Sambalpur
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| ?Sambalpur Orissa • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 115 m (377 ft) |
| District(s) | Sambalpur |
| Population • Density |
153,643 (2001) • 122 /km² (316 /sq mi) |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle |
• 768xxx • +0663- • OR-15 |
Sambalpur is a city in the western region of Orissa. It is the headquarter of Sambalpur District. Sambalpur derives its name from that of the Goddess Samaleswari; an incarnationn of Shakti, who is regarded as the reigning deity of the region. Sambalpur lies at a distance of 321 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. In History, it has been variously known as 'Sambalak', 'Hirakhanda', 'Dakhina Koshala'. A low-intensity separatist Movement to carve out a state 'Koshal' has gained momentum these days.
The place is famous for its globally renowned textile bounded patterns and fabrics; locally known as Baandha. In past Sambalpur has been a great centre of diamond trade. Apart from textiles, Samabalpur has a rich tribal heritage and fabulous forestlands. The prevalent communicative Language used in and around Sambalpur region is called Sambalpuri, a dialect with a great amount of variations across the wide regions of Western Orissa. Sambalpuri is a dialect of the Oriya language, with influences of Chattisgarhi, Tribal and Hindi language. Presently there is a cultural movement which claims Sambalpuri to be an independent language, as opposed to a dialect, spoken by the people of the 10 districts of the Western Orissa region,viz. Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Boudh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh & Athmalik Sub-Division of Angul district & adjacent areas of Chhatisgarh.
Sambalpur is an ancient town mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd Century CE) as the city of 'Sambalaka' situated on the left bank of river "Manada" now known as Mahanadi. From the records of Xuanzang, and in the writings of the celebrated King Indrabhuti (oldest known king of Sambalpur), the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism and the Lama Cult.
Sambalpur had also been known as 'Hirakhand' meaning 'Land of Diamond'. In the past Sambalpur was famous for diamond mining and trade. Even now, the adjoining areas yield a large volume and value of semi-precious stones, if not diamonds.
French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689) in his travel account “Six Voyages en Turquie, en Perse et aux Indes (1676–77)” translated into English by Valentine Ball as “Travels in India” (2d ed., 2 vol., 1925) wrote about the numerous famous diamonds mines of Sumelpur (Semelpur), the present day Sambalpur. states that 8000 people were at work in these mines at the time of his visit, in the dry season at the beginning of February.
Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the beautiful Western part of Orissa. It is the divisional head quarters of the Northern administrative division of the State - also a very important commercial and Educational center. There are direct train connections to Kolkata (565 km, 12 h by train). New Delhi (1460 km, 26 h by train). Chennai (1010 km, 32 h by train). Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the State is connected through NH 42 (325 km, 8 h by bus or train). Ahmadabad and Mumbai are linked through Jharsuguda Junction (48 km). The nearby Airports are at Bhubaneswar (325 km) and Raipur (300 km).
Presently, Sambalpur is the break-bulk city between the states of Chhattisgarh and Orissa. In periods prior to 1000 A.D., it used to be known ance as an importnant diamond trading centre. There is a wild life sanctuary known as Badrama sanctuary near the city of Sambalpur.
Places like the Hirakud Dam and its lake with the winter migrant bird visitors from Siberia, leaning Temple of Huma and the wildlife Sanctuary at Badrama (Ushakuthi), Khalasuni and Debrigadh (wildlife sanctuary in the Barapahad mountain range - Chourasimal), Budharaja Temple, Gudguda waterfall, Ghanteswari Temple attract tourists. Near by places like the Narsinghnath and Harishankar, (Bolangir) Padhanpat (Deogarh) Hanuman Batika, Mandira Dam and Khandadhar (Rourkela) attracts tourists to its serene surroundings.
The artwork of the Sambalpuri tie and dye weavers, fascinating fabrics with enchanting designs and motifs is cherished for the uniqueness by the connoisseur of handloom the world over. Sambalpuri songs and dance has earned a unique place in the cultural arena of the would.
Places like Vikramkhol, Manikmoda, Phuldungri, Ushakuthi, Bhimamandli, Ulapgadha, Sargikhol preserve and exhibit pre-historic remains of Paleolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The caves embody many paintings and indicate the rich historic significance of the Sambalpur region.
Sambalpur and its cultural vicinity embody varied cultures and customs.
[edit] History
Sambalpur is mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd century) as Sambalaka on the river Manada (the Mahanadi River).
In the time of Kalingan emperor Kharavela this area was known as Attabhika,one of the fuedatory state of Kalinga empire.In the ancient time part of this area was roughly known as Dakhina Koshala. Goddess Samaleswari is the presiding deity of the area.This area was ruled by the Samanta or Fuedatory Chiefs of Soma Vanshi,Ganga Vanshi, Surya Vanshi Gajapati rulers of Kalinga-Utkala Empire.
After the fall of Orissa's centralised Gajapati Empire, this region of Orissa was governed by the feudal chiefs of the Chawhan dynasty till 1803 and then came under the sway of the British Empire.When its ruler died without a direct male heir in 1849, the British seized the state under the doctrine of lapse. The name of Veer Surendra Sai, who fought an epic struggle against the British Rule, is recorded in golden letters in the history of India's struggle for independence.After the Sepoy Mutiny this region was included in Central Province.In 1895, the people of Sambalpur organized a sustained movement for the protection of Oriya language and culture against Hindi chauvinism. They finally demanded amalgamation with Orissa Division as a solution of the language crisis. This demand was accepted by the British Government in 1905 when Sambalpur and the adjacent Oriya speaking tracts were amalgamated with the Orissa Division under Bengal Presidency. The Zamindaris of Oriya speaking Phuljhar and Chandarpur remained with the Central Provinces(now in the Raigarh District of Chhattishgarh state). Bengal's Orissa division became part of the new province of Bihar and Orissa in 1912, and in 1936 became the separate province of Orissa. After Indian Independence in 1947, Orissa became an Indian state.
Sambalpur retains its classic sleepy charm, even in the face of rapid , albeit unplanned expansion and a deluge of retail establishments. Some of the houses along the old part of Sambalpur are still maintaied, and used, like they were, a century ago. A peculiar way the houses in the older parts of town are arranged is , the gulli system, literally, mazeway. Houses in Patnaikpara, Nandpara, and along the parallel streets of sansadak and badsadak are examples of the above.
[edit] Places of interest
Samaleswari, the presiding deity of this region is enshrined at 'Samalai Gudi' on the bank of Mahanadi River. The other temple of importance is the Budharaja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and is perched atop the Budharaja hill. These temples are located at a few kilometres' distance from Sambalpur. The Hirakud Dam, the longest dam of the world, is some 15 kilometres from Sambalpur and can be easily visited on a day trip.
The leaning temple of Huma about 25 km from Sambalpur. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi, the 17th century temple of Huma leans at an angle of 47 degrees to the west. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar. The special type of fish found here are called as 'Kudo' fish. They are said to be so tame that they will eat sweets and other foods from the hands of devotee who bathe close to the temple. During auspicious days they are called by their names and given the 'prasad' of the God. Here nobody tries to catch them as they are believed to be the assets of the God.
Ushakothi a wild life Sanctuary, 43 km. North-East of Sambalpur on NH.6. Stretching for more than 130 km., the Sanctuary harbours Elephants, Tigers, Gours, Sambars, Black Panthers, Deer, Spotted Deer, and Wild Bears etc. There are two watching towers located near the saline tank inside the Sanctuary enable the visitors to catch a view of these animals.
Sambalpur is famous for its Hand Loom Textile works. Popularly known as Sambalpuri Textile. It has earned international fame for its unique pattern, design and texture. Sambalpuri handloom Sari, Handkerchief, Bed Sheets and other items can be bought.
