Agalpur

Agalpur (Raj) ଆଗଲପୁର(ରାଜ) Agalpur (Raj)
village
A view of Agalpur Bridge on the river Ang
Agalpur (Raj) Location in Odisha, India
Coordinates: 21°0′42.36″N 83°24′26.85″E / 21.0117667°N 83.4074583°E / 21.0117667; 83.4074583Coordinates: 21°0′42.36″N 83°24′26.85″E / 21.0117667°N 83.4074583°E / 21.0117667; 83.4074583
Country	India
State	Odisha
District	Balangir
Languages
• Official	Oriya
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	767022
Telephone code	06653
Vehicle registration	OR-03
Lok Sabha constituency	Balangir
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Loisingha
Climate	Tropical monsoon

Agalpur (Raj) (Odia: ଆଗଲପୁର(ରାଜ)) is a village and Block in Balangir district in the state of Odisha, India. Agalpur (Raj) a historical place and a very old human community center. It is situated in the triangular land of "Ang" river (also Known as "Ong" river);and Two Small Rivers (in kosali Language known as "Joor") "Uttali"& "Ghesali". On the extreme north, after crossing the Ong river at about 10–20 km there is a famous hill that is known as Chhelia Pahad (named after the nearby village ChhelKhai). The white clouds touching the black Chhelia Pahad (Mountain) during the rainy day are considered the most scenic beauty of Agalpur (Raj).

History

The village name of Agalpur (Raj) is believed to be very old and traditional. There are several stories behind the name of Agalpur (Raj). However, when asked to the former Sarpanch (of Agalpur)Mr. Purna Chandra Meher, he said the name of Agalpur (Raj) is believed to be derived from three different words. first one is "Argala" (Means Barrier) second one is "Pur" (Means Village) and third one is "Raj" (Implying to the King's rule). It is believed that initially it was called as "Argalapur", meaning 'a village of barrier'. In the ancient time it was very difficult to reach the village "Argalapur" due to the nature's barricade of rivers (Ong, Uttali, and Gesali) and dense forest surrounding it. This might be the reason the then king of Patna State (now patnagarh) had made "Aragalapur" a hub for own protection. There are several stories that how king of Patna State used to hide in "Argalapur" during the fight with neighbor states. It is believed that due to a major hub for Patna State king suffix "Raj" is added in the name of Agalpur (Raj).

Geographic

Agalpur (Raj) is situated in the middle island between three river bodies i.e. river Ong, small river Utalli and Ghensali. The coordinates where Agalpur (Raj) is situated are 21°0'48"N 83°24'29"E on the earth surface.^[1]

Transport

Agalpur(Raj) is situated in nature's best place with well communications. It is about 50–60 km from main district Balangir & Bargarh. Which is well communicated via buses and other road transports. The roads are well for pleasant driving to Agalpur(Raj). There is a new bridge constructed over Ong river for the well communication during the Rainy Days. You can also find small bridges over the Ghesali and Uttali joors.

Agalpur (Raj) has a well established Bus Station with 8-10 buses daily comes and goes to various places from the Agalpur (Raj). During the evening time you can enjoy the public gathering at the bus stations.

Politics

Despite the other socioeconomic importance of Agalpur (Raj),moreover, it is an important political hub. It comes under the Loisinga constituency for MLA election and under the balangir constitution for MP election in the state of Odisha.

Agalpur (Raj) is a Block under the Balangir district and its office is situated in the village Duduka (About 5–7 km from Agalpur (Raj)). various panchayats included in the Block of Agalpur are Agalpur (Raj), Babufasad, Badtika, Bendra, Bharsuja, Budula, Duduka, Jharnipali, Kutasingha, Naongaon(A), Naongaon(B), Nuniapali, patuapali, Rinbachan, Roth, Salebhata, and Upparbahal panchayat.^[2] Agalpur (Raj) panchayat consists of 18 wards from the villages Gudimunda, Ingsa, Nagraj. Mr. Purna Chandra Meher (from the village Agalpur (Raj)) holds the record of being elected as Sarpanch of the Agalpur panchayat for maximum 3 (Three) times.^[3] In addition people of Agalpur had also elected him as member to the Block office (In local language Samiti Sabhya). Many developmental strategies were planned and executed during his time. Mrs. Tapaswani Meher is current (2012- on wards) Sarpanch of the Agalpur Panchayat.^[3]

Education

Agalpur (Raj) is one of the important education hub in the balangir district. It has got enough facilities for higher education like Agalpur Degree (+3) Science College, Agalpur (It is a newly established college situated on the outskirts of Agalpur, i.e. Shruti Vihar.) presently only Arts courses are being offered affiliated to sambalpur university.^[4] The enormous effort of Shri Purna Chandra Meher (founder president of the college & Ex-sarpanch of Agalpur Gram Panchayat, Agalpur) become a reality as the institute came in to Grant-in-Aid (G.I.A) fold from 24 December 2013 and created its first landmark in its journey.

Agalpur Degree Science College, Agalpur, Shruti Vihar

Another institute Agalpur (junior)Science College (The college came into G.I.A. fold from 25 May 1991 during the session 01-June-1994)^[5] is situated in the village Agalpur provides intermediate in arts (+2) education.Agalpur Panchayat Samiti College situated at the village Roth (about 2 km from Agalpur Village) facilitates intermediate and graduation level education. It came in to G.I.A fold during the session 1988-89 on 18 August 1983.^[4]

Two High Schools namely Panchayat High School, Agalpur (Raj), S.K. Girls High School are present for better education for the student of Agalpur (Raj) area. Many students from the nearby villages come daily to Agalpur (Raj) for the education purpose.

For primary Education Agalpur has one of the oldest school (estd. 1880) in the area, now it is known as Govt. Nodal U.P. School. Agalpur has also a developing Saraswati Sishu Mandir near to Panchayat Office.

Banks, Hospital and Offices

Agalpur village is well reached with a branch of Punjab National Bank (It is a Nationalized Bank), mini Branch/customer service outlet of State Bank of India and A well furnished branch of Utkal Gramin Bank in its credit.

Agalpur is well developed with basic amenities with offices of Sub-post Office of Indian Post (PIN- 767022). A newly inaugurated Tahasil Ofiice is situated near the Nodal UP school. Considering the health care, Agalpur is rich with a Community Health Center (C.H.C) under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Further a Fire station and Police out-post is functioning at Agalpur.

Sports

Agalpur (Raj) is always a reputed sports hub in the Balangir district. Agalpur Athletic Association a registered association (officially registered in 1983) regulates the major sports activities of Agalpur village . In ancient time Agalpur football team was among the top team in Balangir district, It had brought many glory and . Agalpur (Raj)also holds recognition in good cricket around the areas.

Temples

Maa Pateneswari Mandir at Agalpur

The village is found always blessed with the blessing of Gods and Goddesses. "MAA PATANESWARI" being the easta devi of Agalpur (Raj) situated near the Agalpur bridge, in the bank of Ong river. "MAA MAHESWARI" Devi Mandir is situated in the north direction near road to panchayat office. and "JAGANNATH" Mandir is situated in the central hub (near Bus Station) of Agalpur (Raj). A " RAM" mandir is also situated in the promises of Agalpur Village. Lord SHIVA mandir is situated in Agalpur on the way to village Ingsa.

Apart from these many God and Goddess are present in the village

Tourism

Being a nature's best place one can enjoy a lot by visiting Agalpur area. 'Buddha ' religion had been developed in Agalpur area in ancient times its proof has been found in near places of Agalpur Like Nagraj. It is an inspiring visit spot for people having interest in exploring the 'Buddha' religion. Many monuments have been found while digging the soil.

Apart from this rainy day is one of the best time to enjoy the adventure in Agalpur, especially in the Rana Ghat of Ong river of Agalpur. Catching the fish in the river is one of the most enjoyable activities commonly observed. Evening at the newly constructed bridge on the Ong river or gossiping at the bank of river is really attractive. Moreover, if a tourist plan to night halt at Agalpur and want to leave Agalpur with a memorable experience. It is suggested to go for a night feast along with friends or family near the bank of ang river. It is told that, Feast moments underneath the open sky at the bank of river and pleasant weather will always cherish one's life.

Food and accommodation

It is bit difficult to get temporary accommodation (viz. for strangers) as no such commercial lodges or hotels are available. However, Agalpur is well equipped with many social people one can easily get temporary accommodation on the personal relation basis. In addition, there is a dhaba near the Ong bridge providing dinner and temporary night halts. One can easily get Breakfast, Lunch, Evening snacks and Dinner at many available hotels of Agalpur. For smooth food it is suggested to book Lunch & Dinner in the respective hotels well in advance. The most widely available Breakfast/Snacks at Agalpur are 'Puri','Singhada' (Samosa),'Aalu Chap', 'Piaji', 'Gaham Bara', 'Birhi Bara', and Chaul Bara. Agalpur is widely famous for the Special type Chutni (ade from tamarind, garlic, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves etc.) mostly served at hotels during the Breakfast and Snacks time.

References