Sarkar, Sailendra Nath-Biography of Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo published by Mayurbhanj State,1918, Page-56 In addition to making laws on policy matters for the state, the council dealt with matters like finance, annual budget, civil and criminal code, tenancy, survey and settlement of land, police, arms and a number of other vital sectors & in Page-113 Health is wealth. Human resources are more valuable than precious gems. It is therefore; the measures taken for the care of the physical health of his people were as thorough and elaborate as those for the care of their mental well being.

Senapati Nilamani and Sahu Dr. Nabin Kumar, Orissa District Gazetteers, Mayurbhanj,1967 “The name Mayurbhanj is derived from the names of two medieval ruling families “Mayuras” and “Bhanjas”. There were close social and cultural relationships between these two ruling families”.

Sahoo, Dr. Mohan Lal – Mayurbhanja ra Lokageeta O Lokanrutya, 1982, Page-2 & 3 . In some places pigs, rams, goats and cocks are sacrificed to satisfy the Gods. “Handia” (hand made liquor made out of rice) is also offered to God on some occasions. They celebrate different festivals on most of the times of a year. They dance and sing in these festivals.

Lenka Dr. Bhagabat Prasad – Swarnayuga Pravartaka Rajarshi Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo published in 1993 by Swarna Lata Lenka, Baripada – Page-93 &110 Maharaja was aware that Mayurbhanj is gifted with immense natural resources.  Its exploration and proper utilization would make the state rich by giving employment to the poors besides contributing substantially to the state exchequer

Mishra, Dr.Prabodh Kumar, Mayurbhanj Itihas O Sanskrutira Mukhyadhara, 2009, Page-9 Mayurbhanj state was founded sometime in 1300 AD by Jai Singh. His eldest son Adi Singh got the throne of Mayurbhanj state. The rulers of Mayurbhanj thus claim that they descended from “Kachhva”14 clan of Rajputs of modern Rajasthan.

Panigrahi Dibya Singha- Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo- P-49 Western education, thought and their democratic administrative and judicial system had a profound impact on his style of administration. With such noble motive in mind, best thing was sure to happen. Soon after coronation the Maharaja wasted no time in bringing about the much awaited political changes

Ancient History of Mayurbhanj

The ancient history of Mayurbhanj is difficult to understand. No doubt the territory was part of Utkal. In the sixth century B.C. a tribe called “Bhanna” who were probably the ancestors of the Bhanja dynasty inhabited in this region. Utkal along with Mayurbhanj formed part of Kalinga under Ashoka as well as under Kharavela. The Mayurbhanj also formed a part of Uttara Toshala and was under Mana rule for sometime. After Mana rule Mayurbhanj came under the rule of Bhanja Kings.

Mayurbhanj state was founded sometime in 1300 AD by Jai Singh. His eldest son Adi Singh got the throne of Mayurbhanj state. The rulers of Mayurbhanj thus claim that they descended from “Kachhva” clan of Rajputs of modern Rajasthan. It is also said that Maurya family were ruling over Eastern India from Bonai to Tamralipi during medieval period and Bhanja ruling family of Mayurbhanj was very likely belonged to that family. Kotta Bhanja was most probably the founder of the township of Khijinga Kotta (modern Khiching). The actual history of the Bhanja kings of Khijinga Mandala starts from his time. So far fifteen copper plates have been discoverd which among other things describe about the history and administration of Bhanja family of Khiching. From the Bamanghaty plate it is known that the successor of Kotta Bhanja was Diga Bhanja. His two sons Narendra Bhanja and Rana Bhanja ruled over Khichinga Mandala one after the other. After pre-mature death of Narendra Bhanja, Rana Bhanja succeeded to the throne of Khijinga. Rana Bhanja ruled over Khijinga Mandala during the period from 924 to 929 A.D. It is also known that the early Bhanja Kings of Khijinga Kotta were feudatories of the Bhauman Kings who ruled over the coastal region of Orissa from the Ganges in the North to the Mahendra mountains in the South. Rana Bhanja was also the contemporary of the Bhauma queen Dandi Mahadevi.

