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Western Odisha

Coordinates: 20°35′N 84°28′E / 20.58°N 84.47°E / 20.58; 84.47
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20°35′N 84°28′E / 20.58°N 84.47°E / 20.58; 84.47

Western Odisha,[1] also referred as Kosal [2][3] is a territory in western part of Odisha, India, extending from the Kalahandi district in the south to the Sundargarh district in the northwest. Western Odisha includes the districts of Balangir, Bargarh, Boudh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Sundargarh, and Aathamallik Sub-division of Angul Dist. During the Chauhan rule this land was also known as Hirakhand, literal meaning in English is the land of Diamonds.Their kingdom was comprising of all the present districts of Western Orissa except the dist of Kalahandi.

Prior to the 5th century, Dakshin Kosal was one of the several names by which this region was known. It is a vast geographical area, exhibiting a great degree of cultural uniformity in terms of demography and life-style.

This geographical area is also recognised by state government of Orissa as the area under Western orissa development council (WODC).[4]. The Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapada, and Kalahandi districts of this region are also part of the Kalahandi Balangir Koraput or "KBK" area, noted for its high death rate from starvation and poverty. The book Cultural Profile of South Kosal depicts the rich history and culture of Kosalanchal.

February 2 is Western Odisha day.[5]

History

In the epic Ramayana, Western Odisha or Kosal region is described as a part of “Dandakaranya”. During the period of conquest of Kalinga by emperor Ashoka, this area was known as Attabika, i.e. a region inhabited by people of forests and mountains.[6] This region was part of Dakhin Kosal in ancient times.

  • Som Dynasty

Many small kingdoms, ruled by local chieftains, existed in ancient times, in what is presently called Western Odisha. Tibardeb of the Som dynasty, whose capital was at Sripur, in Chhattisgarh was the first ruler, who defeated all these chieftains and established a large kingdom in Dakhin Kosalcomprising what is present day Chhattisgarh and Western Odisha. There upon, he used the title of “Kosaladhipati”. He ruled in the 6th century. 'Janmejaya Mahabhab Gupta' became king in 640. He, subsequently shifted his capital, first to ‘Binitpur’ (presently known as Bin’ka) and then to “Son-pur” in Western Odisha. In the middle of the 10th century, Yayati, a king of the Som dynasty of South Kosal, whose capital was at Sonpur, acquired control of Utkal and shifted his capital to Yayatinagar in Utkal region. There upon he kept Sonpur under a prince of his clan.[7]

  • Chol Dynasty

'Yasoraj', an army commander of 'Rajendra Chol' of the South, conquered Sonpur in 1040 and ruled Western Odisha. Four rulers of this dynasty ruled until 1110.

  • Kalchuri Dynasty

Jajalla Deb, a ruler of the Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur, defeated the ruler of Sonpur and annexed it with his kingdom in 1110. It was under the Kalchuri rulers of Ratanpur (Now in Chhattisgarh state) from 1110 to 1238.[8] Thus, South Kosal again remained as one unit. Both, eastern part of South Kosal (Western Odisha) and western part of South Kosal (Chhattisgarh) were united and ruled by the Kalchuri rulers of Ratanpur.

  • Ganga dynasty

'Anangbhim Deb' of the Ganga dynasty of Kalinga, gained control of Western Odisha region in 1238 by defeating the ruler of Ratanpur.

  • Chauhan Dynasty

'Ramai Deb' of the Chauhan dynasty established his kingdom in 1320 with his capital at 'Patnagarh'in present day's Balangir Dist, and virtually ruled independently. He used the title of “ Hirakhand Nrupati“.

In 15th century AD Narasingh Deva, the twelfth Raja of Patna, ceded to his brother Balram Deva all the jungle country bounded on the North by the river Mahanadi, on the East by the river Tel, on the South by the Ang river, and on the west by the river Jonk . Balram Deva, who is regarded as the founder of the Sambalpur Raj, installed Samalai, the tutelary goddess of his family. The town thus established is the modern Sambalpur.

He defeated the rulers of Bamanda, Gangpur, Sarguja and Ratanpur. The State founded by Balram Deva soon became the most powerful of all the Garhjat States, and the power of the Sambalpur chiefs steadily increased, while that of Patna declined.

