Dhenkanal (princely state)

For other uses, see Dhenkanal.

Dhenkanal (princely state) is now Dhenkanal district, which is situated in Orissa State, India, with Dhenkanal town as its district headquarters. This article describes the history of the princely state.

16th century

In the year 1529 A.D. the Commander of Pratap Rudra Deb, Gajapati Maharaja of Puri marched 300 KM north of Puri to Dhenkanal with Bebarta (Minister) leading the force of cavalry and foot soldiers. There was a fight with the soldiers of the Tribal Chief who was ruling Dhenkanal. The battle was won by Gajapati’s Commander who became the Raja (King) of Dhenkanal and Bebarta was appointed. The Raja became hereditary ruler of Dhenkanal and Minister post was also hereditary. There was perceptible improvement in all matters of the State. The Maratha attack was effectively resisted. Raja Bhagirathi Pratap was a very popular and effective ruler, who was decorated with hereditary title of Mahindra Bahadur.

20th century

Raja Sura Pratap was also a popular ruler. Shankar Pratap, son of Raja Sura Pratap became Raja in the year 1926. He was young and still studying. Subsequently he went to England to study Bar at Law. After his return to Dhenkanal, he put his mind to administration. While Raja Shankar Pratap Singh Deo Mahindra Bahadur was in England, his younger brother, Pattayat Narsingh Pratap Singh Deo was ruling over Dhenkanal. He built his palace at Jatan Nagar with forced labour.^[1] The labourers were tortured badly. Raja’s Accountant also extracted money from common men. After all these incidents people expected that, after Raja Shankar Pratap took over administration from his younger brother, things would improve.

Revolt

Against all hopes, Raja Shankar Pratap became more repressive and people rose in revolt. The revolt was organised and mobilized mainly by Harmohan Patnaik, who was the grandson of Raja’s Bebarta. Harmohan Patnaik came from the best educated family of Dhenkanal. He built a good number of dedicated workers like Baishnab Patnaik, Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, Krutibas Pradhan, Lakshmidhar Sahu, Musa Malik and many others.

Praja Mandal

Harmohan Patnaik formed the Dhenkanal Praja Mandal and was elected as its President. This was the first Praja Mandal ^[2] of the country and then Praja Mandals sprang up in all princely states of India as public organizations to resist the bad practices of the then Rajas and Maharajas.

Killing of Baji Rout

Once British military force was mobilized by Raja to repress a revolt. A young and aware boy named Baji Rout refused to ferry the British military force by his boat.^[3] The British Officer opened fire and killed Baji Rout and five villagers. This incidence inflamed the nearby villagers and the revolt spread like wild fire to entire Dhenkanal State.

Charter of rights

Praja Mandal mobilized mass gatherings and a charter of rights was drawn. The entire country vibrated, The Statesman daily flashing banner headlines. During years of struggle, Indian National Congress also became associated with the Dhenkanal movement. Arrests and imprisonments were a regular feature. Whenever Raja’s forces imprisoned Harmohan Patnaik, the people surrounded the Palace in great numbers. Raja felt threatened and released Harmohan Patnaik unconditionally.

Indian independence

Independence of India in the year 1947 put a stop to all this. Raja Shankar Pratap Mahindra Bahadur accepted Harmohan Patnaik as a good friend. Subsequently Princely States were taken over and Rajas were deposed. Former Raja Shankar Pratap Singh Deo Mahindra Bahadur was elected as a member of the Orissa Legislative Assembly. His son Brigadier K.P.Singh Deo was Member of Parliament over a long period and a Minister in Govt of India Cabinet, where he proved his excellence. He was also the President of Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee. Dhenkanal has produced ministers, engineers, professors, judges and literary luminaries and is a prosperous district of India.

References

1. ^ http://www.orissagateway.com/features/Travel_and_Tourism/Attractions/Places/Dhenkanal/Places_In_And_Around/Dhenkanal/
2. ^ http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2009/Jan/engpdf/17-19.pdf
3. ^ http://dhenkanal.nic.in/freedom.htm