Nabarangpur is rich for its heritage. Our Nabarangpur has been a place of humanity and humans are living here since ancient times. Once upon a time this land had mountain caves, deep forests where pre-historic primitive men used to live. They were facing difficult situations of life practically. They used to face all the atrocities with courage. These people wanted to live freely with their own will. There future growth was very evident.
Several thousand years have passed since that time. Many religions and philosophies have come and disappeared. This land has been affected by all these changes. From the mantra yuga to the tantra yuga till the current world. In the later period this land has also influenced many yogis and sadhus. In Sanskrit Ramayana in the Aranyaka part, the culture and heritage of people of this land has been described meticulously. In the Ramayana yuga, the tribal people of this land embraced Sri Ramachandra as a friend and helped him in rescuing Sita. In the current era, the river Indravati (Pouranik name Mandakini) got its name “Indravati”, as Lord Ramchandra and Sita washed their feet in this river.
In the pages of history many civilizations have set their footprints and with the flow of time many civilizations have entered this land for some or other reason. Though this land is full of deep forest, mountains and heels, it has always welcome everyone with open heart. They are the aboriginals or tribals of this land.
That is why it is very important to understand the pre-history of this land. From many essays by different scholars such as Kumar Bidyadhar Singhdeo, Dr. Nabin Kumar Sahoo, Dr. Satya Narayan Rajguru, Odia literary legend Bikramdeba and simanchal Tamra falak , it is evident that, in this land, the kings of many different dynasty such as Satavahanas, Vakatakas,Vyaghra,Gupta, Nala, Ganga, Soma, Naga, Mastya,Shila,and Suryavansha were ruling.
After the death of king of Jeypore first Bikram Dev, his first son Jagannath Dev took over. From 1781 till 1876 different rulers like Jagannath Dev, Krushna Dev, Narasimha Dev and Chaitanya Dev ruled this land and were popular among citizens. During their rule, the capital of Nabarangpur was Raj-jagannathpur village which comes under the block Nandahandi. The capital Raj-Jagannathpur was named after the king Jagannath Dev. The mountains surrounding the capital were safeguarding the capital from any outside attacks.
Raj-Jagannathpur was the capital of the kingdom for several years, later on, considering many other benefits, the capital was changed to Nabarangpur by king Chaitanya Dev. Chaitanya Dev was the last king of this kingdom and after his death, 2 queens out of his 3 queens, rule the kingdom till 1912.After the death of his third queen Sulochana Patamahdei, the kingdom came under the king of Jaypore. In the later period the kingdom came under the British rule. On 1st April when Odisha was declared as separate state, the greater Nabarangpur was emerged. This land was established by the Britishers on 20th July 1941.
Indian citizens were devastated by the British rule and were fighting for the freedom. During freedom fight, contribution of Nabarangpur people is also remarkable. This deep forest and tribal land were not far behind the freedom movement. The legendary sons of this land showed their utmost will for freedom movement and demonstrated others, the way to freedom. Many spent their lives in jail, and many sacrificed their lives for the freedom fight. Duri river of Papadhandi has witnessed the blood shed during the freedom movement. Hundreds of people of this land participated in the freedom movement and resisted the British rule. That day was August 24, 1942. This was August Revolution against the British Rule.
The people of India sacrificed a lot to make India a democratic country. In the process of building of this democratic country, this district was not far behind. Sadashiba Tripathy was renowned personnel who was part of the ruling party.
After 46 years of independence on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, 02.10.1992, Nabarangpur was declared as a separate district. The date 02.10.1992 was a rare moment. The Chief minister of Odisha, Mr. Biju Patnaik flew in special flight to Nabarangpur and inaugurated the district and dedicated this to the people of the Nabarangpur. Because of this, many government schemes and services reached in this very remote area. There are many sacred and beautiful places in and around Nabarangpur such as Mandakini(Indravati),Padagaada,Karpur,Muran,Tel,Bhaskar,Aangi, Duri, the holy Nirajana Podagada and Deo Pahada,Nabarangpur Bhandar Gharani,Umerkot Pindani Pitha, Nabarangpur Jagannath Temple, Raj-Jagannathpur Maa Bhandar Gharani Mulapitha, and Samsana Pitha,Khatiguda Jagannath temple, Digasalapar Shib temple,Papadhandi Shib and Jain temple,natural beauty of Keliaar forest. The king Nala’s fort , the archeology of Podagada,the very old Kedinga Shakti Pitha and Manda Dangari Shakti Pitha are some of the noteworthy places. The natural water falls of Chandandhara and Ghumar is also famous for its natural beauty.
This land has always been respected all the religions and has been able to glorify the Indian culture and demonstrated great humanity. From the year 1950 onwards Nabarangpur District has developed a lot. e - Governance, education, trade, public planning, irrigation, drinking water, plantation, health, family planning, transportation, municipality, police, tehsil etc. have been established which has helped in good governance. Many government schemes and services are reaching out to people of Nabarangpur. The development of the Nabarangpur is better than before.
Nabarangpur is full greenery and has splendid natural beauty. So many mountains and forests which are touching the sky. There are rivers and canals which is a bliss to our mind and soul. One would like to spend a moment to watch the beautiful flowers, free movement of wild animals and simple lives of the aboriginals. The land is always fresh with its natural beauty and the lifestyle of the aboriginals makes the land livelier.
The Mountain is its soul
The tree is more than the soul
The forest is a pleasure
The whole life, streams like waterfall
Today also the love for the soil exists / many dances and songs