After the death of Narasingha Deb of Patnagarh in 1547, his son 'Hamir Deb' became king. He died in 1549. His son 'Pratap Deb' was only 7 years old, so the queen ruled in the name of his son. Taking advantage of this situation ministers started misruling. So, Balaram Deb sent his son 'Hridayanarayana Deb' to rule Patnagarh in 1550. Thus, Patnagarh became a subsidiary of Sambalpur. After death of Balaram Deb, Hridayanarayana Deb became ruler of Sambalpur and Pratap Deb was again made king of Patnagarh but Patnagarh remained under Sambalpur. Hirde Narayan Deva's successor, Balbhadra Sai (AD 1605-1630) occupied sonepur region from the Bhanja ruler and Baud accepted feudal superiority of Sambalpur. He settled his second son Madan Gopal in Sonepur.

Madhukar Sai, the eldest son of Balbhadra Sai succeeded to the Sambalpur Raj; and on his death it passed to Baliar Singh, whose suzerainty was acknowledged by the chiefs of the eighteen Garhjats, viz; Bamra, Gangpur, Bonai, Patna, Sonpur, Khariar, Raidehakhol, Raigarh, Sarangarh, Binda-Nuagarh, Sakti, Borasambar, Phuljhar, Baud, Athgarh, Panchgarh, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar. He was bestowed with the title of Hirakhand Chhatrapati Maharaj, i,e; the great lord of the country of diamonds.

  • Maratha rule

This kingdom lost its independence to the Maratha Bhonsla of Nagpur in 1800 AD. The Raja, Jainth Singh, and his son, Maharaj Sai, were captured and sent as prisoners to Chanda, the Maratha stronghold near Nagpur. In 1803 AD, Raghuji Bhonsla, Raja of Nagpur ceded this land to the British under the treaty of Deogaon. Sambalpur along with all feudal states didn't remain long under the British suzerainty, in 1805 it was gratuitously restored to Raghuji Bhonsla again.

  • British Rule

In 1817, the Sambalpur Kingdom again came under British suzerainty, when the fourth Maratha war broke out. Raja Jainth Singh was restored to power again in Sambalpur in that year but he died in 1818, and the country was then administered by the British for a year.

Maharja Sai, the son of Jainth Singh, was made Raja in 1820, though without the feudal superiority which the former Rajas had held over the other Garhjats. He died in 1827 AD. Separate sanands were granted to all the chiefs of Garhjats in 1821 AD by the British and there after all the Garhjats enjoyed semi-independent status under British by paying annual tributes, till 1948 AD when they were merged into Independent India.

When the last ruler of Sambalpur, 'Narayan Singh', died in 1849 without a direct male heir, the British seized the state under the doctrine of lapse. Sambalpur was kept under "South west Frontier Agency" with headquarters at Ranchi. "South west Frontier Agency" was renamed ‘Chhota Nagpur Division’ in 1854. The name of Veer Surendra Sai, who fought against theBritish Rule, is recorded in golden letters in the history of India's struggle for independence. During the Sepoy Mutiny in July 1857 the mutineers broke open the prison at Hazaribagh, where Surendra Sai was imprisoned and released all the prisoners. Surendra Sai fought against the British after reaching Sambalpur.

In 1860 AD Sambalpur was temporarily transferred to the Orissa Division of Bengal to subdue the rebellion led by Veer Surendra Sai.

By a notification of the 30th April 1862 it was made over to the newly constituted Central Provinces. Sambalpur along with other princely states of Western Odisha was included in the newly createdChhattisgarh division of Central Province in 1862.

In January 1896, Hindi was made official language of Sambalpur district. For the people of Western Odisha, whose mother tongue is Sambalpuri, it made no difference whether Hindi is the official language or Oriya. Moreover, people of Western Odisha speak Hindi more fluently and correctly than Oriya. People of Utkal region were employed in large numbers in Government jobs in Western Odisha. They feared that they will have no future, if Hindi continued as the official language. They, and some misguided locals, organized a movement for the retention of Oriya language as the official language. Oriya was re-introduced as the official language of Sambalpur district in 1903 but they demanded amalgamation with Odisha Division as a solution of the language crisis. This suited Lord Curzon, Sir Andrew Fraser and Mr. Risley, who were bent upon dividing Bengal on the basis of religion, so that British rule could continue in India. So the demand of amalgamation was accepted by the British Government during the partition of Bengal in 1905 when Sambalpur and the adjacent Sambalpuri speaking tracts were amalgamated with the Odisha Division under Bengal Presidency. Bengal's Odisha division became part of the new province of Bihar and Odisha in 1912, and in April 1936 became the separate province of Odisha.

  • Post - independence

After Indian Independence on August 15, 1947, Odisha became an Indian state. The rulers of the Princely states of Western Odisha acceded to the Government of India in January 1948 and became part of Odisha state.

Separate Kosal state movement

Main article: Kosal state movement

People of Western Odisha or Kosalanchal are demanding a separate Kosal state, comprising the western part of the State of Odisha.[9][10] The area of the proposed Kosal state is more than 50,000 km2, which is comparable to the areas of Kerala (33,883 km2), Haryana (44,212 km2), Punjab (50,362 km2), Uttranchal (53,483 km2) and Himachal(55,673 km2). The movement is gaining momentum due to the involvement of political parties and various groups of intellectuals.[11]

Geography and climate

Geographically, this tract of land is mostly mountainous and hilly, interspersed with rivers and valleys. Rivers Mahanadi and Brahmani are the major rivers flowing through Kosal region. Tributaries of river Mahanadi that flow through this region are Ib, Jeera, Ang and Tel. Western Odisha has many mountains, chief mountain peaks among them are Bankasam (1275 Mtrs.), Tangri Donger (1229Mtrs.), Baphlimali (1220 Mtrs.), Karlapat plateau (1213 Mtrs.) in Kalahandi district, Champaghara (1257 Mtrs.), Murali soru (1223 Mtrs.), Doda soru (1157 Mtrs.) in Kandhamal district, Nrusinghnath (786 Mtrs.) in Bargarh district, Debrigarh (680 Mtrs,)in Sambalpur district, Badpati of Loisingha (690 Mtrs.) in Balangir district, Mankadnacha of Bonai (1090 Mtrs.) in Sundargarh district, Katpar of Khariar (970 Mtrs.) in Nuapada district. Some natural falls of Western Odisha are Khandadhar (369 mtrs.) in Sundagarh district, Pradhanpat in Deogarh district, Nrusinghnath (75 mtrs.) in Bargarh district, Phurli jharan (16 mtrs) in Kalahandi district, Harishankar in Balangir district etc. Nearly 50 % of the area of Western Odisha is covered by forest. Highest forest coverage is in Kandhamal district, which is nearly 70 %. Main forest products are Kendu leaf, Bamboo, Timber and Firewood.

Climate - The floral diversity and topographical variety ensure the experience of all the six seasons in this area. Western Odisha experiences five seasons prominently, namely, Summer, Rainy, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Spring season is short lived. Summer season is generally from 1 April to end of June. During summer season the climate is generally very hot and dry. In the month of May, mercury shoots above 45 °C in places like Titilagarh in Balangir district, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda and Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district. In other areas of Western Odisha, highest day temperature remains between 40 °C and 45 °C. Rainy season is in the month of July and August, during which, the area experiences moderate rainfall, which varies from 115 to 145 cms from place to place. In winter season, which is generally in the months of December and January, minimum temperature comes down to 4 °C in places like Daringbadi in Kandhamal district and Tensa in Sundargarh district. Sometimes, these two places experiences mild snowfall during night. Other areas remain moderately cold, with minimum temperature varying from 9 °C to 15 °C. In the last few decades, western Odisha has suffered from repeated drought.[12] and it is considered the poorest region in India.[13]

Natural resources

Kosal region is rich with minerals. Iron ore is available in plenty at Tensa and Barsuan in Sundargarh district, Bauxite is available in Niyamgiri in Kalahandi district, Gandhamardan in Bargarh district, Khariar and Karlapat in Nuapada district, Coal is available in Himgir in Sundargarh district and Rampur in Jharsuguda district. Dolomite is available at Dubulabera and Kangorama in Sambalpur district and Lephripada in Sundargarh district. Graphite is available at Patnagarh and Titilagarh in Balangir district. Manganese ore is available in Nuapada and Balangir district. Fireclay is available at Belpahar in Jharsuguda district, Gandawara in Sambalpur district and some places of Sundargarh district.[14] Precious stone deposits are found in Balangir and Kalahandi districts. There was a time when Western Odisha was abundant with gems and jungle. Hence, the region is also described in literature as "RatnaGarbhaa Mahaaranya".

Demographics

Proposed Kosal state map, consisting of the 10 districts of present Western Odisha

Nearly 40% of the population of Kosal are autochthonous tribes or adivasis and the rest belong to general and other castes. The Aghria people, a braj bhasha-speaking community, comprise approximately 10% of the population. They migrated into the region in the mid-1550s from regions around the city of Agra, as their name indicates, in northwestern Uttar Pradesh. During the last five decades, many Hindi-speaking people, such as the Gujaratis, the Marwaris (Rajasthanis), and the Punjabis, have also migrated to the region and adapted to the local culture, boosting the economy of Western Odisha. Many migrants have adopted Sambalpuri as their language of communication, integrating themselves more fully into the Kosli culture and heritage.