Rana Bhanja had two sons and the eldest one was Raja Bhanja who had succeeded Rana Bhanja. From an inscription preserved in the museum at Khiching it is known that although Raja Bhanja was a devotee of Shiva, still he patronised Buddhism in his Kingdom. Raja Bhanja was succeeded by his brother Prithvi Bhanja alias Shatru Bhanja. It is known from the Kesari plate that Anakha Devi was the chief queen of Shatru Bhanja and her son Narendra Bhanja was the crown prince. After the death of Shatru Bhanja, Durjaya Bhanja the son of Raja Bhanja ascended the throne. He claimed himself as a frontal mark of the Bhanja family and assumed the title of “Maharajadhiraja”. The “Adipur grant” of Durjaya Bhanja is the last available copper plate record of this dynasty.

Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo

The 17th of December, 1871 AD was a memorable day in the history of Mayurbhanj. It witnessed the birth of one of the biggest legendary figures as well as social and administrative reformers of Orissa. He was none other than Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo, the illustrious son of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Bhanj Deo. His birth was celebrated with great rejoicing and distribution of sweets, gifts and money among Brahmins and the poors. By the time the Maharaja took control of administration, he acted like a feudatory chief but because of his sound knowledge of law and careful and just exercise of limited powers, the government gave him the full powers of a session judge. Sri Ram Chandra always had a keen desire to visit foreign lands to study the men and manners, law and institutions, arts and industries, improved method of agriculture, education and sanitation of civilized countries.

Though the Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo was able to rule only for 20 years, yet he brought about many remarkable reforms in the system of administration, law, justice and public welfare which have made him immortal till today. Adoption and implementation of new technology in agriculture and industry, increased people’s income and thereby revenue  of state in a big way. Thrust given for improving and creating infrastructure like roads, public buildings and educational institutions paid rich dividends. Above all the unique steps taken by him for delegation of authority, democratic decentralization and creation of state council paved the way for the dawn of much awaited democracy in the heartland of monarchy. As ill luck would have it, the Maharaja of the whole mankind left for his heavenly abode on 22nd February, 1912 but left behind a rich legacy of ideal administration, public welfare and social justice.

Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo occupies the highest place among the Bhanja rulers of Mayurbhanj. With him a new era of administration was started in the state of Mayurbhanj. In the true sense of the term, he was a born reformer. Born and brought up as a son of a monarch, he made structural changes for the democratic system of Government to creep in. Even being the chief of a state he worked as paid servant leaving aside all sorts of royal luxuries and comforts. Touring developed countries of the world and gathering knowledge about their administration and judicial system, he implemented such system for Mayurbhanj. He was the first Bhanja ruler to do such unique thing.

Separating judiciary from the executive to ensure independence of judiciary, was really praise worthy. And here also he was much ahead of his time. Independence of judiciary that forms an integral part of modern democracy was his vision. He successfully executed such idea. No other Bhanja King had even thought of this. The art of diplomacy was well known to the Maharaja. Though during his period, the Britishers were at the peak of their powers not only in India but also all over the world, yet by his diplomatic ability and cleverness, the Maharaja was able to maintain very good relationship with the Britishers and as a result the independence of Mayurbhanj was maintained. He was a patron of art, architecture and literature. His contribution for Oriya language movement was really appreciable. During his time with his active supervision and royal patronage, the chhau dance of Mayurbhanj reached the apex of its development and got national and international recognition. His memorable speech at plenary session of Utkal Sammilani as President of the conference was appreciated all over Orissa.

Incurring entire expenditure from state exchequer for linking Baripada with Rupsa by rail for promotion of trade, commerce and convenience of people of Mayurbhanj in the year 1903, the Maharaja proved his modern mindedness and concern to carry forward his kingdom at par with other developed states of our country.

He was secular with equal respect for all religions. He donated generously for the development of educational institutions. The king cherished the virtue of democracy in his heart and his reign always looked after the welfare of his subjects. His earnest desire to rule through democratic principles remind us of “Ram Rajya”. The king was big hearted. His welfare activities were not confined to the state of Mayurbhanj but extended to the whole of Orissa.

Contribution of Maharaja in The Change of Socio-Economic and Political Scenario in Mayurbhanj

Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo was not only an ideal person but also an ideal and able administrator. He was gifted with all the qualities of an enlightened ruler. In the field of administration, he had foresightedness. All round development of Mayurbhanj was the prime concern of his administration. To make the state of Mayurbhanj an ideal state, he left no stone unturned.

After ascending the throne the Maharaja visited some developed countries of the world with a view to acquaint himself with their style of administration, the style of living of people of those countries, trade, commerce, education, industries and factories. He vowed to apply the same system in the functioning of the state of Mayurbhanj for its overall upliftment. Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo also studied the main factors behind the speedy development of other states. Then he undertook necessary steps to compete with others.

Creation of Forest Department

Forests play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and preventing pollution. Preservation of forests would also provide huge income for the state. With this realisation, in the year 1894, the Maharaja created forest department to preserve the existing forest resources and create new forests.2 This step proved successful. Illegal cutting of trees was stopped and income of government from forests increased.

Geological Survey :

In order to assess the quantity and location of the deposit of natural resources of Mayurbhanj, the Maharaja appointed renowned geologist Sri P.N. Bose. From his reports it was clear that the state among other things had huge deposits of high standard iron-ore, the exploration and export of which would be a big contribution for economic development of the state.

In the year 1906 Maharaja entered into a lease agreement with M/S Tata Iron and Steel company for the lease of Goru Mahisani and Suleipat hills for the exploration of iron ore. By the year 1911, the works started in full swing. It created huge employment for the people of Mayurbhanj. On the one hand, the state got royalty and on the otherhand unemployed people got jobs there. This measure, no doubt, became boon for the economic prosperity of the state. The iron ore from these hills proved to be of highest standard during those days in India.

From the geological survey it also came to light that in Mayurbhanj besides iron, there was huge quantity of gold, mica, asbestos, lime stone, Keolin, building and ornamental stones. For extracting these minerals necessary licenses were issued to different companies and this act of Maharaja earned huge amount of revenue for the state exchequer.

Programme on Electrification

A man of vision and foresight Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra had made a blue print of hydro-electric project for utilizing flowing waters of river Budhabalanga. Besides this in the year 1908 the Maharaja had signed an agreement with a company named British Westing house and electric manufacturing company for generation of electricity from the water reservoir at Kusumbandh waterfalls and supply of electricity to Kolkata and other places on commercial basis. Though these plans could not see the light of the day due to factors like cost and distance etc. still these plans definitely gave new direction in making of progressive electrification plans of the state in later years.

Creation of Public Works Department

No doubt, the Maharaja was an ideal architect in real sense of the term. With a view to construct roads, bridges, dakbunglow and government buildings, Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra had created a new department called public works department. This department was headed by the state engineer Mr. K.N. Martin who directly supervised the construction projects of the state.

During the reign of Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo within a very short period, a number of all weather roads connecting important places, bridges and dakbunglows were constructed in the state. With this the Mayurbhanj state progressed rapidly leaving behind many other princely states. The public works department spread its wings in many other directions also. Under its supervision official buildings for courts, kacheri, police stations, schools, library, hospitals and official residences were built. Old roads were repaired and converted into pucca roads. Thus during his period in total 502 miles of roads were built. 

Rail Project for Mayurbhanj

The Maharaja did not stop after doing the above works. The long felt need of the state was in the mind of the Maharaja to connect it by rail for the convenience of the people and for the progress of trade and commerce. To implement this, under the supervision of the state engineer, the 32 mile rail line from Baripada to Rupsa was constructed and the entire amount spent on the project was given by the Maharaja from the state treasury. For inauguration of Baripada-Rupsa rail line, Maharaja had invited Sir Andrew Frazer the then lieutenant Governor of Bengal. He was accompanied by Mrs. Frazer, the then commissioner of Orissa, the head of Bengal-Nagpur railway and other engineers. At 10 AM on 2nd of December, 1904 the train arrived at Baripada after starting from Rupsa. It was a red letter day for Mayurbhanj. When the train reached Baripada the Maharaja requested his honour to declare the railway open and read an address the main points of which were as follows:

“It was in 1900-01 that we proposed to construct a light railway of 2 ft. 6 inches gauge to give our people easy access to the Bengal-Nagpur railway as well as to develop a promising part of the state and with this object surveys were made and detailed plans and estimates prepared and submitted to Government at the close of that year. It was not however, till the close of 1902-03 that sanction was received and actual work did not begin till 1903. The railway line has been financed entirely from the current revenues of the state and its estimated cost is Rs. 600000/- for 32 miles.

Plan for Development of Sericulture

From the time immemorial the vast forests of Mayurbhanj was the breeding ground of silk worm and the weavers of Mayurbhanj were gifted with the art of weaving. However, they needed someone to patronise the half grown silk industry and the Maharaja was the right answer to it. With the mission of modernisation and development of sericulture and industries, the Maharaja imported modern spinning wheels from foreign countries and distributed among the weavers of Mayurbhanj. He made them available loans at a cheaper rate of interest and also provided them different colours for use in sarees by importing from abroad. Such moral support and financial assistance from the Maharaja created a new climate giving rise to flourishing of silk industries in terms of production and export of Silk Sarees and other dress materials of international standard. Maharaja also established one technical school at Baripada to provide technical training to intending crafts men.

Green Revolution

Agriculture was the main stay of the people of Mayurbhanj. The farmers were solely dependents on monsoon for water. Therefore, only one crop in a year could be possible. For the improvement of agriculture and increase of agricultural lands, the Maharaja had given much attention.To remove the problems of farmers, he made plans to provide irrigation facilities to agricultural lands. With this in mind, he arranged for digging wells and ponds. In some places, water reservoirs were created and from there through small canals water was supplied to agricultural lands.

The length of main canal of Balidiha reservoir was 8.5 miles and it had the capacity to irrigate 2360 acres of agricultural land. Similarly the length of canal connected to Haldia reservoir was more than six miles which irrigated 2243 acres of land. Because of implementation of these projects there was a big boost in agricultural production. With such irrigation facilities more and more dry lands became agricultural lands and farmers stopped depending entirely on monsoon.

Maharaja had also conceived a mega plan in his mind to create a big reservoir at the origin of Budhabalanga river with a view to extend irrigation facilities to all parts of the state and thereby to maximise agricultural output. However, before this project could see the light of the day, the Maharaja left for his heavenly abode.It is really surprising to note that at the very beginning of 20th century, the Maharaja had foreseen progressive plans to bring about overall development of his beloved Kingdom-Mayurbhanj.

Steps for Spread of Education

A king of different kind Sri Ram Chandra took keen initiative in doing good for his fellow subjects. He used to rule his state thinking himself as the servant of the people. Keeping this in mind he was listening and redressing their grievances.

A man without education is similar to animals. With this noble thought in mind he took keen initiative in building necessary infrastructure for rapid spread of basic and higher education. To start with in the year 1892, Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo upgraded the M.K.C. M.E. School at Baripada to High School and later on it became Mayurbhanj Zilla School.13 To encourage poor students for joining schools, tuition fees were made free. Arrangement was made for free supply of books and study materials to students. By the year 1910, the number of schools in the state increased to 410 from 44 in 1882. New school buildings were built and old school buildings were renovated. New teachers with good qualification were appointed in schools. The introduction of such rewarding reforms started giving unexpected results in the form of increase in number of students in schools from 2376 in 1882 to 7899 in 1910. To improve the quality of education in schools, the Maharaja had appointed Inspector of Schools.

Contribution of Maharaja to Oriya Language Movement

Orissa was dismembered after the British occupation in 1803 AD into three separate tracts known as Orissa division constituting Balasore, Cuttack and Puri under Bengal Presidency. The Ganjam and Visakhapattanam districts became a part of Madras Presidency and Sambalpur tract with adjacent feudatory states was incorporated in Central Province. An emphasis was made by three presidencies to introduce their respective languages as official language in their divisions. With this Orissa and Oriya Language got severe blow.

“Utkal Prava” emerged as a leader of Oriya nationalism and supported in a great manner to Oriya language movement. His unblemished love for oriya nationalism and oriya literature crowned him to be nominated as the 1st president of “Utkal Sammilani” inaugurated at Idga maidan at Cuttack on 30.12.1903. He delivered encouraging message for the unification and integration of Orissa and development of Oriya language.

