Koraput is a town in the district that goes by the same name, Koraput, of the Indian state Odisha. It is surrounded by the valleys that appear to be green carpeted. It has its natural beauty adored by forest, valleys, waterfalls, terrain, valleys. Some major rivers of Odisha make their way through Koraput like Vamsadhara Machhakunda and Kolab. Koraput is a significant tourist destination. Mountains, waterfalls and thick forests guard the town. The town also has many old temples depicting its culture.
Koraput is a combination of two words. That is 'Kora' and 'Putti'. Which translates to 'the village of the nux-vomica'. It is believed to be derived from tree or trees that were prominent in the region once upon a time. However, even a single nux-vomica tree is not found insight throughout the area of Koraput.
While another set of people suggest that the name is derived from the word, 'Khora'. Khora is a tribe of people inhabiting the region. The tribe is still found in the nearby villages. 'Kora' is the Sun god worshipped by the people of this tribe since ancient time.
Another group suggests that 'Khora Naika' laid the foundation of the villages during the reign of Nandapur Kings. He was from Ranpur. He was under the serv4. So the villages were named after his name as 'Khora putu'. And later it was changed to 'Koraput'.
Yet another theory suggests Koraput is a corrupted form of 'Karaka pentho' which translates to 'hail-stone'.
It has an age-old history. In the 3rd century, it belonged to valiant Atasika people. It was ruled by several dynasties like Suryavansh, Ikshvakus, Nandas, Ganga Kings, then by the British. It was included in the Madras Presidency. Previously Koraput was a big district. But then got divided to form Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangapur, Raygada in 1992.
Duomali, the highest mountain peak of Odisha, is found in Koraput. In Hindu mythology Ramayan, Duomali has some significance. It is known Dandaranya. 'Danda' in Sanskrit translates to 'punishment', and 'Aranya' means 'forest'. The place was the hub for many demons/Rakshasas tribes. The holy sages on their way to the Vindhya mountains had to cross this forest. So they were often attacked by the demons. Ram, during his initial years of exile, was on the travel. He happened to pass through the forest. He killed and defeated a fleet of demons, thereby helping the sages.
While the region was under the control of the Nalas, Pushkari was the capital city. In the medieval period, under the rule of the Silavamsi dynasty, Nandapur gained recognition as the capