Historical and Famous Personalities of Odisha

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the contributions of notable historical personalities from Odisha.
2. Recognize the impact of various political leaders in shaping modern Odisha.
3. Appreciate the cultural, social, and political advancements influenced by these figures.
4. Learn about the diverse fields of art, literature, politics, and social reform within Odisha’s history.

Prominent Historical Figures of Odisha

Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das

He was instrumental in shaping Odisha’s identity and status within India.

1. Founder: Utkal Sammilani, an organization that aimed to protect and promote Odia culture and identity.
2. First Member: Represented Odisha in the Legislative Council and Central Legislative Assembly.
3. Pioneer Minister: First Indian minister to travel overseas for official purposes.
4. Supporter of Arts: Founded Odisha Artware Works (1897), elevating ‘Tarakasi’ (Filigree) silver work to new heights.
5. Demise: Passed away in 1934, leaving a lasting impact on Odisha’s socio-political landscape.

Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo

An enlightened ruler dedicated to Mayurbhanj’s development.

1. Birth: 1870 in Baripada, Mayurbhanj.
2. Accession: Ascended the throne on 15th August 1892.
3. Welfare Reforms: Implemented numerous schemes for public welfare.
4. Railway Line: Commissioned the narrow gauge railway from Rupsa to Baripada, known as Mayurbhanj State Railway.
5. Contributions: Established educational institutions, a government press, and medical facilities.
6. Death: Died in 1912.

Chandra Sekhar Behera

An ardent freedom fighter and social reformer.

1. Birth: 1873 in Sambalpur, Odisha.
2. Freedom Movement: Actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and led the Sambalpur freedom struggle.
3. Educational Pioneer: Founded the National School of Sambalpur.
4. Municipal Chairman: Welcomed Gandhi in Sambalpur (1928) and advocated against illiteracy and untouchability.
5. Demise: Passed away in 1936.

Pandit Gopabandhu Das

A multifaceted leader and Odisha’s beloved social reformer.

1. Birth: 1877 in Suando village, Puri.
2. Roles: Poet, journalist, political activist, and social reformer.
3. Gandhi of Odisha: Renowned as “Utkalamani” (Jewel of Utkal) for his contributions to Odisha’s formation.
4. Satyabadi School: Established Satyabadi Bakul Bana Bidyalaya, producing numerous freedom fighters.
5. Recognition: Praised by Mahatma Gandhi as “one of the noblest sons of Odisha.”
6. Death: Died in 1928.

Nilakantha Das

A revolutionary figure in Odisha’s socio-political landscape.

1. Birth: 1884 in Puri district.
2. Influence: Orator, writer, politician, and freedom fighter advocating against untouchability and social evils.
3. Literary Work: His literary pieces are considered masterpieces in Odia language.
4. Honors: Received the Padma Bhushan in 1960.
5. Death: Passed away in 1967.

Parbati Giri

A prominent female freedom fighter of Odisha.

1. Birth: 1926 in Bargarh.
2. Freedom Struggle: Actively participated in the Quit India Movement and was imprisoned several times.
3. Post-Independence: Established an orphanage in Bargarh, dedicating her life to social service.
4. Death: Died in 1995.

Important Note: Utkal Sammilani played a crucial role in uniting Odia-speaking regions, significantly impacting Odisha’s modern cultural and political identity.

Influential Political Personalities

Biswanath Das

An eminent politician and freedom fighter of Odisha.

1. Birth: 1889 in Ganjam.
2. Political Roles: President of Ganjam District Board (1920); joined Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921.
3. Legislative Service: Served in the Madras Legislative Assembly (1921-1930) and led the creation of a separate Odisha province.
4. Prime Minister: Led Odisha Province (1937-1939); became Lok Sabha member (1950).
5. Governor: Served as Uttar Pradesh Governor (1962-67).
6. Chief Minister: Became Odisha’s Chief Minister (1971-72).
7. Death: Died in 1984.

Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati

Considered the Architect of Modern Odisha.

1. Birth: 1892 in Paralakhemundi.
2. Freedom Fighter: Advocated for Odisha’s creation based on language and culture.
3. First Round Table Conference: Attended in London (1930) to present the cause of Odisha.
4. Political Roles: Prime Minister of Odisha (1941-44); Constituent Assembly member; Madras Legislative Council member.
5. Death: Passed away in 1974.

Harekrushna Mahatab

A prominent freedom fighter and writer.

1. Birth: 1899 in Bhadrak.
2. Political Career: Participated in Gandhi’s Pada Yatra (1921); became Odisha’s first Chief Minister (1946-1950).
3. Literary Works: Founded the magazine ‘Jhankar’ and started ‘Daily Prajatantra.’
4. Capital Shift: Instrumental in moving Odisha’s capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar.
5. Sahitya Academy Award: Honored for his literary work, “Gaon Majlis.”
6. Death: Died in 1987.

Biju Patnaik

A visionary leader and an industrialist.

1. Birth: 1916 in Cuttack.
2. Aviation and War Service: Joined the Royal Indian Air Force during World War II.
3. Chief Minister: Served twice (1961-1963, 1990-1995), transforming Odisha’s infrastructure.
4. Projects: Developed Paradip Port, Odisha Aviation Centre, NALCO, and several power projects.
5. Sports Promotion: Founded the Kalinga Cup in football.
6. Death: Passed away in 1997.

Important Note: Biju Patnaik’s initiatives laid the foundation for modern Odisha’s infrastructural and economic development.

Miscellaneous Personalities

Jatin Das

A prolific artist from Odisha.

1. Birth: 1941 in Mayurbhanj.
2. Artistry: An Indian painter and sculptor recognized for his 50-year career in visual arts.
3. Honors: Received Padma Bhushan in 2012 and several national awards.
4. Literary Works: Authored books like The Art of Jatin Das.

Sudarshan Pattnaik

A renowned sand artist representing India’s creative prowess.

1. Birth: 1977 in Puri.
2. Sculptures: Famous for his sand sculptures, especially at Puri Beach.
3. Awards: Honored with Padma Shri (2014) and Sarala Award (2008).

Mansi Pradhan

A staunch women’s rights activist and author.

1. Birth: 1962 in Khordha.
2. Movement: Launched the Honour for Women National Campaign to combat violence against women.
3. Awards: Received Stree Shakti Puraskar (2014) and other recognitions.

Comparative Overview

Multiple Choice Question

Who is considered the “Architect of Modern Odisha”?

1. Biju Patnaik
2. Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati
3. Pandit Gopabandhu Das
4. Nilakantha Das
   Answer: 2. Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati