Surada

Surada is located at 19.75°N 84.43°E / 19.75; 84.43.[1] It has an average elevation of 84 m (276 ft). It is situated at the North-Western side of Ganjam district.

As of 2011 India census,[2] Surada had a population of 14,867. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Surada has an average literacy rate of 68.7%, lower than the national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 55.6%, and female literacy is 44.3%.

Amrutulu, Asurabandha, Badabadangi, Badagada, Badagochha, Borada, Borasingi, Bhagabanpur, Ekalapur, Gajalabadi, Gangapur, Genja, Gochha, Gopalpur Sasan, Goudagotha, Hinjalakuda, Hukuma, Kulangi, Lathipada, Merrikota, Nuagada, Palakatu, Raibandha, Sarabadi, Sidhapur, Suramani.

Surada is a Sanskrit word which means The place of Devas. It was established by the 1st king of Surada dynasty Raja Sandhadhanu Singh in 1476. When Britishers had ruled Surada they took this Zamindari along with undivided Ganjam district into Madras Presidency which is mentioned in List of zamindari estates in Madras Presidency.

This place was earlier known as Surada Gada (ସୁରାଡା ଗଡ଼) under Khidisingi kingdom which includes Surada, Dharakote, Sheragada block of Ganjam district (also includes some part of Mohana block of Gajapati district) of present date. In 1476, Raja Baliar Singh divided the Khidisingi kingdom into four different states among his four sons;

• Badagada – Raja Daman Singh
• Dharakote – Raja Hadu Singh
• Surada – Raja Sandhadhanu Singh (also known as Abhaya Pratap)
• Sheragada – Raja Parsuram Singh (Minor) (Represented by Raja Baliar himself).

Now, former Badagada state is under Surada Block and Dharakote, Sheragada are two separate blocks in Ganjam district.

• Rushikulya Degree College, Surada
• Rushikulya Higher Secondary School, Surada, Estd: 1978[3]
• P.C.M. Women's Higher Secondary School, Surada, Estd: 1999[4]
• Rushikulya Industrial Training Center (I.T.C.), Tatabali, Surada, Estd: 2009
• Sashi Bhusan (Govt.)High School, Surada, Estd: 1920[5]
• Technical High School, Surada, Estd: 1954
• Govt. Girl's High School, Surada, Estd: 1964[6]
• Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Surada, Estd: 2016
• Roman Catholic Mission (R.C.M.) U.P School, Surada, Estd: 1904
• Jagannath Sanskrit Vidyalaya, Surada, Estd: 1930
• Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandira, Surada, Estd: 1995
• R.C.M. Boy's Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1854
• R.C.M. Girl's Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1927
• Ex. Board Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1895
• Girl's Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1914
• Mahammadiya Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1921
• Govt. Aided Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1942
• Baradi Primary School, Surada, Estd: 1959
• Block Colony Primary School, Surada, Estd:
• Vivekanand Sishu Vidya Mandir, Surada, Estd: 2012
• KMIT Computer Education, Surada, Estd: 2014

• Sashi Bhusan Rath

• State Bank of India, Surada
• Punjab National Bank, Surada
• Utkal Grameen Bank, Surada
• Aska Central Cooperative Bank Ltd., Surada[7]
• Bank of India, Badagada
• Andhra Bank, Badagada
• Micro Leasing & Funding Ltd., Surada
• Sahara Credit Co-operative Society Ltd., Surada

• Judicial Magistrate's(1st Class) Court
• Tahasil Office[8]
• Panchayat Samiti (Block) Office[9]
• Block Education Office
• Notified Area Council Office[10]
• Special Planning Authority (Surada)[11]
• O.F.D.C. Office
• Sub-Divisional Office (Minor Irrigation)
• Sectional Office (Irrigation)
• Lift Irrigation Office
• Asst. Executive Engineer's Office (National Highway Sub-division)
• Asst. Executive Engineer's Office (R&B Sub-division)
• Junior Engineer's Office (R&B)
• Public Wealth Department(P.W.D.) Office
• P.H.E.D Office
• Community Health Centre
• Child Development Project Office (ICDS Project)[12]
• Sub-Jail[13]
• Police Station
• Fire Station
• Forest Range Office
• Sub-Post Office
• Govt. Veterinary Hospital
• Sub-Registrar Office[14]
• Sub-Treasury Office[15]
• Sub-Divisional Office(Southco)
• Sectional Office(Southco)
• Asst. Engineer's Office(Southco)
• R.I. Office, Surada
• R.I. Office, Amrutulu

• There are 8 Shiva temples in the town. Therefore, pilgrims do the Asta Sambhu yatra in various auspicious occasions.
• Danda Nacha - Danda Nacha(Jatra) are ritualistic performances held during the month of Chaitra for a period of 13 days. This is considered to be the one of the traditional form of worship. The performers showcase their performances in different villages. The performances are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali, which are symbolically represented by a Agni Danda. The participants showcase various items Agni Danda & a Pole decorated with multi-coloured clothes. The closing ceremony is known as Meru Yatra, which is observed on the day of Maha Vishuba Sankranti which supposed to be the 1st day of Odia new year.
• Surada Dam (Surada Ghai) - A Big water reservoir popularly known as Sorada Ghai, holds in its bosom a reservoir amidst uncommon scenic charm. It blends itself beautifully into an enchanting picnic spot. This dam was built in 1896. The water of Padma river (popularly known as Patma river) is reserved in it. At times, the water of this reservoir is channelised to Rushikulya river for irrigation. There is a Children's park at the adjacent site of the dam.
• Ratha Jatra - As the land of Lord Jagannath, in every nooks and corners of Odisha Ratha Jatra is celebrated.
• Kanta Pidha Jatra - It is a very famous festival of Surada. In this festival Maa Kandhuni Devi is worshiped specially. So, every year on this occasion Maa Kandhuni Devi Mahosava is celebrated.
• Kumar Purnima - Birthday of Lord Kartika. All will wear new cloth & play cards from Dasahara to Kumar Purnami of all 5 days.
• Rushikulya River - This is a holy river for Hindus. Every year people celebrate Baruni Mohosava (birthday of Rushikulya). It originates from Rushi Hills of Kandhamal and the mouth of this river is at Puruna Bandha, Chhatrapur of Ganjam district. It is believed that Rushikulya is 100 years elder than the holy river Ganga. Rushikulya river has mentions in many Hindu epics like Brahmanda Purana, Mahabharat etc.

Surada is the part of Surada Assembly Constituency. Current MLA from Surada Assembly Constituency is Purna Chandra Swain of BJD, who won the seat in State elections in 2014 & 2009 twice. Previous MLAs from this seat were Kishore Chandra Singhdeo (2004) of BJP, before Usharani Panda of INC who won this seat in 2000, Ananta Narayan Singh Deo representing BJP in 1995 and representing JNP in 1977, Shanti Devi of JD in 1990, Sharat Chandra Panda of INC in 1985, and Gantayat Swain of INC(I) in 1980. The Son of the Soil Biju Patnaik(ବିଜୁ ପଟ୍ଟନାୟକ) elected from Surada during 1957 state election.[16]

Surada is part of Aska (Lok Sabha constituency). [17]