Mayurbhanj district is a district located in the northern part of the Indian state of Odisha. It is the largest district in Odisha by area, and is known for its predominantly tribal population, dense forests, and the Similipal National Park, one of India's major biosphere reserves. The district headquarters is at Baripada.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Odisha |
| Headquarters | Baripada |
| Region | Northern Odisha |
| Notable protected area | Similipal Biosphere Reserve |
| Languages | Odia, Santali, Ho, Bhumij |
Geography
Mayurbhanj lies in the north of Odisha and shares borders with the states of Jharkhand to the north and West Bengal to the north-east. Within Odisha, it is bordered by Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendujhar and Jajpur districts. The terrain is largely hilly and forested, dominated by the Similipal hill ranges, with the Meghasani peak being one of the highest points. Major rivers flowing through the district include the Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Salandi and Khairi.
History
The region was historically governed by the Bhanja dynasty, who ruled the princely state of Mayurbhanj for several centuries with Baripada as their seat. Mayurbhanj State was one of the major princely states under the Eastern States Agency during British paramountcy. After Indian independence, the state acceded to the Indian Union, and on 1 January 1949 it was merged with the province of Odisha, becoming a district of the state.
The Bhanja rulers, particularly Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo and Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanj Deo, are remembered for promoting education, public works, and patronage of art and culture in the region. Institutions such as the Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (formerly North Orissa University) and the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance tradition trace their roots to this period.
Demographics and culture
Mayurbhanj has one of the highest proportions of Scheduled Tribe population among Odisha's districts. The principal tribal communities include the Santal, Ho, Bhumij, Munda, Kolha and Mahali, alongside Odia-speaking communities. Languages spoken include Odia, Santali (often written in the Ol Chiki script), Ho and Bhumij.
The district is the home of the famous Mayurbhanj Chhau, a martial dance form that was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 as part of the Chhau dance tradition. Major festivals include Chaitra Parba, Karam, Tusu Parba and Rath Yatra at Baripada, the latter notable for the chariot of Devi Subhadra being pulled by women.
Administration
The district is divided into administrative subdivisions with headquarters at Baripada, Bamanghaty (Rairangpur), Kaptipada (Udala) and Panchpir (Karanjia). It comprises numerous tehsils and community development blocks, and contains the municipal areas of Baripada and Rairangpur along with several notified area councils.
Economy
The economy of Mayurbhanj is largely agrarian, with paddy as the principal crop, supplemented by pulses, oilseeds and horticultural produce. Forest-based livelihoods are significant, including the collection of minor forest produce such as sal seeds, kendu leaves, mahua, lac and tasar silk cocoons. The district has historically been a centre of tasar silk production. Mineral resources, particularly iron ore in the Badampahar–Gorumahisani belt, have supported mining activity in parts of the district.
Similipal
The Similipal National Park, declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973 and a biosphere reserve in 1994, lies at the heart of the district. It was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. The reserve is known for its sal forests, waterfalls such as Barehipani and Joranda, and populations of tigers, elephants, gaur and a variety of bird species.
Transport and connectivity
Baripada is connected by road through National Highway 18 and other state highways linking it to Balasore, Jamshedpur and Kolkata. Rail connectivity is provided through stations at Baripada, Rairangpur and Betnoti, falling under the South Eastern Railway zone. The nearest major airports are at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
Notable people
- Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo – ruler of Mayurbhanj State, noted patron of education and reform.
- Pratap Chandra Bhanj Deo – the last ruling Maharaja of Mayurbhanj at the time of merger with Odisha.
- Droupadi Murmu – the 15th President of India, born in Mayurbhanj district.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata entity: Q1914546
- Government of Odisha, district portal of Mayurbhanj
- Census of India, district handbooks for Mayurbhanj