The weavers of this region, especially the Bhulia community, have tied and dyed colourful sarees (Sambalpuri Saree) for several hundred years. This part of the state is also famous for its Shakti worshipers. According to Hindu traditions, people in most of the districts in Western Odisha worship goddesses, in contrast to most parts of coastal Odisha, where gods are worshiped. In Western Odisha, every district has its own tutelary goddesses. For example, Sambalpur's prime deity is Maa Samaleswari; Balangir's primary deity is Maa Pataneswari; Titlagarh's primary deities are Maa Ghantasuni and Baba Dhabaleshwara; Kalahandi's primary deity is Maa Manikeswari; Sonepur's primary deity is Maa Sureswari; Sundergarh's primary deities are Maa Sekharbasini and Maa Banadurga; and Bargarh's primary deity is Maa Metakani.

Population

District District Headquarters Area (km2.) Population 1991 Census Population 2001 Census
Balangir Balangir 6,575 1,230,938 1,335,760
Bargarh Bargarh 5,837 1,207,172 1,345,601
Baudh (Boudh) Baudh 3,098 317,622 373,038
Debagarh (Deogarh) Debagarh 2,940 234,238 274,095
Jharsuguda Jharsuguda 2,081 446,726 509,056
Kalahandi Bhawanipatna 7,920 1,130,903 1,334,372
Nuapada Nuapada 3,852 469,482 530,524
Sambalpur Sambalpur 6,675 809,017 928,889
Subarnapur Sonepur 2,337 476,815 540,659
Sundargarh Sundargarh 9,712 1,573,617 1,829,412

(Source: Census of India, 2001)[15]

In addition to the ten districts listed above and shown on the map, the Western Odisha Development Council includes Anugul on its website.[5]

Western Odisha contains 24.34% of the total population of the Odisha state. Tribal populations comprise 40% of Western Odisha's total population. The Aghrias, a community from northwestern Utar Pradesh, make up close to 10% of the population in the area. 23.38% of Odisha'sScheduled Caste population and 33.9% of its Scheduled Tribe population reside in this region. The area supports 29.75% of the Odisha state'seconomically backward people, 25.8% of its cultivators, 27.52% of its agricultural labourers, 32.18% of its household industrial workers, 25.36% of its workers overall, 30.54% of its marginal workers and 22.87% of its non-workers.

People

Tribals

Other Native Castes

Farmers Suicide in Western Odisha

Main article: Farmers Suicide in Western Odisha

Kosli Language

Main article: Kosli Language

Kosli, is an ancient language and it is one of the five Prakrit languages existing since the Vedic era with Sanskrit. However, over the course of time and for many reasons, the language has lost its identity up to a certain level; lack of unprejudiced research and study is one among those. Recent research done at Sambalpur University has claimed Kosli as a distinct language,[16][17] as a result of which the University has introduced a one-year diploma course in Sambalpuri Studies.[18] This language has a rich and vast vocabulary and many literary works have lately been published in the Kosli language.

People from a large area encompassing the western part of Odisha (Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Deogarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Boud, Phulbani and Northern Koraput regions), parts of Chattisgarh (the Bhatri region of Bastar district, and the eastern part of Debhog, Phuljhar, Raigarh, and Sarangarh to Jashpur) use Kosli as their mother tongue.[19]

Kosli is a direct derivative of Sanskrit. Each word is enriched with deep meaning and full of life. The soulful representation of its culture and environment is its insignia and represents its independency. For example, the word khaman meaning jungle:

Khaman originates from the Sanskrit word Khaban.

Kh = AakaSh [sky]

Khaban = AakaShaspaRShI bana

According to the rule of Prakrit: Ba > Ma

Hence, Khaban = Khaman.

Kosli is not a dialect of any language. All the words of this language originated in and developed from Sanskrit through Prakrit.[20]

Example:

Sanskrit > Prakrit> Kosli

AtasI > AlasI > Alasi

AamRam >AmbNGa > Aam

AadRam > Aallam, AdhNGa > Ol, Uda

Kosli Drama

Main article: Kosli Drama

Art and culture

Kosalanchal is culturally influenced by several different cults and religions. Its history dates back to the Mahabharat and Buddhist period. Folk songs and dances of this area have been revived and recognized during the last quarter century, including Dand (Danda Yatra and Danda Nata), which is considered to be one of the oldest forms of variety entertainment in India, to the modern "Krushnaguru Bhajan", a type of folk lyrics and songs. Sambalpuri language songs are quite popular throughout Odisha. Some hits include Rangabati, Ekda Ekda, Dalkhai, and Panbala Babu.[21][22][23]

