GANJAM, Odisha

Main Attraction: CHILIKA LAKE

Nestling in the heart of coastal Odisha, Chilika is India’s biggest inland lake. Spread over 1,100 square kilometers stretching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khordha and Ganjam and finally joins the Bay of Bengal through narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island, Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia. Containing a large variety of fish, the lake provides a livelihood to thousands of fishermen. 

Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lakes blue expanse in search of mackerel, prawn and crabs- the sight providing an insight into the pageant of rural India at its colourful best. Encircled by hills all along its arched shape shores, Chilika lakes colour changes with passing clouds and the shifting sun. The water ripples languidly, occasionally dancing with a gentle breeze from across the Bay of Bengal.

Brief History:

Located on the border of Andhra Pradesh, Ganjam district, the most populous district of the state came into existence on 1st April 1936. Ganjam district derived its name from the word ‘Ganj-i-am’ which means the ‘Granary of world’. Some other sources have stated that Ganjam district is named after the old Township and European fort of Ganjam situated on the northern bank of river Rushikulya which was the headquarters of the district.

It is bounded on the north by Nayagarh and Phulabani district, on the east by Bay of Bengal and Khordha district, on the south by the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh and on the west by Gajapati district. Ganjam is a part of southern Odisha Highlands. Chhatrapur is the district headquarters of the present Ganjam district.

The rock edicts of king Ashoka and the inscriptions on a hill (then known as Khapingala Parbat) at Jaugarh on the bank of river Rusikulya clearly indicates that the present tract of Ganjam was a part of ancient Kalinga which was occupied by Ashoka after a fierce battle in 261 B.C. Close to the hill containing the Edicts was located the township of Samapa which was the second capital of Kalinga under Ashoka. However after the disappearance of Mauryan empire and the downfall of their absolute supremacy the Ganjam region was also disappeared from the politial scenario of Odisha.

In the first century B.C Kharavela made Kalinga powerful and prosperous and led his invincible army in all directions of India. The Ganjam area came under the rule of the Satabahanas in the second century A.D.

In the middle of the 4th century A.D Kalinga region was invaded by Samudragupta, the king of Magadha. During the post Samudragupta period a new dynasty called Mathara came to power in Kalinga with their capital first at Sripura (Batia-Sripura near Paralakhemundi ) and then at Simhapura (Modern Singhupura). The Matharas ruled up to 500 A.D when Eastern Gangas came to power and ruled over the territory comprising the southern part of Ganjam district and Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. In the 8th century A.D. Bhaumakaras rose to power in Utkal with Viraja (modern Jajpur) as their capital. A new Ganga family founded a territory called Swetaka with Swetakapura (Mordern Chikiti) as headquarters and ruled as feudatory of the Bhaumakaras. In the 9th century A.D the Bhanjas of Boud region were driven out by the Somavanshis and founded a kingdom comprising North-western part of Ganjam and western part of Puri district. They were also the feudatory of Bhaumakaras. About the 10th century A.D. a new Bhanja house came to power in Russelkunda region with Kodalakataka as headquarters and this family continued to rule till 1835 when they were ousted by the British.

The political scenario of Ganjam was changed from dynasty to dynasty and was in a dark oblivion till 1761 A.D. It was recognized as the ‘French Bussy’. When the French arrived, Ganjam district was subdivided into several parts. But the French were not destined to be at the helm of the administration of Ganjam district for long and shortly the English invaded the French settlement in Deccan and finally became victorious in 1759. In 1794 with the establishment of collector office the historical era of British imperialism was set up in Ganjam.

From the historical documents of Ganjam district it has been deciphered that the headquarters of the district has undergone several changes. In 1855, the original headquarters of Ganjam was abandoned owing to the eruption of the epidemic fever in the town for which near about 80 percent of the population of the town was reduced. Temporarily the capital was shifted to Gopalpur and then to Berhampur and finally Chhatrapur around 1902. The district of Ganjam was far away from the Madras Presidency and the British did not find it easy to control the administrative activities far from Madras.

With the beginning of the 20th century struggle for amalgamation of the Oriya tracts was keenly organized in Ganjam. Oriya had been recognized as official language in the district in the year 1896 and definite move for amalgamation of Oriya speaking tracts started in the year 1902. The agitation of Ganjam culminated in the foundation of Utkal Union Conference in 1903, under the leadership of Mr. Madhusudan Das. As a result of the agitation the Phillip Duff Commission in 1922 and O’Donnel Commission in 1932 recommended amalgamation of major portion of the then Ganjam district with Odisha. On 1st April 1936 when the separate province of Odisha was formed, the present district of Ganjam became a part of the new province.

In the year 1992, after reorganization of districts by Government of Odisha the erstwhile Ganjam district has been divided into two districts vide Government of Odisha notification no. DRC-36/92-49137/R dated 01/10/1992 namely Ganjam and Gajapati.

The climate of the district is pleasant and is characterized by a moderate temperature round the year.