As a true patron of Oriya nationalism and leader of Oriya language movement, he rendered valuable services like extending financial support for remodelling the dilapidated parts of science department of Ravenshaw College by donating Rs. 27000/-. He also constructed buildings for “Utkal Sahitya Samaj” and Victoria Jubilee Library at Baripada.

Endeavour for Health Project

Health is wealth. Human resources are more valuable than precious gems. It is therefore, the measures taken for the care of the physical health of his people were as thorough and elaborate as those for the care of their mental well being. The following extract from Mr. P. Wylly’s annual report for the year 1882-83 shows the very poor condition of the Medical Department at that time. “A dispensary existed but the building was in a dilapidated condition and is now being remodelled. However, during the period of Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo commendable improvement was registered in this highly sensitive sector. The Maharaja took personal care for this. Within no time eight hospitals came up in the state with good infrastructure and trained medical practitioners. Lakhs of patients got free medical treatment.

Transfer of Land Ownership to Subjects

In addition to making necessary reforms in the field of administration, the Maharaja also made a beginning of his policy of government for the people by granting in 1892 to all his tenants a right of occupancy in their holdings. As per prevailing practice, people had no ownership rights over the lands they cultivated. At any stage the land could be taken back from them by the state. The dream of people to become the owner of land became true when the Maharaja announced the transfer of land ownership rights to the people. Announcement of such unprecedented popular law by Maharaja created joyful situation all over Mayurbhanj. With this law coming into force the farmers got full right to become the owner of the land and also the right to sell and mortgage the property.

Elaborate System of Land Survey and Settlement

To bring an end to land disputes in view of non-maintenance of proper land records, the Maharaja ordered for survey of lands and making “Naksa and Khatian”. The King was pragmatic enough to usher in the modern methods of surveying the lands for the peaceful settlement of the size of the land. Accordingly the area of every plot of land was properly demarcated and determined putting an end to land related doubts, disputes and disturbances among his subjects.

The Maharaja also added one more feather to his credit by putting an end to the indiscriminate collection of land revenue by employees. He categorised the lands taking into account its productive capacity and fixed the annual rent payable only once in a year.

Steps for Easy Availability of Loan to People

The Maharaja always had love and sympathy for his beloved subjects. Taking advantage of abject poverty and illiteracy of people, during that period, money lenders were charging much higher interest on loans to poor people. Raising voice against such inhuman acts Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo started implementing old Hindu Law “Dandapat” according to which at no point of time the total amount of interest on a loan would exceed the principal. For the benefit of his subjects the Maharaja also established rural godowns in different parts of the Kingdom for the storage of rice to facilitate easy availability of rice by needy people at very low rate of interest.

Introduction of Modern Method of Cultivation

The people of Mayurbhanj were using traditional method of cultivation which gave them less returns. But the king with modern bent of mind encouraged the farmers to adopt scientific farming as well as cash crops like rubber and cotton. He made them available hybrid seeds and training.

Promotion of Cottage Industries

The king also extended his hands for the promotion of cottage industries. Realising that the state has huge reserve of mineral objects and raw materials for cottage industries, he created necessary infrastructure and trained manpower for quick progress of cottage industries, the establishment of Technical School at Baripada to impart professional training on carpentry and black smithy was an appreciable measure in this direction. The trained persons started their own enterprises which ensured independent income and proper use of raw materials available at local areas.Thus, the multifarious steps taken by the Maharaja for all round economic development of Mayurbhanj state was really praise worthy.

Art and Culture

The Maharaja was a patron of art, literature and culture. For the promotion of language, literature, culture and dance he totally devoted himself. Since time immemorial Chhau dance was the most popular folk dance of Mayurbhanj. However, it remained confined to rural areas only. It was the Maharaja who smelled its unique fragrance and extended royal patronage to reach the stage of receiving national and international applause. He also deeply realised that like other Hindu dance, Chhau dance is closely associated with religion and war. Hence to make it more popular he made remarkable reforms in it.