Formation of Odisha

The conquest of Odisha by the East India Company occurred in stages, leading to its dismemberment across various administrations. The southern part, coastal regions, and eventually Sambalpur were subdued separately. This disjointed conquest prevented the establishment of a unified Odisha under British rule, leaving Odia-speaking people fragmented across three different administrations as neglected minorities. Nevertheless, through relentless efforts by leaders such as Madhusudan Das, Fakirmohan Senapati, and Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Odisha was recognized as a separate province on 1st April 1936. This landmark achievement had roots in the Odia Movement that began in the 19th century.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the historical conquest and dismemberment of Odisha under British rule.
2. Grasp the significance and objectives of the Odia Movement.
3. Recognize the key contributions of Utkala Sammilani and other political developments.
4. Comprehend the phases leading to the creation of a separate Odisha province and the merger of princely states.

The Odia Movement

The Odia Movement aimed to unify Odia-speaking regions, preserving their cultural and linguistic integrity. It arose from dissatisfaction with the division imposed by the British.

1. The movement sought the unification of Odia-speaking areas to safeguard their rights and promote the Odia language and culture.
2. British divisions attached these areas to four different provinces: Bengal, Madras, Central Provinces, and Bihar. This fragmented status reduced Odias to linguistic minorities.
3. Due to these conditions and the dominance of linguistic majorities, prominent Odia leaders initiated the movement.
4. The movement led to the rise of socio-political associations in 19th century Odisha.
5. In 1855, Henry Ricketts, Commissioner of Odisha, proposed the merger of Sambalpur with the Odisha Division.
6. By 1868, Sir Stafford Northcote suggested that grouping Odia-speaking regions into one administrative unit would enhance governance.

Role of Utkala Sammilani in the Movement

Utkala Sammilani played a pivotal role in both the Odia Movement and the creation of Odisha as a distinct province.

1. Formed during the first Odia National Conference on 30th-31st December 1903, it provided a platform for continued advocacy.
2. Under Madhusudan Das’s leadership, Utkal Sammilani met annually in different parts of Odisha to push for Odia-speaking areas’ unification.
3. Its primary objective was the merger of Odia-speaking regions into a single administrative entity.
4. The organization focused on the overall development of Odias, including industrial growth, education, social reforms, and the promotion of Odia language and literature.

Merger of Sambalpur with Odisha Division

The merger of Sambalpur with Odisha was a significant step in the formation of the state.

1. Sambalpur and adjoining feudatory states, included in the Central Provinces in 1862, were noted as part of “Natural Odisha” in Grierson’s survey.
2. On 15th January 1895, the Chief Commissioner of Nagpur ordered the replacement of Odia by Hindi as the official language.
3. This decision, effective from 1st January 1896, sparked protests from Odias, with Sambalpur Hitaisini (a pre-Independence journal) condemning the change as unfair.
4. A memorial was presented to Viceroy Curzon in 1900, advocating for Sambalpur’s inclusion in the Odisha Division.
5. Curzon commissioned an inquiry, leading to the Risley Circular in 1905, which restored Odia as the official language in Sambalpur and facilitated its transfer to Odisha Division.

Formation of Bihar-Odisha Province

The Bihar-Odisha Province was created in 1912, signifying a significant but imperfect step toward Odisha’s autonomy.

1. Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy, suggested separating the Hindi and Odia areas from Bengal. Odisha Division was then merged with Bihar, but Ganjam and Vizianagaram remained under Madras Presidency.
2. Odias resented this Bihar-Odisha union, fearing domination by the Biharis.
3. Following this formation, the Sinha Resolution, Philip-Duff Committee, and Boundary Commission significantly contributed to the eventual establishment of a separate Odisha province.

Sachchidanand Sinha Resolution (1920)

The Sinha Resolution was a key proposal advocating for Odia-speaking regions’ unification.

1. Sachchidanand Sinha proposed this resolution on 20th February 1920 in the Imperial Legislative Council.
2. It recommended a plan for the amalgamation of Odia-speaking areas, urging the British government to take action.

Philip-Duff Committee (1924)

The Philip-Duff Committee was set up to address the unification of Odia regions, particularly Ganjam.

1. In December 1924, the British Government of India persuaded the Madras Presidency to form the committee.
2. It favored merging Odia-speaking areas for better administration, with recommendations presented to the Simon Commission in 1927.
3. The committee’s suggestions prompted the government to establish a Boundary Commission to delineate the province’s extent.

Boundary Commission (1931)

Constituted to finalize the territorial demarcation, the Boundary Commission played a decisive role in shaping the Odisha province.

1. The Boundary Commission, chaired by Samuel O’ Donnel, included members representing Odia, Bihari, and Telugu interests.
2. The commission recommended forming a province incorporating Odisha Division, Angul, Padampur, and other key regions, spanning 33,000 square miles with 8.27 million people.

Creation of Separate Odisha Province

1. Based on the Joint Select Committee’s report, the Government of India Act 1935 included provisions for Odisha’s formation.
2. The new province was inaugurated on 1st April 1936, with Sir John Hubback as its first Governor, encompassing six districts.
3. This marked a shift from dismemberment to an era of consolidation and future achievements.

Important Note: The formation of Odisha Province not only marked a geographic reorganization but also emphasized the cultural unity and political aspirations of the Odia-speaking populace.

Merger of the Princely States of Odisha

The final unification phase involved merging various princely states into the newly formed province.

1. In the 1946 elections, the Congress secured a majority in the Odisha Provincial Legislative Assembly, leading to Harekrushna Mahatab becoming the Prime Minister.
2. Mahatab raised the issue of merging the Garajat states with Odisha before the Cabinet Mission from Britain.
3. On 10th August 1947, the Prajamandal conference advocated for the merger, which was formally accepted.
4. In the Nilgiri state, internal unrest prompted Mahatab, with Sardar Patel’s approval, to annex the administration into Odisha.
5. A conference at Cuttack was convened on 14th December 1947 for the formal merger of princely states. Sardar Patel advised kings to agree, resulting in the Cuttack Conference.
6. On 23rd December 1947, the administration of Garajat states transferred to the Odisha government, effective from 1st January 1948.
7. Mayurbhanj, the last princely state, merged into India on 16th October 1948, joining Odisha in 1949.
8. Despite most mergers, Saraikela and Kharasuna were detached from Odisha and merged with Bihar.
9. The merger efforts were largely driven by Harekrushna Mahatab, with assistance from Sardar Patel and VP Menon of the Central Government.

Table: Comparison of Key Events in Odisha’s Formation

Important Note: Shifting the capital of Odisha from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar was proposed on 30th September 1946 to promote administrative convenience and further regional integration.

MCQ:
What was the primary objective of the Odia Movement?

1. Promote industrial development in Odisha.
2. Establish a distinct administrative unit for Odia-speaking areas.
3. Enhance

trade relations between Odisha and neighboring regions.

4. Improve British governance of Odia-speaking regions.
   Correct Answer: 2. Establish a distinct administrative unit for Odia-speaking areas.