Gajapati

Gajapati is a district in the State of Orissa in India. This district is located between 18°46’ North & 19°39’ North latitude and 83°48’ East & 84°08’ East longitude. The area is abutting the state boundary i.e. Andhra Pradesh towards South. Ganjam district bound this district on the East, Rayagada district on the West, Ganjam and Phulbani districts on the North.

The district headquarters at Paralakhemundi erstwhile a princely estate, has been clustered within a radius of approximately 05 kilometers around the geometric centre of Paralakhemundi.

Geographical area of the district is 3,850 Sq km. Population of this district is 5,18,837 as per census 2001.

Paralakhemundi is the only one Subdivision in the district. There are 5 Tahsils, 7 CD Blocks, 129 Gram Panchayats and 1,528 villages.

History

Gajapati district has been named after Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the Ex-Raja Sahib of Paralakhemundi estate (the 1st Prime Minister of Orissa State).

The District came into being with effect from 2nd October 1992. Prior to this it was a part (Sub-Division) of Ganjam district.

Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Maharaja of Paralakhemundi was the direct descendant of the historic dynasty of the Gajapati kings ruled Orissa for more than seven centuries. During the regime of these kings, the boundaries of Orissa extended from the Ganga in the North to Udoyagiri in Nellore district in the South. Kolahomee, one of the sons of Kapilendra Deo, the Gajapati king of Orissa in the later half of the 15th Century came to this part of Paralakhemundi (then in Ganjam district) and founded the Raj family of Paralakhemundi.

Politics

Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituencies and their areas after delimitation order of 2008

136 Mohana Vidhan Sabha Constituency (ST) - 1. MOHANA BLOCK, 2. R. UDAYAGIRI BLOCK, 3. NUAGADA BLOCK, 4. RAYAGADA BLOCK.

137 Paralakhemundi Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 1. GUMMA BLOCK, 2. KASHINAGAR BLOCK, 3. PARALAKHEMUNDI BLOCK, 4. PARALAKHEMUNDI (M), 5. KASHINAGAR (NAC).

Places of interest
Adarsh Krushi Farm, B N Palace, Serango, Gandahati, Mahendragiri, Chandragiri in Gajapati, Jeerango, Harabhangi, GANDAHATI WATER FALL, GUDGUDA WATERFALL, Tibetan Monastery in Chandragiri