Sambalpur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Sambalpur | |
  Sambalpur
|
|
| State - District(s) |
Orissa - Sambalpur |
| Coordinates | |
| Area - Elevation |
6702 km² - 115 m |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population (2001) - Density |
935,613 - 122/km² |
| Codes - Postal - Telephone - Vehicle |
- 768xxx - +0663- - OR-15 |
Sambalpur is a city in the western portion of India's Orissa state. It is the headquarters of Sambalpur District. Sambalpur derives its name from Goddess Samleswari who is regarded as the reigning deity of the region.
Sambalpur lies 321 km from Bhubaneswar, and is an ancient centre for the diamond trade. is famous for its internationally renowned textiles locally known as bandha - english- tie & die akin to the (ikat) style of weaving of the malaya peninsula , rich tribal heritage and fabulous forestlands. Sambalpur is easily accessible by rail and road. Sambalpuri - a variation of the Oriya language is the the native language of Sambalpur.
Sambalpur is the connecting city between Chhatisgarh and Orissa. Whereas it used to be known for its importance as a diamond trading centre, nowadays it is mainly known for its textiles. It's a good place from which to explore the surrounding forests and spot some of the rare species still roaming the area in one of the wild life sanctuaries, such as the well-known Badrama sanctuary.
Sambalpur, situated on the left bank of the Mahanadi River, is an ancient town mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd Century CE) as 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 has earned a place in the cultural history of India.
In the time past Sambalpur was famous for diamond trade. 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 of many famous diamonds mines of Sumelpur (Semelpur) present day Sambalpur (also know as Hirakhand) 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.
In the ancient time this area was known as Kosal. Goddess Samaleswari is the presiding deity of the area.
It was last governed by the feudal chiefs of the Chawhan dynasty till 1803 and then came under the sway of the British Empire. 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.
Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the bewitching Western Part of Orissa. It is the divisional head quarters of the Northern administrative division of the State - 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).
Places like the world famous Hirakud Dam and its lake with the winter 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.
Anthropological studies revealed that, primitive men dwelled in the thick forests around Sambalpur, settling themselves in the natural rock caves. Vikramkhol, Manikmoda, Phuldungri, Ushakuthi, Bhimamandli, Ulapgadha, Sargikhol are a few amongst them.
Sambalpur and its vicinity are the storehouse of varied culture and festivals.
Things to Buy: 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 in the shops at Gole Bazaar including the Sambalpur Hand Loom Co-operative show rooms. Source: Dilip Kumar Padhi VU2DPI
[edit] History
Sambalpur is mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd century) as Sambalaka on the river Manada (the Mahanadi River).
Sambalpur was a former princely state of British India. When its ruler died without a direct male heir in 1849, the British seized the state under the doctrine of lapse. It was attached to the British Bengal Presidency, but was transferred to the Central Provinces in 1862. The district was transferred back to Bengal in 1905, but the subdivisions of Phuljhar and Chandarpur-Padampur remained with the Central Provinces. 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.
[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.
