Paralakhemundi

Paralakhemundi
Town Municipality
Paralakhemundi
Brundavan Palace Gajapati Palace Famous Horn Craft Ram Sagar Hills in Paralakhemundi Ancient Jagannatha deity Heritage and landscape of Paralakhemundi
Nickname(s):  Cultural Capital of South Odisha; Birthplace of the Odisha Province
Paralakhemundi Location in Odisha, India Paralakhemundi Paralakhemundi (India) Paralakhemundi Paralakhemundi (Asia) Paralakhemundi Paralakhemundi (Earth)
Coordinates: 18.77°N 84.09°E / 18.77; 84.09
Country	India
State	Odisha
District	Gajapati
Block	Goshani
Ancient Royal Foundation	1436 (Khemundi Ganga Dynasty)
Municipal Foundation	August 17, 1885 (1885-08-17)
Founded by	Kolahomee
Named after	Prabalakhanda (lit. ''piece of Coral'')
Government
• Type	Municipality
• Body	Paralakhemundi Municipality
• Municipality Chairperson	Nirmala Sethi
• Collector & DM	Shri Akshay Sunil Agrawal, IAS
Area
• Total	21.40 km2 (8.26 sq mi)
Elevation	145 m (476 ft)
Population  (2026 projection)
• Total	65,000
• Density	3,000/km2 (7,900/sq mi)
Demonym	Paralaite
Languages
• Official	Odia
• Spoken	Odia
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	761200
Telephone code	06815
Vehicle registration	OD-20
Municipal Wards	16 Wards
Website	paralakhemundimunicipality.com

Paralakhemundi is the administrative headquarters of Gajapati district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the oldest urban centers in the state, with its Municipality established on 17 August 1885.

During the late medieval period, Paralakhemundi grew to prominence as the capital of the historic Paralakhemundi Estate, governed by the Khemundi branch of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

The town is a significant ancient cultural center of Odisha and the birthplace of several eminent historical figures, including the classical poet Gopalakrusna Pattanayaka, the first Prime Minister of Orissa Province Krushna Chandra Gajapati, the pioneering lexicographer Gopinatha Nanda Sharma, and the epigraphist and historian Satyanarayana Rajguru. The town contains centuries-old mathas (monasteries), palaces, and heritage structures. Odia is the primary official language of the municipality, while Telugu is widely spoken among minority blocks within the town.

Demographics

According to the official 2011 Census of India, Paralakhemundi Municipality (Urban Local Body) has a population of 46,272, composed of 23,185 males and 23,087 females. The town retains a sex ratio of 1,003 females per 1,000 males, which is higher than the national urban average. Children aged 0–6 make up 10.54% (4,877) of the total municipal population.

The average literacy rate of the city is 82.54%, with male literacy standing at 88.66% and female literacy at 76.51%.

Religion

The vast majority of the population inside Paralakhemundi town adheres to Hinduism, with Christians and Muslims representing the prominent religious minorities within the ULB boundaries.

Religious Distribution of Paralakhemundi Town (Census 2011)

1. Hindu (95.5%)
2. Christian (3.42%)
3. Muslim (0.89%)
4. Others (0.22%)

Caste

Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) constitute significant social categories inside the statutory municipality framework.

Caste Composition of Paralakhemundi Town (Census 2011)

1. General / Others 84.33 (82.5%)
2. Scheduled Castes (SC) 15.65 (15.3%)
3. Scheduled Tribes (ST) 2.18 (2.13%)

Language

The linguistic landscape of Paralakhemundi reflects its geographical positioning directly along the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh state border. Odia is the primary official language, spoken by roughly two-thirds of the population, while a major Telugu minority block forms an important cultural component of the city.

Language Distribution of Paralakhemundi Town (Census 2011)

1. Odia (65.4%)
2. Telugu (32.8%)
3. Hindi (1.10%)
4. Others (0.70%)

History

See also: Paralakhemundi Estate and Gajapati district

Paralakhemundi is an ancient estate lying in the western corner of the southern portion of the historically larger Ganjam district (which today constitutes the Ganjam, Gajapati, Srikakulam, and parts of the Vizianagaram districts). It is bounded on the west by the historically larger Visakhapatnam district (now comprising Visakhapatnam, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and parts of Vizianagaram districts) and on the north by the Jeypore state and the Eastern Ghats, traditionally referred to as the Maliyas or tribal agencies.

The town of Paralakhemundi is configured in an "L" shape, scattered around the foot of a well-wooded hill which serves as the distinctive geographic feature of the place. The horizontal portion of the "L" faces south, and at the junction where the two segments meet sits the iconic Gajapati Palace—a highly picturesque group of heritage buildings designed and built by the noted British architect Robert Chisholm.

The Khemundi country, which historically comprised Paralakhemundi, Badakhemundi, and Sanakhemundi, remained under a single unified ruler until 1607. Paralakhemundi subsequently came under British administrative influence in 1768. In the present day, several families tracing their descent from former regional ruling houses continue to reside in the Parlakhemundi region alongside the Ganga royal family of Parlakhemundi. Notable among them are the Bahubalendra Deva Rai family of Machamara, the Jenamani and Deo families of Pathapatnam, and branches of the Suryavamshi and Bahubalendra (junior line) families in Gunupur.

Ganga Dynasty & Modern Foundations

The town owes much of its modern infrastructure and existence to Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo. He was a direct descendant of the historic Eastern Ganga dynasty Gajapati kings who ruled Odisha for more than seven centuries, extending the imperial boundaries from the Ganges in the north to Udayagiri in the Nellore district to the south. Kolahomee, one of the sons of the 15th-century Gajapati monarch Kapilendra Deva, originally ventured south to this region and founded the historic Paralakhemundi royal line.

The Gajapati district was later named in honor of Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev. He was honored as the first Prime Minister (Premier) of the state of Odisha after its creation on 1 April 1936. He is revered for his monumental contribution to the integration of Odia-speaking blocks and the inclusion of the Paralakhemundi estate within the boundaries of Odisha. The modern Gajapati district eventually came into independent being on 2 October 1992, having previously existed as a sub-division of the Ganjam district.

• 
  Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo
• 
  The iconic Gajapati Palace
• 
  Kabi Kalahansa Gopalakrusna Pattanayaka, 18th-century composer of Odissi music
• 
  Gayaka Siromani Apanna Panigrahi, Odissi music and Bina maestro
• 
  Dasabatara Ganjapa cards crafted in the traditional Pattachitra style of Paralakhemundi

Chronology of Rulers

The following table outlines the rulers belonging to the Khemundi branch of the Eastern Ganga dynasty (Gajapatis) of Paralakhemundi, extracted from the historical compilation "Paralakhemundi, Lekha O Lekhaka":

Crowned Monarch	Period of Reign	Noted Siblings, Commanders & Historical Roles
Sibalinga Narayan Bhanudeo	1566–1590	Hari Sankar Raula
Subarna Kesari Govinda Gajapati Narayan Deo	1590–1630
Mukunda Rudra Gajapati Narayan Deo	1630–1656
Mukunda Deo	1656–1674
Annanta Padmanabh Gajapati Narayan Deo I	1674–1702
Sarbajgan Jagannatha Gajapati Narayan Deo I	1686–1702
Narahari Naraya Deo	1702–1729	Jannardan Deo, Guntta Narayana Deo, Yoshabanta Deo
Bira Padmanabha Narayana Deo II	1729–1748*	Prataprudra Deo, Narasinga Deo
Prataprudra Gajapati Narayan Deo I	1748–1751*	Narasinga Deo
Jagannath Gajapati Narayana Deo II	1751–1770	Adopted son of Padmanabha Gajapati; adopted by Prataparudra Gajapati I.
Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayana Deo I	1771 – 20 Jan 1802
Purushottama Gajapati Narayana Deo	4 Feb 1802 – 29 Oct 1805	Chatrapati Deo
Jagannatha Gajapati Narayana Deo III	1821* – 27 Nov 1851
Prataparudra Gajapati Narayana Deo II	1851–1885	Harikrushan Deo, Rajarajeswar Deo; took voluntary retirement prior to his death.
Gourachandra Gajapati Narayan Deo II	1885–1904	Purushottam Deo, Jagnnatha Deo, Padmanabha Narayan Deo
Gourachandra Gajapati Narayan Deo II	1904–1913	Administered via the colonial Court of Wards.
Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo	1913 – 25 May 1974	Anangabhima Deo; 1st Prime Minister of Orissa Province (1 Apr 1937 – 18 Jul 1937).
Ramachandra Deo	Uncrowned	Madhaba Sundar Deo
Gopinath Gajapati Narayan Deo	25 May 1974 – 10 Jan 2020	Sarbajgan Jagnnatha Deo, Late Udayabhanu; served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Berhampur during the 9th and 10th Lok Sabhas.
Late Digvijaya Gajapati Narayan Deo	Uncrowned
Rani Kumari Kalyani Devi	10 Jan 2020 – present	Daughter of Sri Gopinath Gajapati. Current titular head of the dynasty.

* Note: Certain early and transitional historical dates remain chronologically unverified.

Geography and climate

Paralakhemundi lies in the south-east of the east Indian state of Odisha. It is on the banks of Mahendratanaya river. Paralakhemundi borders with a town called Pathapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. The town is located on a hilly terrain.

• 
  View of the hills from the town
• 
  Hills near the college
• 
  Mahendratanaya river
• 
  Bridge on Mahendratanaya river

The climate is subtropical with high humidity. The temperature varies between 18 and 48 degree Celsius. Summer is extremely hot with some thunderstorms and minor cyclones, which occasionally cause power outages. Paralakhemundi receives rainfall from the southwest monsoons and the wettest months are July, August and September.

Education

Maharaja Boys High School

The town of Paralakhemundi has many educational institutions. Some institutes have been there for over 100 years. These were initiated under the erstwhile rulers of the princely state. Maharaja Boys High School (1857), Maharaja Girls High School (1919) are the ones operational even today. The rulers of yesteryear understood the importance of education and promoted education of the girl child about a hundred years ago. The SKCG Autonomous College, Paralakhemundi, named after the illustrious Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati, enjoys the reputation of being the second oldest college of the state after the Revenshaw College of Cuttack. It has affiliation in almost all major disciplines in the faculties of Arts, Science and commerce. From the session 1996–97, P.G. Courses in Mathematics has been added to the already existing post-graduate teaching facilities in Economics, Chemistry, Oriya, Commerce and Life Sciences. Besides teaching facilities for Honours courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Computer Applications, English, Oriya, Sanskrit, Geography, history, Political Science and Economics, the college also offers teaching in subjects like Telugu, Hindi, Logic, Philosophy and Home Science. The Indira Gandhi National Open University has opened a center in this college. The college has a sanctioned strength of 2016 students and 83 faculty positions. The alumni of this college occupied and continue to occupy positions of distinction and pride in public life. The college celebrated its centenary from 10 to 12 January 2001.

The Women's' College, Paralakhemundi was established in the year 1983 and was initially affiliated to Berhampur University for IA (Intermediate in Arts) course. Later it was affiliated to the Council of Higher secondary Education, Odisha, Bhubaneswar for the +2 Arts Course. The college came under G.I.A. fold since 1988. The college has received Permanent recognition from Government in the year 2003–2004.The college was included in u/s @ 2(f) and 12(B) Act of the U.G.C. from 2006 to 2007.

There is a Teacher's Training Institute in the town that trains and graduates teachers. It helps in imparting training on the latest methodologies of teaching to the Teachers of Primary and Upper Primary Schools. It also provides CT Training to prospective students on Teaching and certifies the apprenticeship expertise.

Maharaja Girls High School

Jagannath Institute for Technology and Management (JITM) was established in the year 1997. The institute was set up with the aim to bring technical education to the rural areas and produce highly skilled technical personnel for various sectors in the industry. The institute has been rechristened as Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) recently. Students from all over Odisha and neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand are studying in this institute, which provides Agriculture, Fisheries, Engineering and Management degrees.

Sanskrit college is one of the oldest colleges in Paralakhemundi. It is affiliated to Puri Sanskrit University. Students here learn the ancient language of Sanskrit and thus help in keeping the language alive and making it relevant in today's context. Several other private-public partnered colleges have come up recently in the town and in the periphery of the town. MBA Degree College, Law College, Nursing College, Sri Ram College Kasinagar are a few of them.

SKCG College

There are several primary, upper primary and high schools in the town. Some of the prominent schools are MRBH, MRGH, Mahendra Giri High School, Gandhi School, Apanna Paricha School, Goura Chandra School. Some of the prominent private schools are the Saraswati Sishu Mandir, Sri Arabinda Purnanga Sikhya Kendra, Priyadarshini Convent School, Sri Satya Sai School. The town also has a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and a Kendriya Vidyalaya set-up by the ministry of HRD, Central Union Government.

SKCG College Entrance

Civic administration

The Paralakhemundi Municipality is in charge of the civic administration of the town. As the headquarters of the Gajapati district, it houses several district-level headquarters of government and private organizations.

Economy

Paralakhemundi is situated among the Eastern Ghats where there are vast plains and number of small streams and rivers. This has enabled cultivation as the chief source of income here. People cultivate mainly paddy (rice), which is grown twice-a-year in the fields, once during Kharif and once during Rabi seasons. However many farmers also cultivate cash crops like sugarcane, maize, and tobacco. Some even cultivate long term cash crops like mango plantations, cashew, banana, etc. The latest trend is that farmers are getting inclined to grow cotton in their fields, which apparently is more profitable to them. Apart from Cultivation and Industries related to cultivation like Rice Mills, Mango Pulp Factories, Cashew Factories, Rice Flake Industries, Sugar Mill, the town is poorly industrialized. However, some medium scale granite factories have been set-up in the surroundings of the town. The other source of income of the residents is through the Handicrafts that are made by them, which they are learning traditionally from generation to generation. The economy is sustainable but is not flourishing due to lack of industrialization and exposure to bigger markets.

Transport

See also: Parlakimedi Light Railway

Paralakhemundi is connected to other parts of Odisha by the State Highway 4 (SH-4) which connects Berhampur at one end and Rayagada on the other. The National Highway 326A passes through the village, which connects Mohana in Odisha with Narasannapeta of Andhra Pradesh.

Paralakhemundi Railway Station

Parlakhemundi is connected to Naupada railway junction on the main East Coast railway line from Kolkata to Chennai by 90 km long (Gunpur to Naupada) 1676mm broad gauge line, that was converted from 762mm (2 ft 6 in) narrow gauge in 2010–11. The line was finally closed for gauge conversion on 9 June 2004. After conversion to broad gauge the Gunpur-Paralakhemundi-Naupada rail line was opened to public and from 21 August 2011.

Art and culture

Historically Paralakhemundi is known as a place for art and artists. The princely rulers had the penchant of promoting and sponsoring the artists. Odissi musician-composers such as Kabikalahansa Gopalakrusna Pattanayaka (1785–1862) was born in the eighteenth century in Parlakhemundi. He was a contemporary of Kabisurjya Baladeba Ratha. His writings on the Krishna Leela like, ‘Brajaku Chora Asichhi’, ‘Uthilu Ede Begi Kahinkire’, ‘Mo Krushna Chandrama’, ‘Dukhidhana Chandranana’ etc. lyrical poems were depicting the expression of affection.

Horn Work of Paralakhemundi

The Guarding Lion

Paralakhemundi is home to many arts & crafts. Horn-work is the oldest craft of Paralakhemundi. The artisans of this art are called Maharanas. These artisans are said to have migrated from a place called Pitala in Ganjam district under the patronage of the Maharaja of Gajapati, Krishna Chandra Deb. The hornwork items include figurines, birds, animals and scenes from Indian mythology. The Palace Street is known for its horn-work showrooms. The horn-works of Paralakhemundi were one of the important products of cottage industry. The horn-works of Paralakhemundi got a special place among the other craft works of Calcutta, Punjab, Kakinada and Trivandrum. The horn-works were made chiefly out of the horns of cattle which were supplied from the neighboring maliahs of the zamindari. The artists of Paralakhemundi first of all used to prepare birds from the horns. Gradually they prepared combs, elephants, horses, prawns, idols of Lord Jagannatha etc. The craft items are then sent to cities and art emporiums. The Horn-work artisans also have a Cooperative society that looks after the promotion and sales of their art work. These horn works are also popular in the international market.

The other craft that was known in the yester years was the Ivory-work. The artists of Paralakhemundi used to carve thrones, khatuli (cots) and other works out of ivory and bone. Forests in which a large number of elephants lived surrounded Paralakhemundi. Hence, ivory was plentifully available in Paralakhemundi. Sri. Radha Krushna Maharana and his son Sri. Purnachandra Maharana, Surendra Maharana and Bhaskara Maharana were experts in the field of ivory works during the British period.

Paralakhemundi is also known for crafts like the Jaikhadi bag, cane and bamboo work. The Chitrakar Sahi is famous for its clay, stone sculptures and water paintings. The chitrakara or painters could do wonders with their paint work. Some of the paint works include the Sculptures of Idols, Wall Painting, Fabric Painting, Painted Playing Cards, Paper Masks, Embossed Paper Idols and Souvenirs. Due to fading demand and economic considerations, now only a few artists are seen to practice the family tradition.

Paralakhemundi Ratha Jatra

The town celebrates almost all festivities, all round the year. The Jagannath Ratha Yatra being the most revered one. The Jagannath Rath Yatra of Paralakhemundi is second only to the famous Puri festival. The three idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Subhadra are quite huge in size and are adorable. The Yatra or Car Festival, was patronized by the Gajapati kings. In the initial years the car festival would follow the traditions of puri and had three separate cars or rathas. However it became one car until 2012. In that year the concept of three cars was again implemented and since then, the three idols enjoy the festivities for nine days on their own cars.The believers throng the Jagannath Temple everyday and its worth watching the bhajan following the evening rituals.

Dasahara, Gamha Purnima, Holi, Gajalakshmi Puja, Ganesh Puja, Kali Puja, Makar Sankranthi and Thakurani Yatra are major Hindu festivals observed in the town. Christmas and Ramzan are also celebrated in the town. Traditionally the Thakurani yatra is conducted periodically for the local area Goddess (Grama Devi), a ritual that continues for about a week. During the Thakurani Yatra, the residents make caricatures, children participate in fancy dresses to make fun and to spread awareness regarding current issues. During evening, cultural programs like drama, orchestra and Bhuta Keli (dramatised romance of Lord Krishna and his Consort Radha maa) are staged. Gaja Muhaan is one more local traditional festivity. This is celebrated after the harvest season is over. The fresh paddy is converted into rice flakes, which are then made into a conical shape by using jaggery as the binding material. Huge cones of the rice flakes are prepared and are offered to the local resident Goddess. The Rice Flake Cone (Gaja Muhaan) is then taken out for procession around the city with orchestra and band. The believers carry these huge rice flake cones on their heads and dance to the tunes of the band to appease the Goddess. The scene is to be seen to be believed.

