Baripada

Baripada
Town
Baripada
Baripada
Coordinates: 21°56′N 86°43′E / 21.94°N 86.72°E / 21.94; 86.72Coordinates: 21°56′N 86°43′E / 21.94°N 86.72°E / 21.94; 86.72
Country  India
State Odisha
District Mayurbhanj
Government
  Type Municipality
  Body Baripada Municipality
Elevation 36 m (118 ft)
Population (2011)[1]
  Total 116,874
Languages
  Official Odia
  Other Languages Hindi, English, Santali
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN 757 0xx
Telephone code 06792-25xxxx/ 06792-26xxxx
Vehicle registration OD-11
Website www.mapsofindia.com/maps/orissa/baripada.html

Baripada (bāripadā) is a town and a municipality in Mayurbhanj district in the state of Odisha, India. Located along the east bank of the Budhabalanga river, Baripada is the cultural centre of North Odisha and also hosts a large population of Santhals and other tribals. In recent years, it has emerged as an educational hub with the opening of numerous professional colleges and the North Orissa University.

The town is today the headquarters of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha's largest by area. It houses the office of the Collector, the Superintendent of Police and the Court of the District and Sessions Judge. It lends its name to the Baripada constituency of the Odisha Vidhan Sabha.

History

Originally the capital of the Mayurbhanj State, Baripada's antiquity is unknown. It was first recorded as Burpuddah by Major James Rennell of the East India Company in his famous Atlas of 1779. The origins of the name are doubtful but it appears to be derived from the Bauri tribe that originally inhabited this area.

The ruins of an old mud fort in the centre of the town have completely disappeared. A temple dedicated to Ambika Devi is the sole survivor. The chief shrine of the town is a Jagannath temple dating from 1575 AD. It is also the oldest structure in the area. A statue of the Buddhist deity Lokeshvara housed in one of its rooms is even older. However, Baripada developed into a town only under the rule of Maharaja Jadunatha Bhanja who died in 1863. His successors, especially Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo, added many other public buildings to the town. Baripada was linked to Rupsa in Balasore district through a narrow gauge line known as the Mayurbhanj State Railway in the first decade of the 20th century. This provided a major impetus to trade and commerce.

The town continued to grow after the merger of Mayurbhanj State with the Union of India in 1949. In contrast to the planned nature of the town centre, the newer areas have tended to adopt a sprawling nature.

Geography

Baripada is at 21°56′N 86°43′E / 21.94°N 86.72°E / 21.94; 86.72.[2] It has an average elevation of 36 metres (118 feet). The city lies along the Budhabalanga River.

Climate

Climate data for Baripada, Odisha
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 27.1
(80.8)
29.8
(85.6)
34.6
(94.3)
42.6
(108.7)
38.0
(100.4)
35.3
(95.5)
31.7
(89.1)
31.6
(88.9)
31.7
(89.1)
31.1
(88)
29.0
(84.2)
16.0
(60.8)
31.5
(88.8)
Average low °C (°F) 13.4
(56.1)
16.2
(61.2)
20.8
(69.4)
24.7
(76.5)
26.8
(80.2)
26.7
(80.1)
26.0
(78.8)
25.9
(78.6)
25.7
(78.3)
23.1
(73.6)
17.1
(62.8)
5.0
(41)
21
(69.7)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 11
(0.43)
30
(1.18)
35
(1.38)
60
(2.36)
142
(5.59)
288
(11.34)
411
(16.18)
349
(13.74)
288
(11.34)
143
(5.63)
26
(1.02)
17
(0.67)
1,800
(70.86)
Source #1: en.climate-data.org
Source #2: Meteovista

Education

Baripada is the seat for North Orissa University at Takatpur. It is home to the Maharaja Purna Chandra Junior College and to the MPC Autonomous College. The erstwhile Mayurbhanj Palace building houses are Maharaja Purna Chandra Junior College with more than 2,000 students and Government Women's College with about 500 students.[3]

The newly built Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital started its classes from September 2017. It is located in Rangmatia, 8 km from the main town.

The oldest high school is M.K.C High School, built during 1889. The town has two Kendriya Vidyalaya schools. There are English medium schools, viz — St. Anne's Convent School, St. Mary's Convent School, Satya Sai Vidya Vihar, etc. The other schools are Maharishi Public School, Sarat Chandra Vidyapitha, Policeline High School, Bhanjpur High School, Bhanjpur Girls' High School. It has Maharaja Purnachandra Junior and Autonomous college for providing intermediate, graduate and postgraduate level academics in disciplines ranging from Science to Arts and many specializations. One of the other schools include Maharani Premakumari Girls High school at Lalbazar that is exclusively for girls secondary and higher secondary education.

The engineering college named Seemanta Engineering College, affiliated to BPUT is near Jharpokharia which is 35 km from Baripada. Mayurbhanj Law College (established in 1978), B.Ed College, Ayurvedic College and Homeopathy colleges are in Baripada.

Diganta Vikas Residential School Baripada is situated in w.no 21 BijayramchandraPur only 200 meters to the east of the NH- 18 connecting Murgabadi & Darogadahi Golei.

Duly recognized by the Govt. of Odisha in the S & ME dept.

Baripada also has Kashinath Institute of Technical Education, the only one Medical Laboratory Technology institute in Mayurbhanj which provides Diploma in Medical Lab Technology affiliated under Govt. of Odisha.

Schools

The following are the noted schools in the city:

  • St Anne's Convent School, Baripada
  • Police High School Baripada
  • Balangi New Govt Girls High School
  • Bhanjpur Girls High School
  • Bhanjpur New Govt High School
  • Lady Hamilton New Govt Girls High School
  • M.P.K Girls High School
  • Madrasa Gousia, Kalikapur
  • Rakhal Gope New Govt. High School
  • Saint Mary's Convent School
  • Saint Xavier's High School
  • Sriaurobindo High School
  • Vivekananda Sikhya Kendra
  • Kendriya Vidyalaya, Baripada
  • Loyola School, Baripada
  • SVS School

Transportation

Baripada railway station was one of the earliest stations in Odisha. The ruler of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Bhanjdeo, connected Baripada by a narrow-gauge rail network to the Howrah-Chennai railway corridor. The first ever airport during the British Raj in Odisha stands to this date at sites of Rajabasa (16 km from city) and Rasgovindpur (60 km from the city) with their 2 km-long runways which were constructed during World War II.

Now a broad gauge railway line has replaced it which has benefited over 150,000 of this city's population. As of now, a Baripada — Rupsa — Balasore DEMU Pgr. train and a superfast express train to the state capital Bhubaneswar runs on daily basis. There's also a weekly train that runs from Baripada to Puri directly. A new train to Kolkata from Baripada has been running since 2010.

Regarding road transport, luxury A/C buses are a popular means of transportation between the cities. There is connectivity to Bhubaneswar, Puri, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Keonjhar, Balasore, Angul, Bolangir, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jamshedpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi and Kolkata from here. The city is 30 km from the starting point of N.H. 5 which goes to Chennai. There are a wide range of taxis for sightseeing and tours.

Similipal National Park is an elephant and tiger reserve only 30 km from Baripada. It's one of the major tourist attraction.

Culture

Baripada is popular for its art and culture. Many famous stars of Ollywood (Oriya film industry) are from Baripada. Baripada is famous for the Chhau dance form, famous all over the world. The Chaitra Parva celebrated in mid-April recognizes the local talents. Uttarsahi and Dakshinsahi are two main groups who perform in this festival with many other participants. Jhumar Song is popular in Baripada.

Shri Hari Baladev Jiu Temple (aka Bada Mandir), Deulasahi, Baripada

Baripada is the second place, after Puri, where the tradition of Ratha Yatra (Car festival of Lord Jagannath) began. Hence Baripada is called 'Dwitiya Srikhetra' (second Puri). Baripada's Ratha Yatra is popular for its unique culture. The unique tradition of only women pulling the Ratha of Maa Subhadra started in Baripada.

Maa Ambika Temple is one of the chief temples and Maa Ambika is a highly revered deity in this region. It is in Badabazar, 1 km from Baripada bus stand.

Maa Jagadhatri
Jagadhatri Puja Torana 2011 designed as United States Capitol Building, United States
Jagadhatri Puja Torana 2006 designed as Titanic Ship

Jagadhatri Mela at Bhanjpur is the next biggest mela. It is the festival of Maa Jagadhatri, Goddess of the whole world. There is a 10–15 days mela known as mini Bali Jatra (named after Cuttack's Bali Jatra) which takes place at Jagadhatri Mela grounds, near the Bhanjpur railway Station during October–November. It is celebrated on Gosthastami.

Maa Subhadra Rath of Baripada Rathyatra 2012

Tourist spots

Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj

Khiching

The Kichakeswari temple at Khiching is built entirely of chlorite slabs and is unique in India. There are a set of temples nearby that's used in active worship. There is a small museum that contains important historical specimens on art and sculpture.

Debakunda

Debakunda is a waterfall and tank. The Ambika temple is on the hilltop near the falls. Debakunda is at a distance of 60 km from Baripada and 85 km from Balasore.

Similipal

Similipal National Park is an evergreen forest having varied flora and fauna, served with a network of perennial streams. This is a habitat for tropical birds and animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar, and deer. The landscape comprises Sal forests, grasslands, peaks and waterfalls.

Similipal is the richest watershed in Orissa, giving rise to many perennial rivers. The Budhabalanga, the Khadkei, the West Deo, the East Deo, the Salandi and the Sanjo are the major ones. Barehipani (400 m) and Joranda (150 m) waterfalls are visitor attractions, and the Ramtirtha Crocodile Rearing Centre is located in nearby Jashipur.

Bhimkund

There is a sacred pool near the river Vaitarani. As per legend Bhima, the second Pandava, took his bath in this pool when the Pandavas were passing their incognito life in Birat Nagar (presumed to be the present location of Kaptipada). The Vaitarani river flows through a gorge in steps and flows down to the Bhimkund pool. During the Makar festival during January, thousands of people gather here to take a holy dip.

Manatiri

It is best known for the shrine of 'Kakharua Baidyanath' (Temple of Lord Shiva). It is surrounded on three sides by water channels from the Gangahar River. The temple is based on the Orissa's temple architecture. During the Shivaratri festival thousands of devotees gather there. According to legend, the king of Somavanshi dynasty was afflicted with leucoderma and his whole body resembled with white patches like in a water melon ('kakharu' in Oriya). It is believed that he was cured by the grace of the deity. Some Oriya inscriptions of Mayurbhanj royal family are seen on the temple walls.

To the west of temple in about 1 km are the remains of an ancient fort and 8 km to the east are the ruins of Kuradiha Gada.

Haripur

Haripur, earlier known as Hariharpur, was founded by Maharaja Harihar Bhanj in 1400 CE and remained as the capital of Bhanja Dynasty before it shifted to Baripada. Baidyanath Bhaanj, another ruler of the dynasty built a magnificent brick temple in honour of his tutelary God Rasika-raya. Though currently dilapidated, it is unique among the brick temples of Orissa. Towards the north to the courtyard of Rasikaraya temple lies the ruins of Ranihanspur (the inner apartment of the queen).

Radhamohan temple is a brick-built rectangular temple nearby.

Lulung

This place is surrounded on three sides by hills of Similipal range. It is a popular place for picnicking, and tourists can purchase the stone utensils that are native to this place.

Devagram

Also known as Deogan, the river Sono flows close to the village. There are several ruins of old temples on the bank of the river. It is presumed that a change in the course of the river might have caused this destruction. The images of Ganesh and Parvati with Shiva Lingam and the eight-armed Chamunda on a heap of stone are found here. The sculpture of the Goddess and the pedestal are notable for their workmanship. Fragments of stone supposed to be parts of the ruins of Chamunda temple are still lying in the river bed.

Samibruksha

Samibruksha is a peak in the hillock and is about 500 ft high. There are five caves on the western side. Legend has it that the five Pandavas hid their arms in these caves before proceeding to the court of the king Virata. The pilgrims take their sacred bath in the nearby stream on Baruni day in the month of Chaitra. Makar Sankranti, which falls in mid-January, is the most important festival of this place.

Simla

Simla on the banks of river Burhabalanga is houses the shrine of Simileswar Shiva. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the shrine every day, and this place is famous with picnickers. A fair is held during the Shivaratri day which continues for a week.

Kuchei

This is an excavated prehistoric site and discoveries pertaining to neolithic possessions of man are being made. The pottery fragments found with Neolithic implements speak of settlements in the late Stone age in Mayurbhanj district.

Kuliana

Many paleolithic artifacts are being discovered in this region. Its very near to Bengals Medinipore.

Demographics

As of 2011 census, Baripada had a population of 110,058[1] and the urban agglomeration had a population of 116,874.[4] The municipality had a sex ratio of 931 females per 1,000 males and 9% of the population were under six years old.[1] Effective literacy was 89.31%; male literacy was 93.45% and female literacy was 84.88%.[1]

Population

The population of Baripada has Oriyas consisting of Brahmins and Kshatriyas; the rest of the population is accounted to people of Bihar origin, Bengalis, Punjabis, Marwaris and other north Indians. Muslims and Christians constitute a minor part of the population.

The nearby villages have a major number of tribal population.

As per provisional reports of Census India, population of Baripada in 2011 is 110,058 — of which male and female are 57,008 and 53,050 respectively. Although Baripada city has population of 110,058; its urban/metropolitan population is 116,874 of which 60,535 are males and 56,339 female.

Literacy rate 2011

In education section, total literates in Baripada city are 89,421 of which 48,388 are males while 41,033 are females. Average literacy rate of Baripada city is 89.31 percent of which male and female literacy was 93.45 and 84.88.

Child population 2011

Total children (0-6) in Baripada city are 9,933 as per figure from Census India report on 2011. There were 5,228 boys while 4,705 are girls. The child forms 9.03% of total population of Baripada City.

Sex ratio 2011

The sex ratio of Baripada city is 931 per 1000 males. Child sex ratio of girls is 900 per 1000 boys.

Economics

Baripada is home to many forest-based products such as timber, but due to heavy deforestation the sawmills were banned within a 25 km radius. Baripada is known for Sabai grass plantations, an African grass introduced to Baripada and was first planted in Hamilton Garden that grows on red volcanic soil and has strong fibres that are used for rope making known as Bubei. It has many cashew plantation fields. Khali (plates) and Duna (bowls) making, from leaves of Sal tree leaves (Shorea robusta), is another business that local men engage in.

It has many brick kilns on the banks of river Budhabalaga, which is the only perennial river flowing through the city. Timber remains one of the major sources of income for the local populace.

Politics

Current MLA from Baripada Assembly Constituency is Sananda Marandi of BJD, who won the seat in State elections of 2014 and 2009. Previous MLAs from this seat were

  • 2014: Sananda Marndi (BJD)
  • 2009: Sananda Marndi (BJD)
  • 2004: Bimal Lochan Das (JMM)
  • 2000: Kishore Das (JMM)
  • 1995: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
  • 1990: Chhatish Chandra Dhal (Janata Dal)
  • 1985: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
  • 1980: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
  • 1977: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
  • 1974: Pramod Chandra Bhanjadeo (Independent)
  • 1971: Pramod Chandra Bhanjadeo (Independent)
  • 1967: Santosh Kumar Sahu (Congress)
  • 1961: Santosh Kumar Sahu (Congress)
  • 1957: Harihar Mohanty (PSP) and Samal Majhi (Independent)
  • 1951: Girish Chandra Ray (PSP) and Surendra Singh (Congress)[5]

Baripada is part of Mayurbhanj (Lok Sabha constituency). The current MP of Lok Sabha (2014) is Ramachandra Hansdah of Biju Janata Dal.[6] From 2009 election year, Baripada constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes.

Notable persons

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (pdf). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  2. Falling Rain Genomics, Inc: Baripada
  3. "Mayurbhanj palace wallows in royal neglect". Times of India. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  4. "Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above" (pdf). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  5. "State Elections 2004 - Partywise Comparison for 7-Baripada Constituency of Odisha". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  6. "Assembly Constituencies — Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Odisha" (PDF). Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2009. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  7. "Jatin Das got Padma Awards". The Times Of India.
  8. "Uttam Mohanty got Lifetime Achievement Award". Archived from the original on 2013-03-24.
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