SYNOPSIS

ANTI-COLONIAL RESISTANCE MOOVEMENT IN KANDHAMAL

INTRODUCTION:

Among the thirty districts of Odisha, Kandhamal is one of them. It is a tribal

populated area famous for natural beauty and extreme cold temperature. Geographically, the
district lies between 190 34/ N Latitude and between 830 30/ E and 840 35/ Longitude,
probably 300-100 meters height from sea level. The said district is beautified with scenic
landscape, mountains, waterfalls, streams and rivers, dense forest, different types of birds
preferable for picnic. Its northern territory is extending up to the district Boudh, the district
Kalahandi in the west, the district Rayagada in the south, Ganjam and Nayagarh district in the
east covering an area of 8021Sq.Kms, out of which 5610 Sq. Kms are thick forest.

The dated history of Kandhamal is shrouded in mystery. The early history of Kalinga
reveals that it was a part of Kalinga kingdom and many political dynasties from Mourya to
Suryavamsi Gajapaties ruled over this land. Sometimes it was under minor dynasties like
Nalas, Sulkis and Bhanjas with different names such as Khinjilimandal, Banjulvuk.

The undivided Kandhamal district, thickly populated by the aboriginal Kandhas was
geographically disintegrated prior to the arrival of the British. The land was politically
independent but vivisected into many parts ruled under royal houses from time to time. The
present Phulbani subdivision was a part of princely state of Boudha. The regions like
Chakapada, Tikabali, G. Udayagiri and Raikia were under the Ghumsar House. Similarly,
Baliguda, K. Nuagaon, Daringbadi Kotagada, and Tumudibandha were remained under the
the Raja of Sanakhemundi.

It was a part of Ganjam under Madras Presidency during colonial rule. The British
occupied Odisha in 1803 but much before they entered in to Ganjam in 1764. Edward
Cortsford was the first Resident of Ganjam erected fort Potagada at Ganjam in 1768. Hence,
south Odisha including Kandhamal was under the rule of East India Company since 1764.

At that time Mariah sacrifice was frequently available in Kondhmal. The Kandhas
of Kandhamal had practiced human killing at agriculture land with a religious belief to
produce good harvest of crops to appease the Earth God. To suppress Meriah sacrifice a
Commission was instituted under Sir John Campbell who visited Kandhamal with his team in
1835 AD. The Mariah sacrifice ended in Kandhamal in 1862 A D in spite of the non-
cooperation and stiff resistance of the local people. At that time Kandhmal was under the
banner of the Bhanja Rajas of Ghumsur who fought tooth and nail against the British till his
last breath. With the assistance of the local Kandha militia led by Kamal Lochan Dora Bisoi
and later his nephew Chakara Bisoi and Raja Dhananjaya Bhanja –II of Ghumsar made an
open major challenge against the British supremacy.

Kandhamal was not only superb for her contribution during colonial resistance
movement but also a fine tribute during Paik Rebellion. The four hundred Kandhas of this
land looted Banpur Tahasil, set fire on Government Buildings and supported Bakshi
Jagabandhu for launching of Paik Rebellion of 1817. Bakshi Jagabandhu also hides in
Chakapada region and Durgaprasad region of Kandhamal. Kandhamal had tremendous role
during Odisha Amalgamation movement. Raja Benketesh Deo the Raja of Katingia was the
first man who coined the concept of Odisha unification. During Gandhian freedom struggle
this land did not leg behind it. After independence the regular district of Boudh-Kondhmal
was created in 1952 with its Head Quarter at Phulbani attached with three sub-divisions such
as Baliguda, Boudh and Phulbani. The name of the district was changed as Phulbani on 1 st
April 1986. At present Boudh-Kondhmal are two separate districts since 1st January 1994.

ORIGIN OF RESEARCH PROBLEM:

The period taken up for study begins with the arrival of British to South
Odisha including Kandhamal as it was under Madras presidency from 1764. The British
came to Kandhamal in 1835 to abolish Mariah sacrifice and they could able to complete his
task in 1862 AD. The study will be included the origin of colonial rule in Kandhamal, how
did they come to this hilly land, what type of hazards they meted on their way, what was the
reaction of local inhabitants against them whether they cooperate or not, what measures did
the colonial officers take to achieve their goal, what was the impact of colonial rule in
Kandhamal in socio-economic and political sector, what was the role of missionaries in
Kandhamal all such aforesaid problems will be solved in this project paper.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Very little work has so far been published on Anti-colonial Resistance movement
in Kandhamal. They are (1) The Kandhas and Kandhamal written by Raghunath Rath. (2)
Phulbani Ra Kandha Sanskruti written by Maguni Dash. (3) Phulabani- The Kandha land’
written by Sasi Bhusan Tiady. (4) The Bhanjas and Khonds of Orissa’ by Dandapani Behera,
(5) Freedom movement in the State of Ghumsar (1836-1866) by Dandapani Behera. (6)
History & Culture of Kandhamal: A Study by Trailokya Nath Senapati. (7) Tribals Fair and
Festivals: Past and Present Scenario of Kandhamal by Chitaranjan Mishra. (8) Kandhamala
Ra Itihasa by Baidhanka Dash

But not a single volume covering all the aspects of the colonial history of Kandhamal
has been published so far from historical point of view. So, this project paper will be a
humble attempt to bring to lime light the different aspects of the colonial history of
Kandhamal based on scientific research methodology.

STUDY AREA:

The main concern of this project will be presented the different aspects of the colonial
history of Kandhamal in a critical, concise manner. It will focus the modern history or
colonial rule in Kandhamal which begins from 1835 to 1862. It will cover the colonial history
of Ghumsar, Kandhamal and Boudh region. Apart that it will focus the role of Chakara Bisoi
in Angul, Paralakhemundi and Ramapur Madanpur region of Kalahandi.

AIM & OBJECTIVES:

The prime aim and objective of this project paper will be basically the study of
anti-colonial tribal resistance movement in Kandhamal in an impartial manner. It will be
aimed to disclose the military spirit, heroic temperament patriotic fever of the innocent
tribesmen of this land. It will evaluate the intense nationalistic feeling of the Kondhas, their
sacrifice and dedication for the cause of motherland, their love to their culture, tradition, Raja
and motherland.

METHODLOGY OF THE STUDY:

The modern scientific research methodology will be fallowed for the preparation
of the project paper. Objectivity and unbiased research aptitude will be maintained. Source
materials will be collected from different College Libraries of Kandhamal district, District E-
Library, Kandhamal, State Library Bhubaneswar, Kandhamal Collectorate Record Room
Phulbani and Village Libraries of Kandhamal.
TENTATIVE CHAPTER:

The proposed project paper Anti-Colonial Resistance Movement in Kandhamal

will be consisting of three chapters tentatively excluding Introduction, Conclusion and
photography. The introductory part will focus geographical location, nomenclature of land
and past history of Kandhamal.

Chapter- II will reveal the British Occupation of Odisha and how they expand their political
suzerainty over Odisha in spite of resistance movement offered by the Paiks of coastal
Odisha. Chapter- III will focus the Resistance Movement in Kandhamal against the British
along with the role of tribesmen of undivided Kandhamal spearheaded by Kamal Lochan
Dora Bisoi, Chakara Bisoi and others.

Chapter-IV will deal with the consequences of resistance Movement as well as the impact of
British rule over Kandhamal in socio-economic and political field.

Chapter- V is the conclusion part will speak about summary of all the chapters in briefly.
Some Photography and map of anti-colonial tribal resistance movement in Kandhamal.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Banerjee, R.D. History of Orissa 1930, Vol-II.

Dash, A.C. The Indian Ryot, Land Tax, Permanent Settlement and Famine, 1881

Dey, S.C. British Conquest of Odisha

Hunter, W. History of Orissa 2 Vol, 1872

Jena, K.C. Land Revenue Administration of Orissa

Mahatab, H. K. History of Orissa, Vol - II,

Patra, K. M. Orissa under the East India Company, 1971

Behera, Dandapani. The Bhanjas and Khonds of Orissa, Punthi Pustak, Calcutta, 1987

Behera, Dandapani. Freedom movement in the state of Ghumsar (1836-1866), Punthi Pustak,
Calcutta, 1984,

Dash, Maguni. Phulbani ra Kandha Sanskruti, (in Odia) 1976,