Being part of the erstwhile Jamindari, the tradition of learning martial art through rituals is another salient feature of this town. The paikas or the erstwhile fighter community still practice the Indian Martial Art forms like the Cane Game (Badi Khela), Sword Playing Tricks, Knife Playing Tricks, Playing with fire ball and lots more. The paikas perform these arts during the Dushera after the Ayudha Puja (worshiping of the Armour) which enthralls the audience and reminds everyone about the traditions of the past.

The town has an art school where children are trained in Odishi Dance and Odishi Sangeet (Songs). The Bhakti Sangeet group encourages young artists to sing and spreads the culture of harmony and togetherness through the devotional songs.

Sports

Cricket is the major sport of the town. Volleyball, basketball, hockey are the other popular sports in the town. Little boys and girls can still be seen playing silly in the evening. The town has a small stadium named Gajapati Stadium. College ground is also a preferable venue for cricket, football matches. There are several other large play grounds that host some district and state level sport events. Cricket being the major game, it is played almost in every street. There are many cricket clubs and small organizers who organize multi-team cricket tournaments mainly during winter. Also, a tennis court and an indoor badminton court add to the sports facilities of the town.

Heritage and tourism

Brundaban Palace or Basant Nivas Palace

The small and historic town has many heritage places and places for tourist attraction. The places of attraction are

• Gajapati Palace
• The Jagannath Temple Complex
• The Large Water Reservoirs of Ram Sagar and Sita Sagar
• B.N. (Basant Nivas) Palace and the Mahendra Tanaya River
• The SKCG College, Maharaja Boys High School (MRBH) and Maharaja Girls High School (MRGH)
• The Chitrakaar Street, famous for Chitrakaar family & 500 years Painting and Traditional Arts.
• The Palace street, the Horn-Craft
• The Gopala Krushna Pathagaar (Library)
• The Bhoi Sahi Hill

Notable places

The region features several natural landmarks, religious sites, and cultural points of interest:

Gandahati Waterfalls: Located 25 km away via NH-326A.

Buddhist Settlement, Chandragiri: Located 85 km away via NH-326A.

Gumma and Gaiba: Forested areas known for local tribal culture, located 28–29 km away.

Mahendragiri: A mountain peak with an elevation of 4,925 ft (1,501 m), located 52 km away via State Highway 4.

Lihuri Gopinath: A site located 46 km away via Kotturu, associated with the annual Holi festival.

Alada Church: Located 36 km away via State Highway 4.

Sri Kurmam Temple: A Hindu temple located 72 km away near Srikakulam via National Highway 5.

Sri Mukhalingam: An ancient temple site located 33 km away.

Sri Radhaswami Temple: Located in Mandasa, 47 km away via State Highway 4.

Taptapani: A natural hot spring located 110 km away via NH-326A.

Sita Temple: Located on a hilltop in Garabandha, 26 km away via State Highway 4.

Khajuripada Hanuman Temple: Located 48 km away via NH-326A.

In popular culture

The Odia film "Sundergarh Ra Salman Khan" starring Babushaan Mohanty was shot in the BN Palace of Paralakhemundi.

Politics

Current MLA from Paralakhemundi is Rupesh Jena from 2024( BJD) . He won against Narayana Rao of BJP. In 2019 K. Narayan Rao was MLA who again won but this time from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2019. His competitors were Rajakumari of Gajapati from Biju Janata Dal(BJD) and K. Surya Rao from Indian National Congress (INC).

Current MLA from Paralakhemundi Assembly Constituency is Mr. Kengam Surya Rao Indian National Congress (INC) won the seat in State elections in 2014 trailing K.Narayana Rao (Biju Janata Dal), who won last elections in 2009. Trinath Sahu of INC, who won the seat in State elections in 2004 and also in 2000 and in 1985. He also won this seat as an independent candidate in 1995. Previous MLAs from this seat were Darapu Lachana Naidu who won this seat representing JD in 1990, and Bijoy Kumar Jena who won this seat as independent candidate in both 1980 and in 1977.

Paralakhemundi is part of Berhampur (Lok Sabha constituency).