Nuapada district General information
Nuapada is a district of Orissa, India. Naupada district located in western part of Orissa, lies between 20° 0' N and 21° 5' No latitudes and between 82° 20' E and 82° 40' E longitudes. Its boundaries extend in the north, west and south to Raipur district in Madhya Pradesh and in the east to Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi districts. This district is spread over in an area of 3407.5 km² and the administrative headquarters is located at Nuapada.
The District of Nuapada was a part of Kalahandi District till early March 1993, but for the administrative convenience, Kalahandi District was divided into two parts i.e. Kalahandi and Nuapada vide State Government Notification No. DRC-44/93/14218/R. dated 27 March 1993. Nuapada District now comprises one sub-division (Nuapada), two tehsils (Nuapada and Khariar) and five Community Development Blocks (Khariar, Sinapalli, Boden, Nuapada and Komna).
The plains of Naupada subdivision fringed by rugged hill ranges stretch southward, which belong to the main line of the Eastern Ghats and contain extensive plateaus of about 4000 ft (1200 m) in elevation with long tropical grass grown over them. They contain such mineral deposits of laterite, graphite and bauxite.
The hill sides rising up precipitously from the plains are covered with dense sal forests. The forests of the district are managed under Forest Division namely Khariar Division. According to their composition, the forests can be classified into sal forests, teak forests, miscellaneous forests where sal, teak and other species occur in mixture and bamboo forest. All these are situated in the dry deciduous forest zone. Timber is by far the major forest produce and sal is no doubt, a major constituent of these products. Other important species are bija, asan, bandhan and teak. Among the minor forest produces of this region are kendu leaf, bamboo, broom-grass, mohua flower and seed, antia bark and sabai-grass. Timber, bamboo and kendu leaf are the main exports outside the state.
History
The District of Nuapada was a part of Kalahandi District till early March 1993, but for the administrative convenience, Kalahandi District was divided into two parts i.e. Kalahandi and Nuapada vide State Government Notification No. DRC-44/93/14218/R. dated 27th March 1993. Nuapada District now comprises one sub-division (Nuapada), two tahasils (Nuapada and Khariar) and five Community Development Blocks (Khariar, Sinapalli, Boden, Nuapada and Komna).
It is believed that the District of Kalahandi formed in ancient time a part of Mahakantara territory. During 4th century A.D. when Samudra Gupta led his campaign through this region a king named Vyaghraraja was ruling over Mahakantara. After Vyaghraraja, the Nala kings like Bhavadatta Varman, Arthapati and Skanda Varman ruled over this region up to about 500 A.D. In the 6th century A.D. a new kingdom developed in the Kalahandi tract under King Tustikara, but very little is known about other kings of his family. The Nuapada area was by that time under the kings of Sarabhapuriya dynasty whose copper plate record and gold coins are available. This region came under the occupation of the Somavamsis of South Kosala during the 8th century A.D. when Mahaivagupta Balarjuna was ruling from his headquarters at Sripur.
In the 9th century A.D. when the Somavamsis were ousted from the Sripur region and organized a new kingdom in Sonepur-Sambalpur tract, the Kalahandi portion continued to be under their rule. In fact, Mahabhabagupta Janamejaya occupied the Trikalinga territory (Koraput area) through Kalahandi. In the middle of the 10th century A.D. the Somavamsi dominion embraced the whole of Orissa under Yayati II Mahasivagupta. His son Udyotakesari divided this dominion and placed the western part (Kosala) under the rule of a collateral branch. Kalahandi was included in the Kosala kingdom the capital of which was Jajatinagar near Sonepur. The rule of the Somavamsis in Kosala collapsed by the invasion of Rajendra Chola in 1022 A.D. and after that the territory came under the rule of the Telugu Cholas. In 1038 A.D. Vajrahasta V of Ganga dynasty became powerful in Parlakhemundi region and after the death of Rajendra Chola in 1044 A.D. he assumed independence and occupied the hilly territory including Koraput and Kalahandi.
The Gangas ruled over Kalahandi for a long period. The stone inscription at Narla reveals that one Madanamahadeva was ruling over Kamalmandala in 1231 A.D. apparently as a feudatory of the Gangas. Tradition preserved by the Durbar of Kalahandi reveals that the Nagas commenced their rule in Kalahandi from Vikram sambat 1062 or A.D. 1005. If the tradition is to be believed it may be said that the Nagas ruled over Kamalmandala as feudatories of the Gangas till 14th century A.D. after which they owed allegiance to the Surjayavamsi Gajapatis. It is not known when Kamalmandala became known as Kalahandi. The earliest reference to the name Kalahandi is found in the Dadhivaman temple inscription dated in Yugabda 4819, i.e., A.D. 1718. In British records this territory was called Karond. This territory assumed independence after the downfall of the Gajapatis of Orissa in 1568 A.D. According to tradition the Kalahandi kingdom commanded sovereign power over eighteen garhs before it was occupied by the Bhonslas of Nagpur in the middle of the 18th century A.D. In 1803 when the Marhattas were defeated by the British and the coastal regions of Orissa as well as the Patna-Sambalpur group of states came under the British, Kalahandi, very probably, continued under the Marhattas. The Patna-Sambalpur group was subsequently restored to Raghujee Bhonsla II in 1806. The Marhattas of Nagpur became subordinate to British power after the 3rd Anglo-Marhatta War in 1818. But Kalahandi continued to be under Marhatta rule till 1853, when the Nagpur state lapsed to the British Crown as Raghujee III died without an heir. The Chauhans were ruling over Khariar since about the time of Rama Deo, the first Chauhan king of Patna. In 1590 A.D. Gopal Ray, a scion of the Patna family became the king of Khariar and started a line of semi-independent kings in that territory. Khariar came under the Marhattas in 1741 A.D. and the British occupied it in 1818.
In 1905 when the District of Sambalpur and some feudatory states including Kalahandi were amalgamated with Orissa Division of Bengal, the Government of the Central Provinces opposed merger of Khariar with Sambalpur and in 1906 Khariar became a part of the Mahasamund tahasil. When the separate province of Orissa was formed in 1936, Khariar was added to Orissa and was made a sub-division (Nuapada sub-division) of Sambalpur District. On the 1st January 1948, Kalahandi alongwith other feudatory states of Orissa except Mayurbhanj, merged with Orissa and on that date the new District of Kalahandi was formed with the ex-states of Kalahandi, Patna and Sonepur. On the 1st November 1949, Patna and Sonepur together constituted a separate District and the Nuapada sub-division of Sambalpur was added to the District of Kalahandi.
Location
Nawapara district located in western part of Orissa, lies between 20 degrees 0' N and 21 degrees 5' No latitudes and between 82 degrees 20' E and 82 degrees 40' E longitudes. Its boundaries extend in the north, west and south to Raipur district in Madhya Pradesh and in the east to Bargarh, Balangir and Kalahandi districts. This district is spread over in an area of 3407.5 sq.kms. and the administrative headquarters is located at Nuapada.
Hill
The plains of Nawapara sub-division fringed by rugged hill ranges stretch southward, which belong to the main line of the Eastern Ghats and contain extensive plateaus of about 4000 ft. in elevation with long tropical grass grown over them. They contain such mineral deposits of laterite, graphite and bauxite.
The hill sides rising up precipitously from the plains are covered with dense sal forests. The forests of the district are managed under Forest Division namely Khariar Division. According to their composition, the forests can be classified into sal forests, teak forests, miscellaneous forests where sal, teak and other species occur in mixture and bamboo forest. All these are situated in the dry deciduous forest zone. Timber is by far the major forest produce and sal is no doubt, a major constituent of these products. Other important species are bija, asan, bandhan and teak. Among the minor forest produces of this region are kendu leaf, bamboo, broom-grass, mohua flower and seed, antia bark and sabai-grass. Timber, bamboo and kendu leaf are the main exports outside the state.
RIVER
Jonk is the principal river of the district, which is often subjected to floods. Silda, Sundar, Khohjharia, Indra and Udanti are the hill streams found in the district. These are perennial in nature and reduced almost to tiny streams in their lower reaches; particularly in the months between February and June.
TOWNS, VILLAGES AND AMENITIES
The district is at present comprised of one sub-division, two tahasils, five Community Development Block and 102 Gram Panchayats. It has two towns and 659 villages. The sex-ratio, i.e. females per 1000 males of the district as per 1991 census is 1002 as against the state average sex-ratio of 971.
COMMUNICATIONS
A ailway line from Vizianagaram on the South-Eastern Railways passes through the district on its way to Raipur (Madhya Pradesh). It is a broad gauge railway line and was opened to traffic in 1932. It enters the district on upper eastern point in Nuapada P.S., the first station in the district being Lakhna. After going north for some distance it finally leaves the district and enters Madhya Pradesh. Khariar Road is the main railhead for the district. The district is not adequately served by the road communication. It does not fall on the alignment of any of the National Highways. State Highway No.3 passes through this district and it maintains direct communication with the adjoining districts apart from all the important places within the district. The state transport buses ply on all the routes.
Economy
The population of Nuapada is 5,30,000 of which 98% are Hindu, 0.7% are Muslim, 0.1% are Christian, the remainder are Buddhist, Jain and others.
The main dialect spoken in Nuapada is Kosali. The local dialect is strongly influenced by Loria which is the main language spoken in the state of Chattisgarh. The main tribes living in the District are: Gonds; Bhunjias; Chakotias; Dals; and Souras. The schedule castes are the Ghasis; Chamars; and Doms. Other backward castes are Praharias.
The district is one of the poorest in Orissa. According to the district statistical handbook, 83% of families live below the Government of India poverty line of Rs.15,000 (US$300) per annum. Of the families living below the poverty line over 50% are 'very poor' with an income of only Rs.6000 (US$120) per annum.
Tourist Place
Budhikomana : Budhikomana houses the famous temple of 'Pataleswar' made of bricks in 'Pancharatha' style unique in the state. A connoisseur of art and architecture finds immense pleasure in observing the different facets of this place. It is also a popular pilgrim center in the locality.
Yogeswar Temple : Although the temple is new, its God ( Sibalinga) is pretty old, dating back to 6th century. The temple is built by the help of rehabilitation assistance fund and unexpected source. Locals lent their helping hand. The help of cassette king late Gulshan Kumar is significant. He has donated all the marble fitted so far. A “Jugal Murti” of Shiba-Parvati craved out of single stone is placed as his spiritual giftin the sanctum -sanctorium Ram temple is located down hill. 40 ft. hanuman statue is one of the attraction.
A drive in the winding road along the running water canal slakes the thirst of tired tourist. Still more trekking up the road to the temple across green hills with a glance at the transparent reservoir amid lively forest, offers breath taking view.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:The nearest Airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Nuapada is at Rajpur, Chhatishgarh 130-Kms
Bhubaneswar the state capital of Orissa 535-kms. There is an airstrip at Gotma 7-kms and 4-kms respectively from Nuapada and Khariar Road.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Nuapada Road 3-kms on Vizang-Raipur line on East Coast Railway.
Road: Nuapada is connected with all weather motorable roads to Bhubaneswar, Orissa and Raipur, Chhatishgarh and various other cities of the state NH 217.
From Nuapada it is around 18 KM away towards Dharambandha.
Accommodation
Inspection Bunglow, Circuit House and Lodge are available at Nuapada and Patora as per choice of the tourist.
Rajeev Udyan, Patora : On the left of the dam down the slopes of hill sprawls a replica of the Brundaban Garden. Recline on the velvety grass and enjoy nature in its aesthetic form.
