Chhatrapur is a beautiful city situated in the district of Ganjam, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is also the administrative headquarters of the Ganjam district. This natural adobe for the tourist is a site of many attractions. The Gopalpur sea beach, Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya, Taptapani, which is hot water spring, Tampara Lake, Biju Patnaik Setu, and Chilika. Even for the ones of pilgrimage, there are several temples like Tara Tarini, Panchama Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Bhairabi Temple, Durga Narayani Devi temple, Mahurikalua Shakti Peetha, and Buddhakhol Panchu Mahadeva Temple.
Chhatrapur is a vital city of the Ganjam district. The district got its name from an ancient settlement and British fort of Ganjam. It was the headquarter of the district and was located on the northern bank of Rushikulya river. Another theory suggests that the name is a combination of ’Ganj-i-am’ which means ‘Germany of the world’.
The rock edicts of King Ashoka and the inscriptions from his time suggest that Ganjam was included in the ancient empire of Kalinga. It was occupied by the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka in 216 B.C. It was the primary route of East and South for shipment and trade purpose during that period. King Ashoka was tempted towards Kalinga and invaded it for the enormous black elephant population of Ganjam.
However, after the downfall of the Mauryan empire and their absolute supremacy, Ganjam lost its significance from the political history of Odisha. It was in oblivion until 1757. French Commander Bussy trooped into Ganjam in 1757. He comprehended regions of tribute from the feudal chiefs. The French segregated Ganjam into several parts. In 1759 the British eventually annexed Ganjam after defeating the French in the Deccan.
According to historians, the headquarters of Ganjam district has undergone numerous changes. After being shifted and reshifted from one region to another, it has quite seen it all. The original headquarters of the district of Ganjam in 1855 was abandoned. It was due to the reason that a fever erupted in the town, reducing its population by 50%. The capital was relocated to Gopalpur temporarily. Then to Brahampur and lastly in 1902 to Chhatrapur.
Ganjam was a part of the Vizag district which was included under the Madras Presidency. Modern Ganjam was formed by separation from Vizag in 1936. After getting separated from the Madras Presidency, it merged with the newly formed state of Odisha.
The cultural life of local people can be represented through their folk dance, Prahlad Natak. It is a traditional theatre form. Arts and handcrafts of Ganjam district flashes in their paintings. The Patta paintings, wall paintings, wood and stone carvings are famous all across the globe. They represent the rich culture of ancient Kalinga. Even the usage of Buffalo horns for art purpose is widely renowned.
The most famous paintings are that of Lord Jagannath’s Nabakalebara rituals. Along with it, mural paintings of the wooden sun temple of Biranchi Narayan, tame the viewers to the realm of contradictory thought of dream and reality.
A few great personalities born to this land are Kalinga Bira Biju Pattanaik, Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, Kabi Surya Baladevs Rath, V.V. Giri. This is a land of great foodies too. Homemade aachar and pampad is something that Ganjam proudly widens its chest for. The city of flavours can water your mouth instantly.