Songs and Dances

Main Article: Folk dance of western orissa

Dalkhai, A Sambalpuri Folk Dance Form

Children's verses are known as Chhiollai, Humobauli and Dauligit. Adolescent's poems are Sajani, Chhata, Daika, Bhekani. The eternal youth composes Rasarkeli, Jaiphul, Maila Jada, Bayamana, Gunchikuta, and Dalkhai. The working man's poetry includes Karma and Jhumer, pertaining to Lord Vishwakarma and the Karamashani goddess. Professional entertainers perform Dand,Danggada, Mudgada, Ghumra, Sadhana, Sabar or Sabaren, Disdigo, Nachina or Bajnia, Samparda, and Sanchar. These are for any occasion, with varieties of rhythm and rhyme.

Folk musical instruments

There is a dizzying array of folk musical instruments in vogue in Western Odisha. Some of these are as follows: dhulak, pakhoj, dugitabla, mridanga, mardal, nalbaja, dhapada, timkidi, nagara, behela, khanjani, dhapli, muhuri, bansi, Singh-Kahali Bir-Kahali, ghulghula, ghunguru, kendera, khadkhadi, ektara, ghumra, gini, kathi, jhanj, dhol, madal, nishan and tasha.

Of these, the dhol, madal, nishan and tasha are the four oldest unmodified percussion instruments. These four have been used and combined in almost all types of folk songs. The dhol is the oldest instrument of this region and the easiest to construct. The madal is the second oldest, showing craftsmanship and research. A nishan is a miniature nagara, which is carried over the shoulder or around the waist of the dancer while dancing.

Rangabati

Rangabati is a modern composed song inspired by folk music, written about 1975, which enjoyed international popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It was sung by Jitendra Haripal and Krishna Patel. The music was composed by Prabhudutta Pradhan and the lyrics by Mitrabhanu Gauntia. The song was recorded and broadcast by All India Radio, Sambalpur[24]

Indoor Games of Kosal

Indoor game playing in Western Odisha has waned and many of the games formerly played are now extinct, though the following two games are still played, albeit only by some of the tribal villagers, and these two are also on the verge of extinction.

  • Chhaka is an indoor game popular among women of the Kosal-Sambalpuri region. It is played with 6 pieces of large-sized shell (Couri) and 16 pieces of multi-coloured wooden dots. The game is traditional enough that a complete set of "Couris’ and dots is taken by new brides to their husbands' houses after marriage.
  • Ganjapa is probably named after its inventor Gajapada.[citation needed] It is played with circular shaped cards one and one-half inches in diameter. The pack consists 144 cards, divided in to 12 suits of 12 cards each, six of the suits belong to Ram’s division and other six suits, to Ravana’s division. Thus, the game centers around the epic battle between Ram and Ravana. The village Champamal in the Sonepur district is famous for its traditional manufacture of beautiful Ganjapa cards.

Kosli movies

Upcoming movie

Terracotta

Terracotta is also a traditional Kosali art of clay construction.

Festivals

Popular festivals of this region are Nuakhai, Gundikhaaee, Bhaye juintiaa, Po juintiaa, Poos poonee, Pooraa uaans, Sital sasthi, Dhanu yaatraa etc.

The Sambalpuri saree

Main article: Sambalpuri Saree

The Sambalpuri saree is made from fabric woven on a hand-loom, and is popular throughout India.[25] Varieties of the Sambalpuri saree include Sonepuri, Saptaapar (Pasaapaali), Sachipar, Udiaan-taraa, Panchavati, Bomkai, Barpaali, Baaptaa and Paradaa saris, all of which are popular. Most sarees are named after the placee of their origin and they are popularly known as Paata. Paintings on Tussar saris depicting Mathura Vijay, Raslila and Ayodhya Vijay owe their inspiration to Raghurajpur Pattachitra paintings. A special type of “tie and dye” known as ‘’Baandha’’ is used to weave Sambalpuri saree. Sambalpuri saree possesses fast colours, so that, the older the saree becomes, the colour becomes brighter.[citation needed]

Traditional costumes of Sambalpuri women

Kosali women were wearing following ornaments prior to 1920 but modern women have given up using many of them. A type of necklace known as khagla, a round ornament made from silver. In the upper part of the ear they used an ornament known as jhalka and Bentala. In the earlobe, they wear an ornament called gathia. Karna phoola-Shikla was worn on the ear. In the nose, an ornament known as jharaguna and Phooli was being used. In the hair are worn panpatri or belkhadi (a small stick used to clip flower buds into hair). They wear two types of ornaments on their hands, known as katria and bandria. On the arms, they formerly wore one type of ornament known as taad and Baha-suta. On the legs are worn painry or tudal. On the ankles are worn Paye-jhol. Around the waist, women used a silver chain known as Ghunsi. Rings are also used on fingers and Jhuntia on the toes. A sphere shaped silver box known as Karat was used by women.

Women of this region were getting permanent Tattoo on their body. On the forearm they tattooed their name or the name of God or Goddess, on the back of their palm they tattooed different designs. They also wear janyiphool and karai phool; two types of flower. The cloth which local women wear is known as kapta, which is similar to the Sambalpuri Saree but shorter, less wide, and thicker.

Kosli Cuisine or Sambalpuri Food

Kosli cuisine or popularly, Sambalpuri food is integral to the Kosli cultural identity and it is quite different in every sense from that of the rest of Odisha. Some of the important Kosli foods are kardi (bamboo shoot), hendua chutchuta, Paatalghantaa dhuldhulaa, Lethaa, Aambil, Thukthukaa, chaul bara and bhuja.Basi Pakhal (fermented rice) Sukha jhuri(sun dried fish)Chitka

Food during festivals -- Rasbaraa (Prepared from green gram and sugar), Moog-sijhaa (sweetened boiled green gram), Sarsatiaa and Tikhri are prepared during festivals. Three types of tikhri are prepared. They are Moog-tikhri, Madiaa-tikhri and Paalua-tikhri.


Education

Besides the above institutions there are various academic government colleges in each district of the Kosal region.

Large structures and monuments

Major industries

Badmal Balangir is the only ordnance factory of Odisha.

Notable persons of Western Odisha

Born in 1850, in Baisakh Purnima, the celebrated religious poet and devotee Bhima Bhoi, it is said, was born in a Kandha family in Granadihsvillage in the Rairakhol Sub-Division of the Sambalpur District of the Kosal region. Bhima Bhoi died in 1895 at Siva Chaturdasi. He was born blind. According to the poet himself, he could acquire his poetic prowess and knowledge about religion only by the blessings of his guru Mahima Mahaprabhu. Books by Bhima Bhoi include: Stuti Chintamani, Sruti Nisedha Gita, Ashtaka Bihari Gita, Bhajanamal etc.

Born on 19 January 1926 in Samaleipadar village in Bargarh district, Parbati Giri was just 16 when she was in the forefront of agitation followingMahatma Gandhi’s “Quit India” call. She continued to serve the nation socially after independence. She opened an orphanage at Paikmal village and devoted rest of her life for the welfare of orphans.

Known for his service and benevolence, Isaac Santra was born in 1892 at Sambalpur. He graduated as a doctor from Cuttack and entered into aleprosy eradication mission. He established a lepers’ home at Hatibari, a village surrounded by dense forests, and spent his time serving patients. Highly admired by his patients, in academic circles in abroad, and even by Mahatma Gandhi during his later visit to Sambalpur, for his humanitarianism and philanthropy, Isaac Santara was honoured by the government of India with the Padmashree Award. He also edited a magazine namedPrabhatee, propounding human values and qualities. He died on 29 August 1968.

Born on March 20, 1900 to a Brahmin family in Dabkatikra, a village in the Bargarh district, Padmashree Krutartha Acharya pioneered in making the Sambalpuri design and fabric based on “Tie and Dye” method, both inside and outside the country. He established the Sambalpuri Bastralaya in 1930 and subsequently formed a cooperative society of weavers of Bargarh and nearby districts.

Satya Narayan Bohidar was born on August 1, 1913 at Sonepur. His formative and creative years were spent in Sambalpur, where he produced many Samalpuri poems. Bohidar prepared the dictionary and basic grammar to the previously uncodified Sambalpuri language.

Dr. Nilamadhab Panigrahi is the most eminent vatary of the Kosali/Sambalpur language; an essayist, literateur, poet-author of many books, editor of 'Nishan' & many other literary works. Designated as 'Kosal-Vyasha' for having singlehandedly composed the epic 'Mahabharatar Katha', published by Sambalpur University, he is still in the pursuit of literature and is in his eighties now. He received a 'D.Litt' from Sambalpur University for his lifetime works in the field of literature. He floated an honour & reward of Rs. 10,000 which is given by Sambalpur University every year for translation of any Sanskrit work into the Sambalpuri/Kosali language. He co-authored the 'Sambalpuri-Kosali Grammar' book with Dr. Prafulla Tripathy, which was also published by Sambalpur University. He is honoured by many cultural & literary organisations, but because of his intense love for the Sambalpuri/Kosali language, he refused the 'Sarala Samman' which was to be given by IMFA Group, because it was awarded by an Odia-lover. He was the convenor of the 'Kosal Sammellan', along with Mr. P.R. Dubey & Pandit Prayag Datta Joshi, which spearheaded the socio-linguistic movement in the Kosal region. He sat on a hunger strike, demanding primers (primary schoolbooks), for a literacy campaign, be made in the 'Sambalpuri/Kosali' language in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda & Bargarh districts and he prevailed upon the district authorities. He is an erstwhile Sanskrit & Odia scholar who has abandoned writing in the Odia language for about three decades. He is also a prominent personality in India in the field of Indian classical music and was the principal of 'Gandharva Viswa-Vidyalaya', U.P.

Hemachandra Acharya (April 24, 1926-August 26, 2009) was born in Garbhana, a village of Bargarh district in Odisha state. He is a notedlitterateur, translator and scholar, popularly known as the Balmiki of Kosali literature for his translation of The Ramayana into Kosali. A people’s poet, his milestone work of writing The Kosali Ramayana: Ram Raha, published by the Sambalpur University in 2001, made him dear to the masses in the Western Odisha region where people speak the Kosali (Sambalpuri) language. People in villages in the region religiously preserve and recite his translated version. He was also engaged in translation of the Upanishad into Kosali. His other major literary works include several plays, Sanchar geets and the traditional Keertan Geet. He was honoured by the Sambalpur University and the Western Odisha Cultural Forum, and by scores of literary organisations.

Kunjabihari Meher was born in 1928 at Barpali. He was an artist of Sambalpuri Ikat, and was known as Kala-Gourav (Glory of Art) for his extraordinary skill, invention of new designs, and constant efforts to promote Sambalpuri handloom tie and dye fabrics. Meher's artistry has been preserved in the Port History Museum of U.S.A., the Museum of Germany, and the State and National Museums of India. He was honoured with Padmashree Samman in 1998. He was also awarded the Honourary Felicitation of Liberty Bell by the governor of Philadelphia.

Manabodh Rana or Maharana was born in 1959 at Barpali and specialized in Terracotta roof tiles. Each roof tile made of a mixture of black and red clays has the figure of an animal, bird or human being perched on top of it. He has given live demonstrations of this indigenous art at the N.H.&H. Museum, in New Delhi and at craft bazaars in Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore and Surajkund. He has also represented the country for live demonstration of this art in Japan (1988) and Denmark (1994). He received a national award in 1986, a Kalanidhi Award in 1991, and special recognition from Japan. Doordarshan telecast a special feature on him and his Surabhi programme in September 1991 and he was also featured on STAR TV in 1996.

Tourist places of Western Odisha

Places of natural beauty are abundant in Western Odisha. The Patala Ganga spot at Nuapada District is one popular destination for tourists. Ushakothi, Hirakud and Budrama in Sambalpur district also attract attention. Similarly, the Khandadhar Waterfall in Sundargarhdistrict is a popular tourist spot. The Mahanadi and the Tel river in Suvarnapur district present beautiful natural scenes at the confluence of the two rivers.

Western Odisha tourist sites, by district:

Bargarh

Balangir

Boudh

Deogarh

Jharsuguda

Kalahandi

Nuapada

Sambalpur

  • Samaleswari Temple (Samlei Gudi) is a 17th century shrine dedicated to the goddess Maa Samaleswari, the tutelary goddess of the Kosal region. Samalei Gudi is the second most visited temple in the present Odisha state after Puri Jagannath Temple.
  • Huma is famous for the Leaning Temple of Lord Shiva, which is relatively older and leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Catching fish is not allowed and tradition holds that if one kills any fish from the river which flows behind Huma Temple, one will become a stone statue.
  • Ushakothi is a wildlife sanctuary harbouring elephants, tigers, gours, sambars, black panthers, deer, spotted deer, bears, and other animals.
  • Hirakud Dam is situated 16 km away from Sambalpur, and is one of the longest dams in the world, about 16 mi (26 km) in length and the dam extends across a lake, 55 km long.
  • Kandhara is the birthplace of poet Bhima Bhoi, the great propounder of Mahima Dharma, and a pilgrimage-cum-sight seeing spot.
  • Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is like an emerald nestled in the serene blue waters of Hirakud Reservoir. Made a sanctuary in 1985, it comprises Lohara Reserve Forest,Lohara and Debrigarh Reserve Forests of Barapahad Hills. Debrigarh means “The abode of the Goddess”. It is located 40 km from Sambalpur. Dhodrokusum, the main entry gate, is 12 km from Hirakud Reservoir, at the end of the right dyke of Hirakud Dam. At Debrigarh, there are vehicle safaris and boat rides available to view more than 50,000 migratory birds from Siberia and other cold regions. It is a natural habitat for jaguars, sambars, black panthers, deer, spotted deer and wild bears.
  • Sambalpur Town boasts several temples of Liakhai, Madanmohan, Satyabadi, Bariha, Brahampura, Dadhibamana, Timini, Gopalji, Budharaja Shiva Temple, Maneswar Shiva Temple, Gupteswar,Balunkeswar, Loknath, the Goddess Samaleswari, Pataneswari, Batmangala, Budhimaa, Mahamayi, and others, as well as Sambalpuri handlooms.
  • Other tourist places: Chipilima has the Ghanteswari Temple, a natural waterfall, the state livestock breeding and agricultural farm, and Hatibari. In Naktideul block, near Tikira jora is the Kunjamura Temple. Gudguda is a scenic spot 35 km from Kuchinda.

Sonepur

Sundergarh

See also

Sambalpuri Cinema Kosal Western Odisha Sitalsasthi Carnival Sambalpuri Language Sambalpuri Saree Gangadhar Meher
Rourkela Rajgangpur Khariar Khariar Road Sambalpur University Veer Surendra Sai Ranipur-Jharial
Titlagarh Sonepur Brajarajnagar Kantabanji Sambalpur District Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla Rajendra College Balangir
Binika Phulabani Sundergarh Boudh Bhima Bhoi Ghess Kochinda
Panposh Padmapur Deogarh G. Udayagiri Satya Mahima Dharma Kosal State Movement
Patnagarh Belpahar Bhawanipatna Tebhapadar Maa Samaleswari Burla, India Saintala
Mukhiguda Kansbahal Rairakhol Subalaya Nuakhai Hirakud Dam Western Odisha Development Council
Kansbahal Tensa Junagarh Kesinga Mahima Hirakud Kosalananda Kavya
Hatibandha Tarbha Birmaharajpur Luisinga Samaleswari Temple Sarat Pujari
Bargarh Barapali Khaliapali Biramitrapur Veer Surendra Sai Medical College Farmers Suicide in Western Odisha Cultural Profile of South Kosal
Raurkela Industrial Township OCL Industrial Township Bhukha Balangir Town Jharsuguda National Institute of Technology, Rourkela

References

  1. ^ http://www.wodcOdisha.org/
  2. ^ Dash, Siba Prasad, “ Sambalpur Itihas ”, 3rd edition, 2002, Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Bhubaneswar, P. 1 & 148, ISBN 81 7586 083 9
  3. ^ Mishra, Dr. Bhibuti Bhusan, Dakshina Kosala (Paschima Odisha) Sankshipta Itihasa, 2003, Maneka Prakashan, Sambalpur, P.4
  4. ^ http://www.wodcorissa.orgWODC
  5. ^ a b WODC main page
  6. ^ Mishra, Dr. Bhibuti Bhusan, Dakshina Kosala (Paschima Odisha) Sankshipta Itihasa, 2003, P11
  7. ^ Rajaguru, Dr. Satyanarayana, “Odishar Sankshipta Itihasa”, Grantha Mandir, Cuttack, 2001, P.32, 33
  8. ^ Dash, Siba Prasad, “ Sambalpur Itihas ”, Odisha Sahitya Akademi, Bhubaneswar, 2002, ISBN 81-7586-083-9, P. 68,70
  9. ^ "Demand For a Separate Kosal statehood". The Hindu.
  10. ^ "Demand for Kosal state gaining Momentum". cfnonline.
  11. ^ "Kosal Kranti dal, political party demanding for separate kosal statehood". OneIndia.
  12. ^ Traditional Water Harvesting the Answer to Western Odisha's Perennial Drought Woes
  13. ^ "KBK still the poorest". The Indian Express.
  14. ^ Mohanty, Basanta Kumar, ODISHA FACT FILE –2005, p.46
  15. ^ Population of Western Odisha
  16. ^ Kosli is a separate language
  17. ^ Kosli is a distinct language
  18. ^ Diploma in Sambalpuri Studies
  19. ^ Proving Kosali's uniformity
  20. ^ Sambalpuri Kosli Grammar Book
  21. ^ Current Sambalpuri Album
  22. ^ Legendary Sambalpuri singer Jitendra Haripal
  23. ^ Sambalpuri songs
  24. ^ "And the singer sings his song ", The Hindu, May 27, 2001.
  25. ^ "Sambalpuri Sari: Living tradition ", Merinews.com, November 20, 2008
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