Gajapati district | |
|---|---|
     Clockwise from top-left: Khasada Waterfall,Mahendragiri Hills,Padmasambhava Mahavihara monastery,Gandahati waterfall, B.N. Palace, Mahendragiri Temple,Gajapati Palace | |
.svg) Location in Odisha | |
| Coordinates:19°02′N84°12′E / 19.03°N 84.2°E /19.03; 84.2 | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Odisha |
| CD Blocks andTahasils | 07 |
| District Formation | October 2, 1992; 33 years ago (1992-10-02) |
| Named after | Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo |
| Headquarter | Paralakhemundi |
| CD Blocks andTahasils | Gosani Kashinagar Gumma Rayagada Nuagada R. Udayagiri Mohana |
| Government | |
| • District Collector and District Magistrate | Madhumita,IAS |
| • Superintendent of Police | Jatindra Kumar Panda,OPS |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,850 km2 (1,490 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 16th |
| Elevation | 1,501 m (4,925 ft) |
| Population (2025) | |
• Total | 826,127 |
| • Rank | 28th |
| • Density | 212/km2 (550/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Gajapatia |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Odia,English |
| • Tribal | Sora • Kui |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 761 xxx |
| Telephone code | 06815Paralakhemundi 06816Mohana 06817R. Udayagiri |
| Vehicle registration | OD-20 |
| Nearest city | Brahmapur |
| Sex ratio | 1046♂/♀ |
| Literacy | 53.49% |
| House of the People Constituency | Brahmapur |
| Legislative Assembly Constituency | 2
|
| Climate | Aw(Köppen) |
| Precipitation | 1,403.3 millimetres (55.25 in) |
| Avg. summer temperature | 43 °C (109 °F) |
| Avg. winter temperature | 09 °C (48 °F) |
| Website | www |
Gajapati district is a district ofOdisha State inIndia. It was carved out ofGanjam District on October 2, 1992. As of 2011 it was the third least populous district ofOdisha (out of30), afterDebagarh andBoudh.[1] Gajapati district was named afterKrushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the King of theParalakhemundi estate and the firstPrime Minister of Odisha, who is remembered for his contribution to the formation of a separate state, and inclusion of his estate inOdisha. The district headquarters inParalakhemundi, formerly a Zamindari, is clustered within a radius of approximately 5 kilometers around its geometric center.
The history of Gajapati district dates back to theParalakhemundi kingdom. It was part of theGajapati Kingdom of Odisha. During the 12th century CE Paralakhemundi was part of the Khemundi state. During the reign ofMukunda Dev, Khemundi wastrifurcated, creating three states:Bada Khemundi,Sana Khemundi, andParalakhemundi. After the trifurcation, Subhalinga Bhanu became the ruler of the Paralakhemundi. This line of kings continued to rule Paralakhemundi throughout theMughal andMaratha rule of Odisha. Before theBritish gained complete control overOdisha,Paralakhemundi became a feudal state under British rule in 1767, during the reign of Gajapati Jagannatha Narayanadev. The state had conflicts with British administrators, leading to the arrest of King Gajapati Jagannatha Narayanadev and his son. As a result, the state came under direct British supervision. However, arevolt broke out among the tribals andPaikas against the king'sdetention. Due to this uprising, the British reinstated the king to his position.[2]Paralakhemundi remained under the administration as a feudatory state until its unification with Odisha.[3]
Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati was an active member ofUtkal Sammilani and was instrumental in the creation of the separate state of Odisha. Finally, through the efforts ofMaharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati andUtkal Sammilani, the separate state ofUnited Orissa was formed on 1 April 1936. The state of Paralakhemundi in the Vizagapatam district was partitioned into two—the capital and most of the princely state came under Orissa while the remainingTelugu-speaking areas remained under theMadras Presidency.
In 1937, the firstGovernor of Orissa,Sir John Austin Hubback, invitedKrushna Chandra Gajapati Dev to form thecabinet. Shri Gajapati became the firstPrime Minister of Orissa, serving from April 1, 1937, to July 18, 1937. He held the position again for a second term from November 24, 1941, to June 30, 1944.[4][5]
Show zoomed in
Show zoomed mid
Show zoomed outGajapati district is located in the southeastern part of Odisha, India, between 84°32'E and 83°47'E longitude and 18°44'N and 19°39'N latitude. It shares borders withAndhra Pradesh to the south,Rayagada district to the west,Ganjam district to the east, andKandhamal district to the north. The district spans an area of 3,850 km² and is part of theEastern Ghats, characterized byrugged terrain and narrowvalleys.
TheMahendratanaya River, a tributary of theBanshadhara River, is the primary river flowing through the district. The highest peak in the district isMahendragiri, standing at 1,501 meters (4,925 feet), followed by Dandamera Parbat at 1,103 meters (3,619 feet) and Tangiri Parbat at 1,155 meters (3,789 feet). The average elevation ofParalakhemundi, the district headquarters, is 145 meters (476 feet) above sea level.
Gajapati district experiences atropical monsoon climate with distinct seasonal variations.
The district is endowed with significant forest cover, water bodies, and fertile soils, supporting its 65%agrarian population.
Covering 57% (2,49,958 hectares) of the total geographical area, the forests are categorized as:
The district has 1,698 water bodies, with 6 majorreservoirs:
These soil types are suitable for cultivatingpaddy,maize,pulses, and varioushorticulturalcrops.
TheMahendratanaya River, originating fromMahendragiri Hill, flows 72 km through the district, before merging with theBanshadhara River inAndhra Pradesh. The district’s rivers exhibit adendritic drainage pattern, influenced by theEastern Ghats’geological formations.
Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters, is well-connected by road and rail networks.
Rail: TheParalakhemundi railway station (station code: PLH) is part of theNaupada-Gunupur branch line, connecting the town toBhubaneswar (292 km),Visakhapatnam (236 km), andKolkata (780 km).
Road: The town has state highway connectivity to:
The total paved road length in the district is 2,450 km, of which 1,035 km arestate highways, 612 km are district roads, and 803 km are rural roads.
The Gajapati district is administratively divided into one sub-division, comprising 7Tahasils and 7Blocks, as listed in the following table.
| # | Paralakhemundi Sub-Division |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gosani |
| 2 | Gumma |
| 3 | Rayagada |
| 4 | Nuagada |
| 5 | Mohana |
| 6 | Kashinagar |
| 7 | R. Udayagiri |
There are 11Police Stations under the two Police Districts in Ganjam Administrative district, which are listed in the following table.
| # | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Adava P.S. |
| 2 | Mohana P.S. |
| 3 | Ramagiri P.S. |
| 4 | R. Udayagiri P.S. |
| 5 | Serango P.S. |
| 6 | Kashinagar P.S. |
| 7 | Paralakhemundi P.S. |
| 8 | Gurandi P.S. |
| 9 | Garabandha P.S. |
| 10 | Rayagada P.S. |
| 11 | Energy P.S.Paralakhemundi |
In 2006 theMinistry of Panchayati Raj named Gajapati one of the country's 250most backward districts (out of a total of640).[6] It is one of the 19 districts in Odisha currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).[6]
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 184,840 | — |
| 1911 | 205,514 | +11.2% |
| 1921 | 198,842 | −3.2% |
| 1931 | 225,161 | +13.2% |
| 1941 | 252,613 | +12.2% |
| 1951 | 262,998 | +4.1% |
| 1961 | 285,069 | +8.4% |
| 1971 | 348,964 | +22.4% |
| 1981 | 402,271 | +15.3% |
| 1991 | 454,708 | +13.0% |
| 2001 | 518,837 | +14.1% |
| 2011 | 577,817 | +11.4% |
| 2023 | 803,166 | +39.0% |
| 2025 | 826,127 | +2.9% |
| Source: Census of India[7] | ||
According to the2024 census Gajapati district has apopulation of 814,722,[1] approximate equal to the nation ofBhutan[8] or the US state ofNorth Dakota.[9] This gives it a ranking of 573rd in India (out of a total of766).[1] The district has a population density of 212 inhabitants per square kilometre (550/sq mi).[1] Itspopulation growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 10.99%.[1] Gajapati has asex ratio of 1046females for every 1000 males,[1] and aliteracy rate of 54.29%. 12.23% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 6.78% and 54.29% of the population respectively.[1]
According to the2011 Census of India,41.51% of Gajapati district's population spokeOdia, followed bySora (34.49%),Telugu (15.53%),Kui (5.54%), andKuvi (1.25%) as their first language.
Gajapati district has a rich cultural and historical heritage, blending tribal traditions with ancient legends. Mahendragiri Mountain, part of the Eastern Ghats, is located in Paralakhemundi. According to legend, it is the abode of Lord Parashurama, a Chiranjeevi engaged in eternal tapasya. The site features temples believed to be built by the Pandavas, and Shivaratri is the main festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the guru of Parashurama.
The district’s culture is deeply influenced by the Saura tribe, known for Saura art (traditional wall paintings) and Tantangbo (tribal tattooing). Odia, Saura, and Kui are the primary languages spoken. Festivals like Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great fervor. The Gajapati Palace in Paralakhemundi stands as a testament to the region’s historical legacy. The Paika Akhada, once a warrior training tradition, is now performed as a martial dance showcasing combat techniques.
Gajapati district in Odisha is home to several notable educational institutions offering a range of programs across various disciplines. Here are some of the prominent colleges in the district:
1. Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati (S.K.C.G.) Autonomous College, Paralakhemundi: Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest degree colleges in Odisha, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in arts, science, and commerce.
2. Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Paralakhemundi Campus: A private university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), providing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in engineering, agriculture, management, and applied sciences.
3. Government Polytechnic, Gajapati: Established in 2013, this institution offers diploma programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and electronics & telecommunication engineering.
4. Gajapati College of Pharmacy, Paralakhemundi: Provides diploma courses in pharmacy, focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and practices.
5. Gajapati College of Nursing, Paralakhemundi: Offers programs in nursing education, preparing students for careers in healthcare services.
6. Indira Memorial College, Chandiput: Established in 1993, this college offers undergraduate programs in arts and science, affiliated with Berhampur University.
7. Meenaketan Degree College, Gurandi: Provides undergraduate courses in arts and science, contributing to higher education in the region.
8. Women's College, Paralakhemundi: Focuses on women's education, offering undergraduate programs in arts and science streams.
9. Sanskrit College, Paralakhemundi: Specializes in Sanskrit studies, promoting traditional language and literature education.
10. Centurion School of Rural Enterprise Management, Paralakhemundi: Part of Centurion University, this school offers management programs aimed at developing rural enterprises.
Gajapati district in Odisha hosts several notable educational institutions:
| This article is part ofa series on |
| Odisha |
|---|
 |
| Governance |
| Topics |
| Districts Subdivisions |
| GI Products |
| India portal |
The district has two assembly constituencies, represented by members from major political parties,Odisha Vidhan Sabha. The following is the twoVidhan sabha constituencies[10][11] of Gajapati district and the elected members[12] of those areas.
| No. | Constituency | Reservation | Extent of the Assembly Constituency (Blocks) | Member of Legislative Assembly | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 136 | Mohana | ST | Mohana,R. Udayagiri,Nuagada,Rayagada | Dasarathi Gamango | INC |
| 137 | Parlakhemundi | None | Parlakhemundi (M),Kashinagar (NAC),Gumma,Kashinagar,Gosani | Rupesh Kumar Panigrahi | BJD |
The district is part of the Brahmapur Parliamentary Constituency, electing a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent it in the House of the People at the national level.
| No. | Constituency | Reservation | Extent of the Parliamentary Constituency | Member of the Parliament | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Brahmapur | None | Paralakhemundi Mohana (ST) | Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy | BJP |
Gajapati district in Odisha, India, is home to several notable tourist attractions:
Solomon Islands 571,890 July 2011 est.
Vermont 563,626
MEMBER NAME
Places adjacent to Gajapati district | |
|---|---|
Capital:Bhubaneswar | |||||||
| State symbols |  | ||||||
| Governance | |||||||
| History | |||||||
| Geography | |||||||
| Districts by division |
| ||||||
| Cities | |||||||
| GI products | |||||||
| Topics | |||||||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
.png)