Just below the dam, a flora fountain in the making. The srinkling water within a flowering ring presents a splendid sight. Colourful ling add its beauty at night and oldy goldy music gives immense relief to tired tourist.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:The nearest Airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Nuapada is at Rajpur, Chhatishgarh 130-Kms
Bhubaneswar the state capital of Orissa 535-kms. There is an airstrip at Gotma 7-kms and 4-kms respectively from Nuapada and Khariar Road.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Nuapada Road 3-kms on Vizang-Raipur line on East Coast Railway.
Road: Nuapada is connected with all weather motorable roads to Bhubaneswar, Orissa and Raipur, Chhatishgarh and various other cities of the state NH 217.
From Nuapada it is around 18 KM away towards Dharambandha.
Accommodation
Inspection Bunglow, Circuit House and Lodge are available at Nuapada and Patora as per choice of the tourist.
Patalganga : It is a nice spot in the bosom of nature with a perennial spring, the water of which is considered as sacred as that of the holy Ganges. Local people perform their obsequies in the down stream. Legend would have it that Rama, Laxman and Sita visited the spot during their exile where Sita felt thirsty. Laxman pierced the ground with his arrow occasioning the birth of the spring. On the day of solar eclipse and lunar eclipse, people here gather in large number to take their bath in the holy water.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:The nearest Airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Nuapada is at Rajpur, Chhatishgarh 130-Kms
Bhubaneswar the state capital of Orissa 535-kms. There is an airstrip at Gotma 7-kms and 4-kms respectively from Nuapada and Khariar Road.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Nuapada Road 3-kms on Vizang-Raipur line on East Coast Railway.
Road: Nuapada is connected with all weather motorable roads to Bhubaneswar, Orissa and Raipur, Chhatishgarh and various other cities of the state NH 217.
From Nuapada it is around 95 KM away towards Khariar and Boden. From Boden it is around 5 KM away.
Accommodation
Inspection Bunglow, Circuit House and Lodge are available at Nuapada, Khariar as per choice of the tourist.
Yogimath : Cave paintings of Neolithic age are found at Yogimath. The paintings on the rock surface are distinctly drawn in Indian red, which include bull cow. The painting of Calf and man signifies man's entry into agriculture. Nearby stands the 'Risipiti' mountain, interesting for producing clear echoes.
Khariar
Godhus Waterfall : Situated at a height of 30mtr, the fall is very much energetic in rainy and winter season and get dried in summer. In the down a temple of Lord siva is present. An annual fair is arranged here on Baisakhi which attaracts thousand of pilgrims. Sorrounded by forest with watch tower and Jalki water reservoir near Lodra village, suitable site for nature camp. It is 30 KM from Nupada District Headquarter / 163 KM from Raipur / 540 KM from Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur / 33 KM from Nuapada Railway Station / 42 KM from Khariar Road Railway station / 172 KM from Bhawanipatna.
Beniadhus
Magnificient Beniadhus water fall of 24 mtrs. height located in the Sunabeda Wildlife sanctuary. The Jonk River starts from sunabeda plateau. The Goddess Sunadei, presiding deity of the plateau, is sacredly worshiped by the people of the area on the day of Dusserra. It is 102 KM from Nupada District Headquarter / 222KM from Raipur / 642 KM from Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur / 105 KM from Nuapada Railway Station / 115 KM from Khariar Road Railway station / 162 KM from Bhawanipatna.
Kharaldhus
Kharadhus Water fall of 50 Meter height, located toward west of Beniadhus waterfall. It is 102 KM from Nupada District Headquarter / 222KM from Raipur / 642 KM from Bhubaneswar via Sambalpur / 105 KM from Nuapada Railway Station / 115 KM from Khariar Road Railway station / 162 KM from Bhawanipatna.
Raital Sagar
Dadhibaban Temple : A temple named Dadhibaman locally called Badagudi is situated in the hear of Khariar town, and it is believed to be more than 50 years old. Since the beginning of this century, the place has been the seat of Activities of an American Evangelical Mission.
Suadei Temple, Sunabeda
Jain Temple, Khariar Road