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Bargarh
Bargarh
Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)
Country	India
State	Orissa
District(s)	barpali
Population	63,651 (2001[update])
Area • Elevation (AMSL)	• 171 m (561 ft)

Coordinates: 21°20′N 83°37′E / 21.33, 83.62 Bargarh, also Baragarh, is a city and a municipality in Bargarh district in the state of Orissa, India. It is the administrative headquarters of Bargarh District.

Geography

Bargarh is located at 21°20′N 83°37′E / 21.33, 83.62^[1]. It has an average elevation of 171 metres (561 feet). The entire Bargarh district is made up of clandestine rock and is one of the 14 most stable zones in the world. This can be dated back to the formation of Gondwanaland and the hills and mountains stand testimony to it. A specific community (Sahara) of this district has striking similarity with the aborigines of most other areas, which further makes the point strong. Recently abundance of diamond has been reported in the southern and western parts of this district.

History

Bargarh is one of the many forts built by the Chouhan dynasty. Although no clear data is available about the settlement, the old fort walls can be traced near the 'Jira' river towards the plane of Ambapali. Unconfirmed literature claims that the name Bargarh has been derived from Balaramgarh, other sources claim that the name is so because Bargarh was the best of the cluster of forts(Garhs).

The other subdivision of the district, Padampur has a feudal history with a tribal leader.

Buddhism played a role in defining the lifestyle of the people for a short period of time. Some ancient buddhist monasteries and sculptures can be seen along a belt starting from Bijepur block (Ganiapali) to the Paikmal block (Nrusinghanath), which has a clear mention in Huen-Tsang's literature as Po-Li-Mo-Lo-Ki-Li(Parimalagiri).

The Legendary Veer Surendra Sai led his war against the British from Debrigarh, which is a peak on the Barapahad Range. Debrigarh today is a tiger sanctuary. Barabakhra(12 caves) used to be a secret meeting place during this period.

Bargarh was a subdivision of old Sambalpur district until April 1992, when the then chief minister Mr. Bijayanad Pattnaik (Bijubabu) declared it as a new district.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census^[2], Bargarh had a population of 63,651. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Bargarh has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 57% of the males and 43% of females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

It is home to Kuilta community, Agharias and the weaver "Meher" community to which Oriya poet Gangadhar Meher belonged. Kuilta caste is presumed to be an offshoot of the original Chasa(agrarian) community and is synonymous with the Khandayats of the coastal region. This is evident by the striking similarity of rituals and the goddesses they pray. Mehers were migrated to and settled in this region by some rulers, but the exact time period is controversial. Agharias were migrated from the mughal empire of Agra for establishing a cultivator community in absence of Kuiltas (Chasas who are also assigned the duty of a part time Kshatriya) during war.

Economics

Bargarh is an industrial city, with cement, sugar and thread factories. But the economics of Bargarh district is largely dependent on Agricural productions. The daily vegetable market of Painchhatar is claimed to be the largest vegetable origin wholesale market in the state. This is possible due to the availability of irrigation water throughout the year and the fertile nature of the land around this place. Attabira block is known as the rice bowl of Orissa because of its exemplary paddy production.

Culture

It hosts the largest open air theatre "Dhanu Yatra" every winter. This spans over a period of 10 days and an area of 5km radius. It spreads the massage, "Victory of good over evil, triumph of truth over tyranny" by a theatrical presentation of Krishna Leela starting from marriage of Devaki with Vasudev till the death of Kansa as described in the scriptures. Many people around the world come here to Watch the play and enjoy. It is believed that Dhanu Yatrais the largest open stage drama played in the world. Because all the spectators of the event seem to be members of Kansa Raj Darbar. So all spectators are an artist of the drama.

Politics

Current MLA from Bargarh Assembly Constituency is Ananda Acharya of BJD, who won the seat in State elections of 2004. He also won as BJD candidate in 2000. Prasanna Acharya of JD won this seat in 1995 and in 1990. Jadumani Pradhan of INC had won in 1985, and also as INC(I) candidate in 1980. Nabin Kumar Pradhan of JNP was MLA from this seat in 1977.^[3]

Bargarh is part of Sambalpur (Lok Sabha constituency).^[4]

References

External links

• Bargarh
• Bargarh District website
• Navratnews.com

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