( Town) 85,501.78 4,34,914.40

    nd
    2 Round of Survey and Settlement Operation
    nd
    The 2 round of Survey and Settlement operation known as Raghupati
    Major Settlement (R.M.S.) in the following P.S.s of Baleshwar district have
    been taken up in pursuance of Government of Odisha, Revenue Department
    Notification as detailed below.
    SI. Name of the P.S. Notification No. and Date No of villages
    No. taken up
    1 2 3 4
    1 Remuna 5448/R dt.26.08.1989 169
    2 Khantapada 5448/R dt.26.08.1989 116
    3 Khantapada 54921/R dt.06.02.1995 03
    4 Soro (NAC) 44226/R dt.04.10.1991 26
    5 Nilagiri (including 23647/R dt.31.05.1996 254
    Oupada P.S.)
    6 Berhampur 23647/R dt.31.05.1996 29
    Total 597
    As such, total 600 nos of villages including 20 units have been taken up
    nd
    for 2 round Survey and Settlement operation. Out of which Settlement work
    of 367 nos of villages ( 171 of Remuna P.S., 129 villages- Khantapada P.S.,
    16 villages/ units- of Sora NAC and 51 villages- Nilagiri, Oupada and
    Berhampur P.Ss) have been completed by 2006. Out of rest 233 villages,
    Survey and Settlement operation of 05 villages (01 namely Nuapadhi under
    Remuna P.S. and 04 nos of villages namely Raipur, Kamarpur, Khandasahi
    and Gopinathpur under Soro.P.S.) are remained_ stayed by the orders of
    Hon'ble High Court, Odisha, Cuttack. Out of rest 228 villages 77 nos of
    villages under Nilagiri, Oupada and Berhampur P.S.s are de-notified vide
    Govt. in Revenue and Disaster Management Department Notification
    No.51146/RDM dt.13.12.10 as per policy decision of Government. Out of
    rest 151 villages de-notification proposal of 08 villages under Nilagiri
    P.S.(NAC) has been submitted to Government as per policy decision of
    Government. Final Publication and Patta distribution of rest 143 villages
    have been completed by the end of 2013. The copy of record-of-right has
    also been handed over to the concerned Revenue Authorities i.e. Revenue
    Inspector, Tahasildar and Collector, Baleshwar offices.

    270
    This Raghupati Major Settlement is being done under three stages, i.e.
    (l) Kistwar and Khanapuri (2) Attestation, Draft Publication and Objection
    Hearing, and (3) Final Publication and Patta Distribution, which shows that
    only Bujharat stage has been omitted during this Settlement and Attestation,
    Draft Publication and Objection Hearing are being done during the second
    stage but process of working in the above stages are the same with the
    Major Settlement. Further, the principles of settlement of rent during this
    R.M.S. is same with the Major Settlement but as the R.M.S in respect of all
    villages of the district has not yet been completed, the sabik and hal rent
    statement has not yet been prepared. However, according to R.M.S. rule the
    classification of lands has been changed to 13 classifications instead of 36,
    which are: a) Sarada Jala Sechita Ekfasli, b) Sarada Jala Sechita dofasli, c)
    Sarada Ana Jala Sechita- I, d) Sarada Ana Jala Sechita- II, e) Sarada Ana
    Jala Sechita- III, f) Pala, g) Taila, h) Bagayat-I, i) Bagayat-II, j) Jalasaya-I, k)
    Jalasaya-II, l) Gharbari and m) Patita.
    There were 82 villages on the interstate boundary dispute i.e. 27
    villages of Raibania P.S., 18 villages of Jaleshwar P.S. and 37 villages of
    Bhograi P.S. which adjoin 90 villages of Midnapur district of West Bengal.
    The interstate boundary dispute of 82 villages of Baleshwar district has been
    resolved. Further another discrepancy has been created by the local people
    in the boundary of Sahabajpur with the adjoining village Padima in Midnapur
    district which is at a strategic point near Digha, a tourist place of West
    Bengal.
    Consolidation of Holdings
    As in other coastal districts of Odisha land holdings in Baleshwar have
    been increasingly fragmented due to unrestricted sale, partition and
    successions, etc., over the years. Individual holdings lie widely scattered
    making their cultivation laborious and expensive. This has not only reduced
    the productivity of land but has made on farm development impossible
    resulting in increasing impoverishment of the rural life. The law regarding
    consolidation of holding sand prevention of fragmentation of land which is
    called the ―The Odisha Consolidation of Holdings and Prevention of
    Fragmentation of Land Act, 1972" came into force with effect from the30th
    November 1972. The objective is not merely to consolidate the scattered
    holdings to compact blocks but also planning of the rural village to co-
    ordinate all developmental activities in the village by providing on farm
    developments like field irrigation, access road to Chaka plots, reservation of
    lands for community needs like schools, play ground, hospital,veterinary
    centre, Panchayat Ghar and house-sites for Harijans, Adivasis, etc. The pre-
    consolidation work in the district started in the year 1974. The programme as
    on 31st December, 1987 covered 807 villages with 1,05,226 hectares. The

    271
    Director of Consolidation with headquarters at Cuttack is the Head of
    Department for implementing consolidation programme in the state. One
    Deputy Collector at Baleshwar with supervising and appellate powers is
    looking after this work.
    Mutation
    Record-of-Rights called Khatian or Khata or Patta is the most useful
    and valuable document in possession of a land owner as it exhibits identity
    of his ownership, status under which he holds the land, extent and
    classification of the land, rent and cess payable. etc. This he requires very
    often for various purposes like getting loan from Government or financial
    institutions, dispute over landed property, establishing his identity and
    owner- ship in Court of Law, etc. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary that it
    should be kept up-to-date. Before abolition of the estates it was the
    responsibility of the landlords to mutate the names of the successor- in-
    interest of a tenant due to transfer, succession or partition, etc. Customarily
    25 per cent of the consideration money was- payable when a sale took place
    for entry of the name of the transferee in landlords records. But the Odisha
    Tenancy Act was amended in 1938 abolishing this fee and ma king it
    mandatory on the landlord to recognize the transfer on receipt of a copy of
    the notice of transfer from the Registering Officer specifying the names of
    the transferor and the transferee and the division of rent. On abolition of the
    estates the and lords handed over list of tenants from which they were
    collecting rent immediately before abolition (called Ekapadias)to the
    Tahasildars, Therefore, maintenance of the record-of-rights to keep them up-
    to-date (i.e.; mutation work) became the most important work of the revenue
    administration. This process also got statutory recognition by pre- scribing a
    procedure for maintenance of record-of-rights in Chapter IV of the Odisha
    Survey and Settlement Rules. Detailed executive instructions were also
    provided for in the Mutation Manual. But somehow this most important item
    of work did not receive as much attention as it ought to have in the hands of
    the Tahasildar sand supervising officers. Fortunately for Baleshwar, Survey
    and Settlement operations took over the work of making the record-of-rights
    up-to- date from the year 1962 during which time the mutation work of the
    1ahasildars remained suspended. But after finaI publication of the record-of-
    rights in most of the villages mutation by Tahasildars was revived. 45,664
    mutation cases were pending in the Courts of tahasildars for disposal as on
    31st March 1986 where settlement proceedings have been completed. As
    stated earlier some 58,746 holdings have been recorded in bandobast status
    as applications for disposal of cases for settlement of land under sections 6,
    7, and 8 (3) of the Estates Abolition Act were pending for disposal by the
    Tahasildars at the time of preparation of‘ draft record-of-rights. As a result

    272
    55.020 acres of land are in occupation of persons entitled to settlement
    which are escaping rent and cess with serious loss of revenue to
    Government. .
    Rent / Cess / Nistar Cess / Revenue
    As per Dalziel Settlement Report (1922-32) the settled rent in divisional
    settlement in the permanently settled areas was Rs.1 ,52,239. In the
    temporarily settled areas including Khasmahals it was Rs.15,95, 744. In the
    revenue free estates it was Rs. 90,304 and in the sub- proprietary tenures it
    was Rs. 1,61,791. In Nilagiri as per 1917- 22 Settlement Report it was Rs.
    73,496 for the ex-state and R5.2 0,802 for the tenants of Thakuar MahaI. So
    the total settled rent for the district as per last Settlement Reports was Rs.
    20,94,376. On vesting the words ―Revenue‖ and ―Rent‖ became
    synonymous. Rents were settled in respect of Khas possession (Nijote and
    Nij-chas) lands of the proprletors sub-proprietors and for personaI Jagir
    lands on conferrment of raiyati right under sections 6, 7 and 8 (3) of the OEA
    Act. Wastelands were also settled under the Approved Lease Principles. So
    by the end of 1966-67 when land revenue was abolished with effect from 1st
    April 1967 the rent demand had substantially increased. Under the Odisha
    Land Revenue (Abolition) Act no raiyat or tenant is liable to pay land
    revenue in respect of any land held by him directly under Government
    provided such land‘ was used for purposes of agriculture, horticulture or
    pisciculture or for purposes of any small scaIe industry located outside the
    limits of the Municipality or Notified Area Council. Thus only homesteads and
    industries situated in urban areas are liable to pay land revenue. Land
    revenue was re- imposed in the year 1976-77 but was again abolished trun
    the year 1977-78. On abolition of the land revenue the cess which was 25
    per cent of the rent demand1was increased to 50 per cent. New rent has
    been settled under O. S. S. Act in respect of 3,754 villages whlch took effect
    at different periods beginning from the year 1967 -68. According to the report
    of the Settlement Officer against the existing rent of Rs. 21 ,23,729 in 3,305
    villages completed from rent settlement under his organization (excluding
    villages transferred to consolidations) the settled rent was Rs. 62,43,145
    giving a n increase of 192.75 per cent over the existing rent.
    Besides the cess payable under the Odisha Cess Act, 1962 the tenants
    of Nilagiri ex-state also pay another cess called ―Nistar Cess‖ or forest cess.
    It is a commutation fee paid annually by the inhabitants of an ex-state area
    for free use, for use at concessional rate of timber and other forest produce
    from the Khesra or B-Class reserved forests for their own use and not for
    sale or barter. In Nilagiri, Nistar cess was levied at 1/2 annas per ‗Man‘ (2/3
    acre) of land on persons holding rent-free lands and one anna per Man by
    raiyats. They were entitled to take trees of species not declared reserved
    273
    free for their own use from Khesra forests. This cess continued to be levied
    after merger. The Demand/Collection and Balance (D. C. B.) position of land
    revenue (rent cess and Nistar cess of the district during 2012-13 TO 2014-15
    is given below.
    Demand Collection and Balance Statement of the district on Land
    Revenue, Cess and Nistar Cess for the five years 2012-13 to 2014-15.

    Year Item of Revenue Demand


    Arrear Current Total
    2012-13 Land Revenue 8,68,341 24,38,395 33,06,736
    Cess 22,42,946 55,24,572 77,67,518
    Nistar Cess 4,547 8,285 12,8,32
    Part II 1,55,88,753 9,18,38,358 10,74,27,111
    Part III 45,00,786 48,85,590 93,86,376
    2013-14 Land Revenue 8,12,366 27,43,662 35,56,028
    Cess 19,44,624 57,38,342 76,77,966
    Nistar Cess 4,551 8,285 12,636
    Part II 1,47,05,168 8,66,38,969 10,13,44,137
    Part III 46,76,262 48,84,091 95,60,353
    2014-15 Land Revenue 10,72,875 28,23,674 38,96,549
    Cess 19,29,818 55,27,628 74,57,446
    Nistar Cess 11,005 8,285 19,290
    Part II 1,68,60,466 559,29,617 7,27,90,083
    Part III 45,61,778 48,79,290 94,41,068

    Year Item of Revenue Collection


    Arrear Current Total
    1 2 6 7 8
    2012-13 Land Revenue 7,67,834 23,26,490 31,14,324
    Cess 19,67,474 48,68,976 68,36,450
    Nistar Cess 1,871 6,805 8,676
    Part II 60,27,469 16,63,94,130 19,24,21,599
    Part III 38,48,458 41,69,169 80,17,627
    2013-14 Land Revenue 6,20,723 24,36,293 30,57,016
    Cess 15,73,795 5,548 60,64,694
    Nistar Cess 1,980 5,548 7,528
    Part II 25,91,432 18,34,49,063 18,60,40,495
    Part III 32,48,087 39,29,747 71,77,834
    2014-15 Land Revenue 6,73,221 25,52,476 32,25,697
    Cess 14,27,244 45,50,305 59,71,549
    Nistar Cess 2,118 5007 7,125
    Part II 30,75,681 24,72,09,830 25,02,85,511
    Part III 17,89,687 35,70,969 53,60,656
    Part III 27,72,091 13,08,321 40,80,712

    274
    Year Item of Balance
    Revenue Arrear Current Total
    1 2 3 4 5
    2012-13 Land Revenue 80,507 1,11,905 1,92,412
    Cess 2,75,472 6,55,596 9,31,068
    Nistar Cess 2,676 1,480 4,156
    Part II 95,61,284 42,58,820 1,38,20,104
    Part III 6,52,328 7,16,421 13,68,749
    2013-14 Land Revenue 1,91,943 3,07,369 4,99,012
    Cess 3,70.829 12,42,443 16,13,272
    Nistar Cess 2,371 2,737 5,108
    Part II 1,21,13,736 3,70,62,874 491,76,610
    Part III 14,28,175 9,54,344 23,82,519
    2014-15 Land Revenue 3,99,654 2,71,198 6,70,852
    Cess 5,02,574 9,77,328 14,78,897
    Nistar Cess 8,887 3,278 12,165
    Part II 1,37,84,785 469,24,418 1,84,77,203
    Part III 27,72,091 13,08,321 40,80,712

    Stamp Revenue
    Revenue is also collected from sale proceeds of stamps (judicial and
    non-judicial) in the district. The table below shows the revenue earned in the
    district from 1982-83 to 1986-87.
    (Figures in rupees)
    Year Revenue Revenue Insurance Non-judicial Judicial
    Adhesive Stamp Stamp stamp Stamp

    2010-11 67,19,000 11,52,009 1,17,100 68,34,603 10,10,81,207

    2011-12 46,03,750 10,24,000 1,82,400 81,77,163 16,56,37,308

    2012-13 15,54,500 15,36,000 86,850 1,89,340,804 12,22,11,000

    2013-14 22,67,940 8,96,000 3,73,743 96,84,020 18,99,54,332

    2014-15 23,22,100 8,96,000 66,000 1,09,69,690 18,62,36,304

    Year M.V. Tax (Rupees In lakhs)


    2010-11 20,74,24,204/-
    2011-12 22,88,25,205/-
    2012-13 29,87,37,089/-
    2013-14 29,98,33,975/-
    2014-15 33,42,000
    Registration
    The district is divided into eight sub-districts for the purpose of
    registration. Addititonal District Magistrate (general) functions as the District
    Register of the district. The member, board of Revenue is the appointing
    275
    authority for Sub-Registratrs. District Registrar is the controlling authority in
    respect of registration work in the district.
    The statement below shows the income from registrations in the district
    form 2010-11 to 2014-15.
    Year Income (In rupees)
    2010-11 20,74,24,204
    2011-12 22,88,25,205

    2012-13 29,87,37,089
    2013-14 29,98,33,975

    Besides he deals with a large number of revenue miscellaneous


    cases for issue of income certificates, solvency certificates, caste
    certificates, succession certificates, etc. He is responsible for collection of
    land revenue, irrigation revenue 2nd miscellaneous revenue, etc. Besides
    doing the normaI revenue work, he is required to do a lot of non-revenue
    work in his Tahasil. Apart from pre-occupations with special time-bound
    programmes like census, agricultural census, election and relief operations
    during flood, drought and other natural calamities his services are
    requisitioned whenever a special programme or special item of work has to
    be taken up in his area regardless of his pre- occupations with normal
    revenue work. He is also to attend a number of meetings in Sub-Division or
    district headquarters. He represents the Collector in a number of site
    selection and other such meetings and has to do a lot of miscellaneous work
    during.
    Irrigation Revenue
    In the matter of supply of water for irrigation and assessment of water
    rates the BengaI Irrigation Act, 1876 was followed in Baleshwar. The first
    canal built in the district, was known as Rickets canal in the year 1826and
    the Odisha Coast CanaI which was opened for traffic in 1885 were meant for
    navigation and not for irrigation. Both canaIs fell into disrepair and did not
    serve the purpose for which they were constructed. The High Level CanaI
    which was taken up in 1867 as a famine relief measure by the East India
    Irrigation and Canal Company was designed to provide navigable trade
    between Cuttack and Kolkata and also to irrigate the land area through
    which it passed. This great scheme was later abandoned and only three
    reaches were completed-Reaches Iand II being in Cuttack district and Reach
    No.III lying between Akhuapada and Bhadrak Bhadrak district. This was
    completed in 1891- at a cost of Rs.9,87,000 including the cost of seven
    distributaries of 109 km. It was proposed to extend the channeI up to
    Baleshwar but this project was abandoned as it was found that there were
    276
    no rivers of sufficient size to afford adequate supply of water to the canal. It
    was fed from the river Baitarani at Akhuapada and was available both for
    irrigation and traffic.
    The Odisha Irrigation Act 1959 came into force in the district on the 1st
    June 1 963. It repealed the BengaI Irrigation Act, 1876. This Act provided for
    levy of compulsory basic water rate for irrigation of the staple cereal crop
    and optional water rates (or simply water rate) for supply of water for any
    crop other than staple cereal crop. Special rates are prescribed for non-
    agricultural use of water from irrigation works. Compulsory basic water rate
    was abolished in the year 1968-69 making it optional for the owners and
    occupiers of lands to use water from any irrigation works as before. If they
    desired to do so they were to make applications to the Tahasildar in the
    prescribed forms. Tahasildars were notified as Irrigation Officers. The
    regulation of water to fields, assessment of water rate and cess and
    collection thereof is the responsibility of the Revenue organisation through
    the normal revenue agency of Collector, S. D. O. and the Tahasildar. During
    this period the annual demand of water rate fell sharply. The compulsory
    water rate was therefore re-imposed in the year 1974-75. Initially the
    compulsory basic water rate for Odisha was very low when compared with
    other states and the total irrigation revenue was not sufficient to cover the
    cost of maintenance of irrigation works. The Government therefore
    enhanced the basic water rates by 100 per cent and water rate by 50 per
    cent which was made effective from the 24th September 1981. The rates of
    compulsory basic water rate for staple cereal crop as now applicable to
    different classes of irrigation works are as follows:
    Classes Period of Depth of Rate per
    Supply Supply acre
    (1) (2) (3) (4)
    st
    1 Class June to November 28‘‘ Rs. 16.00
    nd
    2 Class June to November 23‘‘ Rs. 126.00
    rd
    3 Class June to October 18‘‘ Rs. 8.00
    th
    4 Class June to October 9‘‘ Rs. 4.00

    Dalua crop carries a water rate of Rs.36.00 per acre, sugarcane Rs.40
    per acre, wheat Hs. 13.00peracre and potato Rs.22.50 per acre. Mung
    carries the lowest water rate of Rs.2.50 and other pulses Rs.4.50 There are
    thus varying water rates for different crops. Even with this increase in
    compulsory basic water rate,the rate is still lower than those in some other
    states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and the receipts do not cover the
    working expenses.

    The DCB position on water rate for the year 2012-13 to 2014-15 are
    given below. (Those are C.B. water rate andrabi water rate)
    277
    Demand Collection Balance
    2012-13 93,86,376 80,17,627 13,68,749
    2013-14 95,60,353 71,77,834 23,82,519
    2014-15 94,41,058 53,60,656 40,80,712
    Revenue Organisation
    The Collector is the head of the Revenue administration in the district.
    There is hardly any Central or State legislation which does not embrace the
    scope of action of the Collector. Although after independence the emphasis
    on the role of the Collector has been shifted from collection of revenue to
    development, the designation of the Collector continues till today. At the
    Sub-Divisional level the Sub divisional Officer is the counterpart of the
    Collector. The Collector has other statutory and administrative functions. He
    is assisted by the SDO(s), Deputy Collectors and Revenue Officers.
    Estates Abolition Act. Each AnchaI was placed in charge of an Anchal
    Adhikari who was either Deputy or a Sub-Deputy Collector. The OEA Act
    originally envisaged consisting of local authorities called Anchal Sasan
    consisting of an Anchal Sabha and an Anchal Adhikari. On subsequent
    thought Government decided not to enforce this provision of Act regarding
    constitution of locaI authority. The O. E. A. (Amendment) Act, 1957 provided
    that the Anchal will be managed according to the laws, rules and regulations
    for the time being in force for management of Government estates. The
    Collectors were placed in direct charge of the administration of AnchaI
    subject to control of the Board of Revenue. To bring uniformity in the matter
    of territorial units and their nomenclature throughout the state, the Odisha
    Revenue Administration (Units) Act. 1963 was passed which provided that
    the units for purpose of revenue administration throughout the state shaII be
    the Revenue Division, District, Sub-Division and Tahasil. The Sub-Division is
    divided into as many Tahasils as the State Government may deem fit
    provided that the State Government may also declare the whole area of a
    Sub-Division to be a Tahasil. The Tahasil system of administration was
    introduced in 1963. Each Tahasil is headed by a Tahasildar who is assisted
    by one or more Additional Tahasildars according to workload. For
    convenience of revenue and land administration each Tahasil is divided into
    a number of Revenue Inspector Circles. The number of Sub-Divisions,
    Tahasils and R. I. Circles in the district given below:
    The Revenue Inspectors are assisted by revenue Moharirs for
    collection work and by a peon for helping him in miscellaneous duties. They
    are invariably survey trained persons but where the workload is heavy they
    are assisted by one or more survey knowing Amins to help them in
    identification and Sub-Divisions of plots, correc- tion of record-of-rights and
    in miscellaneous enquiries, etc. For assessment of compulsory basic water
    rates and water rates special Amins are appointed under the Tahasildars.

    278
    For Correction of record-of-rights in the Tahasil office Amins are also
    appointed.
    The Tahasildar is the representative of the State Government so far as
    land administration in the Tahasil is concerned. He is the custodian of
    Government land in the Tahasil and it is his duty to see that government
    lands are not encroached upon and steps are taken for removal of
    encroachments, if any. He is also the authority to deal with aII revenue cases
    under various Acts such as,
    (1) Odisha Land Reforms Act
    (2) Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act
    (3) Odisha Public Demands Recovery Act
    (4) Odisha Estates Abolition Act
    (5) Mutation cases under Odisha Survey and Settlement Act
    (6) Lease cases under the Government Land Settlement Act
    (7) Odisha Bhoodan Yagna Act
    (8) Regulation 2 of 1956
    (9) Odisha Irrigation Act

    Tahasils at A Glance
    Baleswar is a coastal district. It has 12 Tahasils and 12 Blocks. The
    basic functions of Tahasils are: 1.Issuance of Residence, Income, Caste,
    Legal Heirs Certificates, Solvency certificate; 2.Disposal of Mutation Cases
    and Correction of RoR; 3.Disposal of Certificate Cases under OPDR Act; 4.
    Disposal of Encroachment Case both Rural and Urban area; 5.Protection of
    Government Land; 6.Collection of Land Revenue; 7.Disposal of Cases and
    collection of conversion fees from the cases U/S-8(A) of OLR Act;
    8.Distribution of House site to the homestead less families; 9.Selection of
    site for different projects; 10.Regularization of advance possession and
    11.Deal with preventive Section.
    A brief profile of Tahasils and RI Circles in the district is given in the
    following tables:
    Name of the Area (Acre/ No of RI No of
    Sl No No. of Gram Panchayat
    Tehsil Sq.KM) Circle villages
    1 Baleshwar Ac.107278.22 11 27 295
    2 Remuna 47842 Sq. KM 9 28 328
    3 Simulia 211.44 Sq.K.m. 8 17 154
    4 Basta 47.894 Sq. Km 5 22 282
    5 Bahanaga 25096.42 hect 6 21 173
    6 Soro 522.58 Sq. Kms 8 22 192
    7 Jaleshwar Ac 93,151.863 7 27 269
    8 Khaira Ac.78699.98 9 30 361
    9 Bhogarai 132.68 Sq.mile. 9 32 349
    10 Baliapal 110 Sq. miles 6 27 239
    11 Nilagiri Ac 88499.37 6 30 252
    12 Oupada Ac.20589.85 6 6 81

    279
    Information on R.I. Circles
    Sl. Name of the R.I. No. of G.P. No. of Villages
    No. Circle

    Sadar
    1 Sadar 2 53
    1 (municipality)

    2 Chandipur 4 15
    3 Saragan 2 20
    4 Rasalpur 3 21
    5 Baincha 1 16
    6 Tiakhia 1 15
    7 Parikhi 1 2
    8 Nagram 2 18
    9 Odangi 2 33
    10 Rupsa 5 78
    11 Chhanua 4 24
    Remuna
    1 Khirachora 4 56
    2 Badagan 2 28
    3 Naraharipur 3 39
    4 Sahupada 2 37
    5 Kuruda 1 19
    6 Kuligan 3 21
    7 Kurunia 7 92
    8 Srijung 4 15
    9 Panchagarh 2 21
    Simulia
    1 Markona 2 12
    2 Bari 2 30
    3 Maitapur 2 17
    4 Purusottampur 3 19
    5 Jamjhadi 2 15
    6 Khirkona 2 27
    7 Ada 2 15
    8 Pandu 2 19
    Basta
    1 Basta 76
    2 Dandi 61
    3 Sahada 37
    4 Gudikhal 59
    5 Amarda Road
    Bahanaga
    1 Bahanaga 4 36
    2 Khantapada 3 35
    3 Gopalpur
    4 Baripada

    280
    5 Bishnupur
    6 Anji
    Soro
    1 Manipur 2 17
    2 Soro 1 33
    3 Anantapur 2 8
    4 Pakhar 2 15
    5 Dahisada 3 26
    6 Kedarpur 4 33
    7 Kudei 5 38
    8 Mangalpur 3 22
    Jaleshwar
    1 Jaleshwar 4 59
    2 Nampo 4 47
    3 Paschimbad 3 25
    4 Jamalpur 3 48
    5 Saradiha 5 35
    6 Olmara 6 48
    7 Khuard 2 7
    Khaira
    1 Antara 4 31
    2 Barttana 3 41
    3 Dungura 2 44
    4 Gandibed 4 45
    5 Khaira 4 54
    6 Kupari 4 35
    7 Saundia 3 32
    8 Sanjaypur 3 41
    9 Tudigadia 3 38
    Bhogarai
    1 Kamarda 4 44
    2 Nachinda 4 37
    3 Mohagab 3 33
    4 Batagram 1 17
    5 Deula 4 32
    6 Bhograi 3 28
    7 Gunaibasan 3 37
    8 Bichitrapur 5 50
    9 Kakhada 5 61
    Baliapal
    Baliapal 5 57
    Bolang 3 25
    Jamakunda 6 37
    Karanj 4 50
    Srirampur 5 44
    Panchupali 4 26
    Nilagiri
    Nilagiri 6 81
    Oupada 06 81

    281
    Modernization of Land Records:
    In the way of modernizing and bringing efficiency to the land revenue
    administration as well as to make it citizen-centric, technological intervention
    has been envisaged under the centrally sponsored Digital India Land
    Records Modernization Programme. Major focus of the Programme is on
    citizen services. Various components of the programme are underway in the
    district which in brief have been outlined below.
    Under this programme, all textual data of records of rights are being
    updated and computerized. Data conversion of all textual records has been
    completed in respect of all Tahasils of the District and has been hoisted in
    the Bhulekh website. Computerized RoRs are being issued to the citizens.
    Re-entry of RoR data is being done on continuous basis for further updation.
    Cadastral map-sheets of all the villages of the district have been digitized
    and mosaicised. All those maps have been integrated with the textual RoR
    data of bhulekh website for public view and official use. Steps have been
    taken to make the mutation process transaction based in which notices of all
    transactions registered in the registration offices are sent by the registering
    officers to the concerned tahasil offices for initiation of mutation proceedings.
    There have been sharp decline in the application based mutation cases
    during the last 2-3 years. Further all Tahasildars have been instructed
    suitably to dispose all un-contested mutation cases within a maximum period
    of three months. People have been greatly benefitted due to quicker up-
    dation of land records.
    In line of computerizing the Tahasil offices of the district, Tahasil level
    computer cells have been made functional in all Tahasils of the district.
    Information technology is being use for maintaining village wise property
    records and for providing services to citizens in a better way.
    All the Tahasil offices have been provided with broadband internet
    connectivity. In addition, virtual private network over Broad Band (VPNoBB)
    has been provided in the Tahasil offices for secure data transmission. The
    VPNoBB connectivity is being used to transmit the updated RoR data from
    the concerned tahasils to the NIC Head-quarters through File Transfer
    Protocol (FTP) for reflection of the same in the bhulekh website. Steps have
    been also taken to provide connectivity through Odisha State Wide Area
    Network (OSWAN) to all Sub-Collectorates, Tahasils and Registration offices
    of the district. The District Head Quarters are already connected with
    OSWAN.
    In order to replace the existing system of physical storing and
    maintenance of land records which has a lot of shortcomings and
    282
    inconvenience, Modern Record Rooms in Tahasil offices are being created
    under DILRMP. In these Modern Record Rooms, valuable revenue case
    records shall be stored electronically through document management
    system software after their scanning. Maintenance of land records in the
    dematerialized format shall go a long way in long-term storage of the
    valuable revenue case records as well as in providing better citizen centric
    services. As of now, Modern record rooms have been made functional in all
    Tahasils of the district.
    Under DILRMP, all the Registration Offices of the district have been
    computerized with adequate hardware, software. All the Registration offices
    are connected to the Central Server at the State level through a dedicated
    software on Virtual Private Network (VPN) mode.Bio-metric authentication
    system has already been put in place in all the Registration offices. Data
    Entry of Valuation details, legacy encumbrance Data and scanning of old
    documents in respect of all records from 1995 to date has been
    accomplished. Citizens are being provided immediate services such as
    Encumbrance Certificates (E.C.) and Certified Copies (C.C.) at the
    Registration offices.

    283
    CHAPTER – XII
    LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE

    Incidence of Crime
    Incidence of crime in the district appears to be normal. But at times, the
    police are hard pressed to maintain law and order.It is mainly due to the
    geographical location of the district. The district of Midnapur in West Bengal
    forms the border of northern Baleshwar. This provides ample opportunities to
    outside criminals to commit crime in these areas and make good their
    escape to West Bengal by train or by road before it comes to the notice of
    the police.
    The first noticeable gang dacoity committed in the district was in 1930
    in which 8 Punjabis including a notorious convict and the leader of the gang
    were involved. Before that, organised crimes by professional criminals were
    almost unknown and crime was confined to occasional dragging and robbing
    of pilgrims on the Jagannath Road (now National Highway No.5). Murders
    and dacoity were committed rarely and occurred mostly as a result of
    factions, land disputes and love intrigue. But there was a high rate of suicidal
    cases especially among women. There arose a communal disturbance in the
    district in the year 1926 though such type of disturbance was quite
    uncommon.
    In the year 1955, two cases of gang dacoities involving 62 criminals
    were reported. All the criminals of the gang were caught and sent up for trial.
    In 1959, three cases of dacoity and two cases of robbery were brought
    to the notice of the police. Hand made bombs and crackers were used by the
    criminals in the case.
    The years 1959 and 1962 recorded increase of crimes i.e. dacoities in
    the district which were due to economic reasons resulting from partial failure
    of crops and rise in price of the essential commodities. In 1961 alone, 34
    cases of dacoities and 44 cases of robberies were reported from different
    places of the district. Thirty of the dacoits were professionals and the other
    four were technicals.
    Total number of cognizable crimes reported to the police during 1975-
    1979 varied between 2,849 and 3,073. Most of the cases were burglaries
    and theft.
    As mentioned earlier many of the dacoities and robberies were
    committed by the criminals from outside the state. They, while committing

    284
    crime, used deadly weapons. The most disturbed area in the district is the
    Bhograi police-station limits. The bordering area of the police-stations like
    Jaleshwar and Raibania are also greatly affected by such criminals. Regular
    patrolling by police both from Odisha and West Bengal has helped to reduce
    the number of such crimes in these areas in recent times.Copper wire theft
    which was rampant quite for sometime in the district has now come under
    control after the introduction of regular patroling by the police.
    The district is politically conscious. Several miscellaneous cases like
    rioting cases under sections 324, 325 and 337 of the Indian Penal Code are
    normally reported due to party friction, for village disputes and the student
    unrest.
    It is evident from the available statistics relating to the nature of crimes
    committed in the district that burglary and theft are the chief forms of crime.
    Dacoities and robberies are also usual.
    Murders are not so common. Such crime sometimes occur resulting
    from petty matters, land dispute or love intrigue.
    Rioting and formation of unlawful assemblies constitute another popular
    from of crime involving a number of persons.
    The statement given below indicates the number of different types of
    crime committed in the district during the period from 2010 to 2014.
    Comparative Crime Figures for last 5 years of the District
    Part-I (IPC Crime)
    Sl. No. Head of Crimes 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
    1 Murder 53 62 75 56 65
    2 Attempt to commit Murder 40 66 51 101 126
    3 Culpable Homicide not amounting to murder. - 1 4 1 6
    4 Rape 48 75 87 94 121
    5 Other Rape. 48 75 87 94 121
    6 Kidnapping and Abduction 75 111 140 176 231
    7 (i) Of women/Girls 68 97 130 154 223
    8 (ii) Of others 7 14 10 22 8
    9 Dacoity 13 24 26 16 15
    10 Preparation and assembly for Dacoit. 4 3 6 24 20
    11 Robbery. 46 53 62 80 90
    12 Burglary. 166 227 234 271 240
    13 Theft. 321 397 434 400 357
    14 (i) Auto theft. 98 127 130 124 141
    15 (ii) Other thefts 123 270 304 276 216
    16 Riots 40 45 65 53 62
    17 Criminal Breach trust. 35 20 8 16 16
    18 Cheating. 96 76 122 169 140
    19 Counterfeiting. 3 - 1 2 4
    20 Arson. 28 20 19 17 27
    21 Hurt. 1363 1552 1720 1397 153

    285
    22 Dowry Death. 40 45 43 49 2
    23 Molestation. 188 217 242 232 390
    I Sexual Harassment-354(A) - - - - 59
    Ii Public Disrobing of women 354(B) - - - - 111
    Iv Stakling -354(D) - - - - 2
    24 (Eve teasing) 29 19 20 30 26
    25 Cruelty by Husband and relatives. 211 279 307 396 380
    26 Human Trafficking. - - - - -
    27 Causing death by negligence. 5 - - 5 185
    28 Extortion 31 24 25 25 21
    29 Race driving 376 399 428 407 236
    30 Un-natural offence - - - - 1
    31 Other IPC Crimes 119 26 144 - 1217
    Total Cognizable IPC Crimes. 3330 3741 4263 4067 4307

    Part II (SLL CRIME) Special and Local crime data for last five years of
    the District
    Sl. Head of Crimes (SLL) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
    No.
    1 Arms Act, 1952 01 03 20 20 -
    2 N.D.P.S Act, 1985 10 11 09 10 06
    3 Gambling Act. 10 04 19 19 11
    4 Excise Act. 397 368 658 1047 885
    5 Prohibition Act. - - - - -
    6 Explosive/Explosive Substance Act 01 01 04 03 -
    1884/1908
    7 I.T.P Act, 1966 03 02 03 02 01
    8 Foreigners Act, 1930 - 01 - - -
    9 E.C. Act. 1955 14 10 17 24 05
    10 Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act, 1987 - - - - -
    11 Antiquity and Art Treasure Act, 1972 - - 01 - -
    12 Child Marriage Act. 1929 - - 01 - -
    13 Copy right Act 1957 - - 02 - -
    14 SC/ST (PA) 1989 154 196 328 212 -
    15 i) For crime committed SCs 132 165 261 159 -
    16 ii) For crime committed STs 22 31 67 43 -
    17 Other SLL Crimes. 59 70 66 71 73
    Total Cognizable SLL Crimes 649 666 1112 1398 981

    Police
    History of PoIice Organisation
    In accordance with Regulation IV, 1804 and Regulation XIII 1805, four
    Thanas (police-stations) were established in the district on the 1 st May,
    1806 with jurisdiction over a number of neighboring villages.
    Police-station Number of villages
    Basta 551
    Baleshwar 536
    Soro 622

    286
    Later on one more Thana was established at Chudamani and special
    police arrangement was made for Baleshwar town. In each Thana there was
    one Daroga with a monthly salary of Rs. 25. He was helped by one Moharir
    who was (getting Rs. 10 per month. Under the Daroga there was one
    Jamadar on Rs.8 per month, and 10 Barkanadazas each on Rs.4 per month.
    A monthly expenditure of Rs. 108 was incurred then for the police
    arrangements at Baleshwar town.
    The Magistrate was the controlling officer of the police but in fact the
    Daroga enjoyed absolute power as the Magistrate had no authority to punish
    the Daroga directly. The Daroga was punished only by the Nizamat Adalat.
    In 1860, Government of India seriously took up the question of police
    reforms in the whole of British India and appointed a Commission to Enquire
    into the working of police and to recommend measures for increasing the
    efficiency and reducing the expenditure on police administration. The
    Commission worked for about a month and submitted its report. In
    accordance with the recommendation of the said Commission, the
    Government of Bengal sanctioned a civil police force for the district
    comprising a Superintendent of Police and his subordinates.
    In 1906, the district was divided into 9 Thanas of Police Circles, viz.,
    Baleshwar, Baliapal, Basta, Jaleshwar and Soro in the Baleshwar Sub-
    Division and Bhadrak, Basudebpur, Chandbali and Dhamnagar in the then
    Bhadrak Sub-Division. There were also 9 independent outposts in the
    Baleshwar Sub-Division, viz., Remuna under Baleshwar Thana, Bhograi and
    PanchapaIIi under Baliapal, Rajghat and Singla under Basta, Nampo under
    Jaleshwar and Anantapur, Khaira and Simulia under Soro; and two in the
    Bhadrak Sub-Division, viz Banta under Bhadrak and Akhuapada under
    Dhamnagar. The regular police force in the district in 1905 consisted of one
    District Superintendent of Police, 4 Inspectors, 30 Sub-Inspectors, 29 Head
    Constables and 330 Constables, and there was one policeman to every 15·2
    sq. km. (5·2 square miles) and for a population of 2,718. In Baleshwer town
    there was a small body of town-police consisting of two Head Constables,
    four Constables, four Dafadars and twenty-six Town Chowkidars. The
    Railway Police Force included two Head Constables and five Constables.
    The Rural Police Force was composed of 164 Chowkidars and 140
    Dafadars.Each Chowkidar was receiving a salary of Rs.4 per month.
    The sanctioned strength of police force has subsequently increased.
    The statement given below shows the staff position of the district police
    force.

    287
    Sl Rank Sanctioned Present Vacancy
    No Strength strength
    1 2 3 4 5
    1 S.P. 1 1 -
    2 Addl.S.P.s 2 2 -
    3 SDPOs 4 4 -
    4 Dy.S.P. (including) one post of A.C. Home 6 4 2
    Guards
    5 Inspector (General) 19 19 -
    6 Reserve Inspector (including one post or 2 2 -
    R.I. HGs)

    Ministerial

    Sl Rank Strength Present Vacancy


    No Sanctioned strength
    1 2 3 4 5
    1 Office Superintendent 1 1 -
    2 Senior Stenographer 1 1 -
    3 Junior Accountant Including one post of 5 5 -
    Acct. HG
    4 Senior Clerk 2 2 -
    5 Junior Librarian 1 1 -
    6 Junior Accounts Clerk 5 5 -
    7 Junior Clerk including two post of Jr. Clerk in 10 4 6
    H.G Orgn.
    8 Junior Clerk GR 2 2 -
    9 Record Keeper. 1 1 -
    10 Daftary 1 1 -
    11 Peon including one post of Peon in HG 2 1 1
    Orgn.

    Sanctioned Strength, Present Strength and Vacancy Position of OR


    Baleshwar District Police

    Sl Name of Post Sanctioned Present Vacancy Remarks


    No. Strength Strength
    1 SI 83 29 54
    2 ASI 156 140 16
    3 Havildar 54 35 19
    4 Constable 508 506 2

    288
    Sanctioned Strength, Present Strength and Vacancy Position of APR
    Baleshwar District Police

    Sl Name of Post Sanctioned Present Vacancy Remarks


    No. Strength Strength
    1 RI (Sergeant 1 1
    Major)
    2 Sergeant 1 1
    3 DSI 3 3
    4 Havildar Major 4 4
    5 Havildar 55 55
    6 Lance Naik 72 12
    7 Constable 261 261

    Sanctioned Strength, Present Strength and Vacancy Position of Courts


    in Baleshwar District Police

    Sl Name of Name of Sanctioned Present Vacancy Remarks


    No. Court Post Strength Strength
    1 Sadar SI 3 - 3
    Court ASI 2 2
    Constable 9 9
    2 Nilagiri SI 1 - 1
    Court ASI 1 1
    Constable 4 5
    3 SI 1 - 1
    ASI 1 1
    Constable 4 6
    4 SI 1 1
    Contstable 5 7

    The present staff position of the district organisation consists of one


    Superintendent of Police (SP), heading the organization in the district, two
    Additional SPs, four Sub Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), 06 Deputy SPs,
    21 Inspectors, 156 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (SI), 54 Havildars and 508
    Constables.

    The police establishment in the district comes under the Deputy


    Inspector-General of Police, Eastern Circle, Baleshwar. For administrative
    convenience, the District has been divided into 25 police stations each under
    one Sub-Inspector. There are out posts including temporary outposts. The
    outposts are being maintained by Sub-Inspectors or Assistant Sub-
    289
    Inspectors and the temporary out posts by Assistant Sub-Inspectors or
    Havildars. A list of the police circles, police-stations, outposts and temporary
    outposts is given in below.

    Sub division Police station Out post Town outpost


    Sadar Baleshwar Town Permit Ghat Bicharganj Sunhat
    Damodarpur
    Sahadevkhunta
    Sadar Parikhi
    Haldipada
    Jayadebkasaba
    Industrial Area, Bampada Remuna Golei
    Chandipur
    Khantapada Gopalpur
    Soro
    Simulia
    Marine PS, Balramgadi
    Nilagiri Nilagiri Iswarpur
    Ajodhya
    Oupada
    Berhampur
    Remuna Durgadebi
    Khiara
    Jaleshwar Jaleshwar Nampo
    Bhograi Laxmipatna
    Chandaneswar
    Kamarda
    Raibania Kushagada
    Marine PS, Tasari at
    Udaipur
    Basta Basta Amarda Road
    Rupsa
    Singla Badhana
    Sartha
    Baliapala Jamkunda
    Marine PS, Bahabalpur
    at Kasafal
    Spl. P.S. Energy,
    Baleshwar

    i) Number of Sub-Divisions : 04
    ii) Number of Police Stations : 25 (Post of L.I.C. in P.Ss-18 and O.I.C.s-
    07)
    iii) Number of Out Posts : 17
    iv) Number of Town Out Posts : 03

    290
    Police Station-wise list as on 01.08.2015

    Sub -Division Police Station In charge of P.S.


    Sadar Baleshwar Town Inspector
    Sahadevkhunta Inspector
    Sadar Inspector
    Industrial Area, Bampada Inspector
    Chandipur Sub Inspector
    Khantapada Inspector
    Soro Inspector
    Simulia Inspector
    Marine PS, Balramgadi Inspector
    Nilagiri Nilagiri Inspector
    Oupada Sub Inspector
    Berhampur Sub Inspector
    Remuna Inspector
    Khiara Inspector
    Jaleshwar Jaleshwar Inspector
    Bhograi Inspector
    Kamarda Sub Inspector
    Raibania Sub Inspector
    Marine PS, Tasari at Udaipur Inspector
    Basta Basta Inspector
    Rupsa Sub Inspector
    Singla Sub Inspector
    Baliapala Inspector
    Marine PS, Bahabalpur at Kasafal Inspector
    Spl. P.S. Energy, Baleshwar Inspector

    Ordinary Reserve
    The Ordinary Reserve Police is maintained at police-stations and
    outposts. Maintenance of law and order in their respective area is the chief
    function of this force. They perform night patrol in towns and villages and
    keep watchful eyes on the coming in and going out of strangers in the local
    areas. The staff also proceeds to the spots where any crime, dacoity,
    burglary, theft, accidents, etc. is reported. the present staff position of the
    Ordinary Reserve in the district includes one Superintendent of Police,
    Additional Superintendent of Police, five Deputy Superintendent of Police, 19
    Inspectors, 82 Sub-Inspectors, 56 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 54 Habildars
    and 508 Constables (both permanent and temporary).
    Armed Reserve
    The strength of the Armed Police Reserve (permanent and temporary)
    consists of 2Reserve Inspectos, one Sergeant,3 Drill Sub-Inspectors, 4
    Havildar Majors, 55 Havidlars, 12 Lance Naiks and 261 constables. The
    Armed Reserve provides necessary help to the Ordinary Reserve when the
    latter fails to tackle the situation. Maintenance of internal security and
    restoration of law and order; escort for police arms and ammunition and the
    291
    prisoners, safe guarding of the treasury and banks and other vital institutions
    are the main functions of the staff. They also help public during the time of
    natural calamities. They, too, are kept at important places as striking force to
    meet emergency duties.
    Court Staff
    Mainly for prosecution of police cases and maintenance of MaIkhanas,
    police staffs have been posted at the courts at Baleshwar, Nilagiri and
    Jaleshwar. The court staff at Baleshwar Sadar consists of three Sub-
    Inspector, one Assistant Sub-Inspector and four Constables. The court staff
    at Jaleshwar comprise one Sub-Inspector and five Constables.
    Home Guard
    Home Guard is a voluntary organisation introduced in the year 1962 at
    the time of Chinese aggression to train civilians in police duties to meet
    emergencies and render necessary help to the police when required. There
    were three Havildars and 3 Naiks under the control of a Sergeant in the
    district on honorary basis. Now the strength of the organisation has been
    increased and it is formed with one Assistant Commandant, one Reserve
    Inspector, one Sergeant, one Drill Sub-Inspector, six Havildars, four Naiks
    and one Assistant Driver. The Home Guards are of two types, i. e., Rural
    Home Guards and Urban Home Guards. They are put under 3-year training
    in three phases, viz., Basic, Refreshers and Advance Course Training. After
    training they are being utilised for various purposes such as crowd control,
    traffic guard, maintenance of law and order and internal security and
    guarding of vital installations. Besides, they are deputed for night patrol duty
    and anti-dacoity patrol duty with the police force as and when necessary.
    The present sanctioned strength of the organisation is 880 Urban Home
    Guards (including 41 Women Home Guards) and 442 Rural Home Guards.
    (including 17 women). At present the Home Guards organization, Baleshwar
    has one Assistant Commandant, one Reserve Inspector of Police, one
    Armed Sub Inspector, one Armed Havildar, four Havildars, one Assistant
    Director. The daily allowance of home guards is @ 220/- per day.
    Wireless
    Baleshwar district is situated in such a geographical position where
    natural calamities, border line, naxalite terrorism, antisocial activities, drug
    trafficking, law and order problems are grievous. For contact and control
    wireless system is highly essential now-a-days.
    th
    The oldest H.F. station was established on the 13 January,1949 in
    Baleshwar district with H.F. stations like Baliapal, Basta, Bhadrak, Bansda,

    292
    Bhograi. Besides, 26 VHF stations were also functioning in the undivided
    district.
    The functions of these wireless stations are mainly to receive and
    transmit messages/information relating to law and order situation, natural
    calamities, communal, antisocial and political and naxal activities etc. for
    immediate action.
    Subsequently after division of district and modernization of signal grids
    one signal workshop for repair and maintenance as well as zonal inspector
    post was created in Baleshwar in 1989. Air mail system was installed at
    Baleshwar wireless station in 2009 foreasy contact with all district
    headquarters stations of the state. The VHF control of Baleshwar
    communicated with all PSS, OPs, offices, beat houses, per mobile, six
    patrolling bikes in the district and also all flood stations like Dahamunda,
    Bhusandeswar, Kasafal and Dagara. During law and order problems the
    walkie talkies are utilized in vulnerable points to communicate important
    information.
    There are two Sub Inspectors, six ASIs, and two constables working in
    HF/Air mail and five constables are working in VHF control station. The
    wireless staffs are working round the clock each and every day.
    Intelligence Staff
    There is the District Intelligence Bureau at the headquarters of the
    district and the staff engaged therein comprises one DSP, one Inspector, two
    Sub-Inspectors, three Assistant Sub-Inspectors and six Constables.
    Intelligence staff are also posted at the Sub-Divisional headquarters at
    Nilagiri and Baleshwar which include one Assistant Sub-Inspector and one
    constable and one Sub-Inspector and one Constable respectively. They
    collect necessary information pertaining to law and order situation, political
    organization and their activities, labour problems and Trade Unions and their
    activities. The personnel keep an eye on the movement of strangers too.
    Railway Police
    There are two Railway police-stations in the district, one located at
    Baleshwar with a staff of two Sub-Inspectors, four Assistant Sub-Inspectors,
    three Havildars and twenty-one Constables. The Railway Police-Station
    including the Out-Post are under the control of the Superintendent of
    Railway Police with headquarters at Cuttack.
    The table given below indicates different crime figures of the district
    handled by the railway police from 2010 to 2014.

    293
    Sl.No Crime 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
    1 Murder 1 - - -
    2 Rape 1 - - - -
    3 Dacoity - - - 1 2
    4 Rubbery - - 7 1 -
    5 Burglary - - - 1 -
    6 Theft 43 35 23 22 37
    7 Drugging 1 - - 1 -
    8 Kidnapping - 1 - - -
    9 M.V. Accident 1 1 2 1
    10 Miscellaneous 8 10 20 7 5

    Fire Services
    There are eleven Fire Stations in the district. The Fire Station at
    Baleshwar is a ―B‖ class fire station and it was established in 1944. One
    Station Officer, two Leading Firemen, three Driver Havildars and sixteen
    Firemen in each of the stations.Besides one menial is sanctioned for
    Baleshwar station. One unit of fire station was incepted at Nilagiri in 1982
    and the other at Soro with a sanctioned strength of One Station Officer, two
    Leading Firemen, two Driver Havildars and ten Firemen for each of the units.
    The details are given below.

    Sl. No. Name of the Fire Station Strength Position Present strength
    1. Baleshwar F.S. AFO-1 AFO-1
    AS-2 AS-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-2 Dr.Hav.-2
    FM. DR.-2 FM. DR.-2
    FM-16 FM-15
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-28 TOTAL-22
    2. Basta F.S. SO-1 SO-Nil
    ASO-1 ASO-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-7
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-19 TOTAL-11
    3. Remuna SO-1 SO-1
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-08
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-18 TOTAL-13

    294
    4. Jaleshwar SO-1 SO-1
    ASO-1 ASO-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-07
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-19 TOTAL-12
    6 Khaira F.S SO-1 SO-1
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-09
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-18 TOTAL-14
    6. Nilagiri F.S. SO-1 SO-1
    ASO-1 ASO-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-3
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-Nil
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-09
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    Total-19 TOTAL-14
    7. Soro F.S. SO-1 SO-1
    ASO-1 ASO-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-10
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-19 TOTAL-15
    8. Ada F.S. SO-1 SO-1
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.- Nil
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-02
    FM-10 FM-06
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-18 TOTAL-11
    9. Baliapal F.S. SO-1 SO-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-08
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-18 TOTAL-12
    10. Oupada F.S. SO-1 SO-Nil
    LFM-1 ASO-1
    Dr.Hav.-1 LFM-2
    FM. DR.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM-10 FM. DR.-1
    HGS.-3 FM-06
    HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-18 TOTAL-11

    295
    11. Bhograi F.S. SO-1 SO-Nil
    LFM-2 LFM-2
    Dr.Hav.-1 Dr.Hav.-1
    FM. DR.-1 FM. DR.-1
    FM-10 FM-09
    HGS.-3 HGS.-Nil
    TOTAL-18 TOTAL-13

    The statement given below indicates the number of fire calls


    attended by the fire stations and the number of human lives saved and lost,
    cattle lives saved and lost: value of property saved and lost and the number
    of houses destroyed during the period 2014-2015 in the district.

    Items Unit 2014


    1. Fire stations 11nos No 846
    2.
    a) Fire accidents No 353
    b) Other accidents No 1199
    3. Life effect
    i. In fire accident
    a) Human
    b) Cattle No 01
    ii.In other accident No Nil
    a) Human
    b) Cattle No 277
    4. Lives Lost No 45
    i. In fire accident
    a) Human
    b) Cattle No Nil
    ii)In other accident No 67
    a) Human
    b) Cattle No 27
    5. Total properties lost in fire and other No 16
    accident
    6. Total properties save in fire and Rs. In lakh Rs. 11,79,73,300/-
    other accident Rs. In lakh Rs. 15,27,75,000/-

    Village Police
    Chowkidari system was prevalent in the district before independence
    and this system continued till 1965 when Beat Constables replaced the
    former. The primary duty of the Chowkidars was to report cases of birth and
    death and offences committed in their local jurisdiction to the concerned
    Thana Officer on the parade day once in a week. In addition to the
    Chowkidars, there were Dafadars in the Sub-Divisions of Baleshwar and
    Bhadrak. In the ex-state of Nilagiri, which now constitutes a Sub-Division, a
    Chowkidar was enjoying 5 manas of land as jagir and no cash remuneration
    was paid to him. The Beat Constable system- continued up to 1967 and
    Grama Rakshis were appointed to replace the Beat Constable system. It is
    in vogue at present. In 2015 there were as many as 808 Grama Rakshis in
    the district.
    296
    Jails
    The time of inception of the Jail at Baleshwar may be traced back to the
    year 1847 on the basis of an available official brass seal engraved with the
    words and figures ―JAIL BALASHWAR – 1847‖.There is a second class
    district jail at Balashwar and a Subsidiary jail at Bhadrak‖ writes L.S.S.O.
    Malley in 1907,―which hasaccommodation for 14 prisoners.It was merely a
    lock-up. All but short-term prisoners were sent to the district jail at
    Baleshwar. The latter has accommodation for 155 prisoners viz. for 105
    male convicts, 9 female convicts and 17 under trial prisoners, while there are
    cells for 4 prisoners and a hospital with 20 beds. The industries carried on in
    the jail are oil-pressing, weaving of coarse ort coir fibre, coconut husks.being
    easily obtainable, coir producing is the chief industry‖.
    Baleshwar District Jail
    The second class jail at Baleshwar received the status of district jail in
    the year 1938 due to increasing prison population. Prior to appointment of
    full time Superintendent for the Jail, the Civil Surgeon of the district was
    working as the part time Superintendent who was assisted by a Jailor, one
    Assistant Jailor and other subordinates. The present strength of the Jail
    includes one Superintendent, one Jailor, two Assistant Jailors, three Sub-
    Assistant Jailors, one chief Head Warder, five Head Warders, four Female
    Warders and 36 male Warders. In addition to this,one full time Jail Medical
    Officer, onePharmacist , one Male Nursing Orderly are working in the Jail
    Hospital. One Prison Welfare Officer, two Clerk-Cum-Typists, one Teacher,
    one Smithy Instructor, one Technical Assistant, onePeon, One Orderly Peon
    and six Sweepers are working in the Jail.
    The District Jail provides separate wards for male and female
    prisoners, convict and Under-Trial Prisoners. There are 15 wards and 8 cells
    for male prisoners and 2 wards and one cell for female prisoners. At present
    the scheduled capacity of the jail is 480 (458 male and 22 Female) which
    includes 222 convicts (214 male and 8 female). The average daily jail
    population for the preceding five years is given below.

    Year Male Female Total


    2010 345.50 14.31 359.811
    2011 304.09 16.63 320.73
    2012 293.84 13.64 307.48
    2013 413.32 16.03 429.55
    2014 336.58 18.19 384.77

    The table below shows the number of convicts released and transferred
    during the year 2010-2014 on various grounds.

    297
    Year On expiry On On By order Transferred to Other ground Total
    of sentence remission Appeal of Govt. other jails /premature
    Male/ Male Male/ Male Male / release/ parole/
    Female /Female Female /Female Female furlough/
    hospital etc.
    2010 107 -- -- -- -- 37 144
    2011 142 03 03 -- 07 03 158
    2012 78 05 05 -- 07 01 96
    2013 57 04 04 -- 07 06 78
    2014 29 -- 01 -- 08 66 104
    G.Total 413 12 13 -- 29 113 580

    Health Service: The Jail Medical


    A medical is functioning in the jail with indoor for 20 sick prisoners.One
    Medical Officer, one Pharmacist, and one Male Nursing Orderly are
    appointed for treatment and care of patient prisoners. Medicines and diet are
    supplied to the patients from Jail fund. At times Health Camps and
    Awareness Camps on AIDS, Cancer,T.B. etc are organized by the NGOs to
    make the prisoners aware of the cause and prevention of different diseases.
    For check-up of female prisoners and children accompanying the
    mother prisoners, a lady medical Officer from the District Headquarter
    Hospital visit the Jail weekly. Patients with psychiatric problem are treated by
    a psychiatrist.
    WelfareService
    Welfare Service provided to the inmates are looked after by a Welfare
    Officer posted in the Jail who works as a liaison officer between the
    prisoners and their family members. The Prison Welfare Officer (PWO)
    hears the personal grievances of the prisoners. Through the P.W.O. the
    prisoners are given every reasonable opportunity to have communication
    with their family members, friends, relatives and advocates. The Jail inmates
    who are willing to consult their legal advisors in disposal of their cases,
    granting of bail and filing of appeal petitions are allowed to do so with the
    help of the Welfare Officer. The P.W.O. plays an important role in providing
    free Legal Aid to the poor and helpless prisoners through the District Legal
    Service Authority. He also makes necessary arrangements for release of
    convict prisoners temporarily on executing a bond on Furlough, Parole and
    Pre-mature release under 14 years rule. He also looks after the education of
    the prisoners as well as their children.

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    Jail Workshop
    To give vocational training to the convicts, a Smithy Instructor and a
    Technical Assistant are appointed in the Jail. Weaving, tailoring, farming and
    gardening training are given to the prisoners. In addition to generation of
    revenue it helps the prisoners to earn their livelihood after their release.In the
    weaving unit there are nine conventional looms. The weaving instructor
    gives training on weaving and dyeing. The prisoners weave cloth, bed
    sheets, towels and dusters etc. The products are sold to the public and also
    sent to fairs and exhibitions for sale.In the smithy unit the prisoners
    manufacture articles like buckets, trunks, water drums, rice trays, scoops,
    strainers, shoe racks etc. The products are sold to the Government and
    public.There are 8 sewing machines (6 for males and 2 for females) in the
    tailoring unit. Prisoners stitch convict dresses. Plastic bags are also stitched
    and sold to the public.
    Agriculture and Gardening
    Cultivation work and gardening work are going on in the land inside the
    Jail boundary. There are 2 bullocks for plowing the land. Paddy and
    seasonal vegetables are produced on the land. Fish is produced in the 4
    ponds of the Jail. Fish and vegetables are sold to the Government and
    general public.
    Education in Jail
    (I) Jail School
    A full time teacher is appointed in the school to literate the illiterate
    inmates. On an average 60 inmates are made literate in a year.
    (ii) Ama Vidyalaya
    For education of children accompanying their mother prisoners, a
    school ―Ama Vidyalaya‖ is functioning inside the female block. An honorary
    teacher engaged by the ‗Marwari Mahila Sangha‘ Baleshwar teaches in the
    school. The illiterate female prisoners are taught alphabets by the female
    warders.
    (iii) IGNOU Study Centre
    In an endeavor to provide higher education to those who are deprived
    of this opportunity as a result of their incarceration, a Special Study Centre of
    Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is functioning in the jail
    since 2010. The Prison Welfare Officer is acting as the Coordinator of the
    centre. Courses offered in this centre are Bachelor in Preparatory
    Programme (BPP), B.A., M.A., Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice
    (PGDCJ), Certificate in Human Rights (CHR), Certificate in Disaster
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    Management (CDM), Master in Sociology (MSO), Certificate in Social Work
    and Criminal Justice etc. The table below indicates the number of students
    appeared and successfully completed different programs at the centre during
    the last 3 years.

    Year No. of students admited No. of students appeared in No. of students


    exams successfully completed
    2013 06 04 04
    2014 22 12 12
    2015 50+6 (applications have 08(appeared in June Term 07
    been submitted for End Exam. Rest will appear
    admission.) in December Term End
    Exam.

    (iv) Computer Education


    Computer Education programme sponsored by Lions Club, Baleshwar
    is available for the inmates.
    (v) Jail Library
    There is a library for the inmates of the jail. The inmates read epics
    Gita, biographies, auto-biographies, story books, novels, poetry, and travel
    story etc. in the library. They also get the opportunity to read daily news
    papers in the library.
    Reformation in Jail
    The punitive era has been over because of the reformative outlook and
    concern for human rights.Various measures are taken for reformation and
    ultimate rehabilitation of the prisoners in the society.
    (i) Entertainment in Jail
    To overcome dullness and drudgery of jail life and to deter the
    prisoners from the evil thoughts of idle hours color televisions are provided in
    each ward. Game articles like carom, ludo, chess, volley ball, and tabla are
    also provided to the inmates. At times, cultural programmes like dance and
    music are performed by NGOs inside the jail. Video programmes are also
    shown to them for relaxation. Prisoners are also given the opportunity for
    friendship match with police people.
    (ii) Yoga and Spiritual Programmes
    To bring peace and tranquility in the minds of inmates, Yoga is
    practised regularly. Yoga camps are held by different NGOs at regular
    intervals. Religious organizations also perform spiritual programme (Bhajan
    and Kirtan) and give religious sermons to the inmates for mental peace and
    release of emotions and tensions.

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    (iii) Observance of Festivals
    To promote brotherhood and peaceful co-existence, prisoners are
    allowed to observe various festivals like car festival, Ganesh Pooja, Siva
    Ratri, X-mas, Raja, etc. Opportunity to pour water on Lord Shiva at
    Panchalingeswar in the holy month of Shravan and visit to Chandipur sea
    beach to float toy boats on the full moon day of the month of Kartika are
    given to selected prisoners to bridge the gap between jail life and life in the
    world outside.
    (iv) Observance of National Festivals
    National occasions like Independence day and Republic Day are
    celebrated with great enthusiasm . On the eve of these festivals competition
    in song, quiz, carom, jhoti, ludo, volly and cricket etc. are held and prizes
    are distributed among the winners to instill a sense of achievement in them.
    Video Confernecing in Jail
    Video conferring facility is available in this jail for trial of the prisoners in
    their connecting Courts without producing them physically.
    Board of Visitors
    The Board of Visitors for the District Jail, Baleshwar constitutes
    Government Officials MPs, MLAs and non-official members including female
    members. All non-official members are appointed by the Collector and
    District Magistrate who is the chairman of the board. At present there are
    eight non-official visitors, they are the hon‘ble M.L.A. of Bhograi, Baleshwar
    Sadar, Remuna and one retired Medical Officer, three Social Workers
    including two Women members and a retired Odisha Administratative
    Service Officer. The Chairman prepares a roster of the visitors to visit the
    Jail but the visitors are also at liberty to visit the jail on any working day
    outside the roster. Meeting of the Board of Visitors is conducted quarterly in
    the Jail premises. At the time of the meeting the members inspect the Jail
    building, hear the grievances of the prisoners, examine the prisoners‘ food
    both qualitatively and quantitatively, verify the punishment register
    maintained by the jail, look to the health and sanitation and offer
    suggestions, if any, to the Government for the betterment of the prisoners as
    well as the prison.
    Besides the Board of Visitors there is a Jail Committee in which the
    District Judge is the Chairman and Collector and D.M. and the S.P. are the
    members. The Jail committee visit the jail quarterly, hears the grievances of
    the prisoners, make enquiry about the case matter, health and hygiene and
    atmosphere of the Jail etc.
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    Atomosphare of the Jail
    Every care is taken to keep the atmosphere of the jail conducive to the
    physical and mental health of the prisoners. A variety of decorative and
    flowering plants are maintained with great love and care. Flowers blooming
    in different seasons enhance the beauty of the atmosphere.
    The Jail premises and wards are kept neat and clean. The day latrines
    and night latrines and bathing platforms are disinfected regularly. There is
    provision of commode for the physically disabled. Drinking water is supplied
    to the inmates through 08 water purifiers installed inside the Jail. Cleanliness
    of the Jail is maintained by the Sweepers.
    Jaleshwar Sub-Jail
    Established in the year 2011, the Sub-Jail, Jaleshwar is located in the
    village Panchughunta of district Baleshwar over an area of 4.760 acres. The
    scheduled capacity of the Jail is 206 (169 males and 37 females). Only
    Under Trial Prisoners are kept here.
    A Jailor, one Assistant Jailor, one Head Warder, 10 Warders and 2
    female Warders are working in the Jail. There is a Hospital for treatment of
    sick prisoners. one contractual doctor and a full time pharmacist are
    engaged in the hospital. The patient prisoners are supplied diet and
    medicines from the jail fund.
    In addition to his own duty the Jailor looks to the welfare of the inmates.
    The Prison Welfare Officer, Baleshwar posted at Baleshwar District Jail visit
    this Jail periodically and listens to the grievances of the prisoners.
    Color T.V., carom, chess, and ludo are provided for entertainment and
    relaxation of the prisoners. Yoga programmes and religious sermons by
    different organizations are delivered as reformative measures. The average
    duty population of the jail between 2011 and 2014 is given below
    Year Male Female Total
    2011 21 0.23 21.23
    2012 21 0.23 21.23
    2013 30.73 2.20 30.93
    2014 30.54 1.68 32.22
    Sub Jail - Soro
    The Sub-Jail, Soro was inaugurated on 30.01.2014.It was made
    functional after transfer of 22 Under Trial prisoners from the District Jail,
    Baleshwar on 31st May‘ 2014. Only Under-Trial Prisoners stay here. There
    is one Jailor, one Assistant Jailor, one Chief Warder, 10 male Warders, and
    2 female Warders and a pharmacist on daily wage basis are working in the
    Jail. A part time Medical Officer visit the Jail periodically.
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    There is a garden in the Jail where seasonal flowers and vegetable are
    grown by the prisoners who work willingly. They get incentive for their work.
    Reformative programmes like yoga, religious discourse, cultural
    programmes are organized regularly. T.V., ludo, Carom and chess are
    provided for their entertainment.
    There is a kitchen and a dining hall for the inmates. A sweeper
    maintains the cleanliness of the Jail. The Jail has a Borewell and water is
    supplied through over head tank.
    The daily average population of the Jail is 22.529.
    Nilagiri Sub Jail
    The Jail at Nilagiri was established during the durbar administration.
    While writing Bengal Gazetteers, Feudatory States of Odisha, L.E.B.
    Cobden-Ramsay stated ―The Jail accommodation is small and a new jail is
    about to be erected.‖ In 1907-08 the average daily population was 13.
    Present staff strength is one Jailor-cum-Superintendent, one Assistant Jailor,
    one Sub-Assistant Jailor, one Pharmacist, 2 Head Warders, 8 Male Warders,
    2 Female Warders and a sweeper. A part time Medical Officer visits the Jail.
    The Jail has one administrative block, 03 wards for male prisoners, a ward
    for female prisoners, 2 cells, a kitchen, a dispensary room and one dining
    hall. The daily average population of the sub-jail during the last 5 years and
    release of prisoners are given below.
    Year Daily Average number of Release of Convicts
    Population
    Male Female Expiry of On On Transfer On Bail
    Sentence Remission
    2010 45.62 01.57 02 -- -- 02
    2011 33.35 01.99 -- -- -- 04
    2012 35.12 02.97 -- -- 01 03
    2013 33.18 01.90 01 04 04 03
    2014 24.28 00.76 01 02 -- 03

    Entertainment Facilities
    03 Color Televisions, one carom board, ludo and chess boards are
    provided for entertainment.
    Yoga in Jail
    A yoga teacher from Nilagiri Yoga Institution teaches Yoga regularly on
    every second Monday and Satarday. Shri Satya Sai Seva Samiti, Nilagiri
    performs spiritual programmes on every Saturday to bring peace in the mind
    of the inmates.

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    District Probation Office
    The District Probation office at Baleshwar started functioning in the year
    1962. The District Probation Officer in-charge of the office is mainly a court
    officer. He makes enquiry and submits report to the courts as to the
    desirability of releasing of an offender on probation. He also supervises the
    probationers and submits report to the courts. Probation is a conditional
    suspension of sentence. Probation includes a positive individualised
    guidance and assistance involving educational, therapeutic and rehabilitative
    objective. The method of treatment involves counseling, professional care
    work, job placement, family readjustment and financial assistance to the
    offenders. It is chance given to the criminals for their correction and
    reformation. An opportunity is given to them to refrain themselves from un-
    lawful association. For better training probationers are transferred to
    Probation Hostel at Angul.
    The table below shows the number of probationers socially and
    economically rehabilitated under the supervision of District Probation Officer,
    Baleshwar, during the 2010-11 to 2014-15.
    Year No. of Probationers Probationers Probationers
    preliminary transferred for vocationally and remained at the
    report training socially end of the year
    submitted to the rehabilitated
    Court
    2010-11 51 -- 10 97
    2011-12 77 -- 15 63
    2012-13 55 -- 21 78
    2013-14 95 -- 28 80
    2014-15 113 -- 20 58

    District After-Care Shelter, Baleshwar


    The District After-Care Shelter, Baleshwar was established in the year
    1958 with tie jurisdiction over district of Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj and
    Keonjhar. Its function is to look after the socio economic rehabilitation of
    probationers released from Baleshwar, Baripada, Keonjhar and Special Sub-
    Jail, at Bhadrak. The Shelter is managed by one After-Care Officer assisted
    by a Clerk-cum-Typist, a Chaukidar, a cook and a peon. The organization
    used to find employment opportunity for the inmates in different public and
    private sector activities / institutions. Desirous inmates are sent to the
    Central Home, Baripada for vocational training in carpentry and tailoring to
    make them eligible for engagement.
    Justice
    The judgeship of Baleshwar, was constituted on the 15 January 1959.
    In the old province of Bihar and Odisha, civil and criminal administration of
    the district was under the Cuttack-Puri-Baleshwar judgeship. The province of
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    Odisha was created on 1 April, 1936 and since then till 1948, i.e., for twelve
    years, the administration of justice of the district was under the judgeship of
    Cuttack-Baleshwar –Sambalpur. After the merger of the princely states, it
    came under the Kendujhar Judgeship constituted in 1948 having territorial
    jurisdiction over the two districts of Kendujhar and Baleshwar. The ex-state
    of Mayurbhanj merged with the state of Odisha in 1949 and it remained
    under the Mayurbhanj judgeship with headquarters at Baripada till 1959.A
    separate judgeship for the district of Baleshwar only was created on the 15th
    January 1959 as mentioned earlier.
    The Munsif‘s court is the oldest of the courts in Baleshwar which was
    established probably in 1880 as is evident from old records which indicate
    that the court was functioning in the same year. It remained under the control
    and supervision of the District Judge, Cuttack. He was also the Sessions
    Judge and the head of criminal administration.
    The Munsif‘s court at Nilagiri came into being when the ex-state of
    Nilagiri was made a Sub-Division of the district in 1948 after its integration.
    The District Judge stationed at Baripada was holding circuit court at
    Baleshwar till 1957-58. It is believed that the Sessions Circuit Court at
    Baleshwar was established sometime prior to 1915. In 1957-58 the post of
    Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mayurbhanj was created with
    headquarters at Baleshwar and since -January 15,1959 the District Judge
    Court is independently functioning at Baleshwar.
    Prior to the segregation of judiciary from the executive which took place
    on the 1st May, 1960, the bulk of the administration of the criminal justice at
    the district and Sub-Divisional headquarters was performed by the Deputy
    Magistrates and Sub-Deputy Magistrates having the powers of Magistrates
    First class, Second class ‗and Third class. These officers were revenue and
    administrative officers and were required to perform multifarious
    miscellaneous duties in addition to their judicial work as magistrates.
    Besides, some stipendary magistrates were also posted at certain places to
    deal with petty criminal cases. These magistrates were under the District
    Magistrate who was assisted by one Additional District Magistrate. The
    District Magistrate and the Additional District Magistrate did not hear original
    cases. The Additional District Magistrate was mainly hearing appeals from
    the judgment of Magistrates Second Class and Third class and criminal
    revisions. The District Magistrate combined in himself dun‘ functions, firstly
    as the head of the criminal administration he directed and controlled the
    police and in that capacity was responsible for proper prosecution of criminal
    cases in the Courts of Magistrates, and secondly he was also a judicial
    officer who was the superior authority over all the magistrates in the district
    in respect of their judicial work.
    Just before separation, the district had twenty-three magistrates
    including the District Magistrate and one Additional District Magistrate. The
    305
    Sub-Divisional Officers of Baleshwar and Nilagiri were Magistrates having
    First class power.In the Baleshwar Sub-Division, the District Magistrate was
    being assisted by one Additional District Magistrate and thirteen Deputy and
    Sub-Deputy Magistrates. In Nilagiri Sub-Divisions, there were three
    magistrates. They included the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
    Separation of Judiciary from the Executive
    As per the Directive Principles of States Policy in the Constitution of
    India, there was separation of judiciary from the executive with effect from
    the 1st May 1960 and the scheme was implemented for the first time in the
    districts of Cuttack, Puri and Baleshwar. The Criminal Procedure Code, 1898
    was not amended, but under the executive instructions issued by the
    Government of Odisha the separation was given effect to. The functions of
    the District Magistrate have been bifurcated due to this separation. His
    functions which were essentially judicial and of general administrative and
    superintendence and control over the courts of the Judicial Magistrates were
    transferred to an officer designated as the Additional District Magistrate
    (Judicial). Functions which were ―police‖ in nature, as per instance handling
    of unlawful assemblies and control over investigation by police, and issue of
    licenses for firearms, etc., continued to be discharged by the Collector-cum-
    District Magistrate and the revenue officers subordinate to him as before. A
    new set of officers designated as the Judicial Magistrates were introduced,
    for trial of criminal cases. The Judicial Magistrates in the lower strata were
    given powers of Magistrate First class, Second class and Third class. A
    senior Judicial Magistrate First class designated as the Sub-Divisional
    Judicial Magistrate remained in charge of a Sub-Division against his
    counterpart in the executive side as Sub-Divisional Magistrate. As a matter
    of fact, all Judicial Magistrates of First class exercises the same powers
    within their respective jurisdictions. The Additional District Magistrate
    (Judicial) remained in overall charge of this newly born magistracy and he
    practically functioned for all purposes as a District Magistrate under the
    Criminal Procedure Code. He did not remain under the control of the District
    Magistrate but administratively and judicially became subordinate to the High
    Court. After amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code in 1973, the post of
    the Additional District Magistrate was redesignated as the Chief Judicial
    Magistrate and for all practical purposes he exercises powers of the old
    District Magistrate within the district.
    Sessions Court
    As stated earlier, the District Judge, Baripada, was having Circuit
    Courts at Baleshwar till 1957-58. In view of the increase in the litigation it
    was felt necessary to have a permanent District and Sessions Court at
    Baleshwar. Accordingly, sometime in 1957-58 a post of Additional District
    and Sessions Judge, Mayurbhanj, was created with headquarters at
    Baleshwar and from the 16th January, 1959 the district could acquire an
    306
    independent judgeship for itself. After creation of this judgeship a new Sub-
    Judge Court has been established at Bhadrak since the 26th January. 1966.
    At present there is one Chief Judicial Magistrate stationed at
    Baleshwar, and two Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrates in the Sub-Divisions
    of Baleshwar, and Nilagiri. The sanctioned strength of Baleshwar Sub-
    Division is five Judicial Magistrates, First class and one Judicial Magistrate
    Second class. In Nilagiri Sub-Division the Munsif, Nilagiri exercises the
    power of the Subdivisional Judicial Magistrate and Magistrate, First class
    since the merger of the erstwhile state. The District and Sessions Judge,
    Baleshwar, is in the overall control of the entire civil and criminal
    administration of justice in the district.
    The District and Sessions Judge, Baleshwar, performs dual functions.
    He is the District Judge relating to the administration of the civil justice and
    he is also the Sessions Judge for criminal justice. As Sessions Judge, he is
    empowered to try important cases like murder and gang cases. He is
    assisted by the Assistant Sessions Judges in disposing of other Sessions
    cases. He hears appeals against the judgement of the Assistant Sessions
    Judges where maximum sentence is given upto seven years beyond which
    the appeal is directly referred to the Odisha High Court. The Sessions Judge
    has been declared as Special Judge to try cases under section 5 (2) of the
    Prevention of Corruption Act. He has the power to grant anticipatory bail to
    the accused persons under section 438 of the new Code of Criminal
    Procedure. In this district, trial of a number of gang cases under section 400
    of the Indian Penal Code was taken up for disposal by the Sessions Judge
    at Baleshwar under orders of the Odisha High Court. It may be mentioned
    here that in 1973 a gang case was taken up in which as many as 116
    accused persons and 1,067 witnesses were involved. the trial of which
    continued from the 29th March, 1973 to the 31st May, 1976. The Sessions
    Judge also hears Criminal Revisions against the orders passed by the
    Judicial Magistrates and Executive Magistrates.
    The Chief Judicial Magistrate performs administrative as well as judicial
    functions. He tries criminal cases as Magistrate First class. He is also an
    Assistant Sessions Judge and tries sessions cases. He hears appeals
    relating to House Rent Control Act independently. The Sub-judges of
    Baleshwar and Bhadrak are also Assistant Sessions Judges and they try
    sessions cases in their respective jurisdictions.
    Civil Court
    As stated earlier, the District and Sessions Judge, Baleshwar, is the
    head of the administration of the civil as well as the criminal justice in the
    district since the creation of the post in 1959. The District Judge hears
    appeals against the judgement of the Munsifs and the Sub-judges. He is
    also having powers to try original cases relating to probate of wills, letters of
    administration municipal election, Guardian and Wards Act. etc. As the
    307
    workload on the District Judge increased, necessity was felt for creation of a
    post of Registrar. Civil Courts at Baleshwar to perform the day-to-day duties
    of the District Judge and to assist him in all the administrative matters
    concerning the district. The post in the cadre of a Munsif was sanctioned for
    the Baleshwar Judgeship in 1968 and later in 1973 the post was upgraded.
    He is also the Registrar of Sessions Court of the district. Sometimes, in
    1977, during the period of National Clearance Drive.the Registrar, Civil
    Courts. Baleshwar was conferred with the powers of an Assistant Sessions
    Judge. He is also the Judicial Magistrate First class and he is the Judge-in-
    charge of Accounts, Record Room, Copying Department, Nizarat and
    Sessions Malkhana of Baleshwar. The Registrar as Additional Sub-judge
    hears appeals arising out of the judgement of Munsif, Baleshwar, on
    transfer.
    The Chief Judicial Magistrate also exercises powers of an Additional
    Sub-judge and in this capacity he hears appeals transferred to him by the
    District Judge.
    The Sub-Judge posted at Baleshwar exercises unlimited pecuniary
    jurisdiction in disposing of civil cases. The Sub-Judges hears appeals
    against the judgment of the Munsif in his respective jurisdictions.
    There are two Munsifs posted, one each at the Sub-Divisional
    th
    headquarters of Baleshwar.Till the 7 July, 1960, the Munsif. Baleshwar was
    also the Munsif of Nilagiri trying civil suits and cases in circuit court at
    Nilagiri. Since the 8th July, 1960, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Judicial),
    Nilagiri has been vested with the powers of a Munsif to try all civil suits and
    cases. The Munsif at Baleshwar is full-time Munsif all along. The Munsifs of
    Baleshwar, and Nilagiri exercise powers in their respective jurisdictions and
    try civil suits and cases within approved pecuniary limits.They are also
    vested with small cause powers to try suits up to a certain value.
    Bar Association
    There is one Bar Associations in the district located at Baleshwar.
    Three affiliated association at Jaleshwar, Soro and Nilagiri are
    functioning.The Baleshwar Bar Association at Baleshwar is the oldest and
    the largest of its kind in the district. Started in the month of January, 1898
    with only five members, the membership of the bar had increased. The
    association has its own building and a reference library. The Nilagiri Bar
    Association at Nilagiri was constituted during the Durbar administration of
    the ex-State.

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    CHAPTER – XIII

    LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

    History of Local Self-Government in the District


    The system of Local Self-Government in India emanated from the idea
    of entrusting the people with the management of local affairs, there by
    developing their capacity for self-governance. Likewise in the district local
    self-governing institutions, viz Baleshwar Municipality, Baleshwar District
    Board with two Local Boards under it, and Union Committees were
    constituted before independence.
    The District earlier had one Municipality at Baleshwar and three Notified
    Area Councils (NACs) located at Jaleshwar, Soro and Nilagiri. But Jaleshwar
    and Soro NAC have been upograded to Municipality with effect from
    24.02.2014 declared by Housing and Urban Development Deptt. Govt.of
    Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
    District Board
    Outside the municipality of Baleshwar the administration of local affairs
    were vested in the District Board assisted by the Local Boards constituted for
    each Sub-Division and by the Union Committees formed at different places
    of the district.
    The Baleshwar District Board was constituted in 1887 in accordance
    with the provisions of the Biharand Odisha Local Self-Government Act, 1885.
    It consisted of 16 members of whom 5 were nominated by the Government
    and 8 were elected, while 3 were ex-officio members. The Chairman of the
    District Board was the controlling authority of the District and Local Boards.
    The District Board along with two Local Boards under it, was working
    according to the statutory rules prescribed under the said Act till the last day
    of March 1954. Then the Government took over the administration of the
    District Board and the Local Boards on the 1st January, 1954. These Boards
    under the management of Government continued till 25th J2nuary 1961 and
    were finally abolished on the introduction of Panchayat Raj from 26th
    January, 1961. The officer placed in charge of the District Board was
    designated as SpeciaI Officer. As per Notification No.5-1. S. G. of the 1st
    January, 1954, the Speciel Officer WGS appointed by the Government to
    exercise powers, discharge the duties and perform the functions of the

    309
    Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Board as provided in the Local Self-
    Government Act, 1935 (Bengal Act 11 of 1885).
    The main duties of the District Board were to look after the education,
    medical relief, public works, pound, sanitation, vaccination, census, famine
    relief, communication and other miscellaneous matters in the rural areas.
    The financial resources of the Board were derived from the local cess,
    pounds, civil works and government contribution. The local cess formed the
    chief source of income, but the total incidence of taxation was light, being
    only 1 anna to 10 paise (about 6 to 10 paise) per head of the population. In
    1905-06 its income was Rs. 1,03,000, the principal receipts being Rs.39,000
    derived from local cess, Rs. 28,000 contributed by Government and Rs.
    20,700 obtained from civil works.
    The District Board was maintaining 494.27 km. (307 miles) of road, of
    which 64.40 km. (40 miles) were metalled and 429.87km. (267 miles) were
    unmetalled Besides, it had maintained a number of village roads with a
    length of 301.07 km. (167 miles). The expenditure on maintaining these
    roads in 1905-06 was Rs.122, Rs. 18 and Rs. 16 per mile respectively. It had
    kept up 77 pounds under the control of a Pound and Ferry Inspector. Its
    educational expenditure was limited to maintaining 2 Middle schools and
    aiding 18 schools of the same class, 65 Upper Primary schools, 866 Lower
    Primary schools and 9 other schools including 5 schools for the education of
    the children of tribal people. It was maintaining 4 dispensaries and aiding 2
    others. A Civil Hospital Assistant was appointed to visit the markets in the
    Government estates in the Bhadrak Sub-Division and afforded medical relief
    to the poorer classes. Altogether 6.4 per cent of the ordinary income of the
    Board was expended on medical reliefand sanitation. It was also maintaining
    a veterinary dispensary at Baleshwar and when necessary, deputed the
    Veterinary Assistants to deal with outbreaks of epidemic diseases among
    cattle in the interior.
    It is reported that the District Board was most useful institution which
    worked very satisfactorily. It represented the best and most educated
    classes of the district and that influential persons of high standing Were
    chairman and members of the District Board.
    Local Boards
    The district had two Local Boards, namely, the Baleshwar Sadar Local
    Board and the Bhadrak Local Board. These Boards were under the
    controlofthe District Board and started functioning in the district from 29th
    March, 1887. The Local Boards exercised powers as were delegated to
    them by the District Board. The system of election which obtained in some
    parts of Bengal was not introduced and the members of these Boards were

    310
    nominated by the Government. The Baleshwar Local Board consisted of 12
    members, of whom 10 were nominated and 2 were ex officio members, and
    the Bhadrak Local Board had 11 members, all of whom were nominated.
    These Boards were working with the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman. The
    Primary education was under the control of these Boards. The functions of
    these bodies were mainly for maintenance of village roads. The Baleshwar
    Local Board in particular is said to have very little to do and was chiefly
    useful as a reserve from which to fill up vacancies in the District Board. The
    Local Boards were under the charge of the part-time gazetted officers.
    Village Chowkidari System
    There was village Chowkidari system in the district. For the
    administration of the village police system, the whole district was divided into
    140 unions (79 in Baleshwarand 61 in the Bhadrak Sub-Division) with an
    average of 11 Chowkidars in each union. The rural police force was
    composed of 1,549 Chowkidars and 140 Dafadars and there was one
    Chowkidar for every 691 inhabitants. The village Chowkidar was attached to
    a big village or a group of small revenue villages and his main job was to
    guard the village and to prevent crimes and to report births and deaths in the
    thana. Over a few Chowkidars, there was a Dafadar to supervise their work.
    The incidence of Chowkidari tax was 1-4 anna per head and the Chowkidar
    received a salary of Rs. 4 per month if he was not holding any Jagir land
    called Chowkidari Chakran land. The Odisha office of Village Police
    (Abolition) Act, 1964 ca me into force in the district with effect from 1st May,
    1965 under which the Chowkidari system was abolished and the Jagirlands
    in their possession were settled with occupancy right in their favour. If he
    was not holding any Jagir land he was paid solatium equivalent to 12 months
    of his remuneration in addition to settlement of one acro of government land
    free of Salami. Where government Anabadi lands were not available even
    Gochar lands were settled with them on government orders. After the
    abolition of Chowkidari system, the beat constables were appointed throug
    hout the district. But this system did not work satisfactorily. The beat
    constables were withdrawn and the Grama Rakish have been appointed in
    their Place since 1967 under the Odisha Grama Rakshi Act, 1967. They are
    functioning as village police at present. In 1985, there were 1,216 Grama
    Rakshis in the district.
    There were five Union Committees in the district, viz., Berhampur,
    Bhadrak, Jaleshwar, Remuna and Soro, all extablished in 1896. They each
    had an area of 16.10 square kilometers (10squre miles) and a population
    varying from 10,273 to 10,843. These Committees were practically defunct
    and existed only in name.

    311
    Municipality and Notified Area Council
    Baleshwar Municipality
    Baleshwar Municipal Council has been constituted since 1876
    comprising 28 revenue villages. The Baleshwar Municipal Council has been
    functioning comprising 31 Wards and the last Municipal election was held
    during the year 2013 and Sj. Alok Kumar Sahu has been elected as
    Chairperson on 30.09.2013 and Smt. Rasmi Rekha Deb has been elected as
    Vice-Chairperson on 21.10.2013.
    The status of reservation of different wards maintained during the last
    Municipal Election is as follows;
    Reservation Male Female Total
    Category
    SC 01 02 03
    ST 01 01 02
    OBC 04 05 09
    Un-Reserved 08 01 09
    Other Women 0 08 08
    Total 14 17 31

    Finance and Funding


    The financial structure and its fiscal policy are generally administered
    from the revenues derived from own sources and Grants received from Govt.
    As regards to its own sources of revenue, the Octroi Tax was the
    principal source of revenue since 1972 and after abolition of octroi ,the Govt.
    of Odisha is compensating the revenue from Entry Tax in lieu of Octroi
    Compensation. Besides, other main sources of own revenue are generally
    derived in three folds revenue structure i.e. Tax Revenue, Non-Tax Revenue
    and Other Fees (apart from taxation) Holding Tax, Water Tax, Arrear Latrine
    Tax, Carriage Tax , Licenses from offensive and dangerous Trades U/S-
    290,Hoarding and Advertising, Leasing out of Kalyan Mandap and Market
    Rent from Municipal Shop rooms etceteras. Besides, this ULB also receives
    grants from state govt. and central govt. for management.
    The detail Receipts and expenditure (including Govt. Grants) of
    Baleshwar Municipality are furnished below for last five years i.e. from 2010-
    11 to 2014-15;
    Income
    Year Taxes and Fees Govt. Grants and Total Expenditure
    (Including OC Grant) Loans etc. (Rpees in (Rpees in
    (Rpees in Lakh) (Rpees in Lakh) Lakh) Lakh)
    2010-11 479.41 1041.25 1520.66 1203.96
    2011-12 498.68 1909.51 2408.19 1380.93
    2012-13 587.27 1662.71 2249.98 2690.47
    2013-14 754.95 1547.65 2302.60 1929.20
    2014-15 707.46 2023.29 2730.75 2742.28

    312
    Roads and Drains Statistics
    This Municipality is maintaining the following categories of roads and
    drains including storm water channels within the area of Baleshwar
    st
    Municipality as on 1 April‘2014.
    (A) Roads
    1. Black Topped Road 306.571 Km
    2. Concrete Road 88.989 Km
    3. Metal Road 66.731Km
    4. Un Metal Road 16.583Km
    5. Earthen Road 8.236Km
    TOTAL 487.110Km
    6. Roads within Baleshwar (M) handed
    over to other departments (-) 16.000Km
    471.110Km
    (B) Drains including Storm Water Channel
    1. Earthen Drain 519.97 Km
    2. Pucca Drain 110.63Km
    TOTAL 630.60Km
    3. Storm water Channel 32.00Km
    662.60Km
    Street Lighting
    This Municipality is maintaining 6653 Nos. of Street Light points in and
    around Baleshwar Municipality. Moreover, some of the street light points are
    newly installed with pole on LED lighting and some are converted to LED
    lighting. The details of light points are given below;
    i) Tube Lights 1016 Nos.
    ii) T-5 (4x24 Watt) 3054Nos.
    iii) 150 Watt S.V. Lights 735 Nos.
    iv) 250 Watt S.V. Lights 290Nos. v)
    Semi/ Mini High Mast Light 47Nos.
    vi) High Mast Light 08Nos.
    vii) 2x36 Watt CFL light 1284Nos.
    viii) S.C. Bulb Light 32Nos.
    ix) Flood Light 34Nos.
    x) LED Light points 153Nos.
    TOTAL 6653Nos.

    313
    Parks and Auditorium
    This Municipality is maintaining 03 existing Parks.Two of them parks
    have been renovated for entertainment of children and dedicated to the
    people of the town:
    i) Gopabandhu Park near Gandhi Smruti Bhawan.
    ii) Fakir Mohan Children‘s Park near F.M.Golei.
    iii) Shantikanan Park at Mallikashpur.
    Water Supply
    The water supply scheme was started in Baleshwar Town in the year
    1959 with a perception to promote health hygienie to general public on
    control of water borne diseases and epidemic like cholera and bacillary
    dysentery providing piped water through 631 Stand posts and G.I. pipe lines
    which is wholly maintained by the PHED.
    Baleshwar Municipal Council is also simultaneously maintaining 200
    (two hundred) Nos. IM-II Tube Wells and some IM-II Tube Wells are being
    maintained by the PHED and total 331 running hand pump tube wells in IM-II
    (Shallow) within all 31 wards and steps are being taken to hand over all the
    tube wells maintained by the Municipality to PHED .
    Jaleshwar Municipality
    th
    Jaleshwar Notified Area Council was constituted on the 15 April 1964.
    The area of this Local Body is 17.6 sqkm. Its population as per 2011 Census
    st
    was 25,747. The 1 Election of Jaleshwar Notified Area Council was held
    th
    on the 29 June 1973. It was divided into 9 Wards. 2 Wards were double
    seated. 2 Wards were reserved for sc andST. The no. of Councilors elected
    was 11. The Second election to the Notified Area Council from 14 Wards
    st
    was held on the 31 January 1979 and 14 Councillors were elected. 2
    th
    Wards were reserved for SC andST candidates. On 30 Sept. 2013 the last
    election of the Local Body was held and 17 Councillor were elected for 17
    Wards of which 1 ward was reserved for SC, 2 Wards were reserved for ST,
    9 Seats were reserved for women and 5 seats were reserved for OBCs. The
    Chairperson Seat were reserved for ST(W).
    The Local Body has provided 740 light points in the town. From the
    above light post 118 were bulb point, 206 points are Tube light point, 20
    points arf!;frtghmast light point and 396 points are CFL light point. It has
    constructed 5.6km B. T road, 79.25km Concrete road, 14kms Metalled road,
    67.5kms Moorum road and 6 kms Earthen road. The total Road is
    172.35kms is being maintained by this ULB now.53kmsofpipeline has been
    lyingfor water supply in the Town. 220 Stand posts have been provided for
    drinking water in the town. 259 No. of Tube-wells are also being maintained
    for drinking water.

    314
    The Source of Income of the Local Body are market fees, Lease of Hat,
    Tax on Carts andCarriages, fees from offensive and dangerous trade under
    Section 290 of the OMR-1950 and Cattle pound, Holding Taxes, Street light
    Tax, Lease Money from the water bodies etc. The total strength of staffs of
    this ULB is 41.
    The following is the year wise Income and Expenditure of the Local
    Body from 2010-11 to 2014-15.
    Year Income Expenditure
    Taxes andfees Govt. Grants Total
    2010-11 1278543/- 30601223/- 31869766/- 27948503/-
    2011-12 1113564/- 32097028/- 33210592/- 39048283/-
    2012-13 1549265/- 44549239/- 46098504/- 49078405/-
    2013-14 1356014/- 52387595/- 53743609/- 61592242/-
    2014-15 1755721/- 51837579/- 53593300/- 38896015/-

    Soro Municipality
    th
    The Notified Area Council was constituted on the 14 February 1975
    covering an area of 23.88 Square Kilometers (9.22 Square Miles) with
    population of 18,599 according to 1981census. The first election to the Soro
    st
    Notified Area Council was held on 31 January 1979 and 15 Councillors
    were elected. Government in Housing and Urban Development Department
    declared Soro N.A.C. as Soro Municipality with effect from 24-02-2014.
    The financial position of Soro Municipality on different heads like
    collection of Holding Tax, Light Tax, Water Tax and different Licence fee for
    offensive and dangerous trade, Market rent, Shop Room rent, and
    Collection of fishery rents along with Govt. grant etc..
    The details of general information of Soro Municipality is as follows:

    Date of Establishment 14.02.1975 (Declared as Municipality with


    effect from 24.2.2014.)
    Total nos. of ward at present 19 nos.
    Total nos. of revenue villages merged in 26 nos.
    Municipality
    Total area in Sq km. 23.88 Sq km.
    Total population as per 2001 Census 27,794
    Male 14,202
    Female 13,592
    S.C. 4,037(Male-2064, Female-1,973)
    S.T. 667 ( Male-336, Female-331)
    Total population as per 2011 Census 32,522
    Male 16,622
    Female 15,900
    S.C. 4,037(Male-2,064, Female-1,973)
    S.T. 667(Male-336, Female-331)
    Total nos. of Culvert 61 nos.
    Total nos. of Bridges 11 nos.
    315
    Total nos. of slum pockets 28 nos.
    Total nos. of Tank 22 nos.
    Total nos. of Kine-house 1 no.
    Total nos. of daily market 2 nos.
    Total nos. of fish market 3 nos.
    Total nos. of Private holding 5000 Nos.
    Total nos. of Govt. holding 105 Nos.

    Remunerative Schemes
    No. of market pindies 54 nos.
    No. of shop rooms 76 nos.
    No. of commercial go down 1 no.
    No. of shop rooms for SC people 10 nos.(Free of rent.)
    No. of licensees U/S 290 383 nos.
    No. of public latrine and urinals 2 nos.
    No. of Kalyan Mandap 1 no.
    No. of Souchalaya 1 no.
    No. of Town Hall 1 no.(Under Construction)
    Total no. of Medical maintained by Govt. under this 1 no.
    Municipality area
    Total nos. of Private nursing home 1 no.
    No. of colleges maintained by Govt. under this 2 nos.
    Municipality area
    No. of High Schools maintained by Govt. under 8 nos.
    this Municipality area
    No. of M.E. Schools maintained by Govt. under 12 nos.
    this Municipality area
    No. of Primary Schools maintained by Govt. under 22 nos.
    this Municipality area
    No. of Private English Medium Schools 4 nos.
    maintained by Govt. under this Municipality area
    No. of Post Offices maintained by Govt. under this 6 nos.
    Municipality area
    No. of Telegraph Offices maintained by Govt. 1 no.
    under this Municipality area
    No. of Cinema Halls and Talkies under this 1 no.
    Municipality area
    No. of Anganabadi Centre maintained by Govt. 27 nos.
    under this Municipality area

    Old Age Pension Scheme

    National Old age pension 1417 beneficiaries.


    Madhu Babu Pension Yojana 1457 beneficiaries.
    Annapurna Yojana 46 beneficiaries.
    Antyadaya Anna Yojana 844 beneficiaries.
    Total nos. of B.P.L. families 3926 nos.

    316
    SJSRY Scheme
    During the following activities was under taken
    No. of UWSP groups formed 20 nos.
    No. of Thrift and Credit Societies 64 nos.
    No. of N.H. Groups 180 nos.
    No. of N.H. Committees 19 nos.
    No. of C.D.S. formed 1 no.

    OULM
    Odisha Urban Livelihood Mission now in force instead of SJSRY with
    effect from 2015-16
    Drinking water system
    Total nos. of shallow tube-wells maintained by Soro Municipality 377 nos.
    Total nos. of India-Mark-II tube-wells maintained by P.H.D. 101 nos.
    Total nos. of public stand posts maintained by P.H.D. 369 nos.

    Street lighting system


    Total nos. of High-mast light 1 no.
    Total nos. of Semi High-mast light 30 nos.
    Total nos. of Sodium Vapors light 872 nos.
    Total Nos. of CFL lights 850 nos.

    Roads
    Total Road length 197.915 K.Ms
    B.T. Road 30.3458
    C.C. Road 27.1674
    Metal Road 59.5803
    Morrum Road 73.7968
    Earthen Road 7.2047
    Total 197.915 Km.

    Drains
    Total length of drains 61.790 K.ms
    Pucca drain 8.43
    Earthen drain 53.36
    Total 61.790 Km s.

    317
    Swachha Bharat Mission
    Sl. Items Remarks
    No.
    1 No. of IHL applications received 3111
    2 No. of IHL applications verified 3111
    3 No. of IHL applications sanctioned 0
    4 No. of CT planned 28
    5 No. of PT planned 5
    6 No. of CT for which land has been 28
    identified
    7 No. of PT for which land has been 5
    identified
    8 Authorization received or not For land fill site under SWM
    authorisation has been
    received. Buty for CT and
    PT no authorisation has
    received
    9 Land identified for SWM facility Yes
    10 Land identified for STP / Dry sludge Process is going on
    Management
    11 Order of NGT carried out or not Carried out

    General Election
    During the year 1992 Direct election was held of total NAC. Prior to that
    NAC was divided into 13 Wards and before election Nominated Council was
    functioning in this NAC headed by Sub- Collector, Nilagiri as Cha irman. The
    last election of 13 Wards was held on 19.9.2013.
    Source of Income
    From 1985 the main source of income of NAC are from Govt. as Grant
    for Development works and another was collected from local market such as
    Holding Tax, Light Tax, Water Tax, U/S 290 License Fee, Auction of Tanks,
    Cart and carriage Tax ete. Octroi Tax has not been imposed in this NAC.
    NAC has imposed 3 % Holding Tax on 1972 house holds comes under
    valuation and now total 10 % tax has been imposed on Holding Tax, Water
    Tax and Light Tax. Gradually new tax like Shop Rent, Parking Fee and Tool
    collection were also imposed by NAC.
    Public Roads
    From the inception NAC time has been 138.750 K. M of road and
    gradually it has increased up to 141.200 K.M road which are specifies as
    such.

    318
    Beautification
    For beautification of Town, NAC has provided 1504 nos. of street lights
    throughout the NAC area. There is one Children‘s Park.
    Water Supply
    Prior to 1997-1998, NAC provided drinking water through 186 Tube
    wells and 36 wells.After 2000-01, piped water supply provided through 142
    public tap.
    Financial Position: After functioning of NAC since 1984-85 Govt.
    grants are received towards development of roads and drains and the won
    sources are from H.Tax, and market fees. The yearwise Income and
    Expenditure Statement of NAC are as follows.

    Year Tax and Other Govt. Grants Total receipt Expenditure


    Fees
    1987-88 1,17,343.15 3,00,616.80 4,17,959.25 4,95,573.30
    1988-89 1,40,374.55 2,23,477.00 3,63,851.55 3,02,782.00
    1989-90 1,33,614.75 2,79,005.00 4,12,619.75 2,30,471.10
    1990-91 1,62,556.48 17,94,025.00 19,56,581.48 14,62,474.08
    1991-92 4,16,121.15 12,49,239.00 16,65,360.15 13,72,397.00
    1992-93 5,47,239.00 10,16,080.00 15,63,319.00 14,59,604.80
    1993-94 2,43,692.00 7,74,683.00 10,18,375.00 7,17,514.20
    1994-95 5,41,232.03 9,85,803.00 15,27,035.03 14,90,560.00
    1995-96 6,72,692.35 12,91,453.00 19,64,145.35 21,02,177.00
    1996-97 9,20,083.92 19,75,782.00 28,95,865.92 37,58,218.92
    1997-98 6,22,491.60 32,45,156.00 38,67,647.60 26,79,550.00
    1998-99 12,53,729.00 28,20,818.00 40,74,547.00 37,47,115.00
    1999-2000 11,13,288.90 19,82,200.00 30,95,488.90 38,08,152.40
    2000-01 6,98,104.90 28,15,920.00 35,14,024.90 34,16,209.00
    2001-02 9,57,329.00 12,30,420.00 28,87,749.00 19,60,161.00
    2002-03 15,79,148.00 65,04,450.00 80,83,598.00 37,02,523.00
    2003-04 14,70,774.00 44,04,088.00 58,74,862.00 67,23,109.30
    2004-05 7,83,953.00 25,70,996.00 33,54,949.00 43,78,221.00
    2005-06 16,41,571.00 51,49,665.00 67,91,236.00 55,19,226.00
    2006-07 6,07,028.00 93,30,224.00 99,36,452.00 63,28,090.00
    2007-08 11,85,415.00 1,25,46,678.00 1,37,32,093.00 1,15,30,060.00
    2008-09 10,92,995.00 2,45,57,567.00 2,56,50,562.00 1,73,76,489.00
    2009-10 11,59,554.00 2,01,18,235.00 2,12,77,489.00 2,24,42,310.00
    2010-11 14,06,421.00 2,47,24,105.00 2,61,30,436.00 2,21,01,565.00
    2011-12 13,95,516.00 2,21,94,314.00 2,35,89,830.00 1,48,19,349.00
    2012-13 22,55,433.00 2,93,54,646.00 3,16,10,079.00 2,76,36,307.00
    2013-14 21,26,696.00 4,08,73,016.00 4,29,99,712.00 2,87,40,491.00
    2014-15 23,35,324.50 3,72,78,177.00 3,96,13,501.50 3,87,08,249.00

    319
    General Election

    As mentioned earlier, the councillors of the Baleshwar Municipality


    Soro, and Jaleshwar Notified Area Councils were elected every four years in
    accordance with section 41 (1) of the Odisha Municipa I Act, 1950 read with
    section 12(1) thereof. The election of councillors to the municipality and the
    Notified Area Councils were suspended as per the provisions laid down in
    the Odisha Local Body (Suspension of Election) Act, 1962. In the beginning
    of 1963, the said Act was repealed and Government in Health (Local Self-
    Government) Department letter No.5012 (13)-L. S. G., dated the 8th May
    1963 decided to hold the pending election of the municipality and the
    Notified Area Councils.
    The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of these local bodies were
    elected by their respective councillors from among themselves. The councils
    discharged the duties as provided under the Odisha Municipality Act. 1950,
    with regard to finanee, public health, public works, education and any other
    special subjects relating to the purposes of the Act. The State Government
    have appointed Executive Officers in these locaI bodies to ca rry out day to
    da y administration.
    The chairman and the councillors/members of the Baleshwar
    Municipality, Jaleshwar, Soro and Basudebpur Nilagiri Area Councils were
    elected directly by the voters of these locaI bodies in accordance with the
    provisions of section 10 of the Odisha MunicipaI Act, 1950, as amended in
    the Odisha Municipal (Amendment) Act, 1979. The Chairman was elected
    from the entire Municipal areas and the councillors/members were elected
    from their respective wards. The Vice -Chairman was elected from amongst
    the elected councillors/members of the council.
    The Chairman presides over the meetings of the council and
    discharges the duties and performs the functions as has been provided in
    the said Act or in the Rules framed there under or as is assigned to him by
    the council. The State Government appoints an Executive Officer, Municipal
    Engineer, Health Officer and such other officers as may be necessary to
    carry out the works.
    Town Planning
    There are four towns in the district, viz., Baleshwar, Jaleshwar, Soro,
    and Nilagiri Chandbali. Master Plans for only Baleshwar have been prepared
    by the Town Planning Unit, Baleshwar functioning under the Director of
    Town Planning Organization,Odisha, Bhubaneshwar. Steps are being taken
    for the preparation of Master Plan for Basudebpur town. The other towns of
    the district are not planned.
    320
    The Special Plaining Authority, Baleshwar has taken up various
    development schemes for people of different income groups under
    Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns (I.D.S.M.T.)
    programme. It prepared sites and services schemes for developing house
    sites at Kalidaspur and Firingipatna as remunerative schemes. A totaI of 246
    house sites of different sizes were constructed and handed over to the
    applicants. The totaI cost of these house sites amounted to Rs. 18.2 lakhs,
    Shopping complexes have been developed near station square and Sadar
    police-station of Baleshwar town. A total of 53 shop-rooms at a cost of Rs.
    19.15 lakhs were built and given to the applicants. Another shopping
    complex under the flyover bridge on the S. E. railway at Remuna level
    crossing has been started with an estimated cost of Rs. 22.6 lakhs.

    Zilla Parishad

    In exercise of powers conferred by subsection 3-a of section 6 of


    ZP‘Act 1991(Odisha Act.170f 1991) the State Govt. published the list of Zilla
    Parishad constituencies of Balasorc Zilla Parishad determined in pursuance
    of explanation to subsection 1 and reservation thereof for Schedule Casts,
    Schedule Tribes and woman made under subsection 3 or the said section
    and constituted 45 zones and it came into force w.e.f 15.02.1997.

    The main objectives or the Parishad is to undertake schemes or adopt


    measures including giving financial assistance relating to the development of
    agriculture, social forestry, live stock, industries, co-operative movement,
    rural credit, water-supply, distribution of essential commodities, rural
    electrification including establishment of dispensaries and hospitals.
    communications, primary, secondary and adult education including welfare
    and other objects of general public utility.

    The Zilla Parishad are to prepare plans for economic development and
    social justice, manage or maintain any work of public utility or any
    instaurations vested on it or under its control and management, make grants
    to Samities or GPs, contribute with approval of Govt. .... such sums as it may
    decide towards the cost of water supply or anti epidemic measures etc.
    Further the Zilla Parishad shall by resolution constitute 7 standing committee
    on (i) planning, finance, antipoverty programmes. (ii) agriculture, animal
    Husbandry, soil conservation, horty culture, water said and fishery (iii) works,
    irrigation, electricity, drinking water and rural sanitation (iv) health, social
    welfare including (v) PDS, welfare of the weaker section, forest, fuel and
    fodder, (vi) handicrafts, cottage industries, khadi and village industries and
    rural housing, and (vii) education, sports and culture.

    321
    Administrative composition

    The President is the executive head of the Zilla Parishad and in his
    absence (vacant) Vice President shall exercise the powers and function of
    the President. The Collector or the district shall be the Chief Executive
    Officer of the Parishad who shall subject to the provision of this Act. exercise
    such powers and performs such function as may be prescribed of. The
    project Director, DRDA is also the Executive officer of the Zilla Parishad who
    shall remain under the Administrative control of chief executive officer and
    shall exercise powers and performs such function as may be prescribed.

    Panchayat Samitis

    Panchayat Samitis, the secondtire in democratic decentralisation were


    established throughout the state in accordance with the provisions of the
    Odisha Panchayat Samitis Act, 1959. In the district the Samitis were
    constituted on the 26th January 1961. At present there are 12 Panchayat
    Samitis in the district as per list in the Appendix 1 which includes within G11
    to 32 Grama Panchayats. The Panchayat Samiti is coterminous in regard to
    its area with the Block administration created by the Government in the
    Community Development Department.

    Each Panchayat Samiti consists of both official and non- official


    members. The officiaI members are the Block Development Officer and the
    officers of various departments of the State Government ordinarily stationed
    at the Block level. The non- official members include the Sarpanchs of the
    Grama Panchayats and a woman member. The Scheduled Castes and the
    Scheduled Tribes are given due representation in the Samiti. The Chairman
    is elected directly by the Panchayat members. The non-official members
    who hold office for five years elect Vice-Chairman from among themselves.
    Bi-monthly meetings are held regularly. Official members can take part in the
    discussions of the Panchavat Samiti meetings alongs with the non- officiaI
    members, but are not entitled to vote.

    The planning, execution and supervision of jail the development


    programmes in the Block area are done by the respective Panchayat
    Samitis. The Samiti looks after the spread of primary education. It supervises
    the work of the Grarna Panchavats within its jurisdiction. The Block
    Development Officer is the Executive Officer of the Samiti. He is also its
    drawing and disbursing Officer. The main sources of income of the Samitis
    are the government grants and loans.

    322
    Grama Panchayats

    Grama Panchayat is the primary unit in the democratic decentralisation.


    Some Grama Panchayats were constituted in the district with the
    introduction of the Odisha Grama Panchayat Act, 1948, to establish and
    develop local self-government in the village communities and to make better
    provision for their administration. The Grama Panchayat administration was
    extended aII over the district covering aII this villages in 1954-55. These
    institutions are governed under the Odisha Grama Panchayat Act, 1964.
    Each Grama Panchayat comprising one or more than one village is divided
    into a number of wards. Election of Sarpanch, Naib Sarpanch, members and
    the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes members are conducted
    according to the provisions of the Odisha Grama Panchayat Election Rule.
    1965. According to this rule, in every five years one member from each ward
    is elected to the Grama Panchayat on the basis of adult franchise. The
    Sarpanch is directly elected by the voters of the Grama Panchayat. But the
    Naib Sarpanch is elected from among themselves by the Panchayat
    members. The Sarpanch is the head of the Grama Panchayat. He is
    assisted by a Naib Sarpanch. According to the Odisha Grama Panchayat
    Act.1964, the executive powers of the Grama Panchayat for the purpose of
    carrying out the provisions of the Act.are exercised by the Sarpanch, He is
    assisted in his duties by a Secretary appointed under the provisions of the
    Act. and such other officers and assistants for the Grama Sasan as may be
    necessary. The office of the members of the Grama Panchayat including that
    of the Sarpanch and the Naib Sarpanch, is honorary. In areas where the
    Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes population of the Grama
    Panchayat is more than 5 per cent.provision has been made to elect a
    Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes candidate. There were 289 Grama
    Panchayats in the district which included 253 in Balehwar Sub-Division and
    36 In Nilagiri Sub-Division as on 31.08.2015.

    The Grama Panchayat continues to function as the main agency for the
    implementation of all local development works and for mobilising manpower
    in rural areas. Development activities of different departments of the
    Government which are co-ordinated at the Block level also continue to be
    executed through the agency of the Panchayats. Besides, they also
    supervise and co-ordinate distribution of essentiaI commodities through fair-
    price shops.

    323
    The functions of the Grarma Panchayat include looking after village
    sanitation, supply of drinking water, maintenance of village roads and wells,
    ferry ghats, cattle, paunds, providing street lights and implementing different
    agricultural schemes. Pisciculture is one of the most lucrative schemes in
    augmenting internal resources of Panchayats.

    Besides Government grants and loans, the other sources of income of


    the Panchayats are the Panchayat taxes, and collection from cattle pounds,
    rent from markets, vehicle registration fees, and ferries and ghats. The
    expenditure incurred by the Grama Panchavats include mainly money spent
    on construction and maintenance of village roads and buildings, education,
    village sanitation, pisciculture, repair of wells and tanks and othar
    rermunerative schemes and for paying salary to staff and other contingent
    expenses. The number of Gram Panchayats and wards per block is given
    below.

    Sl. No. Name of the Block No. of G.P No. of Ward


    1 Bhograi 32 602
    2 Jaleshwar 27 381
    3 Basta 22 389
    4 Baliapal 27 368
    5 Remuna 28 375
    6 Sadar 27 416
    7 Nilagiri 25 355
    8 Bhanaga 21 325
    9 Soro 22 294
    10 Oupada 11 163
    11 Khaira 30 432
    12 Simulia 17 254
    Total 289 4354

    324
    CHAPTER – XIV

    EDUCATION AND CULTURE

    Historical Background
    Baleshwar is one among the few districts of Odissa which is
    comparatively more advanced in the state. However, it is a very difficult task
    to throw light on the state of education of the district during the ancient and
    medieval periods. But it can be said that education through religious
    teachings was imparted by the priests and Pandits in the temples and
    Ashrams.
    Education in Baleshwar
    In the beginning of 19th century A.D., prior to the advent of western
    education, the education in Odissa was very much limited to Primary
    education, taught in traditional Primary schools, popularly known as
    ‗Chatasali‘ meaning house of learners. The learners were taught primary
    level of simple arithmetic i.e., Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and
    Division etc by the traditional teachers of specific families locally known as
    ‗Abadhan‘.
    After the British occupied Odissa in 1803, they took initiative to spread
    education. According to the recommendation of the Education Committee of
    the British Government it was decided to establish 159 missionary schools in
    India during the period from June 1822 to December 1823. Out of these
    schools Odissa had the share of 15 schools. Two schools were meant for
    the district of Baleshwar. One was established at Jaleshwar and the other
    one at Baleshwar. The principal objectives of opening these two schools
    were is spread and propagate Christianity and introduce English education.
    Baleshwar Missionary School established in 1823, was the first Middle
    English School. After that the Baptist Missionary School and American
    Baptist School were established. In 1840 the American Baptists set up two
    Boarding Schools at Baleshwar and Jaleshwar. In these schools the
    students of scheduled caste and schedule tribe were given education by
    providing food and dress free of cost. It is known from the Bengal Education
    Committee that twenty boys and ten girls were reading in these schools.
    In 1845 A.D. vernacular schools were established at Baleshwar and
    Remuna. As the number of the students in the school at Remuna began to
    decrease, the then Magistrate closed the said school.

    325
    Beginning of Western Education
    The Christian Missionaries were the pioneers of modern education in
    Baleshwar. They took active steps for the development of education. In
    February 1938, the American Baptists established a baptistery at Baleshwar.
    They founded an English School in 1853 and a High English School in 1893.
    The attempts of the missionaries to educate their Christian converts
    failed to produce any positive reaction on the people due to orthodoxy.
    Schools which were first restricted to the Christian community were made
    open for others also. But few students came in. Baleshwar was the seat of
    brisk maritime activities. So, a good number of people were in demand for
    maintaining their accounts and doing clerical jobs for which they felt the
    necessity of English education and became interested for the same. Late
    Raja Baikunthanath Dey Bahadur of Manikhamb became the champion of
    English education and founded an English school at Barabati in the centre of
    Baleshwar town under his patronage. Subsequently the school was shifted
    to Malikashpur and was raised to the entrance standard in the year 1853. As
    per Lord Auckland‘s minute of 1843-46, it was resolved to establish Zilla
    school at district headquarters. The first High English School was thus
    started by the Government on the 1st November 1853, which now goes by
    the name of the Baleshwar Zilla School. The Wood‘s Despatch in 1854 gave
    incentive for the expansion of education and Odissa was made into a
    division under the Education Department of the Bengal Presidency. A
    Deputy Inspector of Schools was posted for Odissa with headquarters at
    Baleshwar.
    It was noticed that in the year 1845-49 there were only 9 schools with a
    total attendance of 279 pupils. During the next decade the number of
    schools increased to 29 and of pupils to 1046. The number of schools and
    pupils therein further went up to 63 and 4,043 respectively towards 1868-69.
    The non-availability of trained teachers also seemed to be an obstacle
    for the spread of education in the early state. Till 1869 there was no
    institution to train teachers for which a great difficulty was encountered in
    establishing and maintaining schools. The Government took a notable step
    of opening a Normal school in Cuttack town in the year 1869 wherein young
    men were being imparted instructions with the object of qualifying them to
    become teachers. On completion of the course, these qualified youths
    scattered over the villages of the state and tried to bring education home to
    the peasantry. Each teacher collected as much as he could in cash or kind
    from the villagers who sent their children to his school. A paltry weekly
    stipend was also given to him from the Government as long as he was
    discharging his duties sincerely.
    The number of schools in Baleshwar gradually increased due to
    Government‘s initiative. In the year 1870-71, the number of recognized
    schools increased to 28 and the pupils to 1,252. Sir George Campbell‘s
    326
    scheme of educational reform came into operation in 1872. The grant-in-aid
    rules were extended to hitherto unaided schools. Many indigenous
    institutions were brought under the departmental system and the number of
    inspected schools further increased by 1875 to 217 and the number of pupils
    to 5972. More remarkable was the advance of education in the next decade
    and towards 1885 the strength of the pupils rose to 37,707 in 2305 public
    institutions. But this extraordinary progress of education was temporary and
    it could not be maintained in the following decade. The cause of this dismay
    may squarely be attributed to the failure of crops in several years. In 1895
    the number of schools fell to 2,156 and the pupils to 35,827. There was a
    considerable increase in the pupil‘s strength which further rose to 37,687.
    Apart from these there were 72 non-public schools with student strength of
    644.
    In the later part of the nineteenth century two Middle Vernacular
    schools were established in Baleshwar town. Of these two, one was called
    the Victoria Jubliee School and the other Bedon Madrasa, which was later
    named as Hazi Nasiruddin Middle English School. The medium of instruction
    was Odia in the former and Persian in the latter.
    During the first part of the 20th century two more aided High Schools,
    one at Bhadrak and the other at Lakshmannath were established with the
    minimum grant-in-aid from the Government.
    The Vernacular schools suffered as they failed to cope with the demand
    of the times. By 1925 the number of Middle English school and the middle
    vernacular schools was 25. But there was no numerical change in the High
    English Schools. The High English Schools were affiliated to the Kolkata
    University.
    Private enterprise was the guiding factor in the field of Primary
    education. The system of grant-in-aid always added an impetus. There were
    1839 indigenous schools at the primary stage in 1915 and the figure came
    down to 1673 by 1920. The number of such schools fluctuated from year to
    year.
    In the last three decades of the 19th century there was a vigorous
    movement led by Raja Rajendralala Mittra and other eminent Bengalis for
    substituting Oriya language by Bengali in Odissa on the ground that Odia
    was not an independent language but a mere dialect and an offshoot of
    Bengali language. Arguments were further advanced in favour of restricting
    the study of Odia in elementary schools on the basis that the language was
    not rich and it did not have standard printed books to be prescribed as text
    books. However, Fakir Mohan Senapati and Radhanath Ray combated the
    argument leveled against Odia language and proved beyond doubt that Odia
    was a modern Indian language – complete and prosperous like any other
    sister languages in India. John Beams, the famous linguist, who was the
    Collector of Baleshwar from 1869 to 1873 wrote in his Manual of District of
    327
    Baleshwar, which was printed in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of
    Bengal that ―they are not an offshoot of the Bengali is proved by the fact that
    their language was already formed as we now have it, at a period when
    Bengali had not yet attained a separate existence and when the deltaic
    portions of Bengal was still almost uninhabited. So that in fact they could not
    have sprung from the Bengalis simply because there was no Bengalis to
    spring from.
    Further, the order of the Lt. Governor of Bengal passed on to the D.P.I.
    Bengal was ―It is only too evident from what has been reported that the
    tendency among those who have any influence in the matter of education is
    and has been to encourage Bengali learning to the almost entire exclusion of
    the native language (Odia). Your proposal, therefore, to continue the study
    of Odia simply in the elementary schools and not beyond is, in the Lt.
    Governor‘s opinion, not only against the wishes of the natives of Odissa, but
    it is opposed to the policy which he considers the Government is bound on
    every consideration to follow, viz, that our chief care should be to give to the
    Odias an opportunity of learning their own language, and the means for this
    end should be exclusively supplied‖.
    Thus the study of Odia language was introduced in schools and the
    long drawn-out strife centering this issue was set at rest. The children had
    education through the medium of their mother tongue as before. As a result,
    a few Bengali Primary schools started in north Baleshwar gradually
    disappeared.
    Thereafter there was steady growth of education in the district. On 1st
    April, 1936 when the province of Odissa was created the percentage of
    literacy in the district was only 6. The following table shows a picture of
    education in the district at the time of creation of the province of Odissa.

    Type of Institutions Number of Number of Number of


    Institutions students teachers
    High English Schools/Middle English/ 4 740 50
    Middle Vernacular Schools
    Middle English/ Middle Vernacular 26 1710 104
    Schools
    Primary schools (boys) 511 16037 1276
    Primary schools (Girls) 15 422 18
    Sanskrit Primary Schools 6 162 9
    Maktabs 8 216 8
    Madrasas 2 52 5
    Tols 10 142 13
    Elementary Training schools 5 50 10
    Technical schools 1 40 8

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    Literacy
    As per 1901 Census, 7.8 percent (15.7 male and 0.4 females) of the
    population of the district could read and write. At the time of creation of the
    province of Odisha. i.e., on the 1st April, 1936, the percentage of literacy of
    the district was reported to be 6 percent. It is only after independence that
    the percentage of literacy in the country as a whole and so also in the district
    took an upward trend. In the Census of 1951 the percentage of literacy was
    at 23.7 which comprised of 20.3 male and 3.4 female. There was an
    increase in the percentage of literacy by 5.8 percent during the next decade,
    (1961 Census) which rose to 29.5 percent comprising 23.2 percent males
    and 6.3 percent female as against the state average of 17.4 percent and 4.3
    percent respectively. Thus it is clear that the district had better literacy than
    the state average. Among males, the percentage of literacy was 45.8
    whereas among females it was 12.7. Towards 1971 the position was still
    better and the rise of literacy was 4.2 percent more during the decade and
    33.7 percent of the population of the district returned literate. For males it
    was 47.5 percent and for females it was 19.5 percent. In the following
    decade the literacy figure further went up. According to 1981 Census the
    percentage of literacy in the district was recorded at 41.84 which was third in
    the state of Odisha, with Puri district at the highest placed with 45.71
    percentage of literacy followed by Cuttack with 45.33 percent. The
    percentages of literacy among males and females were 55.07 and 25.32
    respectively as per the 1981 Census. The literacy rate for male and female
    as per 2011 census is 81.69 and 58.90 respectively. The general literacy
    rate is 70.56.
    The census test of literacy is the ability to write a letter to a friend and
    read the answer to it. The district of Baleshwar had more literates compared
    to other two districts, i.e., Cuttack and Puri of Odisha in the province of
    undivided Bihar and Odisha. The following table shows the progress of
    education and the number of literates in the district and so also Odisha
    portion of undivided Bihar-Odisha in the censuses from 1881 to 1931.
    Number of Literates per 10,000
    All Ages 10 and above
    Year Baleshwar Odisha
    Males Females Males Females
    1881 1680 20 1470 40
    1891 1360 40 1440 30
    1901 2038 51 1964 54
    1911 1802 64 1699 65
    1921 1901 91 1873 99
    1931 2017 111 1865 116

    329
    This number of literate persons in the district at the Census of 1951
    was 2,52,601 made up of 2,24,424 males and 28,177 females. More
    attention was paid in spreading education in the district in the years after
    independence resulting in more number of literates coming out every year.
    Increasing number of educational institutions opened in different parts of the
    district. More facilities for education were also made available to the people.
    According to the 1961 Census the total number of literates in the district
    figured at 4,17,527 of whom 3,28,489 were males and 89,038 females. Thus
    there was more than 500 percent increase in this field. In the urban areas,
    out of 91,905 people (49,784 males and 42,121 females), 35,942 person
    (26,000 males and 9,942 females) were found to have been literate. In the
    rural areas out of total population of 13,24,018, a total of 6,67,556 males and
    6,56,462 females were returned literate. In the rural areas less persons were
    found to be literate while compared to the figures in the urban areas.
    According to their educational standard the total educated people in the
    district as a whole could be break up as 3,57,144 persons (2,76,114 males
    and 81,030 females) literates (without educational level), 50,166 persons
    (42,617 males and 7,549 females) of Primary or Junior Basic level and
    10,217 persons (9,758 males and 459 females) Matriculate and above.
    As per the Census of 1971 the total population in the district was
    18,30,504 comprising 9,28,342 males and 9,02,162 females of which only
    6,17,105 persons (4,40,967 males and 1,76,138 females) were found to be
    literate and 12,13,399 people (4,87,375 males and 7,26,024 females) were
    illiterate. More than fifty percent of the male population were found to be
    educated whereas education among women was much less.
    Towards 1981 the number of literate persons in the district has
    increased. Out of a total population of 2,252,808 persons (1,139,355 males
    and 1,113,453 females) 947,598 persons (6,32,905 males and 3,14,693
    females) were returned to be literate. However, more than half of its
    population was found to be illiterate.
    As per the Census of 2001 the total population in the district was
    20,24,508 persons comprising 10,36,511 males and 9,87,997 females of
    which only 12,19,495 persons (7,22,244 males and 4,97,251 females) were
    found to be literate and 8,05,013 people (3,14,267 males and 4,90,746
    females) were illiterate. About seventy percent of the male population were
    found to be educated whereas education among women was about fifty
    percent.
    As per the Census of 2011 the total population in the district was
    23,20,529 persons comprising 11,85,787 males and 11,34,742 females of
    which only 16,21,232 persons (9,02,359 males and 7,18,873 females) were
    found to be literate and 6,99,297 person‘s (2,83,428 males and 4,15,869
    330
    females) were illiterate. About seventy six percent of the male populations
    were found to be educated whereas education among women was about
    sixty three percent. The statement given below shows the level of education
    of the literates in the district as per the Census of 2011.
    Educational Level Persons
    Males Females
    Literate (without educational level) 25879 26570
    Below Primary 186613 177441
    Primary 237776 208610
    Middle 184060 141450
    Matriculation / Secondary 118100 81353
    Higher Secondary/ Intermediate/ Pre-University 57624 41279
    Non technical diploma or certificate not equal to degree 1673 361
    Technical diploma or certificate not equal to degree 10587 1496
    Graduate and above 77932 38422
    Unclassified 2115 1887

    The people in Baleshwar district as per stage of education in 2011


    census is given in a table here under.

    Sl. No. Stage People


    1 Below Primary 364054
    2 Middle 771896
    3 Secondary stage 312473
    4 B.A. and above 116354

    Spread of Education among Women


    Education of girls in the district was initiated by the missionaries. The
    American Baptist Mission founded a Primary School of girls as early as 1839
    which was converted to Middle English School in 1896. In 1939 the school
    ultimately reached the status of a High English School for girls. There was
    another Girls Primary School at Barabati in Baleshwar town, managed by the
    Government. The institution was raised to a Middle English School in 1943
    and subsequently into a High English School. The Hemaprava Girls Middle
    English School at Soro was also on institution imparting education to the
    girls students.
    In the year 1904-05 there were 128 girls school and the number of girl
    students receiving instruction therein was 3,884. Of these schools, three,
    one at the district headquarters, another at Jaleshwar and the third at
    Santipur, all under the management of the Baptist Mission, taught up to the
    standard of Middle Vernaculars; three were Upper Primary schools and 122
    were lower Primary Schools. These lower Primary schools included sixteen
    Zanana classes taught by peripatetic Christian teachers, working under the
    superintendence of missionary ladies, who instructed 252 Hindu ladies in
    their homes.

    331
    In the beginning of the 20th century, increasing number of girl students
    attended educational institutions owing to the popularity of co-education. In
    this respect the district occupied the highest position among Bengal districts
    as appears from O‘Malley‘s Bengal Gazetteer.
    Education for girls received further impetus after independence. To
    encourage girls education additional facilities are being made available for
    them. Girls are offered special educational facilities at all stages. For looking
    after the girl students in the schools, School Mothers were appointed in the
    schools. Lady teachers were also appointed in the institutions through
    sympathetic selection methods. In the schools the girls are eligible for free
    education. Only those whose parents were assessesof income-tax and
    agricultural tax are charged with fifty percent of the tuition fees. Girls at the
    college stage pay fifty percent of the tuition fees, except those whose
    parents are subject to payment of income tax. These measures have
    brought positive results in the field of women‘s education in the district.
    Tuition fees for all girls up to post graduate level have been waived from the
    academic year 1988-89. The number of educational institutions has also
    gone up. There is co-education at all stages. Development of women
    education in the district could be well ascertained from the statement given
    below which shows the number of girls students prosecuting studies in
    different educational institutions recognized by the Government in the years
    1982-83 to 1985-86, and the current status as on 2015-16.

    Year Primary Middle English Secondary


    1982-83 1,23,397 22,981 18,915
    1983-84 1,43,633 24,834 19,182
    1984-85 1,69,429 26,777 19,504
    1985-86 1,63,432 28,879 20,503
    2015-16 1,65,515 44,797 27,865

    At present there are three women‘s college in the district and the total
    strength of women students in these institutions is 1,298. The table below
    shows the growth of female literacy in the district as per the censuses of
    1951, 1961, 1971, 1981 and 2011.

    Census Percentage of Female Literacy


    1951 6.9
    1961 12.7
    1971 19.5
    1981 28.26
    1991 43.40
    2001 58.90
    2011 72.28

    332
    Spread of Education among Backward Classes and Tribes
    After the achievement of independence and the framing of the
    constitution special attention was paid to make rapid stride in the spread of
    education among backward classes and tribal people. Various welfare
    programme in the field of education are now under implementation both by
    the education and youth services department and the Harijan and Tribal
    Welfare Department for improving the socio-economic condition and the rate
    of literacy among the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes.
    With a view to attracting a good number of children to schools and
    discouraging the heavy dropouts from schools in the Pre-Matric stage, the
    Department of Harijan and Tribal Welfare started opening special schools
    such as Sevasharams, Ashram Schools and High English Schools in
    different parts of the district exclusively for the education of the people
    belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Some of
    these institutions are residential type where the students belonging to these
    two groups prosecute their studies with the facilities of free boarding and
    lodging. Besides general education, the students in these schools are given
    practical training in different crafts such as carpentry, tailoring, smithy,
    agriculture, etc. At the post-Matrict levels no special educational institutions
    are run by the Harijan and Tribal Welfare Department. However, for
    providing residential facilities separate hostels have been established for
    them. Other educational facilities include free supply of reading and writing
    materials to the students reading in the education institutions maintained by
    the Harijan and Tribal Welfare Department. Text books are also supplied
    free to such students reading in Primary Schools of the Education and Youth
    Services Department. Students reading in the Sevashrams are given free
    garments. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes students
    studying in the Middle English schools and High English schools of the
    Education and Youth Services Department and also the Harijan and Tribal
    Welfare Department are awarded with pre-Matric scholarship.Post-matric
    scholarship is also awarded to those who prosecute higher studies in various
    post-matrict institutions in and outside the state. In the year 1985-86 the
    Harijan and Tribal Welfare Department maintained three High English
    Schools including one for the girls, Ashram schools and 46 Sevashrams in
    the district specially for the education of these students. The strength of the
    students in the same year in these High English Schools, Ashram school
    and Sevashrams was 633,204 and 594 respectively. There were three
    hostels in the district for accommodation of these students. A total of 360
    students found accommodation in the hostels during the same year.
    Owing to the operation of different reformatory and regulatory
    measures undertaken by the Government, education has started spreading
    gradually among these people. According to the Census of 1961, the
    percentage of literacy found amongst the Schedule Castes and the
    333
    Scheduled Tribes was 13.9 and 5.7 respectively. In the next decade the
    percentage of literacy has slightly increased. As per 1971 census 20.5
    percent of the Scheduled Castes and 7.0 percent of the Scheduled Tribes
    population were found to have acquired literacy. The figures further rose to
    26.83 among the Scheduled Castes and 11.20 among the Scheduled Tribes
    in the Census of 1981. The literacy rate of scheduled caste and scheduled
    tribe rose to 59.41 and 31.88 respectively as per 2011 census.
    General Education
    Primary Schools
    Spread of Primary education received real boost-up in the post-
    independence days. In 1950-51 there were 998 Primary schools in the
    district and it rose to 1,712 towards 1960-61. The figures further went up to
    2,170 by the end of the following decade (as on 31st March 1970). The rise
    could be attributed to the effective steps taken by the Government in the
    Five year Plan periods. Among various measures taken by the Government
    to attract greater number of pupils to the schools enrolment drive was
    launched. Other facilities such as free mid-day meal, grant of merit-
    scholarship and grant for maintenance of poor students in hostels were
    provided. Primary education has been made free. The results are positive.
    The number of students in the school has been increasing gradually and
    steadily. More number of schools are being opened every year. The number
    of teachers in the educational institutions is also increasing.
    The information in respect of primary education in Baleshwar district
    from 1999-2000 to 2015-16 are given here under.

    Years No. of No. of teachers No. of Students


    Primary Male Female Total Male Female Total
    School
    1999-2000 1815 2803 1221 4024 185717 149852 335569
    2000-2001 1815 2749 1157 3706 172240 149292 318532
    2001-2002 1815 1749 1157 3706 158924 143962 302886
    2002-2003 1815 2439 1325 3764 152864 134658 287522
    2003-2004 1829 1819 1095 2914 170954 150927 321881
    2015-2016 1601 2507 2561 5068 118277 112792 231069

    Madrasa
    There were 5 Madrasas in the district for the education of the Muslims
    during the year 1985-86. The number of students was 1,174 (888 boys and
    286 girls) and the number of teachers was 58 (including one female) in these
    institutions in the same year.

    334
    Middle English Schools
    The number of middle English schools in the district, which was 69 only
    in 1951 went up to 150 in 1960-61 according to the Census of 1961. Like
    Primary education, the number of Middle English schools increased during
    the years after independence. In the beginning of the seventies (as on 31st
    March 1970) the number of such schools further rose to 552. The increase in
    the number of such institutions was more in the following decade. Towards
    1980-81 the number of Middle English Schools rose to 917 (including 3 for
    girls). Some of the Middle English Schools are run by the Government and
    the rest are managed privately.
    High English Schools
    Spread of secondary education got momentum after fifties. The number
    of High English Schools in the district in 1950-51 was 24. In the following
    decade there were 49 such institutions which included two for girls both
    located at Baleshwar town. Progress of High English Schools was very
    remarkable during the next decade. As per 1971 Census the number of High
    English Schools was 208 as on the 31st March 1970. One Higher Secondary
    School was opened during this decade. The district enjoys better facilities of
    secondary education while compared to other districts of the state.
    According to survey report entitled ―Some important findings on schools
    education in Odissa‖, published in 1973 by the Education and Youth
    Services Department, 99.90 per cent of the total population of the district
    enjoyed facility of secondary education in their habitations or within a
    distance of 5 kms. which was highest and was even higher than the state
    average of 64.42 percent. Thus it could be inferred that the district made
    significant progress in the field of secondary education while compared to
    other districts of the state. In the beginning of the eighties the number of
    schools had increased considerably. In 1980-81 it stood at 346 including 32
    schools for girls. Remarkable change was also noticed in the strength of
    student and the teachers in these institutions. On 31st March 1961, the
    number of teachers and students in these schools were 673 and 13,308
    respectively. The strength of teachers rose to 1,864 and that of the students
    to 32,041 according to the Census of 1971. Towards 1980-81 still more was
    the increase as the corresponding figures stood at 3,102 (including 286
    females) and 56,172 (including 16,190 girls) respectively.
    In the year 2015-16 the number of Primary Schools and Upper Primary
    School in the district are 1601 and 1225 respectively. Total 5068 and 6648
    teachers / Lady teachers have been engaged in these schools. The number
    of students studying in all these schools at present is 3,57,152.

    335
    As a trend it is seen that in the urban areas as many guardians are
    interested to educate their children in English medium schools, some English
    medium schools have been established in towns.
    The information in respect of High School education in Baleshwar
    district from 1999-2000 to 2015-16 are given here under.
    Years No. of No. of teachers No. of Students
    Primary Male Female Total Male Female Total
    Schools
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
    1999-2000 917 2293 508 2801 33119 22362 55481
    2000-2001 917 2120 493 2613 31101 23756 54857
    2001-2002 917 2120 493 2613 33407 25886 59293
    2002-2003 917 2249 425 2674 32588 27776 60364
    2003-2004 1058 2526 745 3272 40548 33829 64377
    2015-2016 1225 3516 3132 6648 64629 61454 126083

    Private Schools
    Convent School: The first English Medium school, which was
    established by American Baptist at Baleshwar is St. Vincent Convent School.
    This was established in 1973. In the said school education is offered from
    Nursery class to Class-X. In the year 2015 the total number of students is
    2900 and teachers engaged in the school is 75. Odia and Hindi languages
    are taught as second language. There is a hostel in the campus for the
    students. This is affiliated to ICSE Board, New Delhi.
    Srimaa Aurobinda Integrated Educational Centre In this district this
    school was first established at Kharida Chhak in Bhograi Block in the year
    1979. After this, a number of such schools, have been established at places
    like Gopinathpur, Dahamunda, Jaleshwar, Bishnubidha, Basta, Vellora,
    Sajanagarh, Oupada etc. One such school has been established in
    Baleshwar town on 10th July, 1980. The students are taught through both
    English and Odia.
    Prangyan Bharati Sikshyakendra: This institution has been
    established at Gopalgaon of Balsore town in 1993. The students from
    Nursery class up to Class-X are taught here. This school is affiliated to
    Indian Educaitonal Council. A Magazine titled ―Pragyan Chetan‖ is brought
    out by the school.
    Rani Nursery School: This school was established at Ranipatana of
    Baleshwar town in 1989. The students from Nursery class up to 7th class are
    taught here. The number of students in the year 2015 is 171 and teachers is
    11.

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    Maharsi Vidya Mandir: This is a very reputed school in the town of
    Baleshwar. It has two branches, one from class nursery to class-VI at
    Sahadevkhunta and another from class-VII to Vlass-X at Sunhat. The
    students strength of the school is 701 and the number of teachers is 40.
    Satyasai Vidyamandir: This has been established in 1949 at
    Manikhamb of Baleshwar town. It is affiliated to Sikshya Bikas Samiti. Here
    students from class-I to class-X are taught. There are 22 teachers and 421
    students in the school at present.
    Range School: This school has been established at Chandipur in
    1993. The students from class-I to class-X are taught in the school. There
    are 301 students studying in the school and the teachers strength is 15.
    D.A.V. School: It was established in 1995 at Baleshwar. This is a
    English medium school. Education is offered from Nursery class to class-X
    here. There are 35 teachers and 555 students in the school. This is
    managed by D.A.V. College Managing committee, New Delhi.
    Central School: This was established on 28th June, 1972 at
    Baleshwar. The students from class-I to +2 class are taught here. The
    students are taught both in English and Hindi here. This has been
    recognized by Central Board of Secondary Education. In the year 1986-87
    there were 597 students (369 boys and 228 girls) and 34 (15 gents and 19
    ladies) teachers in the school. At present i.e. in the year 2015 a total of 1145
    students are studying and strength of teachers is 42.
    Secondary Educational Institute in Baleshwar
    The categories and the number of High Schools in Baleshwar is
    mentioned belows
    Category Number
    Govt. High Schools 249
    Aided High Schools 77
    Block Grant High Schools 123
    Others 112
    Total 561
    92,620 students are studying in these schools and 3721 teachers are
    teaching here.

    337
    The information in respect of candidates passed in H.S.C. Exam. from
    2000 to 2004.
    Year Annual high school certificate Supplementary high school
    result result
    No. of No. of % of No. of No. of % of
    total passout result total passout result
    students student students student
    2000 Enrolled 16630 8094 48.94 1967 869 45.14
    Corresponds 1275 389 30.63 86 40 46.51
    course
    Ex-Regular 682 253 38.33 75 31 43.06
    Ex-Regular 50 15 30.61 8 4 50.00
    (Corresponds)
    Total 18639 8751 46.85 2136 944 44.19

    2001 Enrolled 15183 6743 44.85 1689 650 39.37


    Corresponds 1145 386 33.74 43 22 51.16
    course
    Ex-Regular 636 179 28.50 118 32 27.35
    Ex-Regular 38 13 34.21 8 4 50.00
    (Corresponds)
    Total 17002 7321 43.06 1858 708 38.11

    2002 Enrolled 13702 7156 52.40 1287 455 36.20


    Corresponds 1116 389 34.98 53 19 35.85
    course
    Ex-Regular 905 303 34.04 141 55 39.57
    Ex-Regular 64 30 46.88 9 1 11.11
    (Corresponds)
    Total 15787 7878 49.90 1490 530 35.57

    2003 Enrolled 13815 6256 49.75 1029 510 49.76


    Corresponds 743 339 46.82 42 19 45.24
    course
    Ex-Regular 899 432 48.70 108 44 40.74
    Ex-Regular 82 36 45.57 7 3 47.86
    (Corresponds)
    Total 15538 7063 45.45 1186 576 48.57

    2004 Enrolled 16514 9339 56.68 --- --- ---


    Corresponds 506 146 28.97 --- --- ---
    course
    Ex-Regular 722 279 38.86 --- --- ---
    Ex-Regular 50 12 24.00
    (Corresponds)
    Total 17792 9776 54.94

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    The information in respect of candidates passed in H.S.C. Exam from
    2011 to 2015-2016

    Year No. of No. of passout students Total no. of % of


    students 1st class 2nd class 3rd class passout passout
    students
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7
    2011 25145 4400 5732 9404 19551 66.75
    2012 28288 4550 5841 12239 22630 70.88
    2013 30428 8654 9008 8707 26379 73.88
    2014 29918 A1-95 B1-3800 C-7000 27907 93.36
    A2-124 B2-6323 D-6332
    E-2531
    2015 31669 A1-151 B1-5310 C-6541 28985 91.58
    A2-1989 B2-7061 D-5402
    E-2531

    Sanskrit School and College


    There are Sanskrit Schools and Colleges in the district. In addition to
    English, M.I.L., Sanskrit is taught like that of general college. In 1985 first
    Sanskrit Tols was established at Kedarpur near Soro.
    There is only one Sanskrit College in the district namely the Shyama
    Sundar Sanskrit College at Bhograi which was opened in 1930 as a Tol and
    converted to a college in the year 1975. The Sanskrit College provides
    Sanskrit teaching from Prathama to Acharya (M.A. standard). The subjects
    taught to the students are Sahitya, Dharmashastra, Vyakarana and Purana
    in both Sanskrit and Odia languages. Besides, subjects like Odia, English,
    Mathematics, Science, History, Political Science and shorthand and type
    writing are also taught. It is affiliated to Sri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishwa
    Vidyalaya, Puri. During 1985-86 it had 183 students (155 men and 28
    women) and 16 teachers (including one female). The institution is privately
    managed and approved by the Government of Odisha.
    The number of Sanskrit schools are functioning in the district at present
    is given below

    Category Number of school Number of teachers Number of students


    Primary School 10 11 300
    Secondary School 25 119 750
    Total 35 130 1050

    The +2 level of general school in Sanskrit College is called Upa-


    Sikshya and +3 levelis called Shastri Sikshya. There are twenty Sanskrit
    Colleges in the district and the College at Bhograi is the oldest one.

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    Colleges and University
    Started as a second grade college in July 1944 with 96 seats for
    intermediate in Arts course, the Baleshwar College was the only institution of
    the type in the whole of the district in the pre-independence era. In 1946 the
    Bachelor of Arts class opened and intermediate in Science was opened in
    1948 and ultimately after more than a decade the Bachelor of Science class
    was opened in 1961-62. Now the institution provides education up to post-
    graduate level in Arts, Science and Commerce. The college was renamed as
    Fakir Mohan College in 1949 after the eminent Odia poet and novelist Late
    Fakir Mohan Senapati who was the son of the soil. The Kuntala Kumari
    Sabat Women‘s College was started at Baleshwar in 1960. It was the only
    women‘s college in the district. During the sixties, colleges were started at
    Jaleshwar and Soro (1964) by the initiative of the local people. The
    Government Evening College at Baleshwar started in 1966 by the Utkal
    University and later took over by the Government.
    Private institutions have been playing an important role in spreading
    higher education in the district. More number of colleges are being opened in
    different parts of the district in recent years. At present 966 lecturers are
    teaching in 52 colleges in the district. The district occupies an important
    place in the field of Higher Education. A list of some colleges in the district
    indicating the student and teacher strength is given below.

    Sl. Name of the Year Standard up to Numbers of Number of Remarks


    No. College of which teaching is students teachers
    establi imparted
    Boys Girl Male Femal
    shme
    s es
    nt
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
    1 Fakirmohan 1944 Degree in Arts, 2177 428 88 11 Government
    College, Science, post- College
    Baleshwar graduate degree
    in Commerce and
    Mathematics
    2 Kuntala Kumari 1960 Post graduate 2921 559 124 10 Government
    Sabat Women‘s degree in College
    College, Balsore Economics and
    Commerce and
    Degree in
    Commerce,
    Science and Arts
    3 Dinakrushna 1964 Degree in Arts 1195 141 48 2 Government
    College, and Science and Aided College
    Jaleshwar +2 in Commerce
    4 Upendra Nath 1964 Degree in Arts, 1574 223 49 8 Government
    College, Soro Science and Aided College
    Commerce
    5 Fakir Mohan 1966 Degree in Arts 576 111 18 --- Government
    Evening College, College
    Baleshwar
    6 Nilamani 1976 Degree in Arts 509 43 39 3 Managed

    340
    Mahavidyalaya and +2 Science privately un-
    Rupsa and Commerce aided College
    7 Subarnarekha 1976 Degree in Arts 854 195 30 3 Managed
    Mahavidyalaya, and Science privately un-
    Baliapal aided College
    8 Laxmi Narayan 1976 Degree in Arts 512 196 18 --- Managed
    Mahavidyalaya, and +2 in privately un-
    Jamsuli Science aided College
    9 Gopalpur 1978 +2 Arts 290 94 13 3 Managed
    College, privately un-
    Gopalpur aided College
    10 Belavoomi 1978 +3 in Arts and +2 265 153 18 1 Managed
    Mahavidyalaya, in Science privately un-
    Abhana aided College
    11 Dr. Jadunath 1978 Degree in Arts 129 58 9 2 Managed
    College, Rasalpur privately un-
    aided College
    12 Swarnachud 1978 Degree in Arts 409 147 18 1 Managed
    College, Mitrapur and +2 in privately un-
    Science aided College
    13 Nilagiri College, 1978 Degree in Arts 441 168 20 1 Managed
    Nilagiri privately un-
    aided College
    14 Saraswata 1978 + Arts 169 55 12 2 Managed
    Mahavidyalaya, privately un-
    Anantapur aided College
    15 Oupada College, 1978 +2 Arts 46 29 11 --- Managed
    Oupada privately un-
    aided College
    16 Khaira College, 1980 Degree in Arts, 394 186 15 4 Managed
    Khaira and +2 in Arts privately un-
    and Commerce aided College
    17 Siddheswar 1980 Degree in Arts 941 256 28 4 Government
    College, and Science Aided College
    Amardaroad
    18 Rural Institute of 1980 +3 Arts and +2 703 285 27 3 Privately
    Higher Studies, Science managed
    Bhograi unaided
    19 Shantilata 1980 +3 Arts 325 85 12 --- Privately
    Mahavidyalaya managed
    Uitikiri unaided
    20 Similia College, 1981 +2 in Arts and +2 315 72 11 2 Privately
    Markona Commerce managed
    unaided
    21 Srinibas College, 1983 +2 in Arts and +2 202 68 11 1 Privately
    Mangalpur in Commerce managed
    unaided
    22 Jaleshwar 1984 +2 Arts 165 --- 10 --- Not yet
    Women‘s affiliated
    College,
    Jaleshwar
    23 H.K. Mohatab, 1975 +2 Arts, Science 490 104 13 3 Privately
    College, Kupari managed

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    Law College In 1978 Law College was established and started
    functioning in Public High School at Baleshwar. At present it is functioning in
    its own building near Odisha Plastic Factory. The number of students
    studying in the college is more than 700 and 20 Lecturers have been
    appointed.
    University at Baleshwar: Fakir Mohan University has been
    established at Baleshwar. The main office is functioning at side of the
    National Highway near Remuna Circle where as the teaching campus is at
    Nuapadhi. Its jurisdiction consists of the district of Baleshwar and Bhadrak.
    About 100 colleges have been affiliated to this University.
    Engineering Schools and Colleges at Baleshwar
    Baleshwar School of Engineering and Technology : In this institute
    education is offered in subjects like Computer Science, Information
    Technology, Electronics and Communication. About 200 students are
    studying here. The examination is conducted by State Council of Technical
    Education, Odisha.
    Satya Sai Engineering College: Established in 1999 it is imparting
    education in subjects like Electronics and Communication, Computer
    Science and Mechanical Engineering. About 200 students are studying here.
    Baleshwar College of Engineering and Technology: This institution
    is established at Sergarh, about 100 km South of Baleshwar. Computer
    Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Instrumentation,
    Mechanical Engineering etc. is taught.
    Ramarani Engineering College: This college has been established at
    Kuruda about 5 kms. fromBaleshwar. Computer Engineering, Information
    Technology, Electronics and Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering etc.
    are taught in the college.
    Baleshwar Technical School: This technical school is functioning in
    the premises of Christian Mission. Training is imparted in Trade like Fitter,
    Welder, Draftsman, Secretarial practice and tailoring.
    Govt. I.T.I. : In 1980 this I.T.I. was established by the State
    Government. This is the only government I.T.I. It creates employment
    opportunities for the students.
    I.T.I., Samalpur: This institution was established in 1990. It has been
    recognized and approved by N.C.V.T., New Delhi. About 500 students are
    studying here.

    342
    Modern Industrial Training Centre: Established in 1988, it got
    affiliated under NCVT New Delhi in 1996. Total 256 students are studying
    and 15 instructors are teaching.
    Das Industrial Centre: It is established in 1994. About 200 students
    are studying here. 20 instructors are teaching students.
    Institute of Electronics and Marine Technology: This has been
    established and affiliated to N.C.V.T., New Delhi in 1996. 150 students are
    studying and 15 instructors are engaged here.
    Institute of Industrial Technology: This institute was established in
    1985 at Arad Bazar, Baleshwar, 128 students are studying here and 20
    teachers are engaged.
    Fine Art
    Fine Art is one of the most important aspects of culture. The district has
    a lot of contribution in the field of Fine Art.
    Art education in Art Institution and award of Degree and Diploma etc
    qualification was first introduced by the Britishers in India in fifties of 19th
    century A.D. and in Odisha in fifties of 20th century A.D. Prior to that the art
    knowledge was transferred through ―Guru Sishya Parampara‖. Paintings,
    sculptures etc were being created under the patronage of Kings and
    Zamindars.
    In Baleshwar in the past the artists were also engaged in creating
    paintings and sculptures. This is evident from the fact that temples, mathas,
    statues of gods and goddesses were built in the past. Paintings were also
    taken up by artists by the orders of nobles and Zamindars in the past.
    However, different kinds of crafts were prevalent here in the past. Stone
    carving craft of Baulagadia in Nilagiri Sub-division, Bell metal works at
    Remuna under Sadar Sub-division, Mat crafts in Bhograi Block, wood
    carving in the whole of the district were very much popular.
    In view of their invaluable contribution in the field of Fine Art.Odisha
    Lalit Kala Academy, Bhubaneswar has conferred Academy Award on some
    artists of the district in different years. They are Late Anant Panda, Late
    Uday Narayan Jena, Sri Kali Kinkar Dey, Sri Nikunj Kishore Das, Sri
    Nityananda Sahu, Sri Gajendra Kumar Sahu, Sri Panchanan Sur, Sri Jayant
    Das, Sri Srinibas Padhiary and Sri Keshab Charan Das.
    Blasore College of Art and Craft:This college was established in
    1994 with affiliation to Utkal University of culture. 13 batches have
    successfully passed out from this institution. At present 16 lecturers are

    343
    engaged in teaching and total strength of the students is 160. The college is
    imparting Art Education up to post graduate level.
    Other Art Institutions imparting training in Fine Arts to school students
    are :
    1. Fakir Mohan Artistic Craft School, Kalakshetra, O.T. Road,
    Established in the year 1994.
    2. Chitra Kala VIkash Kendra, At./P.O.-Azimabad, Established in 1987.
    3. Baleshwar Art School, At.-Rotary Bhawan,
    4. Ekalabya Child Art and Crafts Academy, At.-Sabitri School, P.O.-
    Gopalgaon,
    5. Art Centre, At./P.O.-Balia,
    6. Child Fine Art and Craft Sikshya Niketan, At.-Chapolia Lane,
    Bhojsahi,
    7. Chitra Lekha Art and Craft School, At./P.O.-Chandaneswar,
    8. Bhagdevi Kala Kendra, At.-Radhanath Nagar, P.O.-Soro
    9. P.P. School of Visual Art, At.-Salt Road, P.O.-Sunhat,
    10. Sunday Art School, At.-Nayabazar, P.O.-Jaleshwar
    Dance, Music and Drama
    Dance, Drama and Music are important aspects of culture. The district
    is very much rich in this field of performing art.
    Dance and Music: Folk dances in different forms were being
    performed in the past in the district. Folk dances namely Ghoda Nacha,
    Chadheiya Nacha, Laudi Nata, Dadhi Nata, Dhana Kojla Nata were very
    much popular. Leelas like Manasa Leela, Sasthi Leela were being widely
    performed in North Baleswar area. Pala and Dasakathia were also
    extensively performed. Artists involved in these art forms were very much
    respected by the people. Chhau dance of Nilagiri is another important dance
    form of the district. The artists of Chhau dance organization namely
    Swarnachuda Chhau Nrutya Pratistham, Nilagiri perform this dance.
    In the past, the folk dances and folk dramas were the sources of
    entertainment of the people. So each art form except Chhau had a number
    of performing troupes. But now a days a few troupes from each art form are
    performing due to lack of interest of the viewers as cinema and TV attracted
    their attention.

    344
    However Oddisi dance has became very popular in Urban areas.
    Dance and music institutions have been established where apart from Oddisi
    dance, Sambalpuri, folk dance and other modern dances are being taught to
    the boys and girs. Hindusthani Classical vocal music, oddisi vocal music, folk
    songs and playing of musical instruments like Tabla, Harmonium, Violin,
    Guitar are also being taught. Some prominent dance and music institutions
    of the district are:
    Nrutya Sangeet Kala Mandir : It was established in 1956. Hindusthani
    Classical, Oddisi vocal music and playing of gitar, violin, tabla, oddisi dance
    and folk dances are taugh here. The students are awarded degree and post
    graduate degree by Akhil Bharatiya Gandharb Mahavidyalay Mandal,
    Mumbai and Prayag Samiti, Allahabad to which the institution is affiliated.
    Guru Harekrushna Behera College of Art and Cultue, Baleshwar: It
    was established in 1999 at Baleshwar with the objective of imparting training
    in vocal and instrumental music and awarding B. Mus and M.Mus degree.
    The College is named after Odisi exponent Guru Harekrushna Behera, a
    central and state Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee. It is affiliated to council
    of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha and Utkal University of Culture
    Odisha, Bhubaneswar. Hindustani Classical Vocal, Oddisi Vocal, Tabla,
    mardal are taught, students have already passed out with B.Mus degree in 8
    batches. In 2015 there were 290 students in all disciplines and 21 teachers
    engaged in this institution.
    Sai Nrutya Sangeet Mahavidyalaya: This institution was established
    and registered in the year 1973 at Baleshwar. It is affiliated to Pracheen Kala
    Kendra, Chandigarh and Akhila Bharatiya Gandharb Mahavidyalaya Mandal,
    Mumbai. It is imparting training in the disciplines like Hindusthani Classical
    Vocal, Oddisi Vocal, Tabla, Guitar, Odisi Dance upto post graduate degree
    level. 34 batches of students in these disciplines have already passed out.
    11 teachers in these disciplines are engaged for imparting training.
    Sri Ranga Charan Kalashram: It was established at Remuna in the
    year 2005 and registered under Society Registrations Act 1860 in the year
    2010. Akademy Awardee Oddisi exponent Guru Ramani Ranjan Jena is its
    founder. Training in Oddisi Dance, Chhau Dance, Folk and tribal dances are
    imparted. The artists of the institutions have participated in different district,
    state and national level festivals.
    Dayal Sangeed Academy, Baleshwar: It is a dance and music
    institution of a registered social organization namely Dayal Welfare
    Organization, Baleshwar. It was established in 1999. It has been imparting
    training in dance and music subjects like Oddisi dance, Folk dance,
    Hindusthani classical vocal music, Oddisi Vocal music, Tabla, Violin, Mardal

    345
    etc. It is affiliated to Prancheen Kala Vikash Kendra, Chandigarh. In the year
    2015 total number of students learning in the institution was 130 and
    teachers engaged were seven.
    Swarnachuda Chhau Institute, Nilagiri : It is an old Chhau dance
    training institution established and registered in the year 1973 at Nilagiri.
    About 20 artists get training every year. Three dance teachers and music
    accompanists are engaged here. Besides training the institute presents
    Chhau dance performance in different dance festivals inside and outside the
    state.
    Besides these above mentioned institutions some other dance and
    music and cultural organizations are Sri Jagannath Nrutya Sangeet
    Mahavidyalay, Baliapal, Bharati Kala Niketan, Markona; Nandighosh Seva
    Sanskruti Anusthan, Baleshwar; Shankar Jew Sanskrutik Kalaparishad,
    Jamkunda; Janata Kala Parishad, Soro; Nrutya Kala Academy, Baleshwar;
    Nrutyana, Baleshwar, Kala Vikash Kendra, Nilagiri; Nrutya Sudha Kala
    Niketan, Mitrapur; Binapani Kala Niketan, Remuna; Khaira Kala Niketan,
    Khaira which are working in the field of culture. As Baleshwar is a developed
    district in the field of culture, a number of artists have achieved distinction in
    the field of dance and music. Notable among them are Late Guru
    Harekrushna Behera, and Guru Sri Ramani Ranjan Jena, Remuna who have
    received both central and state Sangeet Natak Academy Award for their
    immense contribution in the field of Oddisi Dance.
    Similarly Late Sukumar Sahu, Baleshwar, Late Rama Chandra
    Mohapatra, Nilagiri and Late Rabi Narayan Mohapatra, Sindhia, Prof.
    Ramahari Das, Nampo have received state Sangeet Natak Academy Award
    for their contribution in the field of vocal music. Late Prafulla Kumar Roy and
    Late Gopal Chandra Das have received Odisha State Sangeet Natak
    Academy Award for contribution in the field of Instrumental music i.e., Violin
    and Mardal respectively.
    Drama : Drama movement started in this district under the patronage of
    art loving Bengali Zamindars living here. The drama institution, which played
    important role in staging dramas in the post is Radhagovind Theatre,
    Baleshwar. It was established in the year 1898 by Late Laxmikant Mishra.
    Other notable institutions during pre independence period are Paribarik
    Theater, Juvenile Theaters, Bharati Theatre, Rajalakshmi Theater, Sunhat
    Theater of Baleshwar, Darabar Rangamanch, Nilagiri, Sanskrut Natya
    Sangha, Baleshwar, Balangi Dramatic Club and Barnali Natya Sansad,
    Baleshwar etc.
    In post independence period a few Drama Instutitons became very
    much active in the field. They are:

    346
    Srastha : It was established in the year 1979 at Baleshwar. It has been
    staging drama every year. The drama troupe of the institution has
    participated in the drama competitions and drama festivals in the state as
    well as out side. The artists of the organization have participated in Radio
    dramas and TV serials etc.
    Bindubalay : It was established in the year 1980. It has played an
    important role in Neo Drama movement. It has also participated in various
    district and state level drama competition and drama festivals.
    Kalakar : It was established in the year 1991. It has participated in
    state level drama competitions organized by Odisha Sangeet Academy. It
    has been also organizing successfully children drama festival for last 14
    years. It has been also staging good modern Odia plays every year.
    Besides, these institutions other intuitions working in this field are Natya
    Prava, Fakirmohan Natya Parishad, Subhrabarani, Rangamati etc.
    The district is proud of drama artists and play wrights who have
    contributed for promotion of drama. Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy has
    conferred Academy award on Sri Bijay Mishra, Playwright; Sri Pususottam
    Bhuyan, Playwright, Sri Jadunath Dasmohapatra, and Sri Hemendra
    Mohapatra.
    Culture
    Archeology, Sculpture and Architecture
    The district is rich in archeological treasure. It is filled with
    archaeological remains of the ancient period. Although a systematic
    exploration of the district has not yet been done, the inscriptions, coins and
    other antiquities discovered so far throw light on the history and culture of
    the district during ancient past.
    The district has a number of archaeological sites which have not yet
    been properly surveyed and excavated. The sites filled with Buddist images
    and antiquities are Ayodhya, Avana, Kasba, Jayrampur. Similarly the sties
    which were important centres of Jainism are Ayodhya, Pundal, Avana,
    Bhimpur, Jaleshwar and Baleshwar town. A good number of Buddhisgt stone
    images such as Bodhistava. Avalokiteswar, Tara, Manjushri, and images of
    Jainism such as Jain Trithankars, Rishavanath etc have been discovered
    from these sites. These are specimens of fine sculptures of different religions
    followed by the people in the district in the past.
    The district was adorned with many sacred edifices of Hindu religion
    such as Saivism, Vaishnavism and Saktism etc.

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    Noteworthy Saivite monuments are Maninageswar temple of
    Bardhanpur, Chandaneswar temple of Hoogly, Bhusandaneswar Siva Linga
    of Kumbhiragadi, Langaleswar temple of village Langaleswar.
    The famous Vaishnasite monuments in the district are Shyamsundar
    Temple, Jagannath temple in Baleshwar town, Khirachora Gopinath temple
    at Remuna, Jagannath temple at Nilagiri, Jagannath temple at
    Mangalpur;Jagannath temple at Jaleshwar; Baldevjew temple at village; Gud
    near Anantapur etc.
    Similarly famous Shakta shrines are Bhudharchandi temple of
    Sajanagarh, near Nilagiri; Brahmani temple of Avana, Marichi Thakurani of
    Ayodhya, and Chandi temple at Khajureswar near Sergarh.
    Besides the monuments of Hindu religion, the district possess
    monuments of Islamic religion and Christianity. The famous mulsim
    monuments are Kadam-e-Rasul and Bhujakhia Pir in Baleshwar town. The
    Christian monuments which stand in Baleshwar town are Baleshwar Baptist
    Church and Baleshwar Catholics church.
    Apart from the above mentioned religious monuments the district was
    proud of its forts and strongholds. In view of its strategic geographical
    position the district played a very significant role in the military system of
    Odishan rulers. Many important forts were built in this area to check the
    foreign invasion to the state of Odisha from northern side. Many of such
    military forts are no longer in existence and have been devastated. The most
    famous among these forts is Raibania Fort, which is situated about 15 kms
    to the north of Jaleshwar. According to the report of John Beams, the Ex.
    Collector of Baleshwar district, this big fort is having the shape of an irregular
    pentagon, eastern wall 4950 ft, northern wall 4900 fts, north eastern wall
    2640 fts, south western wall 4650 fts and the southern wall 2640 fts.
    Abul Fazal has recorded the names of several forts in 17 places in
    Jaleshwar Sarkar. Jaleshwar Sarkar of the Moughal period comprised whole
    of present Baleshwar Sub-division, major portion of Midnapore district,
    Bankuda, Manbhum, Singhbhum and some portion of Mayurbhanj district.
    Thus according to the report of Abul Fazal, there were five invincible forts at
    Bansada (present, Basta), one at Bhograi, one brick built fort at Jaleshwar
    Nagar, five forts at Remuna and 13 forts at Raibania. All these forts except
    at Raibania are no longer in existence. Out of the archaeological remains
    discovered from the district, coins and inscriptions are very much significant.
    The Numismatic finds of the district consists of so called Puri-Kushan
    coins, copper coin of Sri Nanda, Ganga fanam, muslim coins and
    miscellaneous coins. In 1912, the Collector of Baleswar sent a hoard of 910
    Puri Kushan coins to the Asiatic Society of Bengal. In 1952 a hoard of 147
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    copper coins of Sri Nanda were discovered from Gandibedha. In 1970, a
    hoard of 30 Ganga Fanams were discovered at Khurunta in this district.
    Inscriptions Inscriptions of the period from 3rd century A.D. to 16th
    century A.D. have been discovered from the district. The noteworthy
    inscriptions are (1) Jayarampur copper plates of Gopa Chandra of first half of
    6th century A.D. (2) Soro copper plates of Somadatta of 7th century A.D. (3)
    Baleshwar copper plate of Sri Bhanu of 7th century A.D. (4) Soro copper
    plate of Banudatta of 7th century A.D. (5) A Sivalinga inscribed with Buddhist
    Dharani from Soro of 9th to 10th century A.D. (6) Irda inscription of
    Nayapaladev of Kamboja family of 10th century A.D. (7) Khalada inscription
    of Nayapala of 11th century A.D. (8) Oriya inscription on a stone image from
    Gandibeda of 10th to 11th century A.D. (9) Gandibeda Surya image
    inscription of the time of Karana of 11th century A.D. (10) Oriya inscription
    from Trisilia dated the 7th Anka of Gajapati Purusottam Deva of 15th century
    A.D. (11) Garhpada copper axe head inscription of Gajapati Purusottam Dev
    of 15th century A.D. (12) Srijung inscription of Achyuta Baliar Sing
    Mohapatra of the time of Rama Chandra Deva of 16th century A.D.
    Cultural and Literary Organisations
    Cultural and literary organizations usually concentrate mostly in the
    urban areas. There are some active organizations in the district. These
    organizations organise literary meetings and symposia, observe the birth day
    of the eminent Oriya poets and writers, facilitate distinguished literatures on
    different occasions, publishes the writings of old poets and writers, etc.
    Some also publish magazines and journals. The statement given below
    shows the name of some of the active literary and cultural organizations in
    the district with their brief account.

    Sl. Name of the Date/year of Total Remarks


    No. organization establishment number of
    membership
    1. Fakir Mohan 1948 145 Maintains a library published books,
    Sahitya Parishad, namely Fakirmohan Parikrama,
    Baleshwar Rajatashri Smaranika, Kanheianauna,
    Fakir Mohan; His life and literature
    2. Radhanath 05.10.1949 120 Maintains a good library. Runs an
    Pathagar, Soro audit education centre, published a
    book, namely Radhanath Parichiti
    3. Dinakrushna 1983 300 Published books, namely Dinakruhna
    Sahitya Parishad, Smaranika, a souvenir, Samakalina
    Jaleshwar Sahitya.
    4. Uttar Odisha 1976 437 Encourages Orrisan Art, culture and
    Sahitya Sanskruti literature specially in the border areas.

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    Sammelan, Publishes scripts of talented writers.
    Baleshwar
    5. Barta Pratisthan 14.11.1979 --- Publishes a literary quarterly namely,
    Meghadambaru, Bartta Urmi, a children‘s, magazine-
    Kuruda Tikifula Raija. It also maintains some
    social service organizations.
    6 Jeevan Sangram 28.2.2011 Trustee and Published ―Jeevan o
    Saraswat Trust 7 other Sangram‖,‘Odishara Jana Andolana
    members ,Odishara Ganatantrika Andolana
    ,Chasi Dalita O Nari‖

    Library
    Library is a centre of learning. With the growth of modern civilization the
    importance of library has increased. Almost all educational institutions have
    their own libraries. Offices also maintain reference library for their use.
    Among the public libraries the name of the Radhanath Pathagar at Soro
    deserves mentions. It was started in the year 1946. The Subodh Chandra
    Bani Bhaban at Baleshwar town was another old library in the district. The
    library merged with the public reading room in 1950. The Information and
    Public Relations Department of the Government of Odisha maintains library-
    cum-reading room at Baleshwar and Bhadrak with a daily average
    attendance of 50 and 65 respectively. There was a reading room at Nilagiri.
    The District Library at Baleshwar has been set up in since 1979 under the
    auspices of the Cultural Affairs Department of Government of Odisha. A
    good number of private libraries also function in different parts of the district.
    A list of some of the important libraries in the district is given below.

    Sl. Name of the Library Management


    No.
    1. Information Centre and Reading Room, Information and Public Relations
    Baleshwar Department
    2. Information Centre and Reading Room, Information and Public Relations
    Nilagiri Department
    3. Information Centre and Reading Room, Information and Public Relations
    Simulia Department
    4. Information Centre and Reading Room, Information and Public Relations
    Jaleshwar Department
    5. District Library, Baleshwar Culture Department, Baleshwar
    6. Radhanath Pathagar, Soro Private Management
    7. Fakirmohan Sahitya Parishad Pathagar, Private Management
    Baleshwar
    8. Nehru Pathagar, At./P.O.-Srirampur Road, Private Management
    Singla, Dist.-Baleshwar
    9. Sri Aurobind Pathagar, At.-Tundura, P.O.- Private Management
    Inchudi, Dist.-Baleshwar
    10. Sri Chandika Pathagar, At./P.O.-Inchudi, Private Management
    Dist.-Baleshwar
    11. Swadhinata Sangram Smruti Parishad, Private Management
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    At./P.O.-Srijung, Dist.-Baleshwar
    12. Dinakrushna Pathagar, At.-Shantia, P.O.- Private Management
    Jaleshwar, Dist.-Baleshwar
    13. Srima Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Pitha Trust, Private Management
    At.-Kharidachhak, P.O.-Nayapalli, Via.-
    Dahamunda, Dist.-Baleshwar

    Poets and Writers


    The district has a special place in the development of Oriya language
    and literature. Sridhar Swami and Baladeb Vidyabhusan are the two famours
    Sanskrit scholars and commentators of India who were born in this district.
    Literatures like Radhanath Roy and Fakir Mohan Senapati, who were the
    pioneers in various fields of Modern Oriya language and literature also hail
    from this district. A short account of the distinguished poets and writers of
    the district in the pre-independence periods is given below.
    Writers of Pre-independence Period
    Sridhara Swami, a Sanskrit scholar of repute was born in the village,
    Maralgan in NilagiriSub-Division of the district in the first half of the 14th
    century A.D. It is said that for his vast learning and saintly character he was
    selected as the Mahanta of the Govardhana Math (Bhogovardhana Pitha), a
    famous Sanskrit monastery at Puri. He had some notable works to his credit,
    the chief among which is the Bhabarthadipika Tikaan erudite commentary on
    the Bhagavata Purana, which is accepted to be the best of its kind on the
    sacred text.
    Balaseva Vidyabhusan, the great Sanskrit scholar and Vaishnav
    Philosopher was born at Remuna in Baleshwar district towards the end of
    the 17th century. His famous commentary on Vedanta Sutra, which he
    named as ―Govinda Bhasya‖ earned him undying fame. Late Prabhat Kumar
    Mukherjee in his book ―History of Chaitanya Faith in Odisha‖, has discussed
    in detail about the birth place and the scholarly attainment of this Vaishnav
    scholar, from which an excerpt is quoted here; ―He was born in a Khandait
    (Kshatriya) family in Baleshwar district towards the end of the 17th century.
    Baladeva was the greatest Sanskrit scholar of Odisha. Apart from his
    celebrated Govinda Bhasya and Prameya Ratnavali, he wrote the Siddhanta
    Ratna and the Sahitya Koumodi He also wrote commentaries on Rupa
    Stavamala in 1764 A.D. Jiva Tattwa Sandarva and on Rasikananda‘s
    Shyamananda Satakam .
    The famours Vaishnav poet, Dinakrushna Das‘s literary merit could be
    well judged from his poetical composition Rasavinodaand other works. He
    belonged to the 17th century and was born in the village Tinia near
    Jaleshwar.

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    Janaki Ballabh Kar of Bhograi flourished in the 18th century, his
    famous work being Vishnu Sahasranama.
    Krushnakanta Das (1838-1903 A.D) of Mangalpur in Soro police
    station was a popular playwright. He wrote 19 Giti Natyas and other
    devotional songs.
    Oriya language and literature owe much to Fakir Mohan Senapati, and
    his contemporary Radhanath Roy who hailed from this district. It is their
    powerful writings which opened a new era in modern Oriya literature. Fakir
    Mohan Senapati (1843-1918) popularly known as Vyasakabi and who is also
    said to be the Thomas Hardy of Odisha for his novels hails from Malikaspur
    in Baleshwar town. He was a poet, a writer and above all a novelist. His
    translation of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata from the original Sanskrit
    to Oriya earned him the epithet Vyasa Kavi. To remove the deficiency of
    text-books in Oriya he wrote Rajput ra Itihas, Bharatavarsara Itihas and
    some other text books. His travelogue Utkal Bhramanwritten in poetry is
    highly interesting as well as Boudhavatara Kavya are some of his other
    poetical works. Fakir Mohan, however, excels in the field of short story
    writing and novels. His short story collection Galpasalpa (MÌiÌ) published in 2
    volumes and his four novels, Chhamana Athagunth , Mamu , Prayaschita,
    and Lachhama have earned him undying fame in Oriya literature and he has
    been rightly called as the Father of Oriya fiction. His autobiography, Fakir
    Mohananka Atmacharita, which gives a vivid picture of the social, political
    and cultural conditions of his time is considered to be a masterpiece of its
    kind. A sense of humour, mild satire and a deep insight into human nature
    which make his short stories and novels so interesting, are also amply
    represented in this autobiography.
    Radhanath Roy-Born on the 28th September 1848 in the village
    Kedarpalli near Baleshwar town, he is considered as the pioneer and chief
    architect of modern Oriya poetry. While Fakir Mohan enriched Oriya prose,
    Radhanath, the Poet of Nature excelled in poetry. He eschewed the ornate
    poetic style and Sanskritised diction of medieval Oriya poetry and brought
    poetry nearer to the heart of Oriya reader by writing in simple and mellifluous
    style. His poetic excellence lies in his treatment of nature. Instead of writing
    long Kavyas of the medieval period he preferred short Kavyas or Khanda
    Kavyas which became immensely popular. The impact of western literature
    is clearly discernible in his poetic compositions but he never abandoned all
    that is best in the long and rich tradition of Oriya poetry Chandrabhaga,
    Kedar Gouri, Nandikeswari, Usha, Parvati, Chilika and Darabar which are
    some of his most popular Kavyas. He also wrote Mahayatra, an ambitious
    epic in blank verse, but could not complete it due to his death. He also made

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    a successful translation of poet Kalidas‘s Meghaduta into Oriya and wrote
    some beautiful prose pieces.
    Chandramohan Maharana, an inhabitant of Remuna and
    contemporary of Radhanath Roy, was a noted educationist and litterateur.
    His Kathavali and Odiya Sisu Vyakaran are well-known.
    __
    Padma Charan Das (1867 1940)-Born at Guharia Sahi in Soro police
    station. His writings namely, Oriya Kirttan (in two volumes), Sangita Harabali
    and plays like Kansabadha , Prataprudradev and Shri Shri Radhagovinda
    Kelivilasaspeak of his literary merit.
    Asraf Ali Khan was born in the middle of the 19th century in Baleshwar
    town. His critical appreciation of Meghanadabadha of Michael Madhusudan
    Dutta, a famous poet of Bengal, earned him the regard of Raychand
    Premchand and for his poetic excellence he was awarded the title of Kavya
    Ratnakar. His published works are Jugal Bharati ,Parbara Bheti , Sarbasara
    Swasthya Sadhana , Islam, Premochhwasa , Asraf Kosa etc.
    Many other prominent poets and writers are in the district who have
    made valuable contributions to the glory of Oriya literature.
    Modern Writers
    Annada Prasd Rakshit: Annada Prasad Rakshit was born in 1927 in
    Baleshwar town. His published books are : Kete Kete Phul , Swarna Renu ,
    Ashanta Pruthibi , Anuragini (Novel) Kathanika , Karna , Kunti , Nila Aakash ,
    Aau Sabuja Dharani , Jhada Mana Samudrara (short story), Braja Bidyut
    (Poetry), Mo Jiban Kahani (Translation), Tima Tim Tim(Children Literature),
    Late Annada Prasad Rakshit was awarded and felicitated by many
    organizations.
    Ananta Prasad Panda: Ananta Prasad Panda was born in 1906 at
    Kalyani near Gopalpur. He earned name and fame as an Essayst, story
    writer, dramatist. His ‗Niharika‘, ‗Mo Kabita‘, ‗Kabita ra bilap‘, ‗Tulasi‘, ‗Yuga
    Rahasya‘, ‗Tarabai‘,(poetry) - ‗Truna guchha‘, ‗Sabhyatara Tale‘, ‗Mana ra
    bhuta‘, ‗Baramaja‘, (Story book) - ‗Bhagya Chakra‘, ‗Nua Dunia‘, ‗Kula‘,
    ‗Mukta‘, ‗Aakasha ra bihanga‘, (Story book) - ‗Pashatya Anubhuti‘, ‗Daaeri ru
    Ketek Prusta‘ (Story book) - ‗Omar Chayanika‘, ‗Atma Jibani‘(Translation).
    He was honoured by Odisha Sahitya Academy, Sarla Award, Utkal Pathak
    Sansad, Nila Saila Award etc.
    Nanda Kishore Das: Late Nanda Kishore Das was born in 1894 in the
    village Santhasarapur near Soro. He was the speaker of Odisha Legislative
    Assembly in 1951 under the Chief Ministership of Late Naba Krushna
    Choudhury. His autobiography is ―Mo Jiban O Mo Janjal Kahani‖.

    353
    Adhiraj Mohan Senapati: Adhiraj Mohan Senapati was born in 1893 at
    Mallikashpur. His books are; His Autobiography, Sisu Patha, Sisu Bodha,
    Saral Sahitya, Bhougalik Sahitya, Bana Jangala ra Katha, Rama Rajya ,
    Bharat Mata,(Children literature)and Desa Bidesha ra Gaunli Gapa .
    Dr. Narendra Kumar Mishra: Narendra Kumar Mishra was a reputed
    Researcher and Critic. His contribution to Oriya literature is noteworthy. His
    literary creations are; Oriya Gyanakosh, Balaram Das ‗O‘ Odiya Ramaya,
    Adhunik Kabyadhara 1st and 2nd part, Adhunikata ‗O‘ Adhunik Sahitya,
    Pandit Nilakantha Jibani ‗O‘ Kruti, Loka Ratna Kunja Bihari Dasetc. He was
    honoured by Odisha Sahitya Academy, Utkal Pathak Sansad, Utkal Sahitya
    Samaj, Odiha Gabeshana Parishad.
    Manoj Das: Great litterateur Manoj Das was born in 1934 in village
    Sankhari in Bhograi area. He was awarded by Central Sahitya Academy for
    his book Katha ‗O‘ Kahani. This story writer of international fame has got
    Padmashree Award. Besides he has received Sahitya Bharati Samman,
    Sarala Samman,Saraswati Samman etc. His creations are Lakshmi Ra
    Abhisar ,Abu Purusha , Dhrumav Digant , Manoj Panchabinsati , Amruta
    Phala , Chandra Lokara Prahari , Aakashra Ishara , Dur Durantar , Indonesia
    Anubhuti etc.
    Kabi Brajanatha Rath: Brajanath Rath was born in 1936 at Sunhat of
    Baleshwar town. His poetries collections are – Maru Golap, Nijaswa Sanlap,
    Nisabda Pratibad, Manara Manachitra, He Mara Jiban, Laghu Sataka,
    Samayara Sabdalipi, Samanya Asamanyaetc. His edited books are –
    Dharitri Kabita Sankalan, Sama Samayika Odia Prema Kabita, Fakirmohan-
    His Life and Literature. A number of his essays have been published in
    various magazines. He has been awarded by Odisha Sahitya Academy and
    Central Sahitya Academy. He has received Bisuba Puraskar, Sarala Smarak
    Samman, Sahakar Samman, Sahitya Bharati Samman, Satabdi ‗O‘ Baisakhi
    Samman, Atibadi Jagannath Samman. He has received D.Lit from
    Fakirmhan University. He died on 31 May 2014 .
    Bijay MishraDramatist: Bijay Mishra was born in 1936 at village
    Balipatana near Nilagiri. He has been awarded both by Odisha Sangeet
    Natak Academy and Central Sangeet Natak Academy for writing play. His
    best dramas are: Asanta Graha, Pratikshya, Sagara Tire, Jajabar, Saba
    Bahak Mane, Asatya Sahar ,Bharmabatar , Apratihat Ahwan, Parsuram, etc.
    Anya Aranya (Radio drama), Jane Raya Thile, TV Drama. A few dramas
    have been made films.
    Dr. Manmath Nath Das: Historian Manmath Das was born in 1926 in
    village Sankhari of Bhograi area. He has written a number of books on
    history. These books are Glimpses of Kalinga History, The Political

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    Philosophy of Jawaharlal Nehru, End of British Empire, His literary creation
    are : Yuge Yuge Utkaliya Dharma ‗O‘ Sabhyata, Astarag, Aspasta Akshyar,
    Jibanara Patha Prante, Digantara Drushya, He Bidhata He Basudev , etc.
    He was the Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University and member of Rajya Sabha.
    Jadunath Dash Mohapatra: Novelist and Dramatist Jadunath Das
    Mohapatra was born in 1929 in the village Kudei near Soro. His novels are:
    Pralay Payodhi Jale, Premara Prathama Sambodhan, Adya Madhya Pranta
    ,Manisa Rajyara Pasu , Sesa Sanlap, Luhara Phula, Santan Setu, Gramya
    Nadira Tire, etc. Similarly the poetry books are: Nirbachita Kabita, Manisha
    Khoja, Megha Barna, Samudra, etc. His dramas are Athaba Andhar, Bandi
    Begum Badsaha, Setu Bandha, Suryamandir, Bhuli Huena, Kshyama Karibe
    Ki, etc. He has also created children literature and translation literature. He
    has received Odisha Sahitya Academy Award, Odisha Sangeet Natak
    Academy Award. He has received honour from Utkal Sahitya Samaj,
    Fakirmohan Sahitya Parishad, Bhubaneswar Pustak Mela etc.
    Brajendra Dutta: He was born in 1933 in village Nahanjara in
    Jaleshwar area. His profession is teachership, but creation of literature is his
    love. His poetries are Kalanta Abarah ,Binidra Urmi , Asta Surya Ra Ghoda ,
    Mouna Arohi , Travelogue – Rani Meghambari. He has got Odisha Sahitya
    Academy Award.
    Dr. Manorama Biswal Mohapatra: Born in 1948 in the village Jagei of
    Baliapal she is writer of many poetry books, children literature, poetry
    translation books. Her books are Sabda Nisabda, Dr. Manasingh Kabya
    Kruti, Sabda Pratima, Nirbachita Kabita etc. She has got Odisha Sahitya
    Academy Award for her poetry book ―Phalgkni Tithira Jhia‖.
    Indu Bhusan Kar: He was born in 1935 in village Chandipur of Bhograi
    area. His published books are: Nisanga Aakash, Urbasi ra Prarthana.He was
    awarded by Odissa Sahitya Academy.
    Kunja Roy: He was born in 1944 in village Padagaon of Kantapada.
    He has written many plays such as Biday Vikramditya, Anyadina, Anya loka,
    Sulakshyana, Kalantar, Apratihat Kaharabela, Nayak ra Nama
    Chandrasena. He was awarded by Odisha Sahitya Academy.
    Old and Important Institutions
    Fakir Mohan College, Baleshwar
    It is now an Autonomous College having full fledged degree and P.G.
    Degree College affiliated to F.M. University. It was started in the year 1944.
    The roll strength of the college has risen significantly over the years from a
    mere 400 in 1944 to about 3500 at present comprising 35 members of

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    teaching and more than 60 non-teaching employees. The College is the
    oldest and most prominent college in the district.
    Zilla School, Baleshwar
    Zilla School, Baleshwar was established in the year 1853. The noted
    teachers of this School were Pandit Biswanath Singh, Dwarakanath
    Chakrabarty, Gouri Sankar Roy, Poet Madhusudan Rao, Madhusudan Das,
    Chandramohan Maharana. Noted poet Radhanath Roy, Baikuntha Nath
    Dey, Laxmi Narayan Sahoo, Laxmikanta Mohapatra, Samarendra Kundu,
    Manmatha Das, Manoj Das and Rabindra Mohan Das are the distinguished
    personalities who were students of this institution. It is a prestigious
    institution in the District.
    Christian High School, Baleshwar
    This school is a century old High School established by the Britishers in
    the year 1893. The pioneer of Odiya language and father of Odiya Modern
    Literature Byaskabi Fakir Mohan Senapati happened to be a teacher of this
    School. The School observed its centenary with great pomp and ceremony
    in the year 1997.
    Mission Girls’ High School, Baleshwar
    History of Mission Girls High School is history of Baleshwar and the
    history of female education in Odisha. The year 1839 is important as it is the
    year of establishment of this institutions. Mrs Sarah Bachelor started the
    School with some destitute girl students. This school was set up to uplift the
    women education in Odisha. From 40 girl students the school has now more
    than 400 girls.
    K.C. High School, Nilagiri
    Kailash Chandra High School,Nilagiri was established in the year 1906.
    The School was named to commemorate late Kailash Ch. Mohanty, the
    noted Praja mandal leader who was called Gandhi of the Locality. Utkalmani
    Gopabandhu Das was Head master of this School. Fakir Moahn Senapati
    and Acharya Harihar visited School.

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    CHAPTER – XV

    MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES


    Medical
    Climate
    Many parts of the district are low-lying, swampy and water- logged. The
    houses which are generally mud huts are surrounded by unhealthy stagnant
    pools which mostly form breeding places for mosquitoes. Besides, the entire
    district lies in a flood prone area. Major parts of the district remains
    inundated during the rainy season for a long time. Certain areas of north
    Baleshwar, particularly Jaleshwar area is the worst fever zone. Malaria and
    Filaria are endemic. The climate of Nilagiri subdivison which is low-lying tract
    and surrounded by range of hills and forests is usually damp and unhealthy.
    The district which was once a malarial tract has now improved due to various
    Malaria Control Programs.
    Epidemics like cholera and small-pox took a heavy toll of life in the
    past. But owing to implementation of various public heaIth and preventive
    measures their visitations are now almost under control.
    Survey of Public Health and Medical Facilities in Early Times
    The Baleshwar Pilgrim Hospital, the first of its kind in the district was
    established in 1853 with the object of affording medical relief to the pilgrims
    to Puri. It had facility for 39 indoor patients (33 males and 6 females) in
    which an average of 6,000 patients was treated annually. Besides, there was
    one dispensary, i.e. at Baleshwar town which was opened in 1868. During
    2014-2015, there were only 68 PHC(New) in the district which has increased
    to 88 now. From remote past the Ayurvedic system is popular among the
    people. The Vaidyas and Kavirajas, the chief exponents of this system used
    to carry on their profession as a family creed. Despite the medical facilities
    within easy reach the local people even today take recourse to the use of
    indigenous herbs and plants containing therapeutic properties.
    Vital Statistics
    A systematic collection of vital occurrences throughout the district
    began from 1892 under the Bengal Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1873
    (Act IV, 1873). The primary reporting agency under this Act in the rural area
    was the Chowkidar who used to collect information about vital occurence
    during his rounds in villages and reported them at the policestation on
    weekly or fortnightly parade days. The Thana officer consolidated the reports
    thus recorded for a month and then sent monthly returns to the District
    Health Officer. The District Health Officer sent the consolidated returns to the
    Director Health Services. The transfer of Chowkidars to the pay-roll of the
    Grama Panchayat caused setback to the system. After the abolition of
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    Chowkidari System in 1965, various attempts were made for effective
    collection of the information through the Odisha Grama Panchayat Act,
    1964. Subsequently the State Government passed the Odisha‘ Grama Rakhi
    Act,‖ 1967 and the Odisha Grama Rakhi Rules, 1969 under which the
    Grama Rakhis, besides other duties, are required to report the births and
    deaths which occur within their jurisdiction to the officer in charge of the
    respective policestations at an interval of 15 days. But in urban areas the
    registration of births and deaths are done by the sanitary staff of the local
    bodies.
    The vital statistics for Baleshwar town were available from 1951. In
    these towns, the vital occurrences were collected by the health staff of the
    municipality and Notified Area Council who sent the monthly returns to the
    District Health Officer. On receipt of the monthly reports from the Thana
    Officer, and the municipality and the Notified Area Council, the District
    Health Officer compiled and forwarded monthly report of births and deaths to
    the Director of Health Services, Odisha, for compilation of state figure.
    The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (Act No. 18 of 1969),
    and the Odisha Registration of Births and Deaths Rules, 1970, have been
    enforced in the district with effect from 1st July 1970. The Health Officer, or
    in his absence, the Executive Officer in the urban areas, and the Thana
    Officer in the rural areas are appointed as the Registrars. The Chief District
    Medical Officer and the Assistant District Medical Officer (PH) act as the
    District Registrar and the Additional District Registrar of Births and Deaths
    respectively while the Director of Health Services,Odisha acts as the Chief
    Registrar. The Act provides for penalties of fairly a nominal amount in a
    graduated scale for the period of delay or failure to report on the part of the
    reporting agency. Besides, different officers in charge of various institutions
    like hospitals, hotels, running trains, buses, etc., are responsible to notify
    about births and deaths. Comparative vital statistics are shown in the
    following table.
    Comparative Indicators as per Census 2011
    Sl no Indicator Baleshwar State
    1 Population 23,17,419 4,19,47,358
    2 Population Density 609 269
    3 Sex ratio 957 978
    4 Literacy Rate 80.66 73.45
    5 Female Literacy 72.95 64.36
    6 Toilet facility at home (DLHS III) 37.6 16.90%
    7 BPL card holder household (DLHS III) 54.9 52.20%

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    Indicator (AHS) 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2010-11 2011- 2012-13
    12
    8 CBR (Crude Birth Rate) 19.2 18.8 18.6 20 19.8 19.6
    9 CDR (Crude Death Rate) 7.1 6.8 6.7 8.3 8.2 8.1
    10 Infant Mortality Rate(IMR) 49 47 45 62 59 56
    11 Neo Natal Mortality(NMR) 35 34 33 40 39 37
    12 Post neonatal mortality rate (PNMR) 14 13 12 22 21 19
    13 U5 Mortality 58 53 51 82 79 75
    14 % share of NNM in IMR 71 72 64.50% 66
    15 % share of IMR in U5 mortality 84.48 88.67 75.60% 74.68
    16 Difference in numbers of U5 mortality 57 b/ 50/56 80 b, 76/81
    among boys and girls 59g 84 g
    17 MM Ratio (Central Division) 276 222 218 277 237 230
    18 Sex ratio at birth 917 902 928 905 903 908
    19 Total Fertility rate 2.1 2.1 2 2.3

    Diseases common to the district


    Fever
    Fever is probably was the largest possible killer in Baleshwar district
    during the period 1951—60. Incidence of different kinds of fever such as
    malaria, filaria, enteric fever, viral fever, fever due to influenza. etc., are
    common. Although incidence of fever is generally high in the district, it is
    gradually decreasing. The largest death toll due to fever was 1975, claiming
    13,781 lives.
    Malaria
    Malaria, among other types of fever is common in the district. The
    prevalence of malaria is large in rainy season. During the period from 1951-
    60 a total number of 579.424 malaria cases were recorded to have been
    treated in the hospitals and other medical institutions in the district. Gradually
    its endemic nature has been reduced on account of malaria control
    programs and behavior change.
    Filaria
    Filariasis also commonly occurs in the district. A large number of
    persons are annually affected by filarial fever. The incidence of filariasis,
    even today is abnormally high. The number of patients treated in all the
    medical institutions from 1980 to 1985 has increased with slight variation
    1981. From 1980 to 1984 not even a single person is recorded to have died
    indicating that the disease has almost been checked.
    Typhoid
    The incidence of typhoid is also high which is evinced from the figures
    in Appendix III. The highest mortality was in the 1982 when 43 persons died
    in the disease. People of Baleshwar district suffer greatly from typhoid every
    year but the number of deaths has steadily decreased.

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    Cholera
    From time to time, there were severe epidemics of cholera in the
    district. Cholera was prevalent in the district even during the period from
    1951-1960. The highest mortality was in 1953 when 718 persons died of
    Cholera. Least number of causalities has been noticed in the month of
    September every year. Owing to preventive measures taken against the
    epidemic cholera has been checked to a greater extent now-a-days. Not a
    single cholera case was reported in the district during last three decades.
    Small-pox
    In the past, the incidence of small-pox was very high in the district. In
    1951, the incidence was fairly large and the death toll due to the disease
    was as high as 1,029. In 1958 also 571 persons died out of which 120
    deaths were recorded during April alone. There is not a single death
    reported during the period from 1980 to 2014. Due to effective preventive
    measures taken by the World Health Organisation against the formidable
    disease, it is claimed to have been eradicated, not only in India, but also
    throughout the world.
    Yaws
    Yaws, a malignant type of skin disease is also commonly found among
    the tribal people in the district. It seldom assumes any formidable proportion.
    But its incidence is almost completely checked in the district owing to the
    anti-yaws campaign undertaken in the past.
    Leprosy
    The incidence of leprosy is also high in the district. Nowadays, leprosy
    patients are found in large numbers mostly in the pilgrim centres and towns.
    The treatment for the disease is conducted in the existing hospitals and
    dispensaries. The anti-leprosy activities undertaken in Baleshwar district are
    dealt with separately later in this chapter.
    Tuberculosis
    It was one of the principal diseases of the district in the past. From the
    statistics furnished in Appendix III it is apparent that about 2 to 3 thousand
    persons were annually affected by this disease. But, during the period from
    1980-1985 only 164 persons died of tuberculosis. The Government activities
    undertaken towards controlling the disease has been described in detail
    later.
    Dysentery and Diarrhoea
    Incidence of diarrhoea and dysentery is highly prevalent in the district.
    But the number of deaths attributed to these diseases is not very high. The
    major causes of these diseases were found to be the consumption of impure
    drinking water and the general ignorance of the people. The figures in

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    Appendix III reveal that the annual number of dysentery patients in the
    district during 1980-1985 is increasing.
    Other Common Diseases
    Fevers, cholera, small-pox, dysentery, diarrhoea, elephantiasis and
    infirmities were the principal diseases of the district in the past. There is a
    significant change in the situation. The incidence of malaria, small-pox and
    cholera has been put under control. Other diseases common to the district
    are influenza, anaemia, malnutrition, respiratory diseases, heart diseases,
    skin diseases, tetanus, cancer, etc.
    Public Hospitals and Dispensaries
    Administrative set-up
    There was a good dispensary with indoor ward attached at the
    headquarters of the ex-state of Nilagiri. The dispensary was in charge of an
    Assistant Surgeon. He was assisted by a Civil Hospital Assistant, who also
    looks after vaccination work and a qualified female Civil Hospital Assistant
    for the female patients. After the merger of the ex-state of Nilagiri, the
    administrative control of the dispensary was vested with the Civil Surgeon,
    Baleshwar. The Health Officer was in charge of the Public Health
    administration. Under the present set up, the Civil Surgeon has been re-
    designated as the Chief District Medical Officer. Under him there are three
    Assistant District Medical Officers. One of them is in charge of Medical, the
    second is in charge of Family Welfare and the third in charge of Public
    Health organisations of the district. In addition, the Chief Medical Officer is
    assisted by a number of doctors including lady doctors and other technical
    staffs. Besides, his normal routine duties relating to the administration of
    medical and public health activities in the district, the Chief District Medical
    Officer also functions as the District Registrar under the Registration of
    Births and Deaths Act. 1969. He is the local food authority under the
    Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
    In 1949, there were only 27 medical institutions in the district. With the
    establishmentof new institutions, mainly the Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
    in the remote rural areas, their number gradually increased. By the end of
    2014 the district has 2 Hospitals, 17 numbers of Community Health Centre
    (CHC) and 68 PHC(N) . Thus numerically it rose to over nearly three times
    the number existing in 1949. A list of such institutions with their date of
    establishment, number of staff, bed strength, etc., is furnished in Appendix
    IV. Detailed descriptions relating to the District Head quarters Hospital, the
    Sub divisional Hospitals, the T. B. Hospital and the St. Vincent Hospital
    (private) are given separately. One Railway Health Unit is located at
    Baleshwar which is managed by the South Eastern Railway Authority, the
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    Police hospital and the Jail hospital at Baleshwar are managed by the Home
    Department of the State Government. Besides, the Gopabandhu Dispensary
    of Nayabazar at Baleshwar is being managed by the Baleshwar Municipality
    and the E.S.I, Dispensary at Baleshwar is under the control of the Labour
    Department of the State Government. Moreover the Lady Liew‘s Maternity
    and Child Health Centre of Baleshwar town is managed by the Health and
    Family Welfare Department of the State Government. There are a number of
    privately managed Nursing Homes at Baleshwar.
    District Headquarters Hospital, Baleshwar
    A charitable dispensary known as Raja Shyamananda De Charitable
    Dispensary was founded by Rai Bahadur Rai Baikunthanath Dey in 1874. In
    1894, a female outdoor was attached to this dispensary named as Rani
    Sreemati Fema Charitable Dispensary. Both the dispensaries were located
    in Barabati area of Baleshwar town. In 1905, Growse, the Commissioner of
    Odisha Division amalgamated both the institutions and renamed it as
    Growse Raja Shyamananda De and Rani Sreemati HospitaI. This institution
    was run by funds made available by the District Board and the Baleshwar
    Municipality with the assistance from the Government. An Assistant Surgeon
    of the State MedicaI Cadre and a lady doctor of Government Subordinate
    MedicaI Cadre were posted there by the Government. The Baleshwar
    Municipality provided one Sub-ordinate Medical Officer for the institution. In
    1944, it was taken over by Government and was renamed as Government
    District Headquarters Hospital, Baleshwar. The hospital moved to its new
    building on 15.8.1956. After that much improvement has been made to the
    hospital building and its staff augmented. Then the hospital was in charge of
    a Civil Surgeon and was well provided with medicines and surgical
    equipments. In 1961, it contained 86 beds for male and female patients.
    Considering the increasing demand, the staff strength as well the number of
    beds of the hospital increased from time to time. At present, it provides
    accommodation for 124 male and 93 female patients.
    The Assistant District Medical Officer (Medical) under the overall
    supervision of the Chief District Medical Officer is in charge of the institution.
    He is assisted by as many as 59 medical officers including 26 specialists,
    one in each of the branches of medicine, surgery, Obsteritrics and
    Gynecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, pathology, radiology, skin and VD,
    ENT, eye and anesthesia. Besides doctors, there are good number of
    Pharmacists and other technical persons. The hospital consists of a well
    equipped operation theatre, a surgical ward, a medicine ward, a labour ward,
    a paediatric ward, an infection ward, post-mortem room and an
    administrative block. The out-patient department is held in a separate block
    attached to the hospital. The infrastructures and facilities available in the

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    hospital is a pathological Laboratory, an X-ray machine, a deep X-ray
    therapy and a Blood Bank. Attached to it there are a leprosy clinic, a T. B.
    clinic, a F.P. Clinic, a dental clinic and a venereal disease clinic. Besides,
    anti-rabic and cancer treatment facilities are made available here.
    Ambulance service is available at Baleshwar to the patients on
    payment. Attached to the hospital is an Auxiliary Nurse and Midwifery
    Training Centre with training facilities for 120 students in Auxiliary Nurse
    Midwifery course which extends over a period of two years. Hostel
    accommodation is also available for the trainees.
    The following table indicates the number of in and out patients with
    daily average treated in the hospital during the year 2010 to 2014.
    Daily Indoor Daily Out Door
    Year Indoor Out Door Average Average
    2010 13945 1,50,633 38 413
    2011 45836 1,70,333 126 467
    2012 52614 1,79,046 144 491
    2013 58547 1,88,939 160 518
    2014 62186 1,89,722 170 520
    Sub-divisional Hospital, Nilagiri
    During 1860, a dispensary with indoor accommodation was started at
    the headquarters of the ex-state of Nilagiri in charge of an Assistant
    Surgeon. After merger with Baleshwar district the dispensary was converted
    to a hospital in 1949. Then it assumed the status of the Sub-divisional
    hospital. In 1961, it had accommodation for 34 patients only. There is a
    blood storage unit which provides blood to emergency patient. The S.D.M.O.
    is the in-charge of the hospital under the control and supervision of CDMO
    Baleshwar. He/She is assisted by 4 nos. of senior MO, 8 specialist under
    different categories i.e. OandG, Surgery Medicine, Anasthere, Pathology,
    Pediatric and Opatholomogy.
    The hospital consists of an operation theatre, an out-patient
    department, a post-mortem room, a labour room, a maternity ward, medical
    ward, a surgical ward and an infectious ward. The hospital provides forty
    beds which are equally divided between male and female patients. There
    are also an X-ray machine and a well equipped pathological laboratory.
    There is also a leprosy clinic, a family planning clinic and a T. B. clinic
    attached to the hospital. Facility for the treatment of anti -rabbis cases is also
    available here.

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    Year Number of Indoor Number out door Daily Average
    patient treand patient treand Indoor Out door
    2010 2353 55236 645 151
    2011 7115 60920 19 167
    2012 6543 71037 18 195
    2013 7772 73315 21 201
    2014 8955 82428 25 226

    Lady Liew’s Maternity and Child Health Centre, Baleshwar


    The Lady Liews Maternity and Child Health Centre was established in
    1940. Till 1970, It was managed by the Red Cross Society. From 1971, the
    management was taken over by the State Government. Under the
    supervision of the Chief District Medical Officer, Baleshwar, one Lady
    Assistant Surgeon of District Headquarters Hospital is in charge of the
    centre. She is assisted by two auxiliary nurse midwives, one Dhai, One Aya
    and other non-technical staff.
    Services are offered by the centre through clinical method. Antenatal
    and postnatal cases are examined in the centre and are given required
    treatment and advice. Antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care including
    immunization nutritional anemia and prevention against blindness are done
    by the Lady Health Visitor, ANM and Dhai at the door-step in the municipal
    area. Now, it has been merged with the Headquarters Hospital, Baleshwar.
    Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes
    No authentic statistics is available regarding the number of general
    practitioners and specialists working in urban as well as in rural areas of this
    district.
    Vincent Hospital, Baleshwar
    The St. Vincent Hospital was established in 1978 by a Christian
    Mission. It is the first institution of its kind in the district. At present it has 30
    beds. There is one Medical Officer assisted by one staff nurse and six non-
    technical personnel.
    Apart from this,there are some nursing homes in the urban areas of the
    district.
    Ayurvedic and Homeopathic Institutions
    In the past, the Kavirajas who practised the Ayurvedic system of
    treatment were popular in the district. Introduction of the Allopathic system
    reduced the dependency on Ayurvedic treatment. The Homeopathic system
    of treatment in the district came at a later stage. Now, Govt. has given
    impetus to Ayurvedic and Homeopathic systems for which they are
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    becoming popular. The Ayurvedic and Homeopathic institutions in the district
    are directly managed by the Director of Indian Medicines and Homoeopathy,
    Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
    Ayurvedic Institutions
    At present there are 23 Ayurvedic dispensaries functioning in the
    district. Out of these dispensaries, one is located at Baleshwar and the rest
    are in the rural areas. Each of these institutions is in charge of an Ayurvedic
    Medical Officer and an Ayurvedic Distributor. Besides, two Ayurvedic
    Assistants are also functioning at Baleshwar and Sartha. The number of
    patients treated in these dispensaries during 2014 was 2,64,545. The
    system of treatment has received an increased patronage from the public.
    Moreover, the number of patients attending these dispensaries for treatment
    is gradually increasing day by day. The date of establishment and location of
    these Ayurvedic dispensaries are given in Appendix-IV of this Chapter.
    There are two Unani dispensaries in the district i.e. one at Mundabania
    under Bhograi Block and another at Jankharai under Sadar Block.
    Homeopathic Institutions
    The district had 32 Government Homeopathic dispensaries in 2014.
    Out of these, one dispensary is located at Baleshwar town and the others
    are in the rural areas. Each institution consists of one Medical Officer and a
    Homeopathic Assistant. The number of patients treated in these
    dispensaries 2014 was in 4,29,954. The Homeopathic system of treatment is
    gaining popularity in the district and the number of patients is increasing.
    Public Health
    Sanitation
    In 1877, Sir William Hunter remarked ―Till lately no attempt was made
    at sanitation. Baleshwar town contains no fewer than 11,000 tanks, not one
    of which can be said to be in a wholesome state. The tanks are the
    receptacle of every sort of filth, fluid and solid.‖ There has been a significant
    improvement in the sanitation scenario of the town at present. Tanks have
    been cleared out, drains opened and conservancy rules enforced. The
    drainage system of the town is good, all surplus water finding a ready exit,
    and these natural facilities have been aided by the introduction of an
    extensive system of drains and by the removal of the old drains which
    terminated in cess-pools.
    In the interior rural area, the state of affairs is different. Wells have been
    sunk and tanks cleaned, but there has been no serious attempt to improve
    the conditions prevailing in the villages. The villages abound in filthy pits and
    hollows containing water of the foulest character and full of decaying

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    vegetation which constituted a standing menace to public health. The
    houses throughout the district were built of mud dug up from the vicinity and
    the result was that in the neighborhood of almost every hut or house there
    was a dirty pit filled with overflowing with water in the rainy season and the
    receptacle of every description of filth.
    In course of time the peopIe have become more conscious about their
    health and sanitation through mass education and propaganda by
    government agencies. Since independence, the government has also
    implemented a number of successful schemes to maintain a healthy
    atmosphere by taking protective and curative measures both in urban and
    rural areas of the district, particularly in digging a large number of tube-wells
    for supply of pure potable water.
    Administrative set-up in urban and rural areas
    Since 1949, the HeaIth Officer, under the control of the Civil Surgeon,
    Baleshwar was in charge of the Public Health administration. According to
    the present set -up, the Assistant District Medical Officer (P.H) is directly
    responsible for the public health affairs in the district and is under the overall
    control and supervisory authority of the Chief District Medical Officer.
    In the urban areas, sanitation is managed by the Municipality or Notified
    Area Council authorities. In the Baleshwar municipality, one Health Officer,
    three Sanitary Inspectors and four Disinfectors have been posted. The
    sanitation of Jaleshwar, Soro Notified Area Council is managed by the
    Sanitary Inspector of concerned Primary HeaIth Centres. These officers
    work under the control of Assistant District Medical Officer.
    During big fairs and festivals, temporary conservancy usually appointed
    to cope with the extra burden of work. There are Food Inspectors now re-
    designated as Food Safety Officer looking after sanitation in both rural
    turban areas of the district.
    In rural areas the sanitation is managed by the Medical Officer of the
    Primary Health Centre. He works under the supervision of the Assistant
    District Medical Officer (P H) and the Chief District Medical Officer and is
    assisted by the supervision and health workers. Under health schemes and
    programmes, different staff areworking in rural and urban areas for
    maintenance of health and sanitation in the district.
    Activities of Health and Sanitary Organisations
    Prevention and control of main communicable diseases, of provision of
    protected water supply, drainage and performance of various other functions
    like slum clearance, etc. broadly constitute the activities of the Health and
    Sanitary organization.

    366
    T.B. Control Programme
    Under the supervision of the Chief District Medical officer, the District
    Tuberculosis Officer is directly in charge of the District. T.B. Control Centre.
    He is assisted by an Assistant Surgeon (Specialist), one Treatment
    Organiser, two Male Health Visitors, a Laboratory Technician and a team of
    7 technicians. The total number of beds provided in the centre is 18. It is
    provided with 6 observation Beds and 12 isolation beds for the treatment of
    indoor and outdoor patients. T.B. Clinic has been merged to the T.B. Control
    and both treatment and curative facilities are made available here. The
    B.C.G. team undertakes testing and B.C.G. vaccination given to infants
    through all Primary Centers as a preventive.
    Till July 1986 there were 45 T. B. centres in the district. Besides, all
    Primary Health Centres, Sub-Divisional Hospitals and dispensaries of the
    district are also taking part in the programme to give full coverage to the rural
    population for diagnostic and treatment of T. B. patients.
    Sputum case finding survey camps are held from time to time as a
    preventive measure. The message is spread through film shows,
    pamphlets and pre-recorded cassettes containing different aspects of the
    T.B. Control programme.
    During 1985, a refresher course for Medical Officers of peripheral units
    and general practitioners was organised. The revised national tuberculosis
    control programme has been started in the Dist. w.e.f. 17.09.2003.
    Staff Position in the District
    1. Dist. T.B. officer- One
    2. Dist. Programme Co-coordinator- One
    3. Public Private Mix Co-coordinator- One
    4. Programme Management during Registration- One
    5. Senior treatment Supervisor- One
    6. Senior T.B Laboratory Supervisor- One
    7. T.B Health visitor- (2 Nos)
    8. Laboratory Technician -one.

    Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme(RNTCP)


    Year Sputum X-ray Extra pulmonary Total
    +ve Cases +ve cases TB Cases
    2010 728 341 393 1462
    2011 821 372 459 1652
    2012 769 356 408 1560
    2012 818 401 494 1713
    2014 947 439 531 1917

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    National Malaria Eradication Programme
    The Baleshwar unit of the NationaI Malaria Control Programme was
    started in 1954 and the scheme continued as such till 1958. Insecticidal
    spray and other anti-malaria measures were taken up under the programme.
    The incidence of the disease was reduced considerably. In 1958, the
    National Malaria Control Programme was converted into the National Malaria
    Eradication Programme and under it both insecticidal spray and surveillance
    work were carried out extensively in the district. In 1960, the incidence of
    malaria was reduced to a great extent and some portions of the district were
    kept under the maintenance phase and prevalent areas were kept under the
    consolidation phase with the provision for focal spray.
    For efficient implementation of the scheme and to render immediate
    services to the people, a modified plan of operation was introduced in 1978.
    Under the programme the district achieved 33 per cent reduction in malaria
    incidence in 1978. Still some CD blocks namely Oupada, Berhampur and
    Baliapal were endemic for malaria.
    In view of the detection of falciparum malaria, six CD blocks in the
    district. Viz Bhograi, Jaleshwar, Baliapal, Basta, Nilagiri and Oupada have
    been taken up for the intensive measures by WHO.
    The District Malaria Officer is directly in charge of the programme. He
    works under the control of the Chief District Medical Officer and is assisted
    by two Assistant Malaria Officers in the management of office and field
    works. The District Malaria Officer supervises the activities of his sub-
    ordinates and issues technical instructions.
    The Medical Officer of each Primary HeaIth Centre in the district mainly
    supervises all the activities of the National Malaria Eradication Programme in
    his area in addition to his other duties and issues technical instructions. The
    laboratory technician examines about 50 to 60 blood slides and maintains
    the concerned records, charts, graphs, maps, etc. The Surveillance
    Inspector supervises the work of the surveillance workers, who visit every
    house at an interval of about 15 to 30 days to search out fever cases within
    their areas. They also conduct treatment when malaria-positive cases are
    discovered. The superior and inferior field workers attached to the laboratory
    assist the technician in his work. The temporary workers conduct spray
    operation in the areas under the attack phase. The area included under the
    consolidation phase regular surveillance is carried out and focal spray
    planned. The Community Health Volunteers are appointed for every 1000
    Population in the district to give presumptive treatment to all fever cases and
    to collect blood slides for examination. For better treatment of malaria, the
    Drug Distribution Centres are also opened in the villages. In each village
    there is well known village member who has been entrusted to give a single
    dose of presumptive treatment to all fever cases when required by the

    368
    people. The achievements under the programme for five years are given in
    the following table.

    Blood Slide Collected Positive Cases


    Year Collected Examined Detected Treated
    2010-11 122003 122003 1649 1649
    2011-12 146801 146801 1032 1032
    2012-13 156391 156391 445 445
    2013-14 157683 157683 310 310
    2014-15 167482 167482 800 800

    National Filaria Control Programme (NFCP)


    During the year 1971 -72, two National Filaria Control Programme units
    were established at Baleshwar to control and prevent the transmission of
    filaria in the towns. According to the instructions of Government of India, the
    activities of the Programme are confined to the urban areas only. Further,
    Filaria Clinics have been established during 1984-85 at Baleshwar and
    attached to the National Filaria Conttrol Programme. The activities
    undertaken by the units under programme include anti-larvaI operation to
    check the rising trend of mosquito population by using various larvicides and
    a treatment of micro-filaria carriers and disease manifestation cases.
    The total strength of the principal staff entertained in district for
    implementation of the scheme are four Filaria Inspector five Superior Field
    Workers and two Insect Collectors.
    In these towns anti-larval measures are undertaken to reduce the
    density of vector mosquitoes for filariasis. To assess the impact of anti-larval
    operation mosquito collection, mosquito dissection, etc. are being made and
    infection rate and infectivity rate are assessed. Night blood survey is
    conducted to detect micro filariasis and disease manifestation cases for
    treatment of the same. The Malaria and Filaria programme is running under
    the National Vector Borve Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). The
    achievements are highlighted in the table below.

    Year Blood Blood M.F. Blood Slide Disease


    Slides Slides+Ve Rate +Ve For Rate
    Collected For M.F Disease
    2010-11 2730 29 1.06 26 0.95
    2011-12 2896 27 0.93 31 1.07
    2012-13 3045 31 1.01 39 1.28
    2013-14 3190 28 0.87 35 1.09
    2014-15 3660 27 0.73 26 0.71

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    Anti-Leprosy Measures
    There is a District Leprosy Officer in the district under the administrative
    control of the Chief District Medical Officer. The DLO operates with the help
    of DO, PMW and SNMS.
    There is a leprosy colony located at Bampada adjacent to Baleshwar
    town named Lewi‘s Leprosy Colony. It is functioning since 1944. Twenty
    beds have been provided in this colony and it is managed by Hind Kustha
    Nivaran Sangha under the supervision of the Assistant District Medical
    Officer (P.H.). One Rehabilitation centre is also functioning in the same
    colony premises since 1983. Adjacent to the Bampada Leprosy Colony, one
    temporary hospitalization ward has been established since December 1981,
    with a provision for 20 beds.
    The Year-wise achievements under the scheme for the period 2010-11
    to 2015 in the district is given below.
    No of cases details No of cases treated
    Year PB MB TL PB MB TL
    2010-11 125 109 234 125 109 234
    2011-12 66 107 173 66 107 173
    2012-13 111 142 253 111 142 253
    2013-14 66 112 178 66 112 178
    2014-15 65 103 168 65 103 168

    Family Welfare
    Family Planning later termed as Family Welfare Programe was
    implemented in the district as early as 1956. The District Family Welfare
    Bureau was established during 1964. It became target-oriented and time-
    bound programme and its activities were mainly confined to the distribution
    of conventional contraceptives. Only some Family Planning Clinics were
    then established and sterilization facilities were made available in the
    hospitals of district.
    Assistant District Medical Officer (Family Welfare, and Maternity Child
    Health) who works the supervisory control of the Chief District Medical
    Officer is responsible for implementation of the programme. He is in-charge
    of the District Family Welfare Bureau consisting four units-administrative,
    mass education and information, and evaluation, and operation of Mobile
    Service Unit. The Staff of the Bureau consists of one District Public Health
    Communication Officer.
    Immunisation Programme
    Immunization Programme is being done at DHH Baleshwarand other
    Blocks on the district in every Wednesday. All the antigens i.e. B.C.G.
    Hepatitis, D.P.T, Measles, vitamin ‗A‘ and T.T are given to 0-5 yrs children

    370
    and also the pregnant mothers with help of concerned MPHW (Male and
    female), ASHA, Anganwadi workers and other volunteers. The Medical
    Officer, Primary Health Centre, looks the Rural Family Welfare Organizations
    with the assistance a Lady Health Visitor, there are seven other technical
    and non-technical personnel attached to Bureau.
    Facilities for sterilization operation and the I. U. C. D. insertion (Intra
    Uterine Contraceptive Device) are made available in the hospitals and
    dispensaries of the district. The details are shown in the following tables.
    Year Number of Sterlilsation conducted Number of I.U.C.D. Insertions
    Vasectomy Tubectomy Total Loop CU.T Total
    2010-11 33 7748 7781 8764 8764
    2011-12 17 7105 7162 7702 7702
    2012-13 8 6809 6817 8635 8635
    2014-15 3 4585 4588 7863 7863

    Year Number of Conventional Number of oral Bills Number MTP


    Contraceptive Users distributed in cycle
    2011-12 6951 11841 1040
    2011-12 5713 9669 728
    2012-13 8391 11801 1429
    2013-14 2772 6565 2100
    2014-15 1065 4036 2115

    Nutrition Programme
    In 1959, the State Nutrition Division was started under the
    administrative control of the Health and Family Planning Department except
    for a few years from 1964 to 1970 when it functioned under the Community
    Development Department. Potentially the programme is very important in
    promoting the health and preventing diseases of the people. To know the
    food habits and diet patterns of the rural mass and to assess nutritional
    stage of the vulnerable groups, the Nutrition Division conducts now and then
    base line dietary (food consumption) and nutrition assessment survey as
    well as evaluation survey in the Applied Nutrition Programme (A. N. P.)
    Blocks allotted by the Community Development Department. This scheme
    also affords an effective field service to improve local diet through
    production, preservation and use of protective foods and ensures their
    effective utilisation by the vulnerable sections. Simple nutrition principles are
    imparted to the masses through practice demonstrations.
    Out of 8 A.N.P. Blocks, a Dietary (food consumption) and Nutrition
    Assessment Survey of Baleshwar, Basta, Khaira and Tihiri have been
    conducted by the State Nutrition Division. Besides a rapid Nutritional Survey
    was also made in Tihiri A. N. P. Block when it was affected by flood 1976. A
    practical demonstration of ―Infant Diet‖ was conducted by the Lady Nutrition
    Officer during the period of symposium organized by this Block in the year
    1977.

    371
    The Nutrition Division supervises the feeding centres from time to time
    under Special Nutrition Programme, CARE. Special Child Relief Programme
    and World Food Programme are implemented by the Community
    Development Department in the district.
    Drugs Control
    The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 is in force in Odisha since 1st
    April, 1947. For the first time in the state one Provincial Drugs Inspector was
    posted in 1951 at Bhubaneshwar for enforcement of the said Act. It
    continued till the middle of 1967 and after that five ranges were created for
    the state. The Baleshwar district was under the control of Western Range
    with headquarters at Cuttack.
    The office of the Drugs Inspector, Baleshwar Range, with headquarters
    at Baleshwar started functioning since 1970. He is directly under the
    supervisory control of the Drug Controller, Odisha. The Important functions
    of the organisation are enforcement of the Drugs and Consmetics Act,1940
    and other allied Acts, and Rules made thereunder. The Inspector in course
    of his duties chiefly attends to the complaints relating to the adverse drug
    reactions and sale of substandard and spurious drugs and cosmetics. He
    conducts surprise checks on the sale premises, seizes suspected batch of
    drugs, looks into the availability of essential drugs in the district, scrutinises
    the objectionable advertisements and enforces the Dangerous Drugs Act, in
    collaboration with the excise authorities. Further, he ensures the drugs price
    display and price control and issues essentiality certificates to the
    Pharmaceutical industries. Actions under the provisions of the relevant facts
    are taken against the sale of misbranded and substandard drugs. Frequently
    surprise inspections are conducted against misuse and sale of the
    dangerous drugs, such as, morphine and pethidine at hig her price. But the
    performance of the Inspector in the district is very poor as will appear from
    the achievements of the organization given in the following table:
    Year Sale Showcause notice Prosecution Number or Complaints
    premises suggested to the Launched samples received and
    inspected Licensiry authority drawn reported after
    investigation
    2010-11 403 275 1 164 --
    2011-12 433 270 4 171 --
    2012-13 613 686 3 195 --
    2013-14 697 648 4 181 1
    2014-15 667 593 5 150 3

    372
    Veneral Disease
    In most of the hospitals and dispensaries in the district facilities are
    available for the treatment of veneral diseases. The Director of Health and
    Family Planning Services, Odisha is the Food Health Authority under the
    provisions of the Central Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, which
    came into force in the entire state of Odisha in the year 1959. Under him
    there are two part-time Food Inspectors, i.e., the Chief District Medical
    Officer and the Assistant District Medical Officer (P. H.) who are directly in-
    charge of implementation of the Act. Besides, there is one whole time Food
    Inspector for the collection of food samples of all the district. The Chief
    District Medical Officer, Baleshwar acts as the licensing authority under the
    Act to grant license in respect of manufacture and sale of food articles within
    his jurisdiction.
    The table below shows the year-wise achievement of food samples
    collected from the district during the period 2010-14.

    Year No. of food No. of food No. of samples No. of water samples
    samples drawn samples found collected and
    examined adutterated examined
    1 2 3 4 5
    2010 55 55 10 --
    2011 63 63 15 --
    2012 76 76 16 --
    2013 82 82 20 --
    2014 92 92 22 --
    103 103 28 --

    During the above period, no water samples from the district were
    collected or examined under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
    Health Education
    The Health Education Bureau according to the pattern prescribed by
    the Government of India, was started in the state in 1960 and was attached
    to the Director of Health and Family Planning Services Odisha. The
    objectives of the scheme are to make the people realise their responsibility
    about their own health, the health of their family and that of the community at
    large. The State Health Education Bureau, Bhubaneshwar now renamed as
    State Institute of Health and Family Welfare,Odisha takes up health
    education activities in the district by deputing Health Education Units during
    flood, cyclone and epidemics when required by the Chief District Medical
    Officer.

    373
    It mainly sends health education materials like posters and pamphlets
    on communicable disease, public health activities, etc. to the Chief District
    Medical Officer and the Primary Health Centers of the district. The staff of
    the Primary Health Centre like Medical Officer, public Health Extension
    officer Lady Health visitors and Supervisors utilise them for disseminating
    sanitary and hygienic principles among the vulnerable groups.
    It also takes part in public education programmes during fairs and
    festivals in the district. The big Mela at Chandaneswar is attended by the
    staff of the State Health Education Bureau every year with health education
    materials like posters, health literature, audio-visual equipments etc., for
    awareness of villagers and pilgrims on food, water and environmental
    sanitation, and on different communicable diseases.
    Besides, the National School Health Programme has also been
    implemented in the district to impart school health education and health
    examination of the primary school students. The primary objective of the
    scheme is to cover the students of primary schools of the hilly, the tribal and
    backward area of the district. The Primary Health Centre, Berhampur under
    Nilagiri C. D. Block has been selected by the Government of India for this
    purpose.
    School Health Service
    The School Health Service is one of the oldest schemes. It is working
    as a link with the general health programme. The School Health Service
    aims at preventing various diseases and malnutrition among the school
    children of 0-15 age-group and protects them against future health hazards.
    The Government has formulated a scheme to undertake the medical
    examination of the students from the Primary to the High English schools.
    Accordingly, Medical Officers examine the students at regular intervals and
    make necessary prescriptions and provisions for cure.
    The School MedicaI Officer with headquarters at Cuttack examines the
    students of all the Boy‘s High Schools and the School Lady Medical Officer
    with headquarters at Bhubaneshwar undertakes the medical examination of
    the girl students of aII the Girls‘ High Schools of the district. There is an
    Assistant District Medical Officer (PH) for the medical examination of the
    students of Boys‘ Middle English Schools. But the girl students of the Girls‘
    Middle English Schools of the district are examined by the Lady Assistant
    Surgeons of the Sub-divisional and the District Headquarters Hospitals who
    are in charge of the Maternity and Child Health Program. The Medical
    Officers of the Primary Health Centres are generally conducting the medical
    examination of the students of Primary Schools located within their
    jurisdictions in the district.

    374
    According to the instruction of the Government of India, the National
    School Health Service, another new scheme has been started since 1977 in
    some selected C. D. Blocks of this district. The Primary Health Centre
    located at Berhampur under the Nilagiri Block of the district has been
    selected and the scheme is in operation there. The Primary Health Centre
    was provided with the cumulative health records, books, health kits and
    other school health materials for proper implementation of the scheme. The
    Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre examines all the children of the
    Primary Schools located under the Block area at least twice during their
    school years. The Assistant District Medical Officer (PH) is entrusted to
    supervise the activities and progress of the scheme. Under the present
    scheme the school children are given necessary protection by preventive
    measures like inoculation against cholera when required.
    Besides, under the National Leprosy Control Scheme the school
    children are surveyed by the para Medical Workers. The cases detected
    among the school children are treated with anti-leprosy drugs. So far 19,465
    number of school children have been physically examined and 9 cases of
    early leprosy has been detected.
    Under the Immunisation Programme the school children are given
    immunization in order to protect them from communicable diseases such as
    diphtheria, tetanus, measles, TB, and typhoid.
    Water Supply
    Safe drinking water schemes and provisions are being taken up at a
    never before pace to secure the communities from water borne diseases and
    sicknesses.
    National Health Mission (NHM), Baleshwar
    The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has been operational in
    Baleshwar since 2005 with an aim to provide accessible, affordable,
    accountable and effective quality health services to rural and urban
    population. NRHM includes interventions on Reproductive and Child Health
    (RCH), Immunization, National Disease Control Programme, Integrated
    Disease Surveillance and other initiatives. NRHM has also incorporated into
    its fold new initiatives like Mainstreaming of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha
    and Homeopathy (AYUSH) systems of health to ensure expanded access to
    alternative systems of medicine. NHM is an umbrella which integrates all the
    vertical health programs. Initially planned for 7 years during 2005 – 2007, the
    program has been extended for a further phase of 4 years till 2017.

    375
    The status of health care institutions in the district is given below.

    No. of Blocks and GPs 12 and 289


    No of District Head Quarter Hospital 1
    No of Sub-Divisional Hospital (SDH) 1
    No. of Community Health Centers 17
    No. of Primary Health Centers (New) 69
    No. of Total medical institutions 88
    No. of Post Mortem Centre 07
    No. of ANM Training Centre 01
    No. of Sub-centers 275
    Sub-Centers having building 132
    No. of hospital beds Sanctioned vs. Functional 587/664
    No. of Ambulance 10
    No.of Janani Sisu Surakhya Karyakram institutions 28
    No. of Delivery Points 28
    No. of ASHA and ASHA Sathi 1946and58
    NO. of Gaon Kalyan Samiti 2450
    No. of SNCU and NBSU 01 and 03
    No. of NBCC 33
    108 Ambulance 23
    102 Ambulance 23/29
    No. of NRC 01
    No. of MMT(Rastriya Bal Surakhya Karyakram - RBSK) 25
    MHU 1

    Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health


    (RMNCH+A)
    RMNCH+A approach has been launched in 2013 and it essentially
    looks to address the major causes of mortality among women and children
    as well as the delays in accessing and utilizing health care and services. The
    RMNCH+A strategic approach has been developed to provide an
    understanding of ‗continuum of care‘ to ensure equal focus on various life
    stages. Priority interventions for each thematic area have been included in
    this to ensure that the linkages between them are contextualized to the
    same and consecutive life stage. It also introduces new initiatives like the
    use of Score Card to track the performance, National Iron + Initiative to
    address the issue of anemia across all age groups and the Comprehensive

    376
    Screening and Early interventions for defects at birth, diseases and
    deficiencies among children and adolescents. The RMNCH+A appropriately
    directs the Districts to focus their efforts on the most vulnerable population
    and disadvantaged groups in the community.

    The following table contains information on institutional deliveries in the


    district during 2006-07 to June, 2016.

    2006- 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015-16
    07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 (upto
    june)
    Institutional 10457 25239 35237 29627 35686 37726 34200 34026 31850 7303
    Deliveries

    There is a remarkable rise in institutional delivery due to successful


    implementation of JSY, JSSK, ASHA, Janani Express and Ambulance
    service etc. and provision of better health care services at the Hospitals.
    Due to this initiative, the Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate
    are reduced.
    Janani Sishu Surakhya Karyakram (JSSK): The JSSK envisages
    cashless deliveries including Caesarean sections and Sick new born
    services (up to one year) at Public Health institutions(Delivery Points), in
    st
    both rural and urban areas, in the Baleshwar District from 1 Nov 2011.This
    new scheme is aimed at mitigating the burden of out of pocket expenses
    incurred at public health institutions.
    The following are the Free Entitlements for pregnant women i) cashless
    delivery; ii) C-Section; iii) drugs and consumables; iv) diagnostics; v) diet
    during stay in the health institutions; vi) provision of blood; vii) no user
    charges; viii) transport from home to health institutions; ix) transport between
    facilities in case of referral and x) drop back from Institutions to home after
    48hrs stay.
    The following are the Free Entitlements for Sick newborns till 30 days
    after birth. This has now been expanded to cover sick infants up to 1 year
    with provisions for free treatment, free drugs and consumables, free
    diagnostics, free provision of blood, exemption from user charges.
    Janani Express (102): Under NHM, 15 Janani express were provided
    to the 12 Blocks and these vehicles are exclusively used for transportation of
    pregnant mother for delivery and sick new born. Now it has been converted
    to 102 Ambulance and increased to 29 vehicles for the district.

    377
    Odisha Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (108 Ambulance):
    A large number of deaths are attributed to delay in reaching the health care
    facility within the golden hour in case of emergency including epidemic
    outbreaks road accident, trauma etc. To address this issue, the HandFW
    dept has initiated a comprehensive pre-hospital emergency medical service
    providing 23 high end ambulance transportation systems from the doorstep
    of the patient to the appropriate health care facility within the shortest
    possible time in a phased manner. This is bridging the missing link in
    providing timely adequate and appropriate care to the needy citizens in rural
    areas so as to considerably bring down preventable mortality arising out of
    the unforeseen circumstances.
    MHU and RBSK: Mobile Health Unit services were provided to the
    most difficult and interior blocks like Berhampur (Nilagiri). Through this
    service the MHU provide proper health care to the remote area population
    regularly. Rolling out of Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
    through engagement of 25 dedicated mobile medical teams for Child health
    screening and early intervention services on 4 Ds would be given due priority
    for implementation. Patients treated under MHU are 30487 in number.
    ASHA and Yosoda: In the district 1946 ASHAs (Urban and Rural)have
    been working in different pockets of the district. They work like a bridge
    between the patient and Health system. They provide some curative health
    services with sensitization of the population on the health aspects regularly.
    They accompany the pregnant women for delivery, bringing children for the
    immunization, providing malaria treatment, providing DOTs. Under Yosoda
    programme, at District hospital 15 Yashoda were appointed and provided
    the post-natal care to the mothers at the maternity ward regularly. The status
    of ASHA is given in the following table.
    ASHA Status
    SI. Name of the Total Achievement No. of Trained ASHA Bicycle ASHA
    No. Block No village in sathi Received Gruha
    ASHA without All
    an Module
    ASHA (1-5)
    1 Khaira 198 193 4 193 5 197
    2 Sadar 214 213 1 211 5 213
    3 Bhogarai 265 262 1 260 6 264 1
    4 Oupada 90 89 0 89 4 89
    5 Remuna 141 139 1 136 4 136
    6 Jaleshwar 177 177 0 177 5 177 1
    7 Bahanaga 121 119 2 118 4 119
    8 Soro 121 119 2 116 5 119 1
    9 Baliapal 176 172 2 169 5 169 1
    10 Basta 165 164 1 163 5 163 1
    11 Simulia 105 105 0 105 5 103
    12 Nilagiri 162 157 3 157 6 156 1(SDH)
    13 Urban Slum 34 31 3 31 0 26 1(DHH)
    TOTAL 1969 1935 20 1925 59 1931 7

    378
    Gaon Kalyan Samiti (GKS): Gaon Kalyan Samiti is formed in all
    revenue villages (2450) of Baleshwar District from last four year. An amount
    of @Rs. 10000 to each GKS provided in each year for carrying out various
    health, sanitation and hygienic related activities at the village level
    Hospital Development: In the district 86 Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS)
    have been functioning. RKS have been very instrumental for decentralization
    of the decision making process and speed up the health development in the
    Hospital by way of strengthening the patient friendly environment.
    Mamata Diwas: To reduce malnutrition and mortality of children in the
    age group below 5 years, Mamata Diwas is organized at every Aganwadi
    Centre on monthly basis and facilitate treatment of the sick and
    malnourished children at the Block CHCs.
    Special New Born Care Unit (SNCU) and NRC: One SNCU-II at
    District Headquarters Hospital and three NBSU at Soro, Basta, and sub
    divisional hospital of Nilagiri are functioning to take care of Sick New Born.
    Besides that New born corners are established at all 32 labour rooms across
    the district. One Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) has been
    st
    established at sub-divisional hospital at Nilagiri from 1 January 2013 and
    another NRC has been planned to be set up in district headquarters hospital,
    Baleshwar.
    Health Management Information System (HMIS)/MCTS: All the
    health related data are being computerized at the Sub-Centers level
    regularly which make a valuable database for analysis, interpretation, policy
    making and preparation of the rational budget. Likewise the data regarding
    the pregnant mothers and children also computerized at the sub-centre level
    helps to target 100% immunization coverage and Birth preparedness of the
    mothers in advance.
    Strengthening of MCH Centers/Delivery Points: As per the guideline
    it has been proposed to set up 23 numbers of delivery points and make
    necessary arrangements like skill updation, staff, equipments and required
    infrastructural facilities for the Centers.
    Activities through Public Private Partnership
    Management of PHC (N) by NGO- Paschimabad PHC (N) under
    Jaleshwar block is managed by ‗ARM‘, NGO since 24.12.2007. The services
    provided by the NGO includes OPD services, Laboratory services,
    Ambulance services, IEC activities in outreach areas, emergency health
    services during disaster situation.

    379
    Skill based and Capacity building Training: Skill up-gradation
    trainings like SBA, NSSK, PNC, waste management, IUD, Minilab, IMNCI
    and NSV etc are conducted at the district level to improve the skill of the
    service providers for better implementation of health services.
    Family Welfare and Immunization activities: Under FW activities the
    following achievements have been made. Under the supervision of the
    ADMO (FW) the programs are implemented in the district. The Medical
    Officer in-charge monitors the programs on monthly basis.
    SL ITEMS Target:13- Progress upto Target:14- Progress Target:15- Progress
    NO 14 March‘2014 15 upto 16 upto
    March‘15 June‘15
    1 STERILIZATION 9802 7381-75% 11174 4588-46% 11279 433-4%
    2 I.U.D 11300 9245-82% 14308 7863-62% 14308 1307-9%
    3 C.C. USERS 20630 2772-13% 22619 1065-5% 22619 245-1%
    4 ORAL-PILL ( USERS 12450 6565-53% 13306 4036-33% 13306 1166-9%
    5 M.T.P 3400 2021-59% 3400 3400 577-7%
    6 T.T. ( Peg) 44400 37683-85% 49498 36252-73% 49498 9148-
    18%
    7 D.P.T 40533 37271-92% 44997 37390-83% 44997 7903-
    18%
    8 POLIO 40533 37472-92% 44997 37390-83% 44997 8499-
    19%
    9 B.C.G 40533 38653-95% 44997 37151-83% 44997 8332-
    19%
    10 MESEALS 40533 36089-89% 44997 37183-83% 44997 8533-
    19%
    11 VIT-A 40533 36089-89% 44997 37183-83% 44997 8533-
    19%
    12 D.P.T ( 5 Years) 41794 34689-83% 46206 34433-75% 46206 7508-
    16%
    13 T.T. ( 10 YEARS) 44744 36308-81% 48868 34503-71% 48868 5619-
    11%
    14 T.T. ( 16 YEARS) 49224 35630-72% 52014 33951-65% 52014 5296-
    10%
    15 Large Follifor 44400 43757-99% 49498 37064-75% 49498 9652-
    19%

    NHM under Department of Health and Family Welfare has a major


    intervention in the name of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for
    early detection and complete healthcare of children. Screening of the new-
    born, both at home and public-health facilities, pre-schooling children up to 6
    years from Anganwadi centres and school going children and adolescents in
    the age group of 6-18 years studying in Government and Government aided
    schools are the targeted beneficiaries under this programme.
    Under RBSK Programme 30 identified health conditions under ‗4D‘
    approach viz. Defects at birth, Deficiencies, Diseases, Development delays
    including disability is being addressed through Child Health Screening and
    Early Intervention services. Twenty-five numbers of dedicated Mobile
    Medical Team have been engaged at each Block to cover non-Residential
    Schools at least once in a year, Anganwari centres on bi-annual basis and
    quarterly to the Residential Schools. The children seeking special care are
    being covered through District Early Intervention Centres (DEIC) and
    empanelled Hospital for specific case. Sincere efforts are being given to
    achieve desired outcome for child health care in Baleshwar.

    380
    National Urban Health Mission (New Scheme)
    NUHM envisages to meet health care needs of the urban population of
    Baleshwar Municipality with the focus on urban poor, by making available to
    them essential primary health care services and reducing their out of pocket
    expenses for treatment. This will be achieved by strengthening the existing
    health care service delivery system, targeting the people living in slums of
    Baleshwar and converging with various schemes relating to wider
    determinants of health like drinking water, sanitation, school education, etc.
    implemented by the Ministries of Urban Development, Housing and Urban
    Poverty Alleviation, Human Resource Development and Women and Child
    Development.
    NUHM would endeavour to achieve its goal through a) Needbased city
    specific urban health care system to meet the diverse health care needs of
    the urban poor and other vulnerable sections, b) Institutional mechanism and
    management systems to meet the health-related challenges of a rapidly
    growing urban population, c) Partnership with community and local bodies
    for a more proactive involvement in planning, implementation, and
    monitoring of health activities, d) Availability of resources for providing
    essential primary health care to urban poor and e) Partnerships with NGOs,
    for profit and not for profit health service providers and other stakeholders.
    Online Issuance of disability Certificates
    Disability certificates are necessary for different purposes such as
    availing benefits related to education, employment or various Government
    scheme applicable for disable persons. For this purpose Government has
    launched this certification system. Under the system malpractice in issuing of
    disability certificates can be eliminated. Five types of disabilities are
    considered under this application, these are - i) Visual Impairment, ii)
    Hearing Impairment, iii) Physical Impairment, iv) Mental Retardation and v)
    Mental Illness.
    PC and PNDT Act
    The PC and PNDT Act enacted in 1994 and was amended in the year
    2003 to discourage the misuse of parental diagnostics techniques for sex
    determination at pre conception stage and action against advertisements
    promising a male child. A cell is established at the district level to facilitate
    strengthening of monitoring of the PC and PNDT Act implementation in
    Baleshwar. The cell is working towards strengthening institutional
    mechanisms and streamlining processes of effective monitoring of the
    implementation of pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostics techniques, and
    to develop linkages with various agencies for awareness generation,
    community mobilization for preventing sex determination. There are 22 USG
    clinics operational in the district.

    381
    National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
    The National Leprosy Eradication Program achieved the goal of
    Elimination of Leprosy (Prevalence rate one or below on per 10000
    population) on 31st July 2006 in Odisha. The Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) has
    been introduced since 1983 to achieve elimination of Leprosy in Baleshwar.
    Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
    The implementation of the second phase national IDSP started in 2006-
    07. The objective was establishing a decentralized system of surveillance for
    communicable and non-communicable diseases with the involvement of
    community, so that timely and effective public health actions could be
    initiated in response to health challenges. Secondly, improvement in the
    efficiency of the existing surveillance activities of diseases control
    programmes and facilitationin sharing of relevant information with the health
    administration, community and other stakeholders so as to detect disease
    trends over time and evaluate control strategies, which was a specific
    objective of the IDSP programme.
    Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)
    The National Tuberculosis Control Programme has been implemented
    in Baleshwar since 1964 with the objective to provide free and domiciliary
    treatment to the patients detected through passive case finding method. The
    NTP did not achieve the desired success as a result the programme was
    revised with DOTs (Directly Observed Treatment short Course
    Chemotherapy) strategy and was launched for implementation in Odisha in
    1997. This was started with objective to detect 70% of infectious sputum
    positive TB cases and cure at least 85% of them. The programme is being
    successfully implemented as per the technical, operational and financial
    guidelines of RNTCP.
    NB :Total Designated Microscopic Center (DMC) : 20
    T.B. Unit : 7 (DHH-Baleshwar, SDH-Nilagiri, Soro-CHC, Basta-CHC, GKB-
    CHC)
    Particulars 2010 2011 2012-13 13-14 14-15 15-16
    Sputum Exam Target 12148 12848 8800 13864 10800
    Achievement 8103 9271 11870 11870 9740-90%
    TB Case Detection Target 4623 4854 3373 5290 4140
    Achievement 1627 2073 2294(68%) 2943 2375-57%
    Cure Rate Target 85% 85% 85% 85% 85%
    Achievement 80% 82% 85% 86% 86%
    Success Rate Target 90% 90% 90% 90% 90%
    Achievement 87% 89% 91% 89% 88%
    No.of MDR patients under treatment in the District:37
    No. of TB-HIV co-infected patients under treatment:08

    382
    National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)

    Implementation of National Programme for Control of Blindness will


    take place largely through the District Blindness Control Societies which
    have the authority and accountability for programme implementation at the
    District level. The District Programme Manager will be the member secretary
    of the society and is responsible for day to day management of the
    programme. The District Ophthalmic Surgeon will have the responsibility for
    technical aspects of the programme. A systematic management training of
    all programme managers is provided to enable them to effectively implement
    the programme. The objective of the DBCS is ―To achieve the maximum
    reduction in avoidable blindness in the district through optimal utilization of
    available resources in the district‖.

    SL Activities 14-15
    No.
    1 Cataract Dist. Hospital-667 1931
    Performance NGOs-472
    Private Sector-
    Total 1931
    2 School Eye No. of School going Children Screened 24865
    Screening No. of School going Children detected with 2835
    refractive errors
    No. of school going children provided free glasses 2827
    3 Training No. of ASHAs trained -

    National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)


    The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is
    being implemented for prevention and control of vector borne diseases like
    Malaria, Filariasis, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue and
    Chikungunya. Most of these diseases are epidemic prone and have
    seasonal fluctuations. However Malaria continues to be a major public health
    problem in Baleshwar. The goal is reducing mortality on account of malaria
    by 50% by 2010 and efficient morbidity control (base year 2004).Now 2
    sentinel site malaria lab functioning at DHH and SDH for drug resistance
    study. Similarly One ELISA Lab established at DHH,Baleshwar for Dengue
    detection.
    Blood Bank, DHH, Baleshwar
    The Odisha Red Cross Blood Bank, Baleshwar established in 1960, is
    situated inside the campus of District Headquarters Hospital, Baleshwar. It
    is now functioning from its own building. It is affiliated to State Blood

    383
    Transfusion Council, Odisha (H and FW Dept. Odisha) vide No. 18/SBTC
    dated 23.02.05 and issued license No. 627 dated 14.03.97 (renewed up to
    31/12/12) to ―manufacture for sale of Whole Human Blood I.P‖ by Drugs
    Controller, Odisha, Bhubaneswar. This is a major Blood Bank in North
    Odisha. There are three Blood Storage Centers at Basta, Jaleshwar and
    Soro. It also caters services to the blood needy patients of three adjacent
    districts viz. Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak and Midnapore (west) of West Bengal. It
    was established in 1960 and its storing capacity is 1500 units.
    Blood Donation: One of the Hall markof the district is organization of
    Blood Donation Camps by voluntary organizations in various parts of the
    district throughout the year. A detailed account of the lood collection in the
    district during the past 6 years is given below:

    Mode of Male Female Total Grand


    Year Collection Total
    Camp Blood Camp Blood Camp Blood
    Bank Bank Bank
    2010 Voluntary 6,083 3,684 693 157 6,776 3,841 10,617
    Replacement 0 1,102 0 36 0 1,138 1,138
    2011 Voluntary 7,828 3,259 1,118 280 8,946 3,539 12,485
    Replacement 0 819 0 54 0 873 873
    2012 Voluntary 7450 3548 1075 295 8525 3843 12368
    Replacement 0 1248 0 67 0 1315 1315
    2013 Voluntary 9134 1873 962 215 10096 2088 12184
    Replacement 0 1402 0 117 0 1519 1519
    2014 Voluntary 9163 2423 1457 362 10620 2785 13405
    Replacement 0 590 0 76 0 666 666
    2015 Voluntary 2668 428 631 76 3299 504 3803
    (upto
    Replacement 0 140 0 62 0 202 202
    mar)

    Key Facts
    (a) Thalassaemia Patients:There are 370thalassaemia patients
    registered in this Blood Bank. They are being provided free blood
    regularly as per their requirement. Service charges for maximum
    patients have been exempted by the Chairman-cum-Collector and
    District Magistrate, Baleshwar.
    (b) Blood Storage Unit: Blood Storage unit at G.K.B. Govt. Hospital,
    Jaleshwar, U.G. PHC, Basta and CHC, Soro are fully operational
    and being supplied blood units regularly as per their requirement.

    384
    AIDS Control Programme,Baleshwar
    The working of the programme is indicated below.

    Epidemiology of Baleshwar Year wise detection of HIV positive cases


    Total Counseling 2,12,937 YEAR Male Female children Total
    (Including
    ANC)
    Total Testing 1,68,047 2003 11 7 0 19
    Total +ve 1,018 2004 16 7 5 28
    Positivity Rate : M – 558 2005 23 17 7 47
    0.66 % F - 460 2006 31 21 4 56
    ANC – 55 2007 41 36 9 86
    MSM-23 2008 32 27 3 62
    FSW-51 2009 66 54 16 136
    Death 215 2010 64 54 19 137
    Pre ART 819 2011 66 59 16 141
    On ART 429 2012 74 71 18 163
    MBPY 583 2013 64 54 6 124
    Sanctioned
    Mo Kudia Yojana 123 2014 58 39 12 109
    (Up to
    Oct)
    Total 546 446 116 1108

    Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Biju Krushak Kalyan


    Yojana(BKKY)
    RSBY has been launched by Ministry of Labour and Employment, Govt.
    of India to provide health insurance coverage for Below Poverty Line (BPL)
    families. The objective of RSBY is to provide protection to BPL households
    from financial liabilities arising out of health shocks that involve
    hospitalization. Beneficiaries under RSBY are entitled to hospitalization
    coverage up to Rs.30,000/- for most of the diseases that require
    hospitalization. Government has fixed the package rates for the hospitals for
    a large number of interventions. Pre-existing conditions are covered from
    day one and there is no age limit. Coverage extends to five members of the
    family which included the head of the household, spouse and up to three
    dependents. Beneficiaries need to pay only Rs.30/- as registration fee while
    Central and State Government pay the premium to the insurer selected by
    the State Government on the basis of a competitive bidding. In Baleshwar
    16 Health Institutions are provided the RSBY services from 1st June 2012.
    st
    Similarly the BKKY started from 1 January 2014 in the all empanelled
    hospitals of RSBY. Under this scheme the beneficiaries will be getting
    benefit upto Rs.1,00,000.00.

    385
    Odisha State Treatment Fund (OSTF)
    The Odisha State treatment fund will provide financial assistance to
    the poor patients who are suffering from life threatening disorders and
    diseases, for treatment of their major ailments. The financial assistance
    would be released in the form of one time grant which will be released to the
    Medical Institutions in which treatment has been /is being received. In DHH,
    Baleshwar the facility was provided to the patients.The fund is managed by
    an autonomous society known as “Odisha State Traetment Fund Society”.
    Jan Aushadhi
    Jan Aushadhi is meant for ―Quality Medicine at Affordable Price‖ which
    is an initiative of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and
    Fertilizers, Govt. of India. It is coordinated by Bureau of Pharma PSUs of
    India (BPPI) and in partnership with Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
    Limited (IDPL), Hindustan Antibiotic Ltd (HAL), Bengal Chemicals and
    Pharmaceutical Ltd (BCPL), Karnataka Antibiotic and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
    (KAPL) and Rajasthan Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (RDPL). The Jan
    th
    Aushadhi Store is functioning at DHH, Baleshwar From 28 April 2012. In
    Jan Aushadhi Counter 80 variety of medicines are available. The types of
    medicines are – Vitamin, Antibiotics, Iron, Calcium, Antacids, Pain Clear,
    Enzyme, Anti fungal, Diabetes and others. Trend of expenditure under this
    head is given below.

    2012-13 2013-14 2014-15


    Rs.5,98,333.00 Rs.4,03,109.00 Rs.4,05,323.00

    386
    CHAPTER – XVI

    OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES

    In separate chapters elaborate accounts on education, medical and


    public health services, economic services, etc., which concern the entire
    population of the district have been given. Only those which primarily relate
    to some sections of the people find mention in this chapter. They chiefly
    include labour welfare, prohibition advancement of backward classes and
    the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes charitable endowments.
    Labour Welfare
    The district is mainly an agricultural tract than an industrial one. The
    bulk of its labour force, therefore, constitutes cultivators and agricultural
    laborers. Industrially the district is not so well advanced. There are 3 major
    Industrial Estates in Baleshwar district namely Ganeswarpur Industrial
    Estate, Baleshwar Industrial Estate, Balgopalpur Industrial Estate containing
    large medium and small industrial units. The major industrial units relate to
    manufacturing of tyre, paper, alloys, plastic products etc. The others are rice
    mills, saw mills, printing press, fishing industries, brick kilns, etc. The
    labourers engaged in agriculture, construction and maintenance work are
    spread over the entire district. The workers in urban areas are engaged in
    various factories, corporations and commercial establishments and are able
    to protect their interest through their organizational set-up such as trade
    unions, associations etc. The workers in rural areas are devoid of such
    facilities.
    Most of the Central and the State Labour Acts and Rules are
    implemented in this district. The legislations mainly aim at securing the
    interest of the labourers and workers in different spheres of their activity,
    safeguarding their exploitation in different forms at the hands of their
    employers and maintaining peaceful, congenial and harmonious relationship
    between the employers and the employees in the industrial field. Proper
    implementation of these Acts chiefly devolve on the labour organizations and
    associations functioning in the district.
    Organization set-up
    The Assistant Labour Commissioner, having headquarters at
    Baleshwar is primarily responsible for the administration and implementation
    of the various labour laws in the district. The Assistant Labour Commissioner
    also Acts as Inspector under various labour laws and as Conciliation Officer
    under the Industrial Disputes Act. Being the Supervisory Officer, the
    Assistant Labour Commissioner, Baleshwar is assisted by one District
    387
    Labour Officer, two Assistant Labour Officers and two Rural Labour
    Inspectors in headquarter office at Baleshwar. Besides one Sub-ordinate
    Assistant Labour Office functions at Nilagiri for implementation of labour laws
    at sub divisional level. Being the zonal Supervisory Officer, Assistant l.abour
    Commissioner, Baleshwar, supervises the work of District Labour Officer,
    Assistant Labour Officers, Labour Inspector and Rural Labour Inspector of
    Mayurbhanj, Baripada and others sub-divisional units which function under
    the District Labour Office, Mayurbhanj, Baripada.
    Settlement of Disputes
    The labour disputes are settled mostly through bilateral settlements and
    conciliations. The Assistant Labour Commissioner, District Labour Officer,
    Assistant Labour Officers are declared as the Conciliation Officers under the
    Industrial Disputes Act, of 1947. If conciliation fails the matter is referred to
    the Industrial Tribunal / Labour Court for adjudication.
    Trade Unions
    The right to form union by the industrial workers is guaranteed under
    the Trade Union Act. The object behind formation of such organizations is to
    effectively protect the interests of industrial workers through collective
    bargaining process.
    Minimum Wages Act
    The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 came into force with effect from March-
    1948. In the State sector, District Labour Officer and Assistant Labour
    Officers in their capacity as inspectors under various labour laws safeguard
    the interests of the labour and ensure enforcement of the implementations of
    the Minimum Wages fixed / revised from time to time. At present 88
    scheduled employment are covered under the Minimum Wages Act.
    New Horizon of Social Security Measures
    In keeping with its objective of welfare state, the Central Govt. passed
    an Act in the year 1996 to regulate the service conditions of the building and
    Other Construction Workers and provide for their safety and welfare.
    Accordingly, as per an estimate by the National Sample Survey, the Building
    and Other Construction Workers account there are more than 26 million
    work force in India out of which the State of Odisha contributes more than 1
    million. In order to cover the construction workforce under a well planned
    social security umbrella, the Government of Odisha enacted corresponding
    rules in the name of Building and Other Construction Workers (REandCS)
    Rules 2002. Under the said rules, the state Welfare Board in the name of
    Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board was
    constituted having its headquarters at Bhubaneswar. The said Board

    388
    through its advisory committee recommends various social security benefits
    to its registered beneficiaries from birth to death including pension after sixty
    years and grant-in-aid for construction of houses. Although the Rule was
    framed in 2002, but as a matter of fact, the Govt of Odisha in Labour and
    Employment Department (at present Labour and ESI Deptt.) passed
    Resolution dtd. 15.12.2008 for collection of Cess @ 1 % of the cost of all
    building and other construction work including the Govt. Project. After 2008-
    2009 the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board started
    functioning for the Social Security Coverage of Construction Workers. The
    cess collected and deposited with the Board provides recourses for taking up
    the social security activities implemented by the board for its registered
    eligible beneficiates in the state. At present more than 38 thousand building
    and other construction workers have been registered as beneficiaries under
    the Board and many more are waiting for enrollment after due verification.
    Similarly an amount of Rs. 1,12,57,784/- has been disbursed to 3516
    beneficiaries towards various financial assistance from 2009 to end of July
    2015.
    Housing Scheme
    No steps have been taken by the Government for construction of
    houses for industrial workers. However, some sheds have been constructed
    by a few rice mill owners to provide accommodation to their employees.
    Provident Fund
    Provisions relating to the Provident Fund Act were introduced in the
    district since 1952, under which members are required to contribute 6 to 8
    percent of their total wages to Provident Fund. A similar contribution is
    further required to ‗be made by the members, towards Family Pension
    Scheme which was introduced in the district from the 1st March 1971.
    Members are entitled to get back their contribution with interest. Ordinarily
    the beneficiaries under the scheme get back their contributions with interest
    after retirement. In case of retrenchment or accident they get back their dues
    from the fund. Besides, for purchase of land for house, construction of
    dwelling houses, marriage of their daughters or sons, etc., they are eligible
    to draw advances with stipulation of refunding the same in installments.
    Benefit under Provident Fund Scheme is extended to the employees in the
    establishment and factories who are in service for more than six months. Till
    31st December 1985, 8,340 employees out of 12,648 employees working in
    184 establishments of the district enjoy the facility of Provident Fund.
    Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
    Till independence, no specific policy was followed to uplift the socio-
    economic standard of the Adivasis and the weaker sections of the society by
    389
    the- Government. In 1946, the Provincial Government seems to have started
    some work in this direction on the recommendation of the Thakkar
    Committee appointed to find out ways and means for their welfare. After
    attainment of independence and with the Constitution of India coming into
    force, promotion of the educational and economic interests of the weaker
    section of the people particularly of the Scheduled Castes and the
    Scheduled Tribes became the primary responsibility of the state. According
    to the Census of 1971, the Scheduled Tribes and the Scheduled Castes
    constituted 18.51 per cent and 7·06 per cent respectively. According to 1981
    Census, the percentages were 17·94 and 6.84 respectively.
    In the present set-up, the District Welfare Officer is functioning at
    Baleshwar since January 1950 under the supervision and control of the
    District Collector. He is in charge of execution of various welfare schemes
    undertaken in the district from time to time for the benefit of S.T, and S.C,
    There are three Assistant District Welfare Officers functioning at the sub-
    divisional level under the direct supervision of the respective Sub-divisional
    Officers. Besides, one Assistant District Welfare Officer is attached to the
    office of District Welfare Officer at the headquarters. In the Community
    Development Block level there are twenty-one Welfare Extension Officers
    who work under the supervision of the Block Development Officer, one each
    for 19 Blocks, one for D.A. and one for I. T. D. A.
    A number of schemes are in operation for the upliftment of these
    backward classes of people. Expenses incurred on account of the
    development programmes executed for the Scheduled Castes and the
    Scheduled Tribes people are shared by the State Government and the
    Government of India. The schemes for the welfare of backward classes may
    be broadly classified into (a) educational advancement, (b) economic
    upliftment (c) health and sanitation and (d) miscellaneous welfare measures.
    Emphasis is laid on the educational schemes as they make the backward
    communities more conscious of their rights and privileges in the society.
    Educational Advancement
    Until 1950, very little efforts were made towards achieving any tangible
    progress in the field of education among the traditionally backward
    Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes people of the district. Various
    efforts have been made since then to help the spread of education among
    them.
    In 1985-86, there were 46 Sevashrams. One Boys non residential
    Ashram School at Dahapania (in Tihiri Block) and 3 High schools, i.e. one
    Girls and two Boys high schools managed by the Harijan Tribal Welfare
    Department, for educational upliftment of the students belonging to the

    390
    Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In the Sevashrams, education is
    imparted upto Upper Primary standard. The students are provided with text
    books, garments, reading and writing materials, etc. In some Sevashrams
    provision for mid-day meals has also been made. In the Ashram schools the
    pupils are imparted basic training in different crafts like carpentry, weaving,
    tailoring and agriculture in addition to the general syllabus of Middle English
    school standard. During the academic session 1986, 4,594 pupils were
    studying in Sevashrams. Boarding charges as fixed by the Government of
    Odisha from time to time are paid to the Scheduled Castes and the
    Scheduled Tribes students. So far, 3 hostel buildings are functioning and
    360 students have been accommodated. In addition to the boarding and
    lodging facilities, the inmates are supplied with beds and utensils in hostels.
    A sum of Rs. 18,40,963 was spent on the Scheduled Tribes and the
    Scheduled Castes Students during 1985-86 for pre-matriculation scholarship
    and Rs. 8,31.605 for post-matriculation scholarship.
    Besides, the Education Department annually incurs huge expenditure in
    providing stipends and lump grants to the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled
    Castes students studying in Upper Primary, Middle English standard and
    High schools other than the above specialized schools managed by the
    Harijan Tribal Welfare Department.
    In 1985, 11 Scheduled Tribe students passed in the High School
    Certificate Examination. The Harijan and Tribal Welfare Department also
    provided stipends for their higher studies. During 1985-86, 2,290 Scheduled
    Castes and 251 Scheduled Tribes students were given Rs. 7,59,511 and Rs.
    81,994 respectively as post-matriculation scholarship for conducting higher
    studies. Provision for special coaching in Sanskrit, Mathematics and English
    is also made for them.
    Economic upliftment
    Beneficiary oriented poverty eradication programmes like (Economic
    Rehabilitation of Rural Poor (E.R.R.P.), Integrated Rural Development (I. R.
    D.), National Rural Employment Programme (N. R. E. P.), and Rural
    landless Employment Guarantee (R.L.E.G.P.) are implemented in the
    district. These schemes mainly aim at raising the Scheduled Tribes and
    Scheduled Castes above the poverty line. I. R. D. Programme was
    introduced in 1978-79 in Remuna, Bhandaripokhari and Simulia Blocks. It
    was extended in 1980-81 to Soro and Baliapal Blocks. Special programmes
    like S. F. D. A. and M.F.A.L. were introduced in the country during the 4th
    Plan period for economic development of small and marginal farmers which
    were later merged in I. R. D. programmes.
    People belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
    are extremely poor for which they are unable to take recourse to courts of

    391
    law to claim their rights on landed property. To enable them to establish their
    rights, free legal aid scheme is being implemented though legal aid cells
    were formed in the district. To protect them from the exploitation of the
    landlords O. L. R. cases are being instituted. Government sanctioned an
    amount of Rs. 4,000 by which 12 Scheduled Castes people were benefited
    in 1985-86.
    Miscellaneous Welfare Measures
    Miscellaneous welfare measures for improving the social status of the
    Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes people have been
    implemented. Inter-caste marriage is being encouraged and Government
    has spent Rs. 3,000 on this account during 1980-81. In the employment
    sphere their representation has been statutorily reserved. Financial and
    other concessions such as relaxation of age-limit, reduction in examination
    fees, etc., are also extended to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled
    Tribes candidates.
    Old Age Pension
    The Old Age Pension scheme was introduced in April, 1975. The
    beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Rule, in the district were 6,780
    during 1984-85. The amount of pension received by the beneficiaries was
    Rs. 25/-each per month. But the amount was increased to Rs. 40/- with
    effect from 1st June, 1980.
    Widow Pension
    Widow Pension scheme· was introduced in 1964. The beneficiaries
    under Widow Pension scheme in the district were 267 till 1985.
    Freedom Fighters Pension
    The Government of India has decided to give pension to the freedom
    fighters who dedicated their life for the noble cause of India. The following
    table shows the number of persons and the total amount incurred in the
    district from 1981 to 1985.
    Year Name Treasury Number of beneficiaries Amount incurred (in Rs.)

    State Central State Central


    1981 Baleshwar 412 336 4,88,187·95 15,46,197·46
    1982 Baleshwar 328 335 5,66,006·00 15,41,334·47
    1983 Baleshwar 317 322 5,02,000·65 14,39,502·03
    1984 Baleshwar 306 266 5.43,095·20 17,16,406·15
    1985 Baleshwar 374 335 8,93,166·‘ 8 18,99,172·05
    Prohibition
    Prohibition was first introduced in the State in respect of opium in the
    district of Baleshwar in 1938 as opium consumption was the highest there.
    After independence, to further prohibit the consumption of opium, the
    392
    consumption quota was reduced at the rate of 10 per cent annually with an
    aim to achieving the total prohibition of opium in a period of 10 years. Opium
    was completely prohibited from 1st April 1959 and opium shops were
    abolished. With regard to prohibition of liquor, Tari and Pachwal, it was first
    introduced in six police stations of Baleshwar district and some areas of
    Cuttack and Purl districts during 1947-48. Then it was gradually extended to
    other areas of the district and the entire Baleshwar district excepting the ex-
    State of Nilagiri was declared dry during 1955-56. From 1st April, 1956
    prohibition was extended to the ex-State area attached to Baleshwar.
    According to Opium De-addiction Scheme, medicinal opium, processed
    in the Opium Processing Centre at Cuttack, is to supply to the registered
    addicts in tablet form (1 gram each) of opium at Re. 1/- per gram according
    to the quota fixed by the Chief District Medical Officer depending on the
    condition of the addict. The medicinal opium is sold to the addicts through
    the Medical Officer as well as from the departmentaI sales centres. The
    registered addicts can possess opium to such limits as is fixed for them by
    the Chief Medical Officer. Gradually other areas were brought under
    prohibition and by the end of 1954-55 the entire district was covered. This
    arrangement lasted till 31st March 1968, after which the out still system of
    supply of liquor was introduced in the district. Thereafter country spirit
    system (distillery system) was introduced with effect from 1st April 1978 and
    this system is continuing since then. In Odisha partial prohibition has been in
    vogue from time to time through restriction of opening of number of retail
    shops, prescription of limit of possession, tightening of enforcement
    machinery, etc. In accordance with the national policy on prohibition, many
    country liquor shops were closed during the year 1978-79 and 1979-80. The
    State Government, however, decided not to close any more shops further as
    there was no common policy on prohibition in the entire country as the
    neighboring states did not close their shops in the border areas. Therefore,
    new Iiquor shops were allowed to be opened in places having genuine
    demands for country liquor.
    Prohibition policy was not a success as it was enforced not under any
    special enactment whereby possible infringement could have been
    effectively checked under the Act, which mainly aimed at collection of
    revenue. Possession of intoxicants and not drinking itself was made an
    offence. Hence, the man caught for being heavily drunk is not treated as an
    offender. Lack of follow-up action and mobilization of public opinion against
    the use of intoxicants are also partially responsible for its failure.
    The Collector of Baleshwar under the supervision of Excise
    commissioner, is the chief executive head in the administration of the Excise
    Acts in the district. He is assisted by the Additional District Magistrate and

    393
    the Superintendent of Excise. The superintendent of Excise, under the
    supervision and control of the above functionaries, is directly responsible for
    the smooth and efficient management of the department. He is assisted by
    an Inspector, Sub-Inspectors; Assistant Sub-Inspectors end Excise
    Constables in addition to ministerial and other staff. The responsibility of
    collection of excise revenue vests with the Inspectors and Sub-inspectors.
    The powers and functions of the Collector, Additional District Magistrate and
    various other excise staff are specially embodied in the Odisha Excise
    Manual, Vol. III.
    The Excise Acts in force in the district are, (1) The Bihar and Odisha
    Excise Act, 1915, (2) The Indian Opium Act, 1878, (3) The Dangerous Drugs
    ‗Act, 1930 and (4) The Medical and Toilet Preparations Act, 1955, as
    amended with effect from the 28th February 1981. These laws chiefly aim at
    regulating the manufacture, import, export, transport, possession and sale of
    excisable articles, and imposition and collection of revenue thereof. They
    also embody suitable penal provisions to deal with the offenders. Under
    various sections of the aforesaid Acts, the excise officers are empowered to
    detect offences. They can make house search with a warrant from
    competent authority where necessary. The Odisha Excise Manual Vol. I
    provides detailed procedures for detection, investigation and prosecution of
    crimes. The services of police are also requisitioned at the time of need for
    detection of cases.
    Common intoxicants of the district are out-stilling liquor, medicinal
    opium, Ganja, Bhang, India-made foreign liquor and country liquor. No
    individual is allowed to possess more than the prescribed quantities of the
    aforesaid items. For manufacture and sale of out-still liquor, Ganja, Bhang
    and Tari licenses are to be obtained. These licenses called exclusive
    privilege to conduct retail sale of intoxicants by the Collector after obtaining
    approval from the Government through the Excise Commissioner.
    Facility has been accorded to the local Adivasis for preparation of
    home-brewed Pachwai from rice or Ragi on festive Occasions up to a limited
    quantity at a time and not for sale. The Secretary, Odisha Rajya Talgur
    Samabaya Sangha is permitted to issue licenses to the tappers of Dhmnagar
    area for tapping date-palm and palmyra tree with a view to manufacturing
    gur from the sweet juice obtained from them. The juice, called Neera, is also
    well relished by the people.
    Licenses are ordinarily granted for one year for manufacturing and sale
    of the above items by the Collector. The Superintendent of Excise issues
    permits to the concerned licensees to import foreign liquor, beer, rectified
    spirit and denatured spirit. The importers are prohibited to obtain more than
    the stipulated quantity from different places of the state.
    394
    Charitable Endowments
    In 1986 there were 153 Charitable Endowments in Odisha out of which
    26 were found in Baleshwar district. These have been created by the
    donations and contributions rendered by benevolent persons. The
    Treasurer, Charitable Endowments, Odisha, under the Charitable
    Endowment Act, 1890 is the custodian of these properties. The income
    derived from the funds is disbursed according to the principles laid down by
    the Government with regard to the wishes of the donors. A brief account on
    these endowments is furnished below.
    Fakir Mohan Prize or Medal Fund
    In 1920, Upendra Narayan Duttagupta, created a fund with rupees 500
    in the name of the renowned Oriya writer Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati
    for encouraging Oriya literature among the students of Baleshwar Zilla
    School, for securing highest mark in Odia literature in Matriculation
    examination. The District Magistrate and Collector, Baleshwar and the
    Headmaster of Baleshwar Zilla School, are its joint administrators. Till 1985,
    66 Students have been benefited by the fund.
    Ramnath Das Prize or Medal Fund
    Ramnath Das, a retired Deputy Inspector of Schools, made a donation
    of Rs. 300 for the creation of Ramnath Das Prize or Medal Fund in 1927.
    The fund is meant for awarding annually a prize or medal to a student of
    Baleshwar Zilla School who secures first position in English essay writing.
    The District Magistrate and the Headmaster, Baleshwar Zilla School are the
    joint administrators. 39 students have been benefited by the fund till 1985.
    Biswanath Parida Trust Fund
    The Biswanath Parida Trust Fund was created in 1927 by the donation
    made by Biswanath Parida for maintenance of the Charitable dispensary at
    Jamalpuri. The corpus of the fund is Rs.3,800 and its administrator is the
    District Magistrate and Collector, Baleshwar.
    Sir Stewart Bayley Modal Fund
    A sum of Rs. 600 was donated by Raja Baikuntha Nath Deb and Babu
    Satyendranath Deb of Baleshwar to Sir Stewart Bayley Medal Fund in 1934
    for awarding medal annually to the student of Baleshwar Zilla School who
    stands first in Sanskrit in the Matriculation examination. The District
    Magistrate.Baleshwar is the administrator of this fund. 51 students have
    been benefited by this fund till 1985.
    The Jagannath Asha Trust Fund
    The Jagannath Asha Trust Fund was created after the name of the
    donor in 1934 with a donation of Rs. 2, 300. The District Magistrate of

    395
    Baleshwar and the Headmaster of Baleshwar Zilla school are the joint
    administrators of the fund. The beneficiaries of this Trust are the students of
    Tambuli caste. Annually two free studentships are awarded to two Tambuli
    caste boys reading in any of the four highest classes of the Baleshwar Zilla
    School. 102 students have been benefited till 1985.
    Bhuban Mohini Devi Prize Fund
    Bhuban Mohini Devi Prize Fund was created for encouraging learning
    of Mathematics among the students of Baleshwar Zilla School by awarding
    books to a student who stands first in Mathematics in the annual
    Matriculation examination. Kishore Mohan Mukherjee contributed Rs. 400 in
    1934 for this purpose. The District Magistrate, Baleshwar is the administrator
    of this fund. Fiftyone students have been benefited by the fund till 1985.
    Mrs. Smith Prize Fund
    Babu Satyendranath De of Baleshwar, contributed a sum of Rs.600 for
    the creation of Mrs. Smith Prize Fund in 1934 for the purpose of awarding a
    medal in each year to the girl who stands first in the district in the Middle
    English School Certificate Examination. Fiftyone students have been
    benefited by the fund till 1985.
    The Raja Rajendralala Mittra’s Sports Prize and Pandit Ishwar Chandra
    Baidya Sagar Scholarship Fund
    In 1934, a sum of Rs. 1,400 was donated by Satyendranath De of
    Baleshwar, for the creation of Rajandralala Mittra‘s Sports Prize which is
    meant for awarding prizes to the competitors from among the Hindu boys in
    the annual sports, from the schools in the town of Baleshwar and for giving
    scholarship to a poor Hindu boy from among the schools of the district who
    fails to obtain government scholarship at the Middle English School
    Certificate Examination. The District Magistrate, Baleshwar is the
    administrator of this fund. 102 beneficiaries have been benefited by the fund
    till 1985.
    The B. De Fund
    A leading gentleman of Baleshwar, donated a sum of. Rs. 2,900 in
    1934 for the creation of the B. De Fund for awarding scholarship of Rs. 4 per
    month for four years to a student who stands first in the Middle English
    School Certificate Examination from any school in the district of Baleshwar
    and for scholarship of Rs. 4 per month to the student of any school in the
    said district who secures next highest place in the said examination. The
    District Magistrate and Collector, Baleshwar is the administrator of this fund.
    26 students have been benefited by the fund till 1985.

    396
    Srimati Sukhoda Dasi Reward Fund towards the Dehruda Tol
    A sum of Rs, 50 is being awarded annually to a student who
    successfully passes Acharya Examination in Sanskrit in any subject from
    Srimati Sukhoda Dasi Reward Fund which was created in 1934 by Babu
    Kailash Chandra Ray Mahasaya, an ex-Zamindar of Dehruda in Baleshwar
    district. The corpus of this fund is Rs. 3,400. The District Magistrate and
    Collector is the administrator of this fund. 51 beneficiaries have been
    benefited by the fund till 1985.
    Shrimati Bhagabati Dasi Prize Fund
    Babu Kailash Chandra Ray Mahasaya, an ex-Zamindar of Dehruda,
    created in 1935 the Shrimati Bhagabati Dasi Prize Furd with contribution of
    Rs. 1.400 for awarding an annual stipend of Rs. 40 to a student securing
    highest place in Acharya examination in Sanskrit in Odisha. 51 students
    have been benefited by this fund till 1985.
    Kailash Chandra Ray Mahasaya’s Tol Fund
    Rs.7 per month is paid from Babu Kailash Chandra Ray Mahasaya‘s
    Tol fund for repairing of the Tol house from time to time. The corpus of this
    fund is Rs. 2,900. The Chairman of Baleshwar Municipality is its
    administrator. 33 Tol houses were benefited by the fund till 1969. Since then
    the fund is not operating.
    The Tute Muhammadan Educational Fund
    The Tute Muhammadan Educational Fund was created in 1935 with the
    donation of Rs. 5, 400/ -for awarding scholarship for pursuing studies for four
    years to the Muslim pupils of the district who pass Middle School Certificate
    Examination. The District Magistrate and Collector, Baleshwar is the
    administrator of this fund.
    Babu Sristidhar Roy Mahasaya Water-supply Fund
    The Babu Sristidhar Roy Mahasaya Water-supply Fund was created in
    1906 by Babu Kailash Chandra Roy Mahasaya. The corpus of this fund is
    Rs. 3,100/ -. The object behind this fund is to improve the supply of drinking
    water for the public use in the district. The District Magistrate and Collector,
    Baleshwar is the administrator of the fund.
    Saudamini Prize Fund
    The Saudamini Prize Fund was created by Miss N. Naik, lady principal,
    Sailabala Women‘s College, Cuttack, with a donation of Rs. 1,100/-in 1954.
    This fund is meant for awarding a prize to a student of fourth year class of
    the Fakir Mohan College, Baleshwar, who secures highest place in the 3rd
    year Annual Class Examination. The District Magistrate and Collector,

    397
    Baleshwar, is the administrator of this fund. 31 beneficiaries have been
    benefited till 1985.
    Santi Silver Medal Fund
    The Santi Silver Medal Fund was created with a corpus of Rs. 300/. in
    1957. The purpose of this fund is to award a silver medal to a student who
    stands first in the Pratharna Examination of Odisha Association of Sanskrit
    Learning and Culture of Baleshwar district. . The District Magistrate and
    Collector, Baleshwar is the administrator of this fund. 28 students have been
    benefited by the fund till 1985.
    Ranu Roy Smruti Trust Fund
    The Ranu Roy Trust Fund was created in 1968 with a donation of Rs.
    1,700/ -. This Trust Fund aims at awarding a scholarship to a girl student
    who secures highest mark in Bengali or Domestic Science in the district. The
    Inspector of Schools. Baleshwar is the administrator of the fund. 18 students
    have been benefited by the fund till 1985.
    Dohurda Mahasaya Upendra Chandra Award Fund
    The Dehurda Mahasaya Upendra Chandra Award Fund was created in
    1968. The Inspector of Schools.Baleshwar, is its administrator. The income
    of this fund is utilized in awarding to a student of Jaleshwar High English
    school who secures highest mark in aggregate in the High School Certificate
    Examination. 17 students have been benefited by the fund till1985.
    Sarajubala Smarani Fund
    The Sarajubala Smarani Fund was created with a corpus of Rs. 1,000
    in 1968. The Inspector of Schools.Baleshwar, is the administrator of this
    fund. The income of this is utilized in awarding a scholarship to a poor
    student who passed the High School Certificate Examination from Jaleshwar
    High English school, 17 beneficiaries have been benefited by this fund till
    1985.
    Baleshwar Poor students Educational Fund by B. Barjorji
    Baleshwar Poor Students Educational Fund was created with a
    donation of Rs.7,000/-in 1967. The Collector, Baleshwar, is its administrator.
    The aim of this fund is to give help to needy and deserving students of the
    district.

    398
    CHAPTER – XVII
    GENERAL ELECTIONS
    General Election: 1989 onwards
    The ninth General Election to Lok Sabha in the State was held in the
    month of November, 1989. The district had two parliamentary seats, i.e.
    Baleshwar and Bhadrak. The number of Parliamentary seats of the district
    remained unchanged during this election. One seat, i.e. Bhadrak was
    reserved for the scheduled caste. Five political parties fielded twelve
    candidates for these two seats. Besides three independent candidates, one
    Jharkhand Party candidate for Baleshwar Parliamentary seat, the Indian
    national Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Janata Dal, the Janata
    Party had fielded their candidates. The number of candidates fielded by
    different political parties is given below.

    Political parties Baleshwar Bhadrak Total


    Parliamentary Parliamentary
    Constituency Constituency
    1 2 3 4
    INC 1 1 2
    BSP 1 1 2
    JP 1 1 2
    JD 1 1 2
    Jharkhand Party 1 - 1
    IND 2 1 3
    Total 7 5 12

    The Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency comprised Bhograi,


    Jaleshwar, Basta, Baleshwarand Soro Assembly Segments of Baleshwar
    district and Baisinga (ST) and Khunta (ST) Assembly segments of
    Mayurbhanj district. Out of total electorate of 9,64,996 in the election,
    6,57,153 i.e. 68.10 percent exercised their franchise. In the contest, Janata
    Dal candidate won the election by capturing 3,62,537 votes. The
    Bhadrak Parliamentary Constituency comprised Nilagiri, Simulia, Bhandari
    Pokhari(SC), Bhadrak, Damnagar, Chandbali(SC) and Basudevpur
    Assembly segments of Baleshwar district. Out of the total 9,57,256 electors,
    6,70,289 i.e. 70.02 percent exercised their franchise out of which 12,613
    votes were rejected. Among the contestants the Janata Dal candidate got
    3,76,546 votes and was elected.

    399
    The number of candidates fielded by different political parties, number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates of both Baleshwar and Bhadrack
    Parliamentary Constituencies are as follows.

    Name of the Political Number of valid votes polled in Number of valid votes polled
    Party Baleshwar PS in Bhadrak PS
    INC 244733 270019
    BSP 4,182 3,588
    JP 14754 5177
    JD 362537 376546
    Jharkhand Party 15,017 -
    IND 3,101 2,346
    Total 644324 657676

    Tenth General Election to Vidhan Sabha, 1990


    The Tenth General Election of the State Legislative Assembly was held
    in February, 1990.
    Out of the 12 Assembly Constituencies, two constituencies namely
    Chandbali and Bhandaripokhari were reserved for the schedule caste
    candidates. 12 political parties and independent candidates took part in the
    election. The number of candidates fielded, the number of seats won and the
    number of valid votes polled by the candidates set up by different political
    parties were as follows.
    Name of the political Number of candidates Number of seats Number of valid
    parties set up won votes polled
    Janata Dal 10 09 5,00,458
    INC 11 01 3,57,359
    BSP 07 - 7,004
    BJP 02 - 8,851
    Janata Party 04 - 5,867
    JMM 03 - 5,936
    Doordarshee 02 - 332
    Proutist Block of India 03 - 1,762
    CPI 03 01 1,27,888
    OKKKG 01 - 506
    United CPI 01 - 7,213
    CPI(M) 01 - 31,917
    IND 25 01 61,759
    TOTAL 73 12 11,16,852

    Altogether 73 candidates contested for twelve Assembly seats. Janata


    Dal candidates captured Bhograi, Jaleshwar, Basta, Simulia,
    Bhandaripokhari (SC), Bhadrak, Dhamanagar, Chanbali(SC) and
    Basudevpur Assembly Constituencies. Communist Party of India candidate
    400
    in Baleshwar Assembly Constituency, Indian National Congress candidate in
    Soro Assembly Constituency, Independent Candidate in Nilagiri Assembly
    Constituency won the election.
    th
    The table below shows exhaustive information about the 10 General
    Election, 1990.

    Name of the No. of No. No. of No. of Total Percentage Total Percentage Party
    Assembly polling of persons electors votes of votes valid of valid votes won
    Constituency stations seats polled polled votes

    Bhograi 153 1 06 1,45,045 1,02,927 70.96 1,02,002 70.32 JD

    Jaleshwar 172 1 11 1,58,785 1,08,264 68.18 1,07,277 67.56 JD

    Basta 137 1 06 1,30,632 91,077 69.72 90,109 68.97 JD

    Baleshwar 174 1 07 1,72,290 90,907 52.76 90,005 52.24 CPI

    Soro 139 1 06 1,38,605 91,024 65.67 89,916 64.87 INC

    Simulia 138 1 05 1,32,493 82,379 62.17 81,275 61.34 JD

    Nilagiri 151 1 10 1,41,198 94,713 67.07 93,009 65.87 IND

    B.Pokhori(SC) 123 1 03 1,23,206 78,959 64.08 78,051 63.34 JD

    Bhadrak 153 1 06 1,45,475 95,033 65.32 93,715 64.42 JD

    Dhamnagar 138 1 04 1,40,257 94,858 67.63 93,610 66.74 JD

    Chandbali(SC) 149 1 04 1,51,333 99,548 65.77 98,064 64.80 JD

    Basudevpur 139 1 05 1,42,221 1,01,089 71.07 99,819 70.18 JD

    TOTAL 1766 12 73 17,21,540 11,30,778 65.68 11,16,852 64.87

    Tenth Lok Shabha 1991


    The Ninth Lok Sabha Election having been held in November, 1989,
    the election to tenth Lok Sabha was due to be held sometime in
    November,1994. But due to conflict among the partners of the coalition
    government in power, the Parliament was dissolved and the Election
    Commission of India decided to conduct polls for the tenth Lok Sabha.
    Hence, elections were held in May, 1991.
    Like the previous election, the number of Parliamentary seats of the
    district remained unchanged and the Bhadrak seat was reserved for
    scheduled caste. Eight political parties set up twenty one candidates for two
    seats. Besides five Independent candidates, the Indian National Congress,
    the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Party, the Janata Dal, the Bahujan
    Samaj Party, the Doordarshee, the Proutist Block of India and the Odisha
    Vikash Parisad fielded their candidates for each Parliamentary seat.

    401
    Numbers of candidates fielded by different parties are given below.

    Political parties Baleshwar Bhadrack Parliamentary Total


    Parliamentary Constituency
    Constituency
    BSP 1 1 2
    BJP 1 1 2
    INC 1 1 2
    DDP 1 1 2
    PBI 1 1 2
    OVP 1 1 2
    JP 1 1 2
    JD 1 1 2
    IND 3 2 5
    Total 11 10 21

    The Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency comprised Bhograi,


    Jaleshwar, Basta, Baleshwarand Soro Assembly Segments under
    Baleshwar district and Baisinga (ST) and Khunta (ST) Assembly segments
    under Mayurbhanj district. Out of total voter of 9,95,301 in the election
    6,03,786 i.e. 60.66 percent exercised their franchise. In contest, Indian
    National Congress candidate won the election by capturing 2,66,139 votes.
    In Bhadrak (SC) Parliamentary Constituency, out of total 9,80,232
    electors, 5,92,297 i.e. 60.42 percent exercised their franchise. Of this 7,835
    votes were rejected. Among the contestants the Janata Dal got 2,56,690
    votes and was elected.
    The number of candidates set up by different Political Parties, number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates of both Baleshwar and Bhadrak
    Parliamentary Constituencies are as follows.

    Name of the Political Number of valid votes polled in Number of valid votes polled
    Party Baleshwar PS in Bhadrak PS
    BSP 760 2870
    BJP 61360 67,808
    INC 266139 2,45,751
    DDP 425 173
    PBI 1221 3737
    OVP 1116 2689
    JP 6293 10470
    JD 252921 256690
    IND 13551 2109
    TOTAL 603786 5,92,297

    Eleventh General Election to State Assembly, 1995


    The eleventh General Election of Odisha Legislative Assembly was
    held in March, 1995. After creation of Bhadrak District, Seven Assembly
    Constituencies were under Baleshwar district namely 1-Bhograi, 2-
    Jaleshwar, 3-Basta, 4-Baleshwar, 5-Soro, 6-Simulia, and 7-Nilagiri assembly
    Constituencies. 11(eleven) political parties and Independent candidates took
    402
    part in the election. The number of candidates set up, the number of seats
    won and the number of valid votes polled by the candidates were as follows.

    Name of the Political Number of Number of seats Number of valid votes


    Parties candidates set up won polled
    SJP(R) 5 - 5,089
    INC 7 4 3,74,102
    JD 6 2 2,68,222
    BJP 7 - 36,867
    Odisha Communist 1 - 8,109
    Party
    CPI(M) 2 - 38,273
    JMM 1 - 1,708
    PSS 4 - 931
    CPI 2 - 23,419
    Janata Party 1 - 286
    BSP 2 354
    IND 38 1 1,43,817
    TOTAL 76 07 9,01,177

    Altogether 76 candidates contested for 7(seven) Assembly seats in


    which Indian National Congress candidates captured four seats, Janata Dal
    won two seats and Independent one seat.
    The following table shows exhaustive information about the eleventh
    General Election, 1995.

    Name of the No. of No. of No. of No. of Total Percentage of Total Percentage of Party
    Assembly polling seats persons electors votes votes polled valid valid votes won
    Constituency stations polled votes
    Bhograi 220 1 8 165835 133131 80.27 131946 79.56 JD
    Jaleshwar 231 1 15 181940 146843 80.70 145107 79.75 INC
    Basta 193 1 10 147315 124731 87.66 123328 83.71 JD
    Baleshwar 233 1 15 194588 143258 73.62 141103 72.51 IND
    Soro 209 1 10 158858 118377 74.51 116758 73.49 INC
    Simulia 201 1 8 153814 118380 76.96 116648 75.83 INC
    Nilagiri 223 1 10 161322 128470 79.63 126287 78.28 INC
    TOTAL 1510 07 76 11,63,672 9,13,190 78.47 9,01,177 77.44

    Eleventh Lok Sabha Election, 1996


    The eleventh General Election to Lok Sabha in the State was held on
    May, 1996. There was one Parliamentary Constituency in the district of
    Baleshwar i.e. Baleshwar. Seven Independent candidates, the Indian
    national Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Party, Proutist
    Samaj Samiti andAIILC(T) had fielded their candidates for this Parliamentary
    seat.
    The numbers of candidates set up by different Political Parties are
    given below.

    403
    Political parties Baleshwar Parliamentary
    Constituency
    INC 1
    BJP 1
    JP 1
    PSS 1
    AIILC (T) 1
    IND 7
    Total 12

    The Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency comprised Bhograi,


    Jaleshwar, Basta, Baleshwar and Soro Assembly segments of Baleshwar
    district and Baisinga (ST) and Khunta(ST) Assembly segments of
    Mayurbhanj district. Out of total of 11,36,681 electors, 7,77,266 i.e. 69.02
    percent exercised their franchise. Of this 7384 votes were rejected.
    Among the contestants, the Indian National Congress candidate got
    4,11,168 votes and was elected. The number of candidates set up by
    different political parties, number of valid votes polled by the candidates of
    Baleshwar parliamentary Constituency is as follows.

    Name of the Political Party Number of valid votes polled in


    Baleshwar PS
    INC 411168
    BJP 99409
    JP 2328
    PSS 1150
    AIILC (T) 7272
    IND 255939
    Total 777266

    Twelfth Lok Sabha Election,1998


    The eleventh Lok Sabha Election having been held in May, 1996, the
    election to twelfth Lok Sabha was due to be held sometime in may, 2001.
    But due to conflict among the partners of the party in power, the Parliament
    was dissolved and the Election Commission of India decided to conduct polls
    for the Twelfth Lok Sabha. Hence, election was held in February, 1998.
    Like previous election, this time also the number of Parliament seat of
    this district as remained unchanged. Two Independent candidates, the
    Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Biju

    404
    Janata Dal, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Ajay Badi Party, and the Proutist
    Samaj Samiti had fielded candidates for this parliamentary seat.
    The numbers of candidates fielded by different Political Parties are
    given below.

    Political parties Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency


    JD 1
    INC 1
    BSP 1
    BJP 1
    RJD 1
    ABP 1
    PSS 1
    IND 2
    Total 9

    The Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency having total 11, 99,969


    number electors out of which 7, 91,921 number of electors i.e. 65.99 percent
    exercised their franchise. Of this 7547 votes were rejected. Among the
    contestants, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate got 4, 21,068 votes and
    was elected.
    The number of candidates set up by different political parties, number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates in respect of Baleshwar Parliamentary
    Constituency is as follows.
    Name of the Party No. of valid votes polled in Baleshwar PC
    JD 14424
    INC 337066
    BSP 2459
    BJP 421068
    RJD 1272
    ABP 852
    PSS 2809
    IND 11971
    TOTAL 791921

    Thirteenth Lok Sabha Election, 1999


    The twelfth Lok Sabha Election was held in February, 1998. The
    election to thirteenth Lok Sabha was due to be held sometime in February,
    2003. But due to conflict among the partners of the party in power, the
    Parliament was dissolved and Election Commission of India decided to
    conduct poll for the thirteenth Lok Sabha. Hence, Lok Sabha election was
    held in October, 1999.
    Baleshwar was the only parliamentary seat in the district. Seven
    political parties set up their candidates for this seat. Besides one
    Independent candidate, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian National
    405
    Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Janata Party, the Jharkhand
    Mukti Morcha and Bharatiya Republican Prakasha had fielded their
    candidates. The number of candidates set up by different political parties are
    as follows.
    Political parties Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency
    BJP 1
    CPI 1
    INC 1
    NCP 1
    JP 1
    JMM 1
    BRPP 1
    IND 1
    Total 8

    The Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency comprised Bhograi,


    Jaleshwar, Basta, Baleshwar and Soro Assembly segments under
    Baleshwar district and Baisinga (ST) and Khunta (ST) Assembly segments
    under Mayurbhanj district. Out of total electors of 12,42,578 in the ensuing
    election, 7,68,769 i.e. 61.86 percent exercised their franchise. Of this 7105
    votes were rejected. In the contest, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate got
    4,28,070 votes and was elected.
    The number of candidates set up by different political parties, number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates in respect of Baleshwar Parliamentary
    Constituency is as follows.

    Name of the Party No. of valid votes polled in Baleshwar PC


    BJP 428070
    CPI 26586
    INC 291698
    NCP 2729
    JP 2901
    JMM 14813
    BRPP 863
    IND 1109
    TOTAL 768769

    Twelfth General Election to Vidan Sabha,2000


    The twelfth General Election to State Legislative Assembly was held in
    February, 2000. Like the previous election, the number of assembly seats of
    this district remained unchanged. 13 Political Parties and Independent
    candidates took part in the election of seven Assembly Constituencies under
    Baleshwar district. The number of candidates set up, the number of seats
    won and the numbers of valid votes polled by the candidates set up by
    different political parties were as follows.

    406
    Name of the Number of Number of seats Number of valid
    Political Parties Candidates set up won votes polled
    BJD 3 3 1,73,924
    INC 7 2 3,33,752
    BJP 4 1 1,93,123
    ALLITC 1 - 3,549
    CPI(M) 2 1 52,140
    NCP 2 - 468
    CPI 3 - 8,496
    Janata Dal(S) 3 - 648
    SJP 1 - 99
    PSS 1 - 649
    BBM 1 - 77
    Shivsena 1 - 223
    BSP 5 - 3,486
    IND 10 - 86,964
    TOTAL 44 07 8,57,598

    Altogether 44 candidates contested for seven Assembly seats in which


    Biju Janata Dal candidates captured three seats, Indian National Congress
    candidate captured two seats and Communist Party of India (Marxist) and
    Bharatiya Janata Party won one seat each.
    The following table shows exhaustive information about the twelfth
    General Election, 2000.

    Name of the No. of No. of No. of No. of Total Percentage Total valid Percentage Party
    Assembly polling seats persons electors votes of votes votes of valid votes won
    Constituency stations polled polled

    Bhograi 220 1 05 1,88,340 1,22,053 64.80 1,21,445 64.48 BJD


    Jaleshwar 231 1 05 2,07,297 1,45,348 70.11 1,44,663 69.78 INC
    Basta 193 1 07 1,66,027 1,15,477 69.55 1,14,969 69.24 BJD
    Baleshwar 240 1 09 2,17,950 1,30,999 60.10 1,30,060 59.67 BJP
    Soro 209 1 07 1,79,744 1,15,318 64.15 1,14,638 63.77 INC
    Simulia 201 1 05 1,71,694 1,14,497 66.68 1,13,739 66.24 BJD
    Nilagiri 223 1 06 1,75,767 1,19,264 67.85 1,18,084 67.18 CPI(M)
    TOTAL 1517 07 44 13,06,819 8,62,956 66.03 8,57,598 65.62

    th
    14 Lok Sabha General Election, 2004
    Simultaneous General Election to Lok Sabha and State Legislative
    Assembly, 2004 in Baleshwar district covers two part Parliamentary
    Constituencies. The details of which are indicated below
    This parliamentary Constituency consists of 7 Assembly segments out
    of which 2 Assembly segments are under Mayurbhanj district and the

    407
    remaining 5 Assembly segments are under Baleshwar district. The details
    are as follows.

    8-Baisinga(ST Under Mayurbhanj District


    9-Khunta(ST)

    11-Bhograi
    12-Jaleshwar
    13-Basta UnderBaleshwar District
    14-Baleshwar
    15-Soro
    3-Bhadrak (SC) Parliamentary Constituency
    Out of 7 Assembly segments under this Parliamentary Constituency,
    2 Assembly segments are under Baleshwar District and remaining 5
    Assembly segments are under Bhadrak district.

    16-Simulia
    17- NilagiriUnderBaleshwar District

    18-Bhandaripokhari
    19-Bhadrak
    20-Dhamnagar Under Bhadrak District
    21-Chandbali
    22-Basudevpur

    th
    The 14 General Election to Lok Sabha in the State was held in April, 2004.
    Six candidates were fielded in this parliamentary Constituency. Besides one
    Independent candidate, the Bahartiya Janata Party, the Indian National
    Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party , the Republical Party of India and the
    Bharatiya Manavata Vikash Party had fielded for this Parliamentary seat.
    The number of candidates set up by different Political Parties is as
    follows.

    Political parties Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency


    BJP 1
    INC 1
    BSP 1
    RPI 1
    BMVP 1
    IND 1
    Total 6

    408
    In Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency, out of the total 13,30,406
    electors , 9,47,569 people i.e. 71.22 percent exercised their franchise. Of
    this 851 votes were rejected. Among the contestants the Bharatiya Janata
    Party candidate got 5,53,087 votes and was elected.
    The number of candidates set up by different political parties, number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates in respect of Baleshwar Parliamentary
    Constituency is as follows.
    Name of the Party No. of valid votes polled in Baleshwar
    PC
    BJP 553087
    INC 316132
    BJP 21204
    RPI 15026
    BMVP 13873
    IND 28247
    TOTAL 947569

    TH
    13 General Election to State Legislative Assembly, 2004
    th
    The 13 General Election to State Legislative Assembly was held in
    April, 2004.
    Like previous election, the number of Assembly seats of this district
    remained unchanged. 12 political parties and Independent candidates took
    part in the election of seven Assembly Constituencies. The number of
    candidates set up, the number of seats won and number of valid votes
    polled by the candidates set up by different political parties are given below.

    Name of Number of Number of seats Number of valid


    the Political candidates set up won votes polled
    Parites
    BJD 3 2 1,95,970
    INC 5 2 2,71,171
    BSP 5 - 8,787
    BJP 4 2 2,88,815
    BMVP 3 - 3,470
    SJP 3 - 2,614
    OGP 1 1 73,291
    JP 1 - 1,006
    PSS 1 - 1,443
    RPI 1 - 746
    CPI(M) 1 - 46,778
    JMM 1 - 3,980
    IND 14 - 1,00,021
    TOTAL 43 07 9,98,092

    Altogether 43 candidates contested for seven Assembly seats in which


    Biju Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party
    candidates captured two seats each and Odisha Gana Parisad candidate
    owned one seat.

    409
    The following table shows exhaustive information about the thirteenth
    General Election to State Legislative Assembly, 2004.

    Name of the No. of No. No. of No. of Total Percentage Total valid Percentage Party
    Assembly polling of persons electors votes of votes votes of valid votes won
    Constituency stations seats polled polled
    Bhograi 195 1 06 2,02,240 1,40,375 69.41 1,40,375 69.41 BJD
    Jaleshwar 206 1 05 2,18,577 1,64,574 75.29 1,64,574 75.29 BJP
    Basta 172 1 06 1,85,723 1,36,749 73.63 1,36,692 73.59 BJD
    Baleshwar 207 1 11 2,32,559 1,54,744 66.53 1,54,438 66.40 OGP
    Soro 187 1 05 1,96,129 1,35,899 69.29 1,35,899 69.29 INC
    Simulia 190 1 03 1,90,477 1,31,082 68.81 1,31,082 68.81 INC
    Nilagiri 197 1 07 2,03,723 1,35,154 66.34 1,35,032 66.28 BJP
    TOTAL 1354 07 43 14,29,428 9,98,577 69.85 9,98,092 69.82
    TH
    15 Lok Sabha General Election, 2009
    Now therefore, in pursuance of clause(d) of sub-section 2 of section 9
    read with sub-section(2) of section 4 of the Delimitation act, 2002 (33 of
    2002) as amended, the Delimitation Commission hereby determines and
    also published in Odisha Gazette No.1771, dt. 15.12.2006 the present
    territorial extent of the Parliamentary Constituency of this District are as
    follows.
    The territorial Parliamentary Constituencies into which the State of
    Odisha shall be divided for the purpose of elections to House of the People
    and the extent in respect of Baleshwar and Bhadrak Parliamentary
    Constituencies are given below.

    Parliamentary Constituencies and their extent:


    Sl No. and Name of Extent in terms of the Assembly
    Parliamentary Constituency segment
    32-Badasahai Under Mayurbhanj District
    35-Jaleshwar
    36-Bhograi
    6-Baleshwar 37-Basta Under Baleshwar District
    38-Baleshwar
    39-Remuna(SC)
    40-Nilagiri
    41-Soro(SC) Under Baleshwar District
    42-Simulia

    7-Bhadrak(SC) 43-Bhandari Pokhari


    44-Bhadrak
    45-Basudevpur Under Bhadrak District
    46-Dhamnagar(SC)
    47-Chandbali

    The Parliamentary Constituency of Baleshwar constituted Seven


    Assembly segments. The detail position is here under.

    410
    Sl. Name of the Extent of Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency
    No Constituencies
    1 32-Badashai(SC) Badashai Police Station, Betnoti Police Station, Badashai,
    Balabhadrapur, Bhimda, Bireswarpur, Chandanpur, Chhelia(A),
    Durgapur, Jogninuagan, Kendudiha, Kochila, Khunta, Madhpur,
    Manogovindpur, Mantri, Patisari, Paunsia, Salgan, Sialighaty,
    Suhapur, Talapada, Pratappur, Gram Panchayat of Badashai
    Block, 2-Betnoti Block
    2 35-Jaleshwar Jaleshwar Police Station, Nampo Police Station, Raibania
    Police Station, Jaleshwar Block, Natakata, Purusottampur,
    Kulida, Santoshpur, Raghunathpur, Chermera, Singla,
    Paunsakuli, Tadada, Putura, and Nabara Gram Panchayat of
    Baste Block, Jaleshwar NAC
    3 36-Bhograi Bhograi Police Station, Kamarda Police Station in Baleshwar
    Sub-Division and Bhograi Block
    4 37-Basta Basta Police Station and Baliapal Police Sation, Singla Police
    Station in Baleshwar Sub-Division.
    (i) Baliapal Block (ii) Mukulushi, Brahmanda, Sadandapur,
    Baharda, Rautpada, Mathari, Sahada, Naikudi, Gadapada,
    Darada and Irda Gram Panchayat of Basta Block
    5 38-Baleshwar Town Police Station, Sadar Police Station, Saghadevkhunta
    Police Station in Baleshwar Sub-Division
    (i) Kasipada, Rasulpur, Srirampur, Kasafal, Sartha, Bahabalpur,
    Chhanua, Haldipada, Olandasaragan, Odansi, Nagram, Buanli,
    Sindhia, Gopinathpur, Parikhi, Patrapada, Kuradhia and
    Srikona, Gram Panchayat of Baleshwar Block and Baleshwar
    Muncipality
    6 39-Remuna (SC) Remuna Police Station, Industrial Police Station in Baleshwar
    Sub-Division. Sahadevkhunta Police Station-part.
    (i) Remuna Block,(ii) Ranashai, Guda, Padmapur,
    Jaydevkusabe and Hidigan Gram Panchayat of Baleshwar
    Block
    7 40-Nilagiri Nilagiri Police Station, Oupada Police Station, Berchmpur
    Police Station, Khanta Pada Police Station in Nilagiri Division
    (i)Nilagiri Block(ii)Oupada Block(iii)Chakajaganathpur,
    Kasbajaypur, Khanta Pada, Panpara and Patharapentha Gram
    Panchayat of Bahanaga Block (iv) Nilagiri NAC

    After delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies the


    th
    15 General Election to Lok Sabha in the State was held on April, 2009.
    There is one Parliamentary Constituency in the district of Baleshwar i.e. 2-
    Baleshwar. Nine candidates from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, the
    Nationalist Congress Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian National
    Congress, the Samrudha Odisha, the Jana Hitakari Party and two
    Independent candidates contested for this seat.

    411
    The number of candidates set up by different political parties are as
    follows.
    Political parties Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency
    JMM 1
    NCP 1
    BJP 1
    BSP 1
    INC 1
    SAMRUDHA ODISHA 1
    JHP 1
    IND 2
    Total 9

    Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency having total 12,65,651 number


    of electors out of which 8,92,262 cast their votes i.e. 70.49 percent exercised
    their franchise. Among the contestants the Indian National Congress got
    3,13,888 votes and was elected.
    The number of candidates set up by different political parties, number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates in respect of Baleshwar Parliamentary
    Constituency is given below.

    Name of the Party No. of valid votes polled in Baleshwar PC


    JMM 25577
    NCP 274988
    BJP 219908
    BSP 6980
    INC 313888
    SAMRUDHA ODISHA 25485
    JHP 7962
    IND(2) 17474
    TOTAL 892262

    TH
    14 General Election to Legislative Assembly, 2009
    Now therefore, in pursuance of clause (d) of sub-section-2 of section-9
    read with sub-section(2) of section-4 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 as
    amended, the Delimitation Commission hereby determines and also
    published in Odisha Gazette No.1771, dt. 15.12.2006. The present territorial
    extent of the Assembly Constituencies of this District are as follows.
    The territorial Assembly Constituencies into which the State of Odisha
    shall be divided for the purpose of elections to the Legislative Assembly of
    the State and the extent of each such Constituency shall be shown as
    follows.

    412
    Sl. Name of the Extent of Parliamentary/Assembly Constituency
    No Constituencies
    1 35-Jaleshwar Jaleshwar Police Station, Nampo Police Station, Raibania Police
    Station, Jaleshwar Block, Natakata, Purusottampur, Kulida,
    Santoshpur, Raghunathpur, Chermera, Singla, Paunsakuli,
    Tadada, Putura, and Nabara Gram Panchayat of Baste Block,
    Jaleshwar NAC
    2 36-Bhograi Bhograi Police Station, Kamarda Police Station in Baleshwar
    Sub-Division and Bhograi Block
    3 37-Basta Basta Police Station and Baliapal Police Sation, Singla Police
    Station in Baleshwar Sub-Division.
    (i) Baliapal Block (ii) Mukulushi, Brahmanda, Sadandapur,
    Baharda, Rautpada, Mathari, Sahada, Naikudi, Gadapada,
    Darada and Irda Gram Panchayat of Basta Block
    4 38-Baleshwar Town Police Station, Sadar Police Station, Sahadevkhunta
    Police Station in Baleshwar Sub-Division
    (i) Kasipada, Rasulpur, Srirampur, Kasafal, Sartha, Bahabalpur,
    Chhanua, Haldipada, Olandasaragan, Odansi, Nagram, Buanli,
    Sindhia, Gopinathpur, Parikhi, Patrapada, Kuradhia and Srikona,
    Gram Panchayat of Baleshwar Block and Baleshwar Muncipality
    5 39-Remuna(SC) Remuna Police Station, Industrial Police Station in Baleshwar
    Sub-Division. Sahadevkhunta Police Station-part.
    (i) Remuna Block,(ii) Ranashai, Guda, Padmapur,
    Jaydevkusabe and Hidigan Gram Panchayat of Baleshwar Block
    6 40-Nilagiri Nilagiri Police Station, Oupada Police Station, Berchmpur Police
    Station, Khanta Pada Police Station in Nilagiri Division.
    (i)Nilagiri Block(ii)Oupada Block(iii)Chakajaganathpur,
    Kasbajaypur, Khanta Pada, Panpara and Patharapentha Gram
    Panchayat of Bahanaga Block (iv) Nilagiri NAC
    7 41-Soro(SC) Soro Police Station, Khanta pada Police Station part under
    Baleshwar sub-division.
    (i)Soro Block(ii)Anji, Arunabad, Avana,Bahanaga, Baripada,
    Bishnupur,Chittol, Dandaharipur, Gopalpur, Kalyani,
    Kharsahapur, Kochiakili, Kuruda, Sahaspura, Saud and
    Talkurunia Gram Panchayat of Bhanaga Block (iii) Soro NAC
    8 42-Simulia Khaira Police Station Simulia Police Station under Baleshwar
    Sub-Division. Khaira Block and Simulia Block
    th
    After delimitation of Assembly Constituency, the 14 General Election
    to State Legislative Assembly Constituency was held in April, 2009. Eight
    Assembly Constituencies were under Baleshwar District, of which two seats
    i.e. 39-Remuna and 41-Soro were reserved for the schedule castes. 13
    political parties and Independent candidates took part in the election of eight
    Assembly Constituencies of Baleshwar district.

    413
    The number of candidates set up, the number of seats won and number
    of valid votes polled by the candidates set up by different political parties are
    as follows.

    Name of the Political Number of candidates Number of seats Number of valid votes
    Parties set up won polled
    INC 8 2 3,30,038
    CPI(M) 2 - 39,587
    JMM 5 - 8,556
    BSP 8 - 7,522
    SJP 3 - 2,626
    JDP 1 - 685
    Samrudha Odisha 5 - 5,136
    BJP 7 - 1,41,351
    Kalinga Sena 3 - 1,399
    BJD 5 5 3,22,982
    JHP 1 - 523
    CPI 1 - 11,318
    OMM 1 - 701
    IND 17 1 1,62,898
    TOTAL 67 08 10,35,322

    Altogether 67 candidates contested for eight Assembly seats in which


    the Biju Janata Dal candidates captured five seats, the Indian National
    Congress candidates two seats and one seat was captured by Independent
    candidate.
    th
    The following table shows more information about the 14 General
    Election to State Legislative Assembly, 2009.

    Name of the No. of No. of No. of No. of Total votes Percentage Total valid Percentage Party
    Assembly polling seats persons electors polled of votes votes of valid won
    Constituency stations polled votes
    Jaleshwar 223 1 11 2,05,021 1,45,770 71.10 1,45,745 71.08 INC
    Bhograi 220 1 06 1,90,606 1,37,773 72.28 1,37,752 72.27 BJD
    Baste 219 1 07 1,89,919 1,46,933 77.36 1,46,932 77.36 BJD
    Baleshwar 179 1 10 1,87,769 1,22,680 65.33 1,22,668 65.32 BJD
    Remuna 192 1 11 1,75,585 1,17,568 66.95 1,17,522 66.93 BJD
    Nilagiri 196 1 07 1,68,606 1,15,972 68.78 1,15,970 68.78 IND
    Soro 199 1 08 1,81,648 1,16,172 63.95 1,16,138 63.93 INC
    Simulia 252 1 07 1,96,054 1,32,618 67.64 1,32,595 67.63 BJD
    TOTAL 1680 08 67 14,95,208 10,35,486 69.25 10,35,322 69.24

    TH
    16 General Election to Lok Sabha, 2014
    th
    For the 16 Simultaneous General Election to Lok Sabha in the state
    was held in the month of April, 2014. Like previous election, the
    Parliamentary seats of the district remained unchanged. Seven political
    parties set up their candidates for this seat. Besides, three Independent
    candidates, the Bharatiya Janata party, the Communist party of India, the

    414
    Bahujan Samaj Party, Biju Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, All India
    Trinamool Congress and the Aam Admi Party had fielded their candidates
    for the seat.

    The number of candidates set up by different parties are given below.

    Political parties Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency


    BJP 1
    CPI 1
    BSP` 1
    BJD 1
    INC 1
    AITC 1
    AAP 1
    IND 3
    Total 10

    The Baleshwar Parliamentary Constituency comprised 32-


    Badashai(SC)-Assembly segments under Mayurbhanj district and 35-
    Jaleshwar, 36-Bhograi, 37-Basta, 38-Baleshwar, 39-Remuna(SC), and 40-
    Nilagiri Assembly segments under Baleshwar district. Out of total 13,65,505
    electors in this election, 10,41,734 electors i.e. 76.28 percent exercised their
    franchise. Of this 411 votes were rejected. Among the contestants, the Biju
    Janata Dal candidate got 4,33,768 votes and was elected.
    The number of candidates set up by different political parties, numbers
    of valid votes polled by the candidates of both Parliamentary Constituencies
    are as follows.
    Name of the Parliamentary No. of valid votes polled in Baleshwar PC
    BJP 291943
    CPI 14538
    BSP 3240
    BJD 433768
    INC 277517
    AITC 9856
    AAP 2664
    IND(3) 8208
    1041734
    TH
    15 General Election to Odisha Legislative Assembly, 2014
    th
    The 15 Simultaneous General Election to Odisha Legislative
    Assembly was held in April, 2014.
    Out of Eight Assembly Constituencies, two namely 39-Remuna and 41-
    Soro Assembly Constituencies were reserved for the scheduled caste
    candidates. 16 political parties and Independent candidates took part in the
    election. The number of candidates set up, the number of seats won and the
    number of valid votes polled by the candidates set up by different political
    parties were as follows.

    415
    Name of the Political Number of Number of Number of valid
    Parties candidates set up seats won votes polled
    1 2 3 4
    BJP 8 1 2,36,245
    BJD 8 7 5,18,028
    INC 8 - 3,64,828
    BSP 7 - 3,973
    CPI(M) 3 - 23,103
    AAP 7 - 3,098
    Samrudha Odisha 2 - 871
    AITC 6 - 6,301
    OJM 3 - 1,419
    Samatakranti Dal 2 - 527
    Samajwadi Party 2 - 568
    CPI 3 - 3,883
    Biju Swabhiman Dal 1 - 118
    Utak Samaj 1 - 813
    Kalinga Sena 1 - 390
    Ama Odisha Party 1 - 511
    IND 7 - 33,614
    TOTAL 70 8 11,98,290

    Altogether 70 candidates contested for eight Assembly seats of which


    the seven seats were captured by Biju Janata Dal and one seat was
    captured by Bharatiya Janata Party.
    th
    The following table shows exhaustive information about the 15
    General Election to State Legislative Assembly, 2014.
    Name of the No. of No. of No. of No. of Total votes Percentage Total valid Percentage Party
    Assembly polling seats persons electors polled of votes votes of valid won
    Constituency stations polled votes
    Jaleshwar 237 1 11 2,13,224 1,64,082 76.95 1,64,002 76.91 BJD
    Bhograi 233 1 06 2,03,313 1,52,646 75.07 1,52,486 75.00 BJD
    Basta 232 1 08 2,02,766 1,60,318 79.06 1,60,201 79.00 BJD
    Baleshwar 199 1 14 2,00,708 1,44,255 71.87 1,44,151 71.82 BJD
    Remuna 210 1 08 1,95,817 1,47,813 75.48 1,47,603 75.37 BJP
    Nilagiri 205 1 09 1,81,081 1,39,329 76.94 1,39,158 76.84 BJD
    Soro 210 1 06 1,93,915 1,35,816 70.03 1,35,698 69.97 BJD
    Simulia 255 1 08 2,13,324 1,55,137 72.72 1,54,991 72.65 BJD
    TOTAL 1781 08 70 16,04,148 11,99,396 74.76 11,98,290 74.69

    News Papers and Periodicals


    The publication of newspapers in the district may be dated back to
    1868-69. The ―Baleshwar Sambad Bahika‖ was published under the
    editorship of famous novelist Fakir Mohan Senapati and Govind Chandra
    Pattanaik. At first it was being published as a monthly. Later on it became a
    fortnightly and ultimately a weekly newspaper. Later it was discontinued but
    in 2006 it was republished as a fortnightly by Bismay Mohanty.
    In 1978 with the encouragement and assistance of Raja Baikunthanath
    Dey of Baleshwar the ―Utkal Darpan‖ was published for sometimes. It
    flourished by the endeavour of Kabibar Radhanath Ray and Bhaktakabi

    416
    Madhusudan Rao. The ―Sikshya Bandhu‖ and Dharmabodhini were
    published from Baleshwar by Bhaktakabi Madhusudan Rao.
    ―The Prajatantra‖, a well known Odia daily was published from
    Baleswar by Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab in 1923 as a weekly with the aim of
    carrying the massage of National movement to the people. This paper
    became a daily in the year 1947 and it was Published from Cuttack. The
    ―Dagar‖ a well-known literary magazine was being published in 1936 from
    Baleshwar by Kantakabi Lakshimikanta Mahapatra which was subsequently
    published from Cuttack.
    At present ―The Ajikali‖ Odia Daily published by Bismay Mohanty (since
    1986). Odia Daily ―The Nutanbarta‖ by Binapani Das (since 1986).Odia daily
    ―The Dhwani Pratidhwani‖ by Sairendri Sahoo (since 2006), Odia daily ―The
    Seithu Arambha‖ by Deepak Kumar Das ―The Anudhyan‖ by Bansidhar
    Jena, ―The Bada Khabar‖ by Sameer Acharya and Odia daily namely ―The
    Kalantar‖ have been publishing from Baleshwar. A news paper in Odia
    namely ―The Rashtradoot‖ 1972 by the founder Ray Shri Upendra Prasad
    Nayak was published. At first it was being published as a weekly. Later on it
    became a daily since June, 1975 and now it has discontinued. ―The
    Janapriya‖ a Odia daily was published from Baleshwar in 1985 but it has
    since been discontinued. Besides these, the well-known daily newspaper in
    Oida such as ―The Samaj‖, the Prajatantra and the Matrubhumi published
    from Cuttack : the Swarajya, the Dharitri, the Sambad, the Pragatibadi, the
    Dinalipi and the Prameya Published from BBSR are in circulation in this
    District, Among the English daily, the statesman, the Amrita bazaar Patrika,
    The Telegraph, The Indian Express, The Times of India, The Hindu etc.
    published from outside state and the only English daily of Odisha, The Sun
    times, published from BBSR have a fair circulation in the District. Among the
    newspaper in Hindi, the Nav Bharat Times, the Biswamitra and the Sunmarg
    published outside the state are in good circulation among the Hindi-Knowing
    People. Bengali newspapers such as Jugantar and Basumati have good
    circulation among the Bengali-knowing persons. Certain Urdu and south
    Indian Language newspapers also have their circulation in the district. Apart
    from dailies, a good number of periodicals published outside and inside the
    state in different languages are also in circulation.
    Of the Odia weeklies published in the district, the ‗Balanga Barta‘ was
    published from Baleshwar. Later it was discontinued. ‗Samayara Pratibimba‘
    and ‗Khola Khabar‘ are being published now a days in the district. One
    Odiya fortnightly, namely the ‗Remuna Samachar‘ started publication in 1975
    and later it was discontinued.
    Among the Odia magazines mention may be made of monthly ‗Prava‘
    and ‗Nabarag‘, both literary periodicals, started their publication in the year
    1972 and 1975 respectively. The ‗Kridalok‘, which deals with sports, started
    its publication in 1983. The ‗Swastik‘ is being published since 1977. Besides
    417
    these, an English quarterly namely ―Asulini‖ was published from Soro since
    1953. An Odia quarterly named ‗Udgata‘ appeared in the year 1974. An
    English half-yearly namely ―Image‖ started publication in 1976 from
    Baleshwar. Now a days ―Samayara Chakra‖ by Sarbeswar Jena,
    ―Yugashree Yugadarcee‖ by Mamata Mohapatra and ―Sagarika‖ by
    Srustidhar Parida are publishing from Baleshwar.
    Apart from the above newspapers and periodicals most of the
    educational as well as literary institutions in the district are publishing their
    own souvenirs and magazines.

    418
    CHAPTER – XVIII

    NATURAL DISASTERS
    Baleshwardistrict has the Bay of Bengal to its east and is hill-locked to
    the west. Many rivers are also passing through the district. It has witnessed
    vagaries of nature many a times in the past. Natural calamities like flood,
    drought and cyclone have been a frequent feature in this district. The floods
    result from the sudden rising of the rivers, which have their source in the hilly
    region to the west. During summer they are nearly dry and their beds consist
    of vast stretches of sand, stripped by long reaches of land-locked water,
    through which small streams meander from bank to bank. But in the rainy
    season, and especially after a depression in the Bay of Bengal followed by
    heavy shower, they present an extraordinary contrast. They rise to a great
    height in a few hours, rush down with extreme violence and cause floods,
    which are frequently of short duration, but quite unmanageable when they
    last. These rivers drain a large area, and so they bring down an enormous
    volume of water which the lower channels are unable to discharge, and
    which spreads over the land far and wide except where it is checked by
    embankments.
    Droughts are due to the deficiency of the rainfall. In most years the
    rainfall is sufficient for the needs of the district, but in some years, as in
    1967, its early cessation proves fatal to the rice crop on which the people
    depend. Practically the whole of the cultivated area is under rice in Kharif
    season and other crops are scarcely grown at all.
    There is, however, to a certain extent, a compensating influence in
    droughts and floods. While heavy floods drown the low-lands, the higher
    levels escape. If the floods are caused by an excessive local rainfall, as
    occasionally happens, the dry uplands are greatly benefited, but their extent
    is so small that this does not compensate for the loss of the crops in the low-
    lying tracts. The district does not present such extremes of dryness or
    moisture, that any considerable area ordinarily lies fallow in the uplands for
    want of rain, or upon the lower levels on account of the marshy character of
    the land. In years when there is scanty rainfall the low-lying tracts make up,
    to an important degree, by their freedom from flood for the loss of crops in
    the arid higher levels. The pats or cup-lands produce magnificent harvests in
    dry seasons while the higher tracts suffer severely. It may accordingly be
    accepted as a rule that in years of drought the sterility of the higher-levels
    may often be compensated by the increased outturn in the low-lying tracts.
    Generally speaking, a year of flood does more harm than 8 year of moderate
    drought.

    419
    Cyclones
    Besides droughts and floods, the district is liable to a third form of
    natural calamity. Placed at the north-west corner of the Bay of Bengal, it is
    exposed to the full brunt of the cyclones generated at sea, which travel in a
    north-westerly course up the Bay and sometimes burst upon its shores
    accompanied by irresistible storm waves.
    These cyclones are generally generated during the transition periods
    antecedent and subsequent to the full establishment of the south-west
    monsoon, i.e. during the months of April and May and October and
    November. Their most striking features are the great barometric depression
    in the centres and the magnitude of the storm area. These two causes
    produce a large accumulation of water at and near the centre, which
    progresses with the storm and gives rise to a destructive storm-wave, when
    the centre reaches shelving coast. It then sweeps inland, and the damage
    caused is terrible and widespread.
    History of major cyclones and storms
    Because of its proximity to Bay of Bengal, it experiences cyclone
    very often. Severe cyclones have ravaged the district in many years.
    27th May, 1823: Furious cyclone, sea suddenly rose and penetrated
    six miles (9.6 km.) inland carrying with it large ships .and sweeping away
    whole villages with every living creature in them, not even the vestige of a
    human habitation being left.
    31st October 1831: Coast submerged by a storm-wave 7 to 15 feet in
    height, which breached the Trunk Road at a point nine miles (14·5 km.) from
    the east.
    1831-32: Inundation of the sea on the Baleshwar coast claimed 22000
    lives and about 50,000 cattle heads.
    Storm in 1872: In 1872 the storm was accompanied by a tidal irruption
    all along the coast, claiming many human lives and a great number of cattle.
    Storm in 1885: In 1885, In Baleshwar, the only track which suffered
    severely from this cyclone and sea-wave was the government estate of
    Birso, where most of the tenants lost all or nearly all their crops, houses and
    livestock.
    Storm in 1887: The last great cyclone was that which burst upon the
    coast in the early morning of the 26th May, 1887, when the sea swept over
    the Odisha Coast Canal embankment and penetrated within 3.2 km. of the
    town of Baleshwar.

    420
    16th October, 1942: Cyclone caused a great deal of damage to crops,
    cattle and houses. The northern portion of the district, comprising the four
    police-stations of Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleshwar and Singla, was badly
    affected. The on-rush of sea-water submerged vast stretches of land to the
    south of Bhograi police-station. The calamity took a toll of 291 lives. More
    than 35.000· houses had collapsed and 23,000 heads of cattle were lost.
    29th September, 1959: Cyclone accompanied with torrential rain hit
    different parts of the district, but its intensity was felt more in the coastal belt.
    Eighty-three lives were lost. More than 4,00,000 people and 1,50,000 acres
    of cultivated land were affected. About 19,000 houses were damaged and
    2500 numbers of cattle lost.
    12th May, 1976:It affected seven villages which caused immense
    damage to private houses, public institutions and government buildings.
    Besides, more than 150 livestock and four human lives died and as many as
    57 persons received injuries. Government sanctioned house building grants
    for aII the collapsed houses at the rate not exceeding Rs.150·00 per house.
    8th to 10th December 1981: terrible cyclonic storm caused immense
    damage to crops, houses, educational institutions and other public
    properties. In this calamity the C. D. blocks of Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleshwar,
    Baleshwar, Remuna, Bahanaga, Soro, Khaira, Simulia, Nilagiri and Oupada
    of the district were affected. In Bhograi and Baliapal Blocks huge damage
    had been caused to the betel vines.
    3rd June, 1982: Cyclonic storm moved in north-westernly direction
    causing heavy rains in the district of Baleshwar, along with six other districts
    of the state. It badly affected 11 Community Development Blocks. i.e.,
    Khaira, Simulia, Bahanaga, Soro, Baleshwar Sadar, Remuna, Basta.
    Baliapal, Nilagiri and Oupada. The value of crop loss was estimated at
    Rs.34.28 lakh.
    Supercyclone 29 October, 1999: 155 villages in 11 Gram Panchayats
    of 8 Blocks in the district were seriously affected leaving 44 dead.
    Phailin 12/13 October, 2013: 2093 villages in 11 Gram Panchayats of
    8 Blocks in the district were affected and 9 persons were reported dead.
    Floods
    Baleshwar district gets serious floods almost regularly.
    Burhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers get swollen with heavy rain and
    wash away the areas on the banks.

    421
    Flood of 1868
    So far as its effect on cultivation is concerned, the duration of a flood is
    more important than the maximum rise and the period of the season at which
    it may occur is of even more / importance. The flood of June, 1868 which
    occurred after a fortnight‘s heavy rain and was then the highest within the
    memory of the people, fortunately did not do much damage.
    Flood of 1896
    In August 1896, great damage was caused by exceptionally heavy and
    prolonged floods; the district was under water for nearly a month, and the
    loss was therefore exceptionally great. The inundations were due to the
    rising of the river Subarnarekha in the north. The central part of the district,
    along the Burhabalanga suffered less than the northern tract, where about
    300 square miles were inundated.
    Flood of 1900
    In this flood the water rose 18 inches higher than the highest flood
    previously recorded. Prompt measures were taken for the relief of the
    sufferers. There was little loss of human life, but a large number of cattle
    were drowned. The agricultural embankments were breached and the crops
    suffered severely, especially in the western part of the district. The railway
    line was also breached at several places, and the running of trains from
    Baleshwar to the north was stopped for some time.
    Floods of 1913 and 1920
    In 1913 the rivers Matai and Burhabalanga rose in spate and caused
    extensive damages. Flood in 1920 again swelled the Subarnarekha,
    Panchpara and Matai rivers. A number of breaches in their embankments
    did considerable damage to crops.
    Floods of 1955
    Torrential rain for a week ending on 4th September, 1955 caused
    devastating flood that breached embankments, roads and washed away
    many villages, and sandcasted vast areas of paddy lands. The loss
    sustained was colossal. The flood caused damages in this district to
    hundreds of villages affecting thousands of people and thousands of acres
    of cultivated land. There were many breaches of roads and embankments,
    hundreds of houses were damaged.
    Flood of 1956
    In 1956, contrary to expectation, there was an earlier break of monsoon
    followed by a heavy rainfall throughout the first week of June and the rivers

    422
    Burhabalanga and Subarnarekha, with their branches and tributaries, were
    in spate. Crop loss due to the lFlood was enormous.
    Floods again occurred in 1958 and 1959 but the damage inflicted did
    not assume any serious proportion.
    Flood of 1960
    The district was badly affected by the flood in 1960 which occurred
    twice from 15th to 25th August and from 25th September to 2nd October.
    Flood of 1969
    As a result of torrential rainfall in the catchment areas from the 13th
    August, 1969, there were high floods in the rivers of Subarnarekha,
    Burhabalanga and Kansabansa. As a result, floods were experienced in the
    Baleshwar and Nilagiri Sub-Divisions and loss of house, property, crop and
    cattles was colossal.
    Flood of 1971
    There was heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the river
    Subarnarekha and Jalaka, on the 7th June, from the 27th July to 28th July
    and 8th August to 9th August 1971. As a result, the above rivers were in
    spate affecting large areas.
    Flood of 1972
    Due to excessive rains on 13th and 14th July, 1972 the rivers of this
    district were in spate causing damage by sand-casting of land, destruction of
    crops, loss of human life and livestock. In this flood Soro, Simulia, Bahanaga
    blocks of Baleshwar district.
    Flood of 1974
    There was heavy rainfall and gales with a speed of about 80 kilo metres
    per hour from the morning of the 15th August and it continued on the
    following day. As a result, there were high floods in the rivers of
    Subarnarekha, Jalaka, Kansbans, Burhabalanga and other small rivers
    flowing in the district. In this flood many villages belonging to Bhograi,
    Jaleshwar, Basta, Baliapal, Baleshwar and Remuna blocks were affected.
    Flood of 1975
    Due to heavy precipitation in the catchment areas of Subarnarekha,
    Burhabalanga, Jalaka and Kansbans, all these rivers were in high spate
    crossing the danger levels between the 18th and 22nd August, 1975. River
    Jalaka in Basta area and Kansbans in the Soro area were also in spate.
    Communications from Basta to Baliapal were completely disrupted. Flood
    water entered Jaleshwar town in the evening of 19th August.
    423
    Flood of 1978
    There was a mild flood in September 1978 in the rivers of
    Subarnarekha, Jalaka, Pejagola, Burhabalanqa, Sone and Gangahar
    causing damage to the Blocks of Basta, Baliapal, Baleshwar, Bhograi,
    Jaleshwar and Remuna in Baleshwar district.
    Flood of 1981-82
    The district experienced its first phase floods in the last week of June,
    1981 in Genguti and Burhabalanga rivers. As a result of this flood extensive
    damage to property was caused.
    Flood of 1984
    The district of Baleshwar is generally affected by flood from August to
    October. But during 1984, there was flood in river Subarnarekha on 5th
    June, 1984. The river further erased danger level on 28th June 9th, 15th and
    28th August and on 5th September, 1984. Rivers Burhabalanga, Kansbans
    and Jalaka were also in spate during the year.
    Flood of 1985
    During 1985, there was flood during the months of August, September
    and October. Flood during October 1985 in river Subarnarekha was the
    highest in recent memory. There was also heavy flood, in rivers
    Burhabalanga, Kansbans, Sone and Jalaka. All the Blocks of the district
    were affected. Many private houses and school buildings were either
    collapsed or damaged. A number of roads and embankments were also
    damaged.
    Floods of 1986, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1999
    In these years floods have occurred in the district mainly because of the
    spate in Subarnarekha river causing extensive damage to property and
    crops.
    Flood of 2001
    In this flood 204 villages in 40 Gram Panchayats of three Blocks
    were affected very badly. 7447 Ha.of crop were damaged.
    Flood of 2003
    In this flood 230 villages in 39 Gram Panchayats of seven Blocks
    were affected and crops in 106125 Ha. were damaged.
    Floods of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008:
    In these floods extensive damage has been caused. A brief
    summary of floods in the present century is presented in the following table.
    424
    Year No. of Blocks No. of Gram No. of Villages Area Suffered
    Affected Panchayats Affected Affected crop loss /
    damage
    2001 3 40 204 7447 Ha.
    2003 7 39 230 106125 Ha.
    2004 4 29 140 47456 Ha.
    2005 10 192 1305 67165 Ha.
    2006 9 120 843 38640 Ha.
    2007 12 270 2364 72046 Ha.
    2008 12 115 1150 24926 Ha.

    Famines
    The following is an account of early famines taken from 0' Malley‘s,
    Baleshwar District Gazetteer (1907).
    ―Previous to the inception of the Odisha canal system, droughts and
    famines were of frequent occurrence. Historical records show that terrible
    famines occurred in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries; and during the rule of
    the Marahatas the district suffered grievously from repeated famines. In the
    memorable famines of 1770 the land lay untilled, rice was not to be had at
    two seers per rupee, and while the people were dying by hundreds of
    thousands, the Marahatas soldiery plundered and devastated the country. In
    1780, the whole country had sunk into such absolute desolution that there
    was not a single place except Puri and Cuttack which could furnish even one
    battalion with provisions. In 1792-93 the miserable peasants again
    experienced the horrors of famine; scarcity followed in 1803, and when the
    country passed into the possession of the British its condition was wretched.
    A large portion of the land had been thrown into waster, many of the people
    had fled to the jungle, and the population was insufficient to till the fields.‖
    Famine of 1865-66
    In 1865-66, a famine of most intense and desolating in character,
    popularly known as ―Na-Anka Durbhikhya‖, visited the district. No such
    calamity had ever occurred. ―It had to be dealt with by a body of officials,
    ignorant of the signs of its approach, unprepared to expect it, and
    inexperienced in the administration of relief measures, nor were the native
    inhabitants more aware of what was coming on them than the British
    Officers. The rainfall of 1865 was scanty and ceased entirely after the middle
    of September so that the out-turn of the great crop of winter rice, on which
    the country mainly depends, was reckoned at less than a third of the
    average crop. Food-stocks were low both because the quantity exported in
    1865 was unusually large, and because the people, unaccustomed to
    425
    precarious seasons, had not retained sufficient stores at home. When the
    harvest failed, the gravity of the occasion was not perceived and so special
    inquiries were instituted, while prices long remained so moderate that they
    offered no temptation to importers and forced no reduction in consumption
    on the inhabitants, till suddenly the province was found to be almost bare of
    food. It was only in May 1866 that it was discovered that the markets were
    so empty that the jail prisoners and the Government establishments could
    not be supplied, but the southern monsoon had now begun and importation
    by sea or land became nearly impossible. Odisha was at that time almost
    isolated from the rest of India; the only road leading to Kolkata was
    unmetalled and unbridged; and there was little communication by sea. By
    great exertions, the Government succeeded in importing about 10,000 tons
    of food-grain by the end of November, and this was given away gratuitously
    or sold at low rates, or distributed in wages to the starving population. But
    meanwhile the mortality among those whom this relief did not either reach,
    or reached too late, had been very high, and it was estimated that nearly
    10,00,000 persons had died (in the whole of Odisha). The rate of mortality
    reached its climax in August, when heavy rains caused great suffering
    among the people, who were then at the lowest state of exhaustion,
    emaciated by hunger and without adequate shelter. Disastrous floods in
    Cuttack and in the south-east of Baleshwar followed these rains and in all
    the low-lying lands the crop was lost. The harvest in the higher lands was,
    however, a good one, the new crop came into the market in September; and
    though the rate of mortality continued high for sometime owing to cholera,
    the famine came to close in November.
    With this brief sketch of the generaI history of this disastrous famine,
    we may turn to a more detailed account of the progress of events in
    Baleshwar. The rice crop of Baleshwar in 1864 had been unusually a good
    one, and the exports enormous. In 1865, no alarm seems to have been felt
    regarding the safety of the cold weather or rice crop till September, or even
    later, prices still ruling at 23 to 20 seers per rupee. At the end of October,
    however, complaints were received from the Zamindars that the crops were
    ruined: that the ryots, being unable to obtain advances, could not pay their
    rents; and that the cultivators had blindly disposed of all their produce and
    kept no stock in hand. In November, prices had gone up to 16 and 11 seers
    per rupee, and the distress became acute. Accordingly, a Relief Committee
    was appointed, but it was considered that no immediate measures of relief
    were required. Early in 1866, there was an extraordinary outbreak of crime,
    and the houses of those who were supposed to possess grain were attacked
    and plundered by their destitute neighbours. At the end of January,
    starvation appeared, the poor began to flock into the town and gratuitous
    distribution of food was commenced. In March and April, the number of

    426
    starving people in the town rapidly increased; and on the 2nd May the
    Commissioner reported that, owing to the extraordinary rise in prices it had
    been for some months beyond the means of the poorer classes to procure
    sufficient rice to support life, and that they were eking out a miserable
    subsistence by eating roots, herbs and leaves. The general population had
    fallen into a state of dejection, and had lost all energy. They were swarming
    into the villages, and they were dying of cholera, dysentery or hunger. Even
    in Baleshwar town, the organised relief was utterly insufficient to meet the
    need of food. A distribution which the Commissioner witnessed in April was a
    scene of utter confusion, the starving crowds were beyond management;
    they seized the food as soon as they saw it, and even fell on the
    Commissioner, snatching from his hands and pockets the rice which he
    intended to distribute. So uncontrollable was the attack of the paupers on the
    pots of cooked food, that for a time the Committee was obliged to give our
    un-cooked rice, but it was soon found that the rice so given was devoured
    raw, and the Committee therefore reverted to cooked food.
    Government began to import grain in June, steamers being sent round
    by sea with large cargoes of rice, and by the end of July 12,000 maunds had
    been imported. Private importations by land from Midnapore into the north of
    the district were also considerable, but still hardly sufficient to meet the
    demand from day to day. Traders too, began to import grain from Kolkata on
    pack-bullocks, but in the middle of June this traffic was stopped by the rains,
    which made the unmetalled road impossible. Rice shops were opened early
    in the town and at several places in the interior for the sale of rice to all-
    comers at a low rate; but, unfortunately, the relief operations received a
    check, just at the time when they were in full operation, by a failure in the
    supply of rice. In August the stock became exhausted at a time when a
    vessel was lying at the mouth of the river with a cargo of 10,000 maunds of
    rice. Draught of water however, was so great, that she could not come within
    8 miles of the shore and the country boats and sloops could not get out to
    her without the assistance of a steamer. Unhappily, no steamer was
    available at the time; and ultimately bad weather set in, which drove the ship
    across the Bay of Bengal to Akyab. Thus the supply of rice was
    unexpectedly snatched away almost from the mouths of the people just
    when it was most needed. The result was intense distress in the first half of
    August, and in the first 12 days of that month the police removed over 1000
    corpses from the town.‖
    The Collector in his report to the Commissioner wrote: ―The death rate
    was found to diminish steadily in direct ratio to the distance from the sea.
    The tract under the hills of Nilagiri kingdom suffered but slightly from the
    famine. This is probably due to the fact that the ryots here bunded the small
    hill-streams and they stored the main part of the scanty supply of rain which
    427
    fell in 1865. The ryots on the east of the trunk road trust mainly to their tanks
    for water, and as these did not fill in that year, death was the consequence.‖
    The Famine Commissioners in their Report give the following general
    review of the operations
    ―After the famine had unmistakably declared itself, the local endeavours
    to meet it were crippled by want of funds. Until May, the possibility of
    obtaining assistance on such a scale as that on which it was subsequently
    obtained was never contemplated, nor indeed, was any adequate idea
    entertained of the dimensions which the requirements for aid would assume.
    There were starving people in April, it has been said, ―but we did not realize
    that they would come pouring in such thousands‖, Nor indeed, could these
    numbers have been anticipated by the residents of Baleshwar, for many of
    the paupers came from other districts and from the estates of the Tributary
    Rajas. After the importation of rice was undertaken, it was more than once
    necessary to restrict the district operations, in consequence of the
    scantiness and uncertainty of the supply, and many of those who received
    the imported rice in June and July were probably too far gone to be saved.
    The number of paupers ascertained to have in the town of Baleshwar alone
    between June and October was 8,900, of whom 6,132 died in the streets
    and 2,768 in the hospital. The mortality culminated in August, and was to
    some extent affected by the rains and inundations of, that month.‖
    ―The mortality in and around Baleshwar town, and the famine sights to
    be seen there were more terrible than at any other place in Bengal or
    Odisha. The mass of paupers assembled was larger than it was elsewhere.
    The town lay in the way of many who left their homes in hopes of reaching
    Kolkata. Of these, many exhausted and disabled by hunger and diseases
    from going further, remained to swell the number who were fed by the Relief
    Committee. Subjects of the neighboring Tributary Rajas also flocked in to
    share in the relief. These, as well as the travellers generally, arrived in such
    a condition that they were beyond recovery. In the early months, cholera,
    and subsequently other bowel-complaints caused by bad and insufficient
    food, carried off hundreds; the least change of weather to cold or damp was
    immediately fatal. Many who were caught by bad weather at a distance from
    the places of distribution had not the strength to crawl back to get their meal,
    and so died, where they lay, in out-houses or by the way-side. Even in fine
    weather, many were found dead in the morning where they had lain down to
    sleep at night; others, when they went to drink, fell into the water through
    sheer debility and were drowned.‖
    The role played by the native Zamindars to relieve the distress has
    been stated in the following words by the then Collector.

    428
    ―I regret to state that the Zamindars throughout the district have done
    little or nothing for their royats; the advance of rice that they have
    sometimes, assisted men of substance who were likely to be able to repay
    them, but gave little aid to those need was direct. More than this it is
    reported that they have, with some exception, collected as much as possible
    of their rents.‘
    Scarcity of 1897
    There was scarcity in 1897. ―The rainfall in 1896 was 9 inches above
    the normal, amounting to 69 inches, but its distribution was untimely. There
    was heavy rain in June, July and August, but there was an almost complete
    cessation of the rainfall from the latter part of September to the close of
    January. The consequence of these abnormal conditions was that there
    were successive and heavy floods followed by drought. The floods almost
    totally destroyed the winter rice crops in nearly all the tracts not protected by
    embankments. These were also breached in many places, and extensive
    tracts lay under deep water for a considerable period. The peasants
    endeavoured, after the floods subsided, to recoup their losses by fresh
    planting, but the cessation of rains from the latter part of September gave the
    finishing stroke in many places to what had escaped or been replanted after
    the flood. Want of rain in September and October was equally injurious to
    the rabi crops. The people tried their best to meet the loss by raising dalua
    and other special crops, and the situation was also relieved by the railway
    works then in progress, which gave employment to a large number of the
    labouring classes. These works were supplemented by those started for the
    repair of the damages caused by the floods, and fortunately there had been
    good harvests in the two preceding years. Notwithstanding, therefore, the
    poor out-turn of crops, no rice had to be imported, but on the contrary the
    export of rice from Baleshwar increased. The result of this exportation at a
    time when prices were very high outside Odisha meant that the cultivators
    received good prices for such surplus stock as they possessed, though
    much of the profit doubtless went to middlemen. The classes that suffered
    most were the landless labourers and those depending on fixed Incomes,
    including the poors whose circumstances were constrained by high prices.
    The wants of the former were, however, met to a large extent by the demand
    for labour in railway and public works activities and where necessary, by
    district works that answered the purpose of relief works. The case of the very
    low castes and of those who ordinarily depend on private charity was the
    worst and the former, being very poor, felt the pinch most acutely. For the
    ordinary recipient of private charity, where private charity was exhausted,
    gratuitous relief was afforded, so that the apprehended generaI scarcity was
    quietly tided over, and the district did not experience anything of the
    proportion of a famine.‖
    429
    Droughts of 1918 and 1949: There were not many years of acute
    scarcity after 1897. The first decade of the present century was a period of
    droughts occurring frequently due to scanty rainfall. The year 1918
    witnessed one of ·the severest years. The distress that came was acute. The
    district was again affected by drought in 1949 and Simulia, Soro, Singla,
    Baliapal and Bhograi police-stations were largely affected.
    Droughts of 1954 and 1965: In 1954, the rainfall was only 32·61
    inches. How acute could be the condition of the drought and the fate of the
    crop due to this low rainfall could be imagined from the rainfall in the district
    in 1865 (the Na-Anka famine year) which was 52·60 inches. Nearly 4,25,500
    acres out of the totaI cropped areas of 9,39,393 acres were affected by
    severe drought involving a population of 11,06,012 of the district. The
    average out-turn of cramp was 6 annas, i. e., 37·5 per cent though in certain
    pockets it was even 4 annas, i.e., 25 percent.
    During the early period of monsoons of 1965, the rainfall in most parts
    of the district was so insufficient that the agricultural operations could not be
    carried on properly. Towards the latter part rains intensified but this was
    untimely and excessive, causing floods and damaging the standing crop by
    submersion. In north Baleshwar, the late rains could do no good to the crops
    which gave poor yield. In fact, with the late rains the impression that the
    crops regenerated themselves was created by what was really an
    abundance of straw bearing chaff.
    Drought of 1979-80: During the year 1979 there was practically no
    pre-monsoon rain in most of the districts of the state. In this district also
    monsoon started late and the rainfall was erratic. There was a shortage of
    0·5 per cent, 62 per cent, 39 per cent, 25 per cent, and 28·8 per cent of
    rainfall than the normal in the months of April, May, June, July and August,
    1979, respectively. As a result agricultural work hampered and there was
    drought which affected most of the Grama Panchayats of all the Blocks. In
    all the Gram Panchayats, there was a crop loss of 25 to 49 per cent.
    Drought of 1982: Due to inadequate rainfall there was a severe
    drought during Khariff. Out of 4353 villages, 1758 villages sustained crop
    loss of 50 per cent and more.
    Drought of 2002: A severe drought occurred in the district in the year
    2002 due to unusually scanty rainfall. It badly affected 2586 villages in 258
    Gram Panchayats in all the Blocks of the district. As large as 487695 Ha.of
    agricultural land suffered heavy crop loss.

    430
    Drought of 2012: The recent most drought experienced in the district
    was in 2012. In this drought 278 villages in five Blocks of the district were
    badly affected. 25011.45 Ha. of agricultural land suffered serious loss of
    crops due to the drought.

    431
    Disaster Resilient infrastructures in Balasore District
    Vulnerability of district
    The super cyclone of 1999 with a death toll of around ten thousand
    humans was an eye-opener for the state machinery to assess its capability
    to deal with disasters of such intensity and to identify the vulnerable areas
    mostly in the coastal Odisha. The government of Odisha therefore initiated
    steps to provide necessary life shaving infrastructures along with capacity
    building of the communities prone to frequent disasters.
    Accordingly, the State Government decided to survey the most
    vulnerable areas for identification of suitable sites for construction of
    infrastructures like cyclone shelters and assigned the job to the IIT,
    Kharagpur in December 1999. This survey suggested construction of
    cyclone shelters in a 10 km grid zone from the High Tide Line (HTL) in each
    vulnerable district.
    Balasore district is not only vulnerable to cyclonic storms of the highest
    intensity and the concurrent high Storm Surge, but also subject to high
    floods, due to back water on account of river systems not draining in to the
    sea at high tidal levels. As per the vulnerability atlas published by the
    Building Materials and Technology Council, Ministry of Urban Development,
    Government of India (1997), Balasore has been assessed as a severely
    vulnerable district. The vulnerability maps show that the risk due to cyclones,
    for the district is very high (RISK FACTOR- High) with the possible height of
    storm surge above the concurrent sea level upto 9.8 meters. These data
    have been corroborated in a study conducted by the Department of
    Atmospheric Sciences of IIT, New Delhi. The maximum possible wind speed
    has been assessed at 78m/sec (i.e. 280 Km per hour). The coastal 10 km
    zone is very much susceptible to inundation, particularly with the present
    drastic reduction in vegetative cover. Another study was conducted by a
    committee, chaired by Dr. A.N.Khosla in 1974, after occurrence of similar
    disasters. For Balasore, the study was conducted for the area from Dhamara
    mouth to West Bengal border. The mouths of Kantiachira, Atala,
    Budhabalanga, Saratha, Hanskura and Subarnarekha created the zone of
    vulnerability although presence of sand bars from there on the West Bengal
    border provide some relief.
    Seven coastal blocks namely Bhogarai, Baliapala, Basta, Balasore
    Sadar, Remuna, Bahanaga and Soro are coming under High Risk Zone and
    most vulnerable for cyclone, tsunami and flood.
    During the super cyclone, almost all the mud walled and thatched
    houses collapsed due to high wind, continuous rain and flooding. No shelter
    was available for the villagers and many of them perished. In the super
    cyclone, there was a loss of human lives, live stock, crops, aquatic animals
    432
    etc. with large scale damage to the environment. Those escaped became
    destitute. Therefore the state government decided to build elevated
    structures to withstand very high wind speeds, proof against flooding, and
    saline inundations.
    The Human Rights Commission of India had advised the state govt. to
    take necessary steps to provide safe shelter for the vulnerable communities
    of Odisha and it was decided to construct safe shelter buildings across the
    coastal districts. Then Government of Odisha assigned IIT, Kharagpur to
    provide assistance for selection of sites in coastal Odisha for construction of
    multipurpose cyclone shelters. IIT, Kharagpur made a study on the
    vulnerability due to cyclone, basing on the disaster history of the areas for
    past years positioned within 10 kms from the sea coast, population
    assessment, identification of gap, premises location and capacity choice etc.
    Subsequently the state govt. decided to provide shelters to the flood
    affected people also. Accordingly, flood shelters are being constructed in
    different vulnerable areas of Simulia, Jaleswar and Nilagiri Blocks including
    seven coastal Blocks of the district basing on the recommendations received
    from the district administration.
    Drawing and Design of shelter buildings
    Two types of drawing and design have been developed by IIT,
    Kharagpur; one for 3000 capacity and another for 2000 capacity. These
    buildings can withstand high-speed wind and moderate earthquakes. The
    buildings have been constructed above high flood level (HFL) with raised
    platform and stilted floors, so that the flood water will not affect the shelter
    building. Even in case of very high floods, the water can pass through the
    stilted floors without affecting the shelter in the first floor. All the shelter
    buildings are connected with all weather approach roads for easy access
    and smooth movement of relief materials at the time of disaster.
    Use of the shelter buildings
    Almost all the shelter buildings are mainly constructed inside the school
    premises or adjacent to the school so that it can be used as class rooms
    during normal time and potential shelters at the time of disasters. The
    ground floors of these buildings have been designed to be used as shelters
    for livestocks during emergencies. Relief materials and medicines can be
    stacked for emergent situations. Additionally, these shelter buildings can be
    used as community halls and can be put to various other community uses
    like Anganwadi centers, training centers, marriage mandaps and for other
    social gatherings etc. with payment of agreed user charges. Therefore, the
    shelter buildings are known as Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters (MCS) and
    Multipurpose Flood Shelter (MFS).

    433
    Features and facilities available in the MCS and MFS buildings
    All the MCS and MFS have separate hall and toilets for men and
    women, special room for the sick, labour room, one store room, drinking
    water supply through submersible pump, internal electrical wiring with all
    fittings, ramp of 1:12 slope and separate toilets for disabled persons, 5 KVA
    noiseless diesel generator, shelter level emergency equipments etc.
    Community based management and maintenance of the shelter
    buildings and Capacity Building of community
    To ensure the sustainable maintenance of these shelter buildings,
    community-based Cyclone/Flood Shelter Management and Maintenance
    Committees (CSMMC/FSMMC) are formed and imparted suitable orientation
    trainings. In addition, shelter level taskforce volunteers have been identified
    and they are being oriented, trained and involved regularly. Further, the
    shelter level Mock Drill on disaster preparedness is also conducted at each
    th
    shelter on 19 June every year. The minor repair works of the shelter
    buildings are taken up by the CSMMC/FSMMC whereas the responsibility of
    the major repairs lies with the authority. All the CSMMCs/FSMMCs have
    been provided with corpus fund to the tune of Rs. 5.00 lakhs each for regular
    capacity building of the local community out of the interest generated per
    year.
    Different Schemes for construction of MCS and MFS
    Sl. Name of the Scheme MCS / No. of Shelters Period of
    No. MFS construction
    i. Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund MCS 11 immediate after Super
    (CMRF) Cyclone 1999 (2001-
    ii. World Bank (Immediate MCS 05 2004)
    Phase)
    iii. Prime Minister‘s National MCS 05
    Relief Fund (PMNRF)
    iv. Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund MFS 07 2008-09
    (CMRF) and CMRF surplus
    fund
    v. State Plan MFS 04 2011-12
    vi. Container Corporation of MCS 02 2012-13
    India Ltd.
    vii. National Cyclone Risk MCS 56 2011-12
    Mitigation Project (NCRMP),
    World Bank assisted
    viii. National Cyclone Risk MCS 20 2014-15
    Mitigation Project-Additional
    Financing (NCRMP-AF),
    World Bank assisted
    ix. Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund MFS 17 Post Phailin (2013-14)
    (CMRF) / State Plan
    x. Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund MCS 01 Post Phailin (2013-14)
    (CMRF) / State Plan
    xi. Indian Red Cross Society, MCS 12 Pre and post Super
    Odisha State Branch Cyclone 1999
    Total 140

    434
    Availability of Block-wise shelters in Balasore district:

    Sl. No. Name of Block Total number of MCS and MFS

    1 Balasore Sadar 30
    2 Simulia 2
    3 Bhograi 22
    4 Jaleswar 3
    5 Remuna 17
    6 Baliapal 36
    7 Basta 3
    8 Bahanaga 22
    9 Soro 4
    10 Nilagiri 1
    Total 140

    National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) and NCRMP


    (Additional Financing):
    World Bank assisted National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP)
    has been drawn up to strengthen the structural and non-structural mitigation
    efforts towards reducing the risk and vulnerability of the coastal districts of
    Odisha to cyclone-related disasters. All the 56 Multipurpose Cyclone
    Shelters under NCRMP (Phase-I) have been constructed in this district
    including godown and shelter connectivity approach roads.
    Funds are provided under NCRMP (Additional Financing) which was
    approved by the GoI after the very severe cyclonic storm, Phailin that hit
    th
    Odisha on 12 Oct 2013. 20 MCS under this scheme are presently in
    different levels of construction and will be completed by October 2017.
    Construction of MFS under Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and
    State Plan:
    After Phailin, visualizing the requirement for more cyclone/flood
    shelters in Odisha, the State Government has decided to construct 18 MFS
    and MCS out of the Chief Minister‘s Relief Fund and State Plan in Balasore
    district.

    435
    Photo of MCS and MFS in Baleshwar district

    Hidigaon MCS in Baleshwar Sadar Baripada MCS in Bahanaga Block under


    Block under NCRMP, World Bank NCRMP, World Bank funded.
    funded

    Putina MFS in Bhogarai Block Mahapada MFS in Baliapal Block


    under State Plan under State Plan

    436
    CHAPTER – XIX

    PLACES OF INTEREST
    Abhna
    Abhana is a village under Soro police-station, about 20 Km from
    Bahanaga railway station and is famous for Brahmani Temple and Buddhist
    remains. The presiding deity, Brahmani, widely acclaimed by the local
    people is actually a Chamunda image of the Saptamatruka group. The figure
    is visible only from neck portion upwards with four hands. The lower limb of
    the fugure is under the ground. There is a short inscription on one of the
    stone sculptures preserved here. The Brahmani temple is made of laterite
    stones in Khakhara design. There were debris all around and the students of
    Belabhumi College cleaned the debris in 1981. The dilapidated Jagamohan
    of the temple under the debris was exposed up to the plinth level only after
    the excavation of the site. The lintel of Brahmani temple preserves an
    inscription which palaeographically can be assigned to the Bhaumakara
    period. The remains exposed during the clearance include two images of
    Mahisamardini Durga, a Saptamatruka panel, figures of Ganesh, Parvati,
    Boddhisatva, Jaina Tirthankaras and terracotta tablets depicting Buddhist
    dharanis. Such seals containing Buddhist dharanis are also found in different
    places of the village during agricultural operations, construction of houses,
    digging of wells etc. This indicates that there was a Buddhist Vihar at the
    place which was subsequently changed to a Brahminical site. The
    archaeological remains are preserved in a room of the Belabhumi College at
    Abhana.
    Ayodhya
    Ayodhya is situated in Nilagiri Sub-Division at a distance of 10 km. from
    Nilagiri town. It is surrounded by rivers, the Gharghara flowing in the east,
    the Sona in the north and the Sindhu in the west. At Ayodhya there are vast
    ruins of an old township with a large number of Hindu and Buddhist temples.
    From the inscriptions on the images, the date of Ayodhya can be traced back
    to the 10th century A. D., if not earlier.
    The presiding deity of Ayodhya was Marichi, and this goddess is
    worshipped here even today on whose honour a festival is held annually
    during Durga Puia (Dasahara). The huge mass of architectural ruins indicate
    that the original temple of Marichi was a very large one and it was situated in
    the centre around which no less than one hundred shrines were scattered.
    Some Matruka images, such as, Manjusri, Lokeswar and Tara have also
    been found from the debris. The images of Manjusri. Lokeswar and Marichi
    found here are great treasures of Buddhist art, and these three in
    combination convey the intensity of religious feelings of an age when the
    437
    Tantric worship was in ascendency. Besides, the Tara images of Ayodhya
    are most remarkable for their size, number, variety, artistic beauty and
    grandeur. The image of Vajra Tara inside the modern temple of Uttareswar
    is a rare specimen of sculptural art in India.
    A group of new temples, namely Jayadurga, Bateswar, Dakshineswar
    and Maninageswar have been constructed by one Bhanu Khuntia. Except
    the Jayadurga temple, Sivalingas are worshipped in other three shrines. The
    larger shrines are constructed in rekha style while the smalIer ones
    represent pidha order. All of them are thickly plastered with lime mortar. The
    sixteen-sided monolithic pillar installed in front of Jayadurga temple was
    brought from another site of the village. In the sanctum of the Jayadurga
    temple besides the image of Marichi there are beautiful figures of Manjusri,
    Lokeswar and Bartali.
    The three-faced and eight-armed Marichi image stands in the alidha
    pose on a chariot drawn by seven pigs. The effigy of Dhyani Buddha
    Vairochana is depicted on the crown. Attributes like Tarjani, goad, thread,
    needle, Vajra and arrow are shown in the hands of Marichi. A series of
    devotees are noticed on the pedestal. The image is 1.0668 metres (3.6 feet)
    in height, and the popular Buddhist formula ‗Ye dharma hetu,‖ etc., has been
    inscribed on the slab in the character of 10th century A.D. indicating that the
    antiquities of the site are assignable to this period.
    The two armed Manjusri image on a lotus pedestal in a graceful
    Tribhanga pose is kept to the right of the Marichi figure. Sudhan Kumar with
    manuscript and Yamari riding over a buffalo are carved on the right and left
    of the image respectively. A beautiful torana with Gajasimha motifs at the
    base and Kinnaris at the both ends of its architrave and Vidyadharis holding
    garlands in hands are carved while a group of devotees in kneeling pose
    with folded hands are represented below the lotus pedestal of the God.
    The two-armed image of Padmapani Avalokiteswar on a double-
    petalled lotus pedestaI is installed to the left of Marichi figure around which
    are seen a series of devotees in kneeling pose. The image of four armed
    and three-eyed Bartali, considered as one of the four attendants of Marichi,
    is kept on the floor of the sanctum. It stands in alidha pose on a well
    decorated lotus throne. In addition to above, a few other images of miniature
    size are fixed in the niches of the walls of the Jagamohan. The image of
    Gajalaxmi is carved on the entrance door. An image of Buddha in
    Bhumisparsa mudra is kept in a niche of the wall to the left of the entrance
    door.
    In the sanctum of the Bateswar temple are found a Sivalinga within the
    Saktipitha , In the Maninageswar temple are kept two Jaina images of

    438
    Risabhanath and Ambika. A beautiful image of Parswanath of chlorite stone
    is found resting at the outer wall of the temple. It stands on a double-petalled
    lotus pedestal with a canopy of seven-hooded snake overhead. The other
    notable features of this Tirthankara are the two Chaurl-bearers, the
    Astagrahas, trilinear umbrella, Kevala tree and the Gandharvas holding
    garlands and playing cymbals. A number of beautiful sculptures are in
    possession of the private people of the village of which the images of Tara, a
    headless Budha figure, Parswanath images, the figure of Ambika, a
    remarkable Jaina Tirthankar image of Mahavira and an image of Radha-
    Krushna are notable. In the premises of the Ayodhya High English School a
    good number of fragmentary sculptures have been kept. Recently, the
    Odisha State Archaeology, Bhubaneshwar, have erected an archaeological
    shed at the site.
    There are High English schools, dispensary and post-office in Ayodhya.
    A bi-weekly market sits here on every Wednesday and Saturday. Population
    of the village in the Census of 2011 was 2,381 persons.
    Badagan
    The village Badagan is situated at a distance of about 8 km. from Soro
    under Baleshwar Sub-Division. The annual car festival held here attracts a
    large number of people from the neighbouring area. The Baseli temple
    located here is a modern temple without any distinct architectural design.
    The presiding deity of the temple is identified with Vajra-Varahi of the Tantric
    Buddhist pantheon prevalent in Odissa in early mediaeval period. Local
    people worshipped this deity by mistake as Baseli Thakurani. Besides the
    presiding deity, the figures of a ten-armed Mahisamardini Durga, Astika-
    Jaratkaru and a stone slab containing ten lines of an inscription in proto-
    Oriya script are found in the premises of the temple. The remains of a fort
    are noticed in the adjoining area of the village. Large-sized old bricks and
    stone slabs are lying scattered in and around the fortified area. It is locally
    believed that the fort was erected by lord Ramachandra during the period of
    his exile (Banabasa). But the date of the fort can be assigned to the 8th
    century A. D. on the basis of the evidence available from the remnants of the
    fort.
    Balaramgarhi
    Balaramgadi is a village under Baleshwar Sub-Division, situated about
    15 km. east of Baleshwar town on the mouth of the river Burhabalanga. An
    English cloth factory was located there. The village was destroyed by the
    cyclone of 1831. Now it is growing as a major fishing centre for exporting sea
    fish to Kolkata. Numbers of power as well as country boats are engaged for
    fishing in the deep sea and tonnes of fish are being sent through roadways

    439
    and railways to different places. The Fishery Department of the Government
    of Odisha has established here a jetty, a cold storage and an ice-factory. A
    private cold storage-cum-ice-factory has also come up recently.
    Tourists can stay at Chandipur which is 2 km. away from Balaramgadi
    or in the Kashmiri Hotel close to Fishery Department‘s ice-plant and can go
    into the deep sea by a power boat available locally.
    Baleshwar
    Baleshwar is situated on the right bank of the Burhabalanga River and
    is the principal town and administrative headquarters of the district. The
    temple of Lord Baneswar still stands in the village puruna Baleshwar in the
    town.
    Baleshwar did not come into prominence till after the Muslim conquest,
    when a number of soldiers settled down at Kasaba, a suburb of the town. Its
    rise as a commercial town happened in the beginning of the 17th century A.
    D., when the fine muslin and cotton fabrics woven by its weavers began to
    attract attention. It was at this time a favourite resort of the Moughal
    Governor Mir Taqi Khan was built. He also built the masonry tank, the
    reservoir, the mosque and gardens known as Qadam Rasul. Later it was the
    headquarters of the Marahata officers called Faujdars, and various parts of
    the town have names recalling their residence in it. The name of
    Bhaskarganj was so called after the Faujdar Bhaskar Pandit (1760 A. D.),
    Lala Kishore Rai is said to have founded the Lala Bazar and to have built a
    Baraduari or twelve doored palace near that place; and Motiganj, now the
    centre of the town and the principal market place, was founded by Motiram
    (1785-90), while the last Marahata Faujdar Mayur Pandit lived on the side
    where the present Jagannath temple stands. The rest of the town was
    covered with jungle and shrubs. The main road that led to Puri, ran through
    the town by the Gadagadia tank and Phulwar Ghat. The town was lastly
    captured by the British in 1803 during the Marahata war.
    Baleshwar contained some of the earliest European settlements
    established in Bengal. The first English factory was established by Ralph
    Cart-Wright in 1933 here, then regarded a great sea-town.
    The town contains several objects of antiquarian interest belonging to
    the Hindu, Muslim, Marahata and British periods. A tradition is current that
    the capitaI of the demon Banasura was established somewhere near the old
    town of Baleshwar. A great devotee of Siva, he installed 5 lingas around the
    present Baleshwar town. The Sivalinga bearing his name was installed in a
    temple in the eastern boundary of the town near the Farasidinga. The
    original temple was destroyed and on its foundation a new temple has been
    constructed. Besides the Baneswar Linga, there is another Linga of
    440
    Jhadeswar Mahadev. The temple was completely dilapidated but later a new
    temple has been built on the foundation of the earlier. A peculiar
    phenomenon associated with this Linga is that when milk is poured over the
    Linga it turns as clear as water.
    The Jagannath temple of the town is believed to have been constructed
    by Mayur Pandit, the last Marahata Faujdar stationed at Baleshwar during
    the years 1800-1803 A. D.
    The Shyama Sundar temple is located close to the Christian cemetery
    of Barabati area of the town. It is one of the leading Vaishnavite shrines of
    the town and is greatly attended by the devotees. The temple complex
    comprising the main shrine, antarala and pillared mendapa appears to have
    ‗been built in Gaudiya style of architecture and thickly plastered with lime
    mortar. The mendapa roof is supported by 12 pillars. The roof is formed of a
    series of inter-connected domes. The inner walls of the mandapa are
    represented with panels depicting the scenes from the Bhagavata Purana in
    stucco and bright colours. The Rasamandapa is located to the west of the
    main temple. The topmost part of this mandapa is adjoined with sixteen
    miniature temples arranged in two successive tiers. The Garuda pillar is
    erected to the south of the front apartment. The Chandi temple as well as the
    other miniature shrines in the premises is all built in bricks.
    At Balighat there is a beautiful Jaina image of Ambika. This image was
    brought from a village situated near Sergarh. The image is carved in Lalita
    pose seated under a mango tree. She carries a baby on her left lap.
    The image of Uma-Maheswara, Yamaraj and the figure of a dancing girl
    are located under a tree at Manikhamba in the old town area. Ruins of a
    Stupa called Ushamedha in Sunhat area of the town is traditionally
    associated with the spot where Usha, the daughter of Banasura, united in
    marriage with Aniruddha. A stone bridge known as the Marahatabridge on
    the third kilometre of the Khirachora Gopinath Mandir road to Remuna is
    believed to have been built by the early Hindu rulers of Odissa. Another
    object of interest in the town is the tank called Killa Pokhari. Formerly, there
    was a big fort ascribed to the Muslim period within which the tank was
    situated. In former days there was a fountain connected with this tank traces
    of which are still extant. According to local tradition this tank was constructed
    by the orders of the Muslim Subedar Taqui Khan for the use of the ladies of
    his harem.
    The Juma Masjid of the town was built under the orders of the emperor
    Aurangzeb. The three domes and the corner minarets of this mosque
    represent true characteristics of Moughal architecture. The Qadam Rasul or
    the Bhuja Khia Pir near Sunhat area was erected during the time of Taqui

    441
    Khan which contains a tomb. The edifice had been so named because a
    stone with footprints of the great Prophet Muhammad was fixed in one of its
    walls.
    The Christian cemetery located in the Barabati area of the town is
    another centre of attraction. The memorials erected here were greatly
    mutilated. Several of these had been damaged and from others, the brass
    and marble plaques containing the names of the deceased persons had
    been removed by the miscreants. The oldest memorial of the place was
    erected in 1684. Of a later date was the memorial erected in 1886 to the
    memory of Sir Henry Ricketts, the first and ablest Collector of Baleshwar,
    with an inscription recording the fact that he served for twelve years in
    Odissa and that ―he never forgot Baleshwarnor the Oriyas‖. The names of
    Thomas Betts, Margreto Isabella, Alfred Bond, Captain Francis Wallwer and
    Laura (the beloved sister of W. S. Dicken) are still to be found at the place.
    In the premises of Fakir Mohan College there is a huge image of
    Padmapani Avaloktesvar and there are two images of Kartikeya and
    Lakulisa. The Avaloktesvar image, though damaged, still displays the
    conventional attribute of lotus in the left hand. The Kartikeya image is found
    seated on his mount, the peacock. The lakulisa image is seated in Yogasana
    pose on a lotus pedestal. He carries a club on the left hand and displays
    Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudra against his chest. All the three images are
    built in chlorite stone.
    Recently, a museum has been established in the Santikanan area of
    the town by the Department of Tourism, Sports and Culture of the
    Government of Odissa and is placed under the supervision of the Odisha
    State Museum, Bhubaneshwar. The museum contains stone sculptures
    associated with all major cults of mediaeval Odisha. The cult icons include
    Mahisamardini Durga, ‗Vishnu, Manasa, Saptamatruka, Goplnath, Ganesh,
    Yami, Avalokitesvar, Risabanath and ‗Boddhisattwa. In addition to these
    icons, broken door-jambs of ancient temples; fragments of a few sculptures
    and an iron anchor have also been preserved in the museum. There is an
    inscription in the museum inscribed at a door lintel containing Saptamatruka
    figures in a standing posture. It was originally found from a ruined temple of
    Soro in the district. Here one can see the statue of Fakir Mohan Senapati, a
    great litterateur of Odissa as well as the chair of dewan Fakirmohan
    Senapati in the Darbar of NilagiriKing .
    The place contains many government offices, High Englisn schools,
    colleges, mosques, churches, convent school, reading rooms, district
    headquarters hospital, cinema halls, recreation centres, clubs hotels and
    lodging houses, circuit House, inspection bungalows, rest shed, post and
    telegraph office, telephone exchange, industrial estate with many small and
    442
    medium industries, railway station, commercial banks, low-power T. V.
    centre, Fakir Mohan. University and many other amenities of a modern town.
    The civic affairs of the town are managed by a municipality.
    Bardhanpur
    The village Bardhanpur is situated at a distance of 11.2 km. from
    Baleshwar town. The place is famous for the Siva temple of Maninageshwar
    believed to have been installed by Banasura of epic fame. But the
    architectural features of the temple give adequate information that it was
    constructed in the 11th century A.D., by the Bhanja rulers. The original
    Maninageshwar temple was destroyed by the Moughals during their invasion
    oF Odissa and it was later on repaired by one Bhagawan Das of Baleshwar
    town in 19th century A.D. Even after renovation it preserves broad aspects
    of the architectural design and sculptural arrangements of the original
    temple. The main temple is Pancharatha in design. The Jagamohan in front
    of the temple represents the features of a pidha temple. The Nabagraha
    panel over the doorway of the Jagamohan is wrongly placed during the time
    of renovation. The doorway leading to the sanctum is made of granite with
    Gajasimha motifs carved below the door jambs and the Gajalaxmi figure at
    the centre of the top horizontal bar displays remarkable sculptural skill and
    architectural beauty. The door jambs and the horizontal bar are beautifully
    decorated with Naga motifs, scroll work and creepers laden with leaves and
    flowers. In the outer niches of the main temple images of Kartikeya and·
    Parvati are installed as Parsvadevatas.
    Basta
    Basta is a village in Baleshwar Sub-Division situated on the National
    Highway No.5, 29 km. and is north of Baleshwar. It has a railway station
    near which Rajnagar or Nagar village is situated where the remains of a
    building said to have been the residence of a Marahata chief is found. The
    village also contains the tomb of Shah Hussain Sahid who fell here during
    the Muslim invasion. There is a temple dedicated to Mahadev Baneswar.
    Bhusandeswar
    Bhusandeswar of Rasulpur panchayat under Bhograi block and Bhograi
    Tahasil of Baleshwar district is 100km away from district headquarters. This
    place is famous for the shiva temple where the height and breadth of Shiva
    Lingam is unique is Asia. The priest who worships Lord Shiva uses Ladder
    to pour water and milk on the head of the lord Bhusandeswar. This place is
    identified as a Tourist spot of Odisha in 1973.

    443
    Chandaneswar
    Chandaneswar is situated in Bhograi police-station of Baleshwar Sub-
    Division. It is 88 km. from Baleshwar by road. Bus communication is
    available from Baleshwar and Jaleshwar. The nearest railhead is Jaleshwar.
    It is 8 km, from Digha in West Bengal and can be approached by road.
    Situated amidst beautiful natural setting, the virgin beach Chandaneswar is a
    place of attraction for the visitors. One
    can observe with wonder the glittering
    glory of the beach at sun-rise and sun-
    set. On the tranquil beach stands the
    shrine of Lord Chandaneswar. During
    Nila Parba, a local festival, which falls
    in the month of Chaitra (March-April)
    pilgrims from neighbouring places visit
    the shrine and a great mela takes
    place. On the day of Sivaratri
    thousands of devotees from different
    parts of Odissa and West Bengal congregate here for worshipping Lord Siva.
    A Revenue Rest Shed and a forest bungalow is located at Chandaneswar.
    Chandipur
    Chandipur is a village in Baleshwar Sub-Division situated on the sea
    coast about 15 km. east of Baleshwar town and 3 Km. from the mouth of the
    Burhabalanga river. For a long time during the East India Company period
    the European residents including the Collector of Baleshwar regarded the
    place as their summer residence.
    Because of its proximity to Kolkata there is an inflow of visitors to enjoy
    the sea-beach at Chandipur.
    There is a Panthanivas, a PWD
    Inspection Bungalow, a Forest
    IB and many private hotels and
    lodging facilities where the
    tourists take accommodation.
    The beach is long and
    levelled and sea bathing is
    possible in the absence of surf.
    This is one of the unique places
    where the sea water recedes to
    a distance of 5 to 7 km. from the
    seashore due to the shallowness of the sea. The open beach without water
    encourages the tourists to walk into the sea up to a distance of 5 km.

    444
    surrounded by casuarina trees. Large quantities of fish are caught from its
    river mouth. The Fishery Department has set up an ice plant, cold storage
    and a Fishermen Training Centre. A Co-operative Society of Fishermen is
    operating there for facilitating capture, storage and marketing of sea fish.
    Population of this place according to the 2011 Census was 1150 persons.
    The place first came into prominence in 1894 when the Ordance Proof
    Department opened a sea range here for testing its fire arms on its long
    levelled coast.
    Recently, the place got into national and international prominence due
    to successful launching of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
    ―Agni‖ ( a surface to surface missile) from the Interim Test Range at
    Chandipur. It is called Interim because the National Range Project at
    BaIiapal could not come up in time for the testing of flight vehicles.
    The success of this long range ―Agni‖ missile project was followed by
    another short range missile ―Akash‖ (surface to air missile) which was
    launched from Chandipur on 14th August 1990. Thereafter lndia‘s first
    indigenous third generation anti-tank missile ―Nag‖ was successfully flight-
    tested at Chandipur on 29th November 1990. ―Trishul‖ (both surface to
    surface and surface to air missile), said to be Indian version of the American
    anti-missile ―patriot‖, was successfully tested during March 1987. Thereafter
    a modern and sophisticated medium range missile ―Prithvi‖ was launched
    from here on 5th May, 1992.
    Chasakhanda
    Chasakhanda village of Remuna Block of Baleshwar district, 10 km
    away from district headquarters, is the fighting spot against Britishers by
    National Heroes including Bagha Jatin who sacrified their lives for the cause
    of Independence. In the year 1998 Chasakhand is identified as tourist spot
    of Odisha in the memory of Bagha Jatin.
    Chowmukh-Dagara
    Chowmukh and Dagara, the coastal villages of Baliapal block of
    Baleshwar district, has calm and serene atmosphere, long stretches of
    silvery sands, witling casuarina and red crabs which are some of the
    attractions of these lovely beaches. Chowmukh-Dagara is identified as
    Tourist spot of Odisha in 1998.
    Gandibed
    Gandibed village near Soro was brought to light during the course of
    recovery of a large hoard of copper coins. These coins (147 in number) are
    now preserved in the Jayadev Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneshwar. On
    one side of these coins there is the emblem of a couchant bull and on the
    445
    other side there is a line of writing mentioning ―Sri Nandasya‖. The Oriya
    inscription on a stone image (10th-11th century A.D.) and the Surya image
    inscription (11th century A. D.) were recovered from this place. Besides, a
    number of stone sculptures belonging to the Brahmanical pantheon, viz.,
    Surya. Ganesh, Kartikeya, Parvati, Mahisamardini Durga and Vishnu are
    found in this village.
    Gud
    Sri Sri Baladevjew Temple of Gud under Soro block and Soro tahsil of
    Baleshwar district is situated 51 km away from district headquarters. Since it
    is the only temple of Lord Balabhadra in the area, a lot of pilgrims from all
    around the state and country visit it throughout the year. It is identified as a
    tourist spot of Odisha in 2008.
    Huguli
    Huguli is a village in Baleshwar Sub-Division, situated 17 km. east of
    Baliapal near the sea in the extreme north-east corner of the district. It is
    famous for the Chandaneswar Mahadev temple built in Gaudiya style with a
    series of dome-shaped chambers. The zamindar of Panchetgarh took
    initiative and built the present shrine through the financial assistance of the
    local people. This deity is widely revered not only by the locaI people but
    also by the devotees of the neighbouring villages of West Bengal. During the
    later half of the Chaitra month (March-April) large number of devotees flock
    to this place to become bhaktas. They observe serious penance for the
    whole period with the hope of getting children and for being cured from
    chronic diseases. A large Yatra, called Chadaka, is held here annually
    during this period.
    Inchudi
    Inchudi is a village, situated 19 km. from Baleshwar town. It is famous
    for the historic Salt Satyagrah of 1930. It is said that the success of mass
    civil disobedience against Salt Laws occupied the second place in India after
    Dandi in Gujarat where Mahatma Gandhi himself led the movement. The
    participation of several women in the Inchudi campaign and the spread of
    the campaign to other places in the coastaI belt of Odisha were regarded by
    the then Congress High Command as the highlight of the movement.
    Jaleshwar
    Jaleshwar is a town in the north-west of Baleshwar Sub-Division,
    situated on the NationaI Highway No.5. It is connected to the railway station
    by a 3 km. long road. Historically, Jaleshwar is one of the most interesting
    places in the district. It was for a long time an important frontier fortress. In
    the neighborhood of Jaleshwar, in the year 1575, the great battle of
    446
    Mughalmari (the Moughal slaughter) occurred. In 1592, a second great battle
    was fought in the neighborhood on the northern bank of the Subarnarekha
    between the Afghans and the imperial troops under Man Singh, the former
    being again defeated, the Moughals took possession of Jaleshwar.
    There are still the remains of a large fortress, which is said to have
    extended over 20.7192 sq. km, (8 square miles). It was divided into two parts
    joined by a drawbridge, and was surrounded by ramparts of earth and stone
    with seven concentric ditches. The latter have been filled up and cultivated
    and the earthen ramparts have disappeared, but the stone ramparts still
    remains. The buildings inside are all in a dilapidated condition. The village
    aIso contains an old mosque said to have been built by a Nawab in the 16th
    century A.D. Jaleshwar used to be a trade centre of some importance, and in
    Hamilton‘s Hindustan it is mentioned as one of the three principal places in
    Midnapur, The English at one time had a factory there, of which no trace is
    left. There are temples dedicated to Jagannath, Satyanarayan and Kali. Poet
    Dina Krushna Das lived here about 350 years ago.
    There is a police-station, hospital. High English School, College, Post
    and Telegraph Office, Tahasil Office, Block Development Office, Sub-
    Registrar‘s Office, Veterinary Dispensary, Regional Marketing Society,
    inspection bungalow, commercial bank, hotels, railway station and market.
    The civic affairs of the town were managed by a Notified Area council, which
    has been upgraded to municipality in February 2014. Population of the place
    in the Census of 1981 was 13,146.
    Jayarampur
    Jayarampur in Bhograi police-station of Baleshwar Sub-Division came
    into prominence in 1960 by the discovery of a copper plate inscription of
    Maharajadhiraja Gopachandra, The copper plate inscription was discovered
    while excavating a mound in the village situated in a place called
    Ahutikunda. Besides the inscription, huge quantities of old bricks, a female
    image made of granite and a votive bronze Buddha figure were discovered
    from this place, The copper plate inscription and the bronze Buddha figure
    have been lodged in the Jayadev Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneshwar.
    The inscription contains fifty lines on the whole on both sides of the plate.
    The seal contains a defaced figure of bull. Paleographically this inscription
    may be assigned to the 5th-6th centuries A. D. It is an important document
    so far as the history of Odissa and Bengal is concerned.
    Kasiari
    About 3 km. to the south of Mughalmari, the famous shrine of
    Gaganeswar Siva and about 1.6 km. to the north of it, is situated the ancient
    village Kasiari. On one side of the village as noted above is located the
    447
    shrine dedicated to Gaganeswar Siva and on the other the shrine of
    goddess Sarbamangala.
    The most notable remnants of the ruins of Gaganeswar Siva temple is
    its enclosure built in red sandstones. Inside the enclosure at the eastern
    extremity is the temple. It is about 200 cubits in length and 150 cubits in
    breadth. The Odiya inscription found on its western wall has been badly
    defaced. Nearby, there is a mosque containing an inscription written in
    Persian language. From this inscription it is learnt that it was built by
    Muhammad Taher in 1082 Hizra.
    The Sarbamangala Devi of this place is greatly revered by the people of
    the adjacent villages of Odissa as well as West Bengal. The presiding deity
    represents a form of Gouri and is carved with two hands. She is seated on a
    spirited lion. The original temple of Sarbamangala was razed to the ground
    by the Muslims. But, subsequently, a ruler of Odisha constructed the present
    temple with its Jagamohan.
    Kasaphal
    Kasaphal under Sadar block of Baleshwar is 65 km away from district
    headquarters. It is famous for calm sea beach and Baruni Yatra at
    Khiramanitri Temple when lakhs of pilgrims gather there. Kasaphal beach is
    an ideal fishing harbor. The calm and quiet rural atmosphere and whistling
    casuarinas attract nature loving tourists. This place is identified as a tourist
    spot of Odisha in 1994.
    Kuldiha
    Kuldiha is a famous hunting ground high above the hills amidst the
    reserved forests. It is 16 km. from Nilagiri town. The place is cool round the
    year. The fort, Harichandan garh, contains ruins of an old fort. There is an
    inspection bungalow of the Forest Department of Government of Odisha.
    Kumbhirgari
    Kumbhirgari or Bhusandeswar, a village situated between the Bayof
    Bengal and the Subarnarekha river in Bhograi area of the district is noted for
    the worship of Bhusandeswar Siva Linga. In summer season people usually
    visit the place in large numbers for worship. The Siva Linga is made of well
    polished black chlorite stone and is designed in three separate sections. The
    total height of the Linga Is about 3.6576 meters (twelve feet). The upper
    most part measuring about 1.2192 meters (four feet) in cylindrical shape
    contains a line of carving which the local people consider as the sacred
    thread ·of the deity. The middle portion measuring about 1.2192 metres (four
    feet) is in octagonal shape. The lower portion, i.e., the base of the Siva
    Linga is in square plan. The circumference of the Shakti is about 9.144
    448
    meters (30 feet) with spout to the south. The stone altar originally fitted to the
    Linga measure 1.8288 meters (six feet) in each side and its depth is 0.6096
    meter (2 feet) at the most. This has now been removed from the original
    place and preserved in a thatched shed to the west of the Siva linga. The
    Siva linga which was lying on the ground due to repeated floods of the
    Suharnarekha river was brought to position in 1965 by a Hindu devotee. He
    also cleared the surrounding jungIe for the convenience of the worshippers.
    The area around the Siva linga is now under cultivation.
    The striking feature of this Siva linga is its colossal size which can be
    compared with the Siva Linga in the temple of Bhaskareswar in
    Bhubaneshwar. Makara Sankaranti is observed here with much pomp and
    ceremony.
    Kupari
    Kupari is a village in Baleshwar Sub-division, situated 67 km. south-
    west of Baleshwar town and 29 km. south-west of Soro. The Neulpur copper
    plate inscription of King Subhakaradeva I mentions about the place and the
    hills that stands close to it. The place is interesting for the distinct traces of
    Buddhist relics that are still observable. It stands in a level plain surrounded
    on three sides by low rocky hills. The ruins stand on the north side of the
    village, the more important and better preserved portion being situated in the
    middle of the flat laterite surface, but other parts are found in the softer soil
    among trees.
    Laxmannath
    Laxmannath under Jaleshwar block is 59 km away from district
    headquarters. It is the welcome point of Odisha. The old palace, the gada of
    Ray Mahasay of Laxmannath is the main attraction of the spot. The temple
    of Shymakali, Lord Jagannath and Dwadasha Shiva are worth seeing of the
    spot. During Kali Puja and Durga Puja a number of people gather here. This
    place is identified as Tourist spot of Odisa in 1994.
    Manikchak
    The village Manikchak in Jaleshwar area is known for two jaina relics of
    which one is the image of Santinath and the other a chaumukha. Both the
    relics have been shifted to the Jayadev Odisha State Museum,
    Bhubaneshwar, for preservation. The image Santinath with deer as the
    conventional mount has a canopy of five-hooded snake over head; a
    peculiar feature unnoticed elsewhere. It stands on a double petalled lotus
    pedestal flanked by chauri bearers. Figures of eight grahas are carved
    seated in Yogasana pose on the side.
    The other relic, a Jaina chaumukha, discovered from this place is
    designed in the shape of a miniature pidha shrine. The pidhas numbering

    449
    five are arranged in gradual receding pattern, intervened by supporting lions
    on corners. The crowning element consists of amalaka and khapuri. The
    pinnacle, kalasa is designed like a lotus bud. In the outer niches of the four
    sides of the chaumukha are placed the nude Tirthankara figures of Mahavir
    Santinath, Risavanath and Chandraprava in standing posture.
    The village, Martasal is situated in the close neighbourhood of
    Manikchak which has also yielded Jaina antiquities of immense value.
    People in the neighbouring villages often come across ancient relics at the
    time of cultivation, digging of wells, renovation of tanks, construction of
    houses, etc. which connotes that the place was once a flourishing centre of
    Jainism.
    Markona
    Markona is situated on the National Highway No.5 between Bhadrak
    and Baleshwar. Kanhelvindha.a small hamlet located in the close
    neighborhood of Markona preserves a unique ten-armed Mahisamardini
    Durga image of 12th century A. D. The deity holds in her five right hands
    sword, spear, arrow, short spear and disc; and her five left hands display
    attributes like bowl, Parasu, goad, snake and shield. The deity as depicted is
    engaged in serious fight with Mahisasura with a curved sword in right hand
    and a shield in the left hand. A short dagger is firmly attached to his waist
    belt. The demon in human form is shown coming out of the decapitated body
    of the buffalo. Lion, the conventional mount of goddess Durga, is seen
    pouncing upon the demon. She has placed her right leg on the lion.
    At Markona, there are rice mills, Primary Health Centre, Police Station,
    Post Office, Railway Station, High English School, College, and Revenue
    Rest Shed.
    Langaleswar
    Langaleswar is a village in Singla situated 29 km. north-west of
    Baleshwar town. It derives its name from Langaleswar, i.e., the God of
    Plough, the legend being that Siva cultivated 64,74,992 hectares of land
    there, which to the present day is called ‗Sivaputha‘. The temple is 7.62 mt
    (25 feet) high but the Sivalinga is not visible on the Saktipitha. On the walls
    of the temple are engraved the figures of Surya, Uma-Maheswar,
    Mahisamardini Durga and Ganesh. A beautifully carved bull has been
    installed in front of the entrance of the temple. On the day of Sivaratri, in
    February, a big mela is held here.
    Nilaglri
    Nilagiri was the head-quarters of the ex-state of Nilagiri and now the
    headquarters of a Sub-Division of the same name. Baleshwar is the nearest
    railway station though situated at a distance of 22 km. The Jagannath
    temple constructed before the Muslim occupation of Odissa is the oldest
    450
    temple of the place. Besides, it contains several other religious edifices
    known as the Mausima temple, Tarakeswar Siva temple, Mangala temple,
    Gauranga temple and the Mahanta Math. The Jagannath temple situated
    near the place of the ex-ruler of Nilagiri is in a fairly good state of
    preservation. The Viman and the Jagamohan are built in pidha style and
    thoroughly plastered. In the sanctum sanctorum images of Lord Jagannath,
    Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed over a big masonry pedestal.
    The Garuda pillar has been installed in the Jagamohan. In front of the
    Jagamohan is a pillared chamber. The inner walls of the mandap are
    decorated with remarkable execution of stucco works representing
    Dasabatara, Gajalaxmi, Ganesh, Karttikeya and several male and female
    figures painted in different colours. The premises are surrounded with high
    compound walls. Within the premises are noticed the dilapidated kitchen
    room and several other subsidiary shrines. The Mausima temple built in the
    Bengal style of architecture is located at a distance of 1 km. from Jagannath
    temple. During the annual car festival the three deities, Lord Jagannath,
    Balabhadra and Subhadra, used to come here in a big chariot and stay till
    the commencement of their Bahuda Yatra, (the return journey) to the main
    temple.
    The car festival of Lord Jagannath is the most important event of the
    place. Visitors from all over the district and Udala Sub-Division of
    Mayurbhani district come to witness the festival. Weekly twice, i.e on
    Tuesday and Saturday market sits there. The chief commodities in
    transaction are rice, stone utensils, tassar, Mahula, cotton, resin, tamarind
    and minor forest products. There are co-operative societies of carpentry,
    blacksmithy and stone works.
    There are Post and Telegraph Office, High English schools, hospital,
    inspection bungalow, police-station, Block Development Office, commercial
    bank, Land Development Bank, jail, sub-treasury, veterinary hospitaI and
    sub-divisionaI Government office.
    Orangi
    Orangi is situated at a distance of 2 km. from Haldipada railway station
    and 7 km. from Baleshwar town. The National Highway No.5 passes through
    this place. The place is famous for Bagha Jatin. a martyr of freedom struggle
    who was fired by the British soldiers and succumbed to death on the 10th
    September 1915. Every year on 10th September people observe the death
    anniversary of Bagha Jatin. There is a statue of the martyr in open air inside
    the campus of Bagha Jatin High English School.

    451
    Panchalingeswar
    Panchalingeswar is a beautifuI spot on the top of a hill situated about
    10 km from Nilagiri town. There is a motorable road from Nilagiri town to the
    foot of the hill. One has to climb up to a height of 152 meters to reach the
    place amidst dense forest and
    natural sceneries. There is a
    perennial stream which flows over
    the five Lingas throughout the year
    except for a few days during the
    summer season. Visitors feel the
    presence of the Lingas inside the
    water. It is traditionally believed that
    Lord Ramachandra worshipped
    these Siva Lingas during his exile
    period. Many pilgrims and visitors
    come to this place throughout the year for Darshan of the Lords and enjoy
    the natural scenery. It is a beautiful picnic spot. A Panthasala has been
    constructed here by the Tourism Department, Government of Odisha. There
    is also a Revenue Rest Shed at the place.
    Pipili
    Pipili is a village formerly situated near the mouth of the Subarnarekha
    in the north-east of Baleshwer Sub-Division. It was once the most important
    port on the Odisha coast and contained settlement of the Portuguese and
    the Dutch. Within two decades of Vascodagama‘s discovery (1498 A. D.) of
    the sea-route to India, the Portuguese could establish a flourishing trade
    mart at Pipili. The Portuguese settled there in 1514, and for many years it
    was a centre of trade and power. Later the Dutch (1625 A. D.) took the
    opportunity to establish themselves here, and in Hamilton‘s Hindostan it is
    said that they shipped 2,000 tons of salt annually from the port. The English
    also appears to have had a settlement at Pipili, though it is disputed. Of the
    Portuguese, Dutch and English settlements every vestige and trace have
    been obliterated and the remains of even a single building cannot be traced.
    Raibania
    Raibania group of medieval forts is situated 14.5 km north of Jaleshwar
    and 3.2 km. from the right bank of the river Subarnarekha. The traditional
    view regarding the fort goes back to the Puranic age when king Virata was
    ruling over this land. He is said to have enshrined goddess Kichakeswari in
    this fort which was later‘ on removed by a Bhanja ruler of Mayurbhanj who
    installed the deity in a temple at Khiching. Ruins of this fort still indicate the

    452
    shrine of Kichakeswari. The presiding deity Kichakeswari of Khichingeswari
    of the temple at Khiching can be assigned to the 10th-11th centuries A. D.
    Raibania has High English School, Police-station, Maternity and Child
    Welfare Centre, Rest Shed and Post Office.
    Remuna
    Remuna is a village situated 8 Km west of Baleshwar town. It is famous
    for Khirachora Gopinath and has been a seat of Vaishnavite culture for
    centuries. The temple attracts large number of devotees from far off places
    round the year. The Main temple enshrining the Gopinath image is of
    modern construction with aII other accessories like kitchen, store room,
    dancing hall and open courtyard paved with dressed masonry blocks of
    stones. The courtyard
    behind the temple is
    shrouded by rows of
    houses constructed for
    the accommodation of
    pilgrims coming from long
    distance. The inner area
    of this courtyard is filled
    with Champak and
    Kadamba trees. The
    Chandana tank and the
    kitchen garden meant for
    the deity are located
    outside the premises of the temple.
    The floors of the Jagamohan and the main shrine are paved with
    decorative and colored marble stones. The image of Gopinath had been
    installed on an elevated pedestal erected at the centre of sanctum
    sanctorum. There is very little difference in the style and technique of
    carvings of this image. The image measuring 1.0149 mt x 0.5059 mt
    (3‘4"X1‘8") stands in a captivating tribhanga pose with flute in a playing
    posture. Eight gopis, sakhas and 12 cows and caIves have been carved on
    both sides of the image. Kadamba tree, Jambu fruits and flying Apsaras are
    also seen carved on the back slab. Lord Gopinath wears a well-designed
    Kirati, sandles, vanamate and a set of richly carved decorative ornaments.
    The image is in perfect condition as it has escaped the hands of Muslim
    iconoclasts. Images of Govinda and Madana Gopala are kept on the left and
    right side of Gopinath respectively.
    Apart from the Gopinath image worshipped in the main shrine two other
    sculptures depicting the figures of Aruna and the Navagraha have been
    preserved in the front courtyard. The Navagraha slab appears to have been

    453
    attached originally to the main temple. Khira, a special milk preparation is the
    most delicious and main prasad of the Lord. A religious fair is held annually
    here in February. The fair lasts for 13 days and is attended by large number
    of people.
    The Alarpur and Kendupatna copper plate grants of Narasinghdev
    (1278-1308 A. D.), the builder of the famous Konarak temple, refers to the
    establishment of Gopinath image at Remuna kataka which gives a positive
    clue for assigning the date to the idol. Madhavendrapuri, the teacher of Shri
    Chaitanya, himself and his disciple Jeevaswami Goswami are said to have
    visited the place for worshipping Khirachora Gopinath. On the way to
    Khirachora temple there is a fine monastery of Goudiya Mission. The images
    of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshipped here. The
    Rasikananda Samadhi, Madhavendrapul Math, Saptasara river, Chandi and
    Gargeswar temples are the other sites of attraction of the place. About 2
    krn.west of Remuna there is a large and deep tank called Kutapokhari.
    Nearby there is a big statue of granite of Goddess Durga with 18 hands. A
    festival is held here on the first day of Baisakh.
    Remuna has police-station, Block Development Office, High English
    schools, CT Training school for girls, Post Office, Rest House, Primary
    Health Centre, mosque, college, dairy farm, Panchayat industry, bell metal
    industry and veterinary dispensary. The weekly market sits here twice on
    every Sunday and Thursday.
    Sajanagada
    Sajanagada is situated at a distance of 5 km. to the west of Nilagiri
    town, the sub-divisionaI headquarters. ‗The place is famous for Budhar
    Chandi deity, worshipped in a renovated temple and regarded as the tutelary
    goddess of Nilagiri Raj family. According to the Settlement Report of the
    Nilagirl ex-state, 1921, the temple was built between 1521-1564 A.D. by the
    13th ruler of the ex-state of Nilagiri. The originaI temple has been greatly
    renovated by the later rulers. It consists of four parts. vlz., the Garbhagruha,
    the Jagamohan, the Bhogamandap and the Natamandap. The main temple
    has been built in rekha style where as the Jagamohan in pidha style of
    architecture. The inscriptlons originally inscribed on the door-ways ofthe
    Garbhagruha. Jagamohan and Natamandap have been damaged. The roof
    of the Natamandap is supported by a series of masonry pillars. Goddess
    BudharChandi, which was kept earlier in a room adjacent to the
    Natamandap, has been Installed on a masonry pedestal at the centre of the
    Garbhagruha. The temple premises are enclosed by high masonry walls with
    a painting on the eastern side. The niches of the compound walls to the
    inner side contain mythological figures built in stucco work.
    Shergarh
    The village Shergan in the Khantapada police-station of the district is
    famous for the Khajureshwar group of Siva temples. Khajureshwar Sivalinga
    454
    is said to have been installed by Banasura along with the Baneshwar
    Shivalinga of Baleshwar town, Gargeshwar Sivalinga of Purusottarnpur
    village, Panchalingeshwar of Nilagiri Sub-Division and Maninageshwar in
    Bardhanpur. One can approach the Khajureshwar group of temples covering
    a distance of nearly 3.2 km., from Shergarh on the National Highway No.5.
    The main temple along with its Jagamohan was built in laterite stones
    and has been thoroughly plastered with lime mortar. Both the structures are
    in pidha design. Within the sanctum is worshipped Khajureshwar Sivalinga
    placed at the centre of a Saktipitha. Several bulls and a big figure of
    Narayan are also kept in the pavement of the sanctum for worship. In the
    inner niches of the Jagamohan are found figures of Narayan and Varaha-
    Vishnu. Both the idols are provided with their conventional attributes in
    hands. The Parsvadevatas of this shrine are Ganesh, Surya and
    Mahisamardini Durga. Besides there are many broken images preserved
    here after recovery from the adjacent tank during the time of renovation. The
    outer niches of the main shrine and the front apartment ate set with beautiful
    figures of Ajaikapada Bhairava, Gajalaxmi, Ganga, Yamuna, Parvatl, Surya
    and Ganesh. The door lintel is said to have been contained an inscription
    which has been thoroughly defaced and covered in lime mortar. The jambs
    of the door way are carved with beautiful scroll designs and floral motifs. The
    Gajalaxmi figure on the centre of the door lintel is carved, seated in lalita
    pose on a double-petatled lotus pedestal, displaying varada mudre and lotus
    in hands.
    Four more laterite shrines of miniature size are also seen in the
    premises of the temple, of which one is exclusively reserved for the Devi
    deity. They are all in a damaged condition. Behind the Devi temple are kept
    on a row, figures of Karttikeya, Ganesh, Surya, Yamuna and Khetrapala.
    The Khetrapala image is seated on a horse back with a sword raised in the
    right hand. Built on a low foundation of laterite stone, the Devi temple stands
    at present to a height of 3.9224 meters (13 feet only). The door frame made
    in chlorite stone is richly ornamented with floral designs and ‗scroll motifs.
    The lower part of the door jambs are shown with five foiled niches with a
    standing DwarapaI. At the centre of the lintel is the conventional Gajalaxmi
    image. Inside the Devi temple are kept a four-handed Ganesh image, a
    seated Manasa figure with canopy of seven hooded snake overhead and
    two eight-handed Mahisamardini Durga images.
    Soro
    Soro is situated in the Bhadrak-Baleshwar section of National Highway
    No.5, about 32 km. south-west of Baleshwar. It is an important centre of
    political and cultural activities. Archaeological relics of the place indicate the
    prevalence of Brahminical religion during the mediaeval period. Buddhist
    and Jain relics too, are noticed in this place.

    455
    Gohiriasahi, a small hamlet located at a distance of 3 km. from the Sora
    railway station preserves a large ‗number of archaeological relics of 7th to
    11th centuries A. D. Among the antiquities, there is a small Sivalinga fixed to
    Yonipitha with the well-known Buddhist Dharma inscribed on four sides of its
    square pedestal. The stone is of bluish chlorite and is finely polished,
    According to its palaeographical features the inscription may be assigned a
    date in the later part of the 9th century A. D. the beginning of the 10th
    century A. D. Near the site where the Sivalinga was found lie the lower
    portions of two images of Sun god. On two corners of the tank nearby two
    more Sivalingas were recovered while digging. Another Sivalinga is
    worshipped in a modern temple. It thus proves that originally there were four
    Sivalingas installed at this place. At several parts of the village one can
    notice a series of broken Images associated with Buddhist, Jaina and
    Brahminical cults. A huge slab of stone containing Saptamatruka figures has
    been removed to Baleshwar town and is preserved in a museum located at
    Santikanan. The stone slab also contains an inscription.
    The area has infrastructure and public facilities like police-station,
    dispensary, inspection bungalow, railway station, post office, high english
    school, college, Block Development Office, Tahsil office and daily market.
    The civic affairs of the town are managed by Municipality. Population of the
    place in the Census of 1981 was
    Talasari
    Talasari is a picnic spot situated at a distance of 4 km. from
    Chandaneswar, and 92 km. from Baleshwar town. The sandy beach at
    Talasari is pleasantly surrounded by casuarina groves. A drive from Talasari
    to Digha about 7 km. is worth experiencing. Tourism Department,
    Government of Odissa, have constructed a Panthasala to cater to the needs
    of the tourists.
    Tipisagadia
    Tipisagadia of Makhanpur panchayat under Khaira block is famous for
    Lord Bakreswar Shiva Temple. The most beautiful part of the place is that it
    has been surrounded by river Kansabansa in four sides which creates a
    panoramic beauty of the place. It is identified as a tourist spot of Odisha in
    1998.
    Tudigadia
    Tudigadia sahid pitha of Gagandhuli Panchayat under Khaira block is
    45 km away from district headquarters. During Quit India Movement the
    freedom fighters namely Raghu Behera, Makara Lenka and Kalu Sahu got
    th
    martyrdom on 28 Sept. 1942 due to open fire of British police. Every year
    th
    on 28 Sept. people of Tudigadia celebrate Sahid Diwas in the memory of
    the freedom fighters and freedom struggle. This place is identified as a
    tourist spot of Odisha in 2015.

    456
    Tundara
    Tundara is located at a distance of 3 km, from Bhimpur towards the
    south. There were many temples on the seashore of this village. but were
    washed away by the high tides. Some of the images of these temples are
    placed in different Parts of the village and under a big banyan tree. In the
    northern part of the village, there is an image of four-handed goddess with a
    boy on her lap, her head being covered by the canopy of a seven-hooded
    snake.
    The list of important tourist centres identified by Department of Tourism,
    Government of Odisha is given below.
    Sl. Tourists‘ Centre Importance Description Yearof
    No Identification
    1 Chandipur Vanishing beach 16 kms from Baleshwar 1973
    2 Bhusandeswar Shrine of Lord 100 kms from Baleshwar 1973
    Budheswar
    3 Balaramgadi Sea beach and fish 2 kms from Chandipur 1973
    trading
    4 Chandaneswar Shrine of 88 kms from Baleshwar and 4 kms 1973
    Chandaneswar from Dighas
    5 Panchalingeswar Forest Hill and 30 kms from Baleshwar 1973
    stream
    6 Raibania Fort –Historic 75 kms from Baleshwar ,25 kms 1973
    Importance from Jaleshwar
    7 Langaleswar Religious centre In Baliapal Block ,46 kms from 1973
    Baleshwar
    8 Remuna Lord Khirachora 9 kms from Baleshwar 1973
    Gopinath
    9 Talasari Sea beach 90 kms from Baleshwar and 5 kms 1973
    from Chandaneswar
    10 Kasaphal Do 33 kms from Baleshwar 1994
    11 Laxmannath Welcome Point 55 kms from Baleshwar 1994
    12 Baleshwar Dist. Hqrs. and 210 kms from Bhubaneswar 1994
    Strategic point
    13 Sajanagarh Goddess Bhudar In Nilagiri Block , 28 kms from 1996
    Chandi Baleshwar
    14 Ayodhya Religious and In Nilagiri Block ,35 kms from 1998
    Archeological sites Baleshwar
    15 Bardhanpur Shrine of Lord 12 kms from Baleshwar 1998
    Maninageswar
    16 Chasakhanda Bagha Jatin 10 kms from Baleshwar 1998
    Memorial
    17 Chowmukh Sea Beach 14 kms from Baliapal 1998
    Dagara
    18 Tripisgadia Lord Bakreswar 48 kms from Baleshwar in Khaira 1998
    Mahadev Block
    19 Kupari Ruins of Budhist 67 kms from Baleshwar 1999
    Culture
    20 Inchudi Labana Satyagraha Under Remuna Block and 20 kms 2003
    from Baleshwar
    21 Gud Shrine of Baladev 45 kms from Baleshwar 2008
    Jew
    22 Tudigadia Historical Centre 45 kms from Baleshwar ,15 kms 2015
    from Khaira Block

    457
    A list of hotels with their accommodation capacity in imporatn towns of
    Baleshwar are given isn the table below.

    Sl No Name of the Place No. of Hotels No. of rooms No. of Beds


    1 Baleshwar 26 496 1043
    2 Chandipur 13 279 663
    3 Chandaneswar 2 24 44
    4 Panchalingeswar 7 96 267
    5 Jaleshwar 3 28 38
    6 Soro 2 14 24
    7 Dagara --- --- ---
    8 Remuna 1 6 12
    9 Talasari 3 62 103
    10 Uttareswar 1 10 19
    11 Laxmannath 1 9 18
    12 Udaypur 2 15 34

    458
    459
    Bibliography
    Information and Data submitted by line Departments of Baleshwar
    District

    Assistant Fire Officer, Baleshwar


    Assistant Labour Commissioner, Baleshwar
    Chief District Medical Officer, Baleshwar
    Chief District Veterinary Officer, Baleshwar
    Commissioner of Walf, Odisha, Cuttack
    Deputy Director, Fisheries, Baleshwar
    District Culture Officer, Baleshwar
    District Education Officer, Baleshwar
    District Election Officer, Baleshwar
    District Employment Officer, Baleshwar
    District Judge, Baleshwar
    District Panchayat Officer, Baleshwar
    District Project Coordinator, SSA, Baleshwar
    District Rural Development Agency, Baleshwar
    District Social Security Officer, Baleshwar
    Divisional Forest Office, Wild Life, Baleshwar
    Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division, Baleshwar
    Executive Engineer, Odisha Lift Irrigation Division, Baleshwar
    Executive Engineer, Roads & Buildings, Baleshwar
    Executive Officer, Urban Local Bodies, Baleshwar, Soro, Nilagiri,
    Jaleshwar
    General Manager, DIC, Baleshwar
    Guidelines and Notification Issued by Government of Odisha in
    Revenue and Disaster Management Department
    Lead District Manager, UCO Bank, Baleshwar
    Regional Transport Officer, Baleshwar
    Station Manager, Railway Station, Baleshwar
    Superintendent of Police, Baleshwar
    Tourist Officer, Baleshwar
    Flood of Odisha Rivers, 1955, 1956.
    Survey of India SE, Division, Balasore
    Census-2011
    M.C. Chrindle, Ancient India as described in classical literature.
    K. C. Panigrahi, History of Odisha.
    Archeological Survey of India, Annual Report, 1924, 1925.
    Odisha History Rearch Journal Vol-I.
    R. C. Mojumdar, History of Bengal
    The history and culture of Indian people, R.C. Mojumdar, Vol.III.
    460
    Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal, Letters, Vol.XIII.
    History of Odisha, H. Mohatab, Vol.I, Cuttack (Cuttack 1959).
    Odisha under Marahatta‘s Dr. B.C. Roy
    Odisha, WWW Hunter, Vol.II.
    A portrait of population, Orissa 1971, 1972.
    A portrait of population, Orissa 1981.
    History of Chaitanya faith by Pravat Mukherjee 1979.
    L.S.S.O., Malley, Bengal District Gazetteer, Balasore, 1907.
    A portrait of population Odisha, B. Tripathy, Census of India-1971.
    Economic Survey of Odisha, 1954, 1955, Vol.I, by Sadasiv Mishra.
    Studies in Odisha History, Archaeologies Archives by Padmashri
    Paramananda Acharya.
    Balasore Gazetteer-1994.
    nd
    Balasore Gazetteer-1994, 2 Edition.
    History of Odisha by Dr. Manmath Pradhan.
    L.S.S.O., Malley, Balasore, Gazetteer, 1907.

    461
    Glossary
    Abadhan Teacher of old time village school
    Alidha A particular attitude of legs in which the right leg is
    outstretched while the left one is slightly bent.
    Alpana Painting or decorative designs made on the wall or on
    the floor on festive occasions
    Amabasya New Moon-day
    Amalaka Fluted disc resembling Ania fruit, crowning the top of
    the spire
    Amin Surveyor
    Anjalihasta Folded hands
    Asadha Indian month corresponding to June-July
    Asram Hemitage
    Astagraha Eight celestial planets accordingly to Hindu astronomy
    Asthi Bone
    Ashwina Indian month corresponding to September-October
    Avinaba New
    Bahal A low lying land
    Baisakh Indian month corresponding to April-May
    Bajyaptidar Holders of resumed tenures
    Balia Sandy mud
    Bhadrab Indian month corresponding to August-September
    Bhajan Medlodious recital of devotional songs with playing
    musical instruments, such as, cymbals, conical drums
    and flute
    Bhanga Leaves of the intoxicating Indian Hashish (cannabis
    indica)
    Bhoga Food offered to a deity
    Bhoodan Literally means a land gift; it refers to the Bhoodan
    Movement started by Acharya BinovaBhabe for
    collection of land for the landless
    Bhumisparsa A sitting posture of Lord Buddha by touching earth on a
    Mudra finger
    Bisarjan Immersion
    Bisoi Title of the collector of revenue of a Bis or Pargana
    during Muslim rule
    Bujharat Explanation of the entries made by the Amin during
    field work in Settlement Operation by Munsarims
    before attestation of the records by the Assistant
    Settlement Officer.
    Chaitra Indian month corresponding to March-April
    Chak Contiguous plots of land in a particular area in a village
    Chapel Slipper
    Chatashali Old-time village school
    Chautha A sort of tribute levied by the Marathas corresponding
    to one-fourth of the gross produce

    462
    Choudhuri Chief Revenue Officer for a Talik under the Muslim rule
    Choukidar A watchman; village police
    Chudi Bangle
    Chuna Lime
    Dalua Spring rice sown in November-December and
    harvested in March-April
    Darshan To have a look of the deity while praying
    Daskathia An indigenous form of ballad singing by a party of two
    persons who dramatise and sing epic songs or
    episodes with the accompaniment of a pair of
    castanets or wooden-clappers fitted with a bunch of
    tiny ankle-bells as the only musical instrument
    Dewan Chief Executive Officer nest to the Ruler in ex-
    feudatory state
    Dharani Buddhist votive
    Dharma Chakra
    Prabartana Mudra Particular pose of the hand symbolizing Buddha‘s
    preaching the law.
    Dharmasala A rest house for pilgrims
    Dhupa Burning of incense sticks during worship
    Dhyanamudra Meditative posture
    Dipa Lighted small lamps
    Dofasali Double cropped land
    Dorasa A mixture of clay and sand in nearly equal parts.
    Fauda Spade
    Gahira Low lying land
    Gajasimha A rampant lion on a couchant elephant
    Gamuchha A towel; a piece of cloth used for bathing, etc.
    Gandharva Celestial dancer
    Ganaja An intoxicant Indian hemp
    Garbhagruha Sanctum sanctorum
    Garhjat Feudatory states of Orissa
    Ghanta Bell shaped member in finial of a pidhadeula; a bell
    shaped gong
    Gharbari Homestead land
    Ghat Ferry
    Gochar Pasture
    Gotra Lineage
    Gramadevati Village goddess
    Gramapanchayat An elected body of local self government at village
    level
    Guakati Betel nut cutter
    Gumasta A minor official; a landlord‘s clerk
    Habisanna Vegetarian diet prepared in Ghee without condiments
    taken by Hindu widows during the month of Kartika
    (October-November) before sun-set
    Hal Current / recent
    Handia A sort of intoxicating drink prepared by fermenting
    boiled rice; rice beer
    463
    Hat Rural market
    Hensa Mat
    Huluhuli Ululation
    Jagamohan Rectangular or square hall or porch in front of the
    sanctum
    Jajamani Hereditary service
    Jama Gross receipt ; annual rent or revenue
    Jyestha Indian month corresponding to May-June
    Kalasa Crowning element of the temple in the form of a vase,
    figuring as the container of the nectar of immortality
    Kanungo A subordinate revenue official / Accountant during
    Mughal and Maratha periods
    Kanyadan Giving a girl (Bride) away in marriage to the
    bridegroom
    Kartika Indian month corresponding to October – November
    Kaudi Cowry; Cypraeamoneta
    Kaunria Mesta
    Khadi Cloth woven by hand spun yarn
    Khadi Chalk
    Khakhara Semi cylindrical member resembling the fruit
    BoitalaKakharu
    Khanapuri Literally means filling in columns; the stage of
    operation of preliminary record of rights in Settlement
    operation
    Khanda Sword
    Khandapati An officer under the Hindu kings of Odisha having chief
    control of a Khand or circle; a king
    Khapuri Skull; slightly curved stone slab covering the roof of the
    amalaka
    Kharif A crop season for staple cereal crop
    Khasmahal Government estate
    Kula Winnow
    Kunda A small square vat for containing liquid etc.
    Kutumba Family
    Lalitasasan A particular attitude of sitting in which one of the legs is
    pendent and the other lies pending on the throne
    Linga Phallic symbol denoting Lord Shiva
    Mahajana Money lender
    Mahaparinirbana Eternal sleep of Lord Buddha
    Mahuri Indigenous clarionet
    Macadam Headman; tenure holder
    Mantra Incantations
    Margashira Indian month corresponding to November-December
    Matala Soil which includes a large proportion of clay
    Math Hindu monastery
    MelanaPadia Religious congregation ground of Radha Krishna
    deities during Dola festival
    Mouza Revenue village

    464
    Na‘Anka A great famine that befell Odisha in 1866. It is so
    named for it occurred in the ninth regnal year of the
    then Raja of Puri
    Nabagraha Nine celestial planets according to Hindu astronomy
    Nala Small stream; channel
    Natamandap The dancing hall in a temple
    Nij-Jot The private land of the proprietor or proprietary tenure
    Nirbandha A sacred agreement for the marriage made before a
    deity by the parents / guardians of the bride and the
    bridegroom
    Pachwai Country liquor; fermented juice of Mahua flower
    Pahada Hill
    Pakhia A shade made of palm leaves to protect the head from
    sun and rain
    Pala A form of ballad singing associated with the worship of
    Satyanarayan by a group consisting of 5 to 7 persons
    with the accompaniment of Mrudanga, cymbals, etc.
    Palki Palanquin
    Pan Betel leaf
    Panigrahana Marriage
    Parambrahma The Eternal soul
    Parbat Mountain
    Pargana Obsolescent term denoting collection of villages, or
    tract of land constituting a revenue unit during Muslim
    period
    Patu Alluvium
    Pausa Indian month corresponding to December-January
    Phagu Coloured powder
    Phalguna Indian month corresponding to February-March
    Pinda Paying oblation to ancestors
    Pidha Downward curing pediment; projecting member
    constituting the pyramidal roof of a Jagamohan
    Pothi Palm-leaf manuscript; book
    Prasad Delicacies offered to deity
    Puchi A kind of play amongst Odia girls with frisking
    movement
    Purdah Curtain; veil
    Rabi A crop season (Autumn-Spring)
    th
    Rahu The 8 celestial planet in Hindu astronomy
    Raiyat Tenant having right of occupancy in land
    Rakhas Demon
    Rakshit Protected or reserved land
    Rekha Order of temple characterized by a curvilinear spire
    which presents the appearance of a continuous line
    Sabik Previous
    Sahukar Village money lender
    Salami Cash or premium paid to a landlord by a tenant
    Sanad Firman, a grant, a written order signed and sealed by a
    King or Government
    465
    Sani Saturn
    Saptamatruka Seven mother goddesses
    Sarad Rice reaped in Winter season (November-January)
    Sarbarkar A village headman appointed for collecting land
    revenue for a village or group of villages in a
    Government estate. In many cases the Sarbarakars
    had become tenure-holders
    Sarbat A cold soft-drink
    Sardar The headman of a village; the headman of a caste; the
    headman of a group of persons
    Sarei A rest house for travelers
    Sena A basket made of split bamboo for bailing water for
    irrigation and other purposes
    Shikar Hunting
    SikimiRaiyat Sub-tenant
    Sinduka A big wooden box
    Shraban Indian month corresponding to July-August
    Swarajya Independence
    Tadi Country wine; fermented juice of the palm tree
    Tahasil A unit of land revenue administration
    Tahasildar A Revenue Officer holding charge of a Tahasil
    Tarpan Offering water to the God
    Tenda A water lift; a contrivance to lift water from a lower level
    to a higher level for irrigation purpose
    Thakuramahal An estate given to deity
    Thakuranimahal An estate given to a female deity
    Toran Portal, porch, entrance, arch
    Tribhangi A standing pose with the torso inclining towards the left
    and the head inclining towards the right
    Tulasichaura A raised structure on which Tulasi plant is planted and
    worshipped by the Hindus
    Viman A towered sanctuary in which the image of a deity is
    enshrined
    Yangya The oblation of clarified butter and other articles of
    offering made to the deities through fire
    Yogasana Meditative posture
    Zamindar A landlord

    466
    Index
    Baleshwar, v, vii, viii, xii, xiii, xv, xvi, xvii,
    A
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17,
    Adishakti, 82 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,
    Agarpada, 60 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,
    Ajaikapada, 455 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60,
    Akbar, ix, 41, 229, 230 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, 73, 74,
    Alekha Dharma, 77 75, 76, 77,78, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 90,
    Amarda, 77, 280, 290 91, 95, 96, 97, 98, 106, 110, 111, 114,
    Ambahata, 241 116, 117, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125,
    Ambo, 2, 230, 235, 236, 241 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,
    American Baptist Foreign Mission 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139,
    Society, 78 140, 142, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150,
    Anantapur, 16, 179, 181, 281, 287, 341, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 159,
    348 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 170, 171,
    Anantavarman Chodagangadeva, 39 172, 173, 174, 176, 177, 179, 180,
    Ankura, 45, 83 181, 182, 183, 184, 187, 188, 189,
    Arabandha, 14, 15, 16, 30 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196,
    Arad Bazar, 343 197, 198, 199, 200, 202, 204, 208,
    Asan, 5, 24, 30, 31 209, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216,
    Asoka, 36, 37, 76, 176 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223,
    Aswini, 79 224, 225, 226, 228, 229, 230, 231,
    Aul, 236 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239,
    Aurangzeb, 66, 78, 441 241, 242, 245, 246, 248, 250, 252,
    Aurobindo, 109, 351 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259,
    Avalokitesvar, 442 261, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272,
    Ayodhya, xvii, 32, 347, 348, 437, 439, 276, 279, 284, 286, 287, 288, 289,
    457 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 296, 297,
    299, 300, 301, 302, 304, 305, 306,
    B 307, 308, 309, 310, 312, 313, 314,
    320, 321, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329,
    Badagan, xvii, 77, 280, 439 331, 334, 335, 336, 337, 340, 342,
    Badhei, 79, 119 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349,
    Bahanaga, xv, 3, 4, 64, 159, 161, 167, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356,
    279, 280, 378, 411, 413, 421, 423, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363,
    432, 435, 436, 437 364, 365, 366, 368, 369, 370, 371,
    Bairi, 59 372, 373, 375, 377, 379, 380, 381,
    Baisinga, 399, 402, 404, 406, 408 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 390,
    Baitarani, 2, 41, 44, 231, 277 392, 393, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399,
    Balabhadra, 83, 118, 446, 451, 454 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406,
    Baladia, 16 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413,
    Balaramgadi, xvii, 3, 9, 147, 439, 440, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 420, 421,
    457 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 428, 429,
    Balarampur, 230 430, 436, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443,
    467
    444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, Basudebpur, 61, 254, 287, 320
    451, 453, 455, 456, 457, 458 Basuli, 106
    Balia, 23, 134, 344, 460 Basumati Puja, 117
    Baliapal, xv, xvii, 3, 4, 8, 17, 36, 46, 74, Baudpur, 183
    77, 95, 128, 134, 144, 149, 151, 159, Baulagadia, 163, 165, 190, 211, 343
    160, 161, 166, 179, 189, 191, 211, Baura, 8
    225, 270, 279, 281, 287, 292, 295, Bay of Bengal, 1, 8, 9, 14, 51, 66, 125,
    324, 341, 346, 355, 368, 378, 391, 176, 419, 420, 427
    411, 413, 421, 423, 424, 430, 435, Bengal, 1, 14, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46,
    436, 445, 446, 457 51, 53, 60, 62, 66, 67, 75, 78, 83, 117,
    Balighat, 441 128, 159, 168, 177, 181, 183, 190,
    Balisahi, 35 231, 232, 233, 234, 237, 238, 253,
    Bamanihuli, 5 271, 284, 285, 287, 303, 310, 325,
    Bamboo, 5, 23, 32, 113, 165, 166, 167, 326, 328, 332, 348, 353, 357, 384,
    205 386, 419, 428, 432, 440, 444, 446,
    Bampada, 151, 159, 161, 162, 290, 291, 447, 448, 451
    370 Bengali, 50, 75, 233, 238, 327, 328, 346,
    Banasura, 440, 441, 443, 455 398, 417
    Bandhan, 31, 118 Berhampur, 4, 81, 181, 269, 270, 290,
    Banerjee, 53 291, 311, 368, 374, 375, 378
    Bangreah, 46 Betei, 16
    Bania, 32, 79 Betnasia, 78
    Banktira, 134 Bhadrak, 1, 2, 3, 10, 14, 41, 44, 45, 53,
    Bankura, 40 55, 59, 60, 61, 63, 74, 134, 142, 148,
    Bansada, 270, 348 149, 171, 177, 181, 221, 227, 229,
    Bansbonia, 78 230, 252, 267, 270, 276, 287, 292,
    Bant, 270 296, 297, 304, 307, 310, 311, 327,
    Banyan, 76 342, 350, 384, 399, 400, 401, 402,
    Barabati, 66, 67, 84, 326, 331, 362, 441, 408, 410, 450, 455
    442 Bhalukasuni, 12
    Bardhanpur, xvii, 348, 443, 455, 457 Bhandari, 80, 87, 188, 244, 399, 410
    Barik, 104 Bhandaripokhari, 61, 270, 391, 400, 408
    Barikpur, 122 Bhanja, 82, 83, 443, 452
    Baripada, 14, 30, 34, 58, 159, 177, 181, Bhaumakara, 38, 39, 437
    182, 267, 280, 304, 305, 306, 388, Bhimpur, 79, 347, 457
    413, 436 Bhograi, xv, 3, 4, 8, 17, 37, 44, 84, 95,
    Basta, xv, xvii, 3, 4, 8, 9, 36, 42, 45, 55, 161, 163, 164, 167, 184, 191, 269,
    78, 81, 84, 95, 134, 161, 163, 165, 271, 281, 285, 287, 290, 291, 293,
    166, 177, 179, 189, 224, 225, 229, 296, 301, 324, 336, 339, 341, 343,
    267, 279, 280, 286, 287, 290, 291, 348, 352, 354, 355, 365, 368, 399,
    292, 294, 324, 336, 348, 368, 371, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407,
    378, 379, 382, 384, 399, 400, 401, 408, 410, 411, 413, 414, 415, 416,
    402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 408, 410, 421, 423, 424, 430, 435, 443, 444,
    411, 413, 415, 416, 421, 423, 424, 447, 448
    432, 435, 443
    468
    Bhubaneshwar, 320, 372, 373, 374, Chandraprava, 450
    439, 442, 445, 447, 449 Chanuya, 6
    Bhusandeswar, 64, 293, 443, 448, 457 Charbatia, 254
    Bidyadharpur, 81 Chardia, 45, 78
    Bihar, 53, 56, 59, 62, 75, 176, 304, 329, Chauri Chaura, 55
    394 Chhanua, 280, 411, 413
    Bija, 24, 30, 31 Chittagong, 149, 176
    Birajakhetra, 176 Chota Nagpur, 7
    Birbhum, 40 Christmas Day, 122
    Biswakarma, 79, 119 Chudamani, 10, 45, 46, 148, 287
    Biswanath, 54, 55, 56, 356, 395 Church, 78, 112, 348
    Board of Revenue, 48, 221, 267, 268, Civil Disobedience Movement, xiii, 57,
    278 58
    Bolang, 45, 149, 164, 211, 281 Coast Canal, 6, 8, 10, 51, 184, 420
    Bombay, 55, 168, 176 Cornwallis, 44, 47, 232
    Boudh, v Cuttack, v, vii, 2, 34, 38, 41, 44, 45, 47,
    Brahmani, 77, 348, 437 48, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 62, 70, 72,
    Brahmin, 81, 90, 105 142, 159, 177, 181, 182, 183, 221,
    British, ix, xiii, xv, 17, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 228, 229, 231, 233, 236, 238, 239,
    47, 49, 51, 53, 57, 59, 61, 66, 67, 68, 241, 245, 254, 267, 270, 272, 276,
    69, 70, 72, 107, 147, 148, 168, 221, 293, 304, 305, 306, 326, 329, 372,
    229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 239, 374, 393, 397, 417, 425, 426
    240, 241, 245, 246, 247, 250, 253,
    254, 287, 325, 355, 425, 440, 451, 456 D
    Bruton, 149
    Buddha, 118, 168, 438, 447, 460, 461, Dahamunda, 293, 336, 351
    462 Dahapania, 390
    Dalziel, xv, 2, 200, 237, 238, 241, 245,
    246, 248, 249, 251, 252, 258, 273
    C
    Dandabhukti, 38
    Campbell, 326 Dandi, 57, 280, 446
    Caste, 79, 96, 128, 261, 266, 279 Darkhuli, 5
    Chandal, 58, 94 Darpan, 230, 236, 416
    Chandaneswar, xvii, 64, 76, 117, 121, Das, Manoj, 356
    123, 144, 179, 290, 344, 348, 374, Dasmalong, 10
    444, 446, 456, 457, 458 Deepavali, 120
    Chandanpur, 411 Deer, 17, 19
    Chandbali, 17, 51, 149, 176, 270, 287, Deulgan, 40
    320, 399, 400, 401, 408, 410 Dhamara, 176, 179, 181, 231, 432
    Chandigarh, 345, 346 Dhamnagar, 41, 270, 287, 401, 408, 410
    Chandinipal, 252 Dhenkanal, v, 77
    Chandipur, xvii, 3, 9, 15, 30, 63, 64, 79, Dhobasila, 5
    123, 143, 144, 190, 211, 280, 290, Digha, 179, 271, 444, 456
    291, 301, 337, 355, 440, 444, 445, Dola, 80, 121, 462
    457, 458
    469
    Durga, 77, 104, 106, 119, 243, 437, 439, Gujarat, 57, 75, 446
    442, 446, 449, 450, 454, 455
    Durga Puja, 77, 119, 243, 449 H
    Dutch, 66, 67, 147, 176, 452
    Haj, 122
    Hanuman, 19
    E
    Harichandan, 16, 68, 238, 448
    Earth, 101, 117, 133 Hariharpur, 43
    East India Company, 43, 44, 68, 148, Haskura, 8
    168, 176, 444 Hatigarh, 78
    Eastern Ganga, 39 Holi, 121
    Eastern Ghats, 5 Hooghly, 66
    Eastern States, 2, 62, 72 Huguli, xvii, 446
    Eram, 61, 62
    I
    F
    Id-Ul-Fitre, 122
    Festival, 117 Inchudi, xvii, 57, 58, 59, 350, 446, 457
    Fox, 19
    J
    G
    Jagannath, 61, 64, 77, 104, 107, 117,
    Gajalaxmi, 438, 443, 451, 455 163, 263, 284, 339, 346, 348, 354,
    Gamai, 10 395, 440, 441, 447, 449, 450, 451, 454
    Gambhari, 25 Jain, 347, 455
    Gamha Purnima, 83, 118 Jaina, 437, 438, 441, 449, 450, 456
    Ganesh, 80, 118, 156, 301, 437, 442, Jajati, 39
    446, 450, 451, 455 Jajpur, 2, 38, 39, 44, 176, 221, 229
    Ganesh Chaturthi, 80, 118 Jalaka, 7, 9, 423, 424
    Gangahor, 9 Jaleshwar, xv, xvii, 3, 4, 30, 35, 41, 42,
    Gangasiuli, 25, 26 55, 74, 77, 78, 82, 84, 95, 119, 139,
    Ganjam, v, 38, 51, 58, 87 155, 160, 165, 167, 171, 172, 177,
    Garapada, xvii 179, 182, 187, 189, 190, 191, 192,
    Garhpada, 41, 349 211, 218, 224, 225, 229, 267, 270,
    Gauda, 38, 39, 80, 98, 122 271, 279, 281, 285, 287, 290, 291,
    Gharghara, 437 292, 295, 302, 308, 309, 311, 314,
    Goat, 139 320, 324,325, 331, 336, 340, 341, 344,
    God, 37, 79, 83, 101, 107, 118, 120, 121, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 355, 357,
    122, 438, 450, 464 366, 368, 378, 379, 384, 398, 399,
    Gohiratikiri, 41 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407,
    Good Friday, 122 408, 410, 411, 413, 414, 415, 416,
    Goojaduha, 13 421, 423, 424, 444, 446, 447, 449,
    Gopinathpur, 270, 336, 411, 413 452, 457, 458
    Govinda, 40, 68, 82, 351, 453 Jamalpur, 16, 281
    Gudia, 80 Jamka, 10

    470
    Janmastami, 118 Kumar Purnima, 119
    Jayarampur, xvii, 37, 349, 447 Kumbhar, 32, 82, 108, 191
    Jhanuadi, 5 Kumbhirgari, xvii, 448
    Joranda, 77 Kundupur, 78
    Kupari, xvii, 5, 16, 39, 79, 81, 123, 179,
    K 181, 281, 341, 449, 457
    Kusudia, 78
    Kachara, 81 Kusum, 25, 31
    Kahasin, 40 Kutapokhari, 454
    Kalahandi, v
    Kali, 106, 120, 343, 447, 449
    L
    Kalidas, 353
    Kalidaspur, 321 Laichanpur, 6
    Kalika, 16 Lakshadweep, 176
    Kalinga, 35, 36, 37, 81, 120, 156, 176, Laura, 442
    354, 414, 416 Leopard, 19
    Kamar, 32, 79, 87, 119 Lomasa, 94
    Kamarpur, 270
    Kanpur, 165 M
    Kantabania, 35
    Kapilendradeva, 40 Machhana, 13
    Karana, 87, 349 Machhua, 5
    Karma, 60, 243 Madhpur, 411
    Karnadeva, 39 Madras, 50, 53, 66, 168, 176, 181, 182,
    Kartika Purnima, 120 183, 256
    Katillia, 5 Mahatma Gandhi, 109, 213, 254, 256,
    Katsahi, 61 446
    Kendujhar, 2, 5, 41, 148, 235, 241, 268, Mahisamardini, 437, 439, 442, 446, 450,
    305 455
    Kendupatna, 454 Mahula, 451
    Keuta, 190 Makar Parba, 101
    Khaira, xv, 3, 4, 77, 81, 102, 135, 137, Makara Sankranti, 101
    160, 163, 167, 225, 270, 279, 281, Mali, 82
    287, 295, 324, 341, 346, 371, 378, Mangala, 82, 108, 451
    413, 421, 456, 457 Mango, 76
    Khairadihi, 61 Manikchak, xvii, 79, 449, 450
    Khandayat, 81 Maratha, 462
    Kharipada, 79 Mardaraj, 16, 68, 70, 238
    Khiching, 452 Marichi, 348, 437, 438
    Khunta, 399, 402, 404, 406, 408, 411 Markona, xvii, 182, 189, 191, 280, 341,
    Khuntia, 438 346, 450
    Kichakeswari, 452 Math, 351, 451, 454, 462
    Kosala, 39 Mayurbhanj, v, 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17,
    Kshatriya, 82, 351 41, 70, 82, 99, 106, 142, 148, 159,
    Kumada, 189 171, 182, 221, 226, 252, 267, 268,
    471
    304, 305, 306, 348, 384, 388, 399, O
    402, 404, 406, 407, 408, 410, 415, 452
    Midnapur, 14, 36, 38, 78, 83, 231, 252, Odia, 53, 58, 63, 64, 65, 75, 76, 81, 84,
    253, 271, 284, 447 87, 106, 209, 233, 243, 252, 327, 328,
    Mills, 48, 151, 154, 163, 207, 234 336, 339, 340, 347, 354, 395, 417, 463
    Mir Kasim, 149 Odisha, v, vii, xv, xvi, xvii, 1, 2, 6, 8, 14,
    Morada, 9 32, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,
    Mosque, 112 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,
    Motiganj, 84, 171, 440 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,
    Muharram, 122, 123 65, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77,
    Mysore, 75 81, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 95, 96, 99, 102,
    104, 105, 108,110, 111, 112, 116, 117,
    N 124, 125, 126, 129, 130, 131, 132,
    135, 136, 137, 143, 147, 148, 149,
    Nagpur, 51, 54, 181 155, 160, 161, 162, 170, 171, 176,
    Nampoo, 211 177, 184, 186, 192, 194, 195, 197,
    Nangaleswar, xvii, 121 198, 199, 200, 202, 203, 205, 208,
    Narangabad, 2 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217,
    Natha, 82 219, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 228,
    Nayabazar, 344, 362 229, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 237,
    New Delhi, 143, 175, 336, 337, 342, 343, 239, 244, 246, 247, 248, 250, 251,
    432 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259,
    Nilagiri, xv, xvi, xvii, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 266, 267,
    12, 13, 17, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 61, 63, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 276,
    68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 81, 277, 278, 279, 282, 285, 301, 303,
    82, 101, 113, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 304, 306, 307, 309, 311, 312, 317,
    123, 124, 135, 136, 137, 139, 149, 320, 321, 322, 323, 329, 339, 342,
    160, 161, 164, 165, 166, 171, 172, 343, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350,
    179, 181, 182, 187, 188, 189, 190, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 358,
    191, 192, 200, 203, 204, 211, 220, 362, 365, 372, 373, 378, 382, 383,
    221, 223, 224, 225, 231, 238, 239, 386, 388, 391, 393, 394, 395, 397,
    249, 253, 255, 258, 260, 262, 264, 398, 401, 402, 403, 409, 410, 411,
    267, 270, 273, 279, 281, 289, 290, 412, 414, 415, 416, 417, 420, 425,
    291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 303, 426, 428, 429, 432, 433, 434, 435,
    305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 318, 320, 439, 440, 442, 443, 445, 446, 447,
    323, 324, 341, 343, 344, 346, 348, 448, 449, 452, 456, 457, 462, 463
    350, 354, 356, 357, 361, 363, 368, Odra, 38
    374, 375, 378, 379, 382, 388, 393, Oupada, xv, 4, 160, 161, 165, 166, 225,
    399, 401, 402, 403, 407, 410, 411, 270, 279, 281, 290, 291, 295, 324,
    413, 414, 415, 416, 421, 423, 427, 336, 341, 368, 378, 411, 413, 421
    433, 435, 437, 448, 450, 452, 454,
    455, 457 P
    Nolia, 82
    Panchalingeswar, xvii, 64, 121, 123,
    301, 452, 457, 458
    472
    Panchapara, 9 Rupsa, 3, 152, 159, 177, 181, 182, 280,
    Panchayat Samiti, 213, 223, 322 290, 291, 340
    Paramanandapur, 81
    Parswanath, 439 S
    Parvati, 116, 352, 437, 443, 446
    Patara, 83, 152 Sahada, 9, 280, 411, 413
    Pataspur, 44 Sahara, 26
    Pathuria, 79 Salandi, 135, 137
    Phagu Dasami, 121 Sambar, 19
    Pharasidinga, 59 Sani, 464
    Piasal, 5, 26 Sapua, 10, 24, 92
    Pipal, 76 Sarada, 109, 269, 271
    Pipili, xvii, 6, 8, 43, 66, 67, 176, 452 Saraswati Puja, 121
    Praja Mandal, 70, 71 Saratha, 6, 8, 9, 432
    Prathamastami, 120 Shab-E-Barat, 122
    Puri, v, 37, 40, 44, 47, 51, 52, 58, 59, 81, Sheep, 139
    176, 221, 228, 233, 236, 239, 245, Shivananda, 109
    304, 306, 329, 339, 348, 351, 357, Similia, 270, 341
    425, 440, 463 Sindhia, 346, 411, 413
    Sisu, 353, 354, 376
    Siva, 1, 104, 301, 348, 440, 443, 444,
    R
    447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 454
    Raibania, xvii, 3, 40, 81, 123, 139, 148, Sivaraja, 37
    269, 271, 285, 290, 291, 348, 411, Sohanpur, 79
    413, 452, 453, 457 Solampur, 39
    Raipur, 270 Soro, xvii, 3, 4, 10, 37, 38, 43, 44, 45, 55,
    Raja Sankranti, 117 64, 74, 77, 81, 82, 111, 119, 120, 147,
    Rajnagar, 443 155, 159, 165, 166, 171, 177, 179,
    Raju, 83 182, 183, 187, 189, 190, 191, 192,
    Rangamatia, 12, 13 193, 224, 225, 230, 270, 279, 281,
    Ranital, 177 286, 287, 290, 291, 294, 295, 302,
    Rasalpur, 51, 151, 152, 280, 341 308, 309, 311, 315, 317, 320, 324,331,
    Rautapada, 9 339, 340, 344, 346, 349, 350, 352,
    Remuna, xv, xvii, 3, 4, 40, 41, 42, 46, 61, 353, 355, 366, 378, 379, 382, 384,
    64, 74, 77, 79, 81, 118, 123, 134, 139, 391, 399, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406,
    149, 151, 152, 156, 159, 161, 163, 407, 408, 410, 413, 414, 415, 416,
    165, 166, 171, 187, 189, 211, 225, 418, 421, 423, 430, 432, 435, 437,
    229, 270, 279, 280, 287, 290, 291, 439, 442, 445, 446, 449, 455, 458
    294, 301, 311, 321, 324, 325, 342, Sualgiri, 84
    343, 345, 346, 348, 351, 353, 378, Subhadra, 118, 451, 454
    391, 410, 411, 413, 414, 415, 416, Sugo, 179
    417, 421, 423, 424, 432, 435, 441, Sun, 101, 107, 120, 156, 417, 456
    445, 453, 454, 457, 458 Sunaposi, 9
    Risabhanath, 439 Sunari, 26, 31, 79
    Sunari Bania, 79
    473
    Sunei, 135 Tulasi, 76, 353, 464

    T U
    Tahasil, xv, 3, 148, 225, 226, 244, 276, USA, 165
    278, 279, 282, 283, 443, 447, 464 Usha, 352, 441
    Tamarind, 17, 207 Utkal, 35, 36, 38, 39, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57,
    Tambuli, 84, 396 63, 152, 155, 340, 343, 345, 352, 353,
    Tanti, 79, 96, 119 354, 355, 416
    Tatanagar, 159, 183 Uttareswar, 165, 438, 458
    Teli, 83, 101
    Thatari, 81, 189 V
    Tihiri, 269, 371, 390
    Todarmal, 229 Vascodagama, 452
    Tosali, 36, 37, 38, 176 Viraja, 38
    Tukaroi, 41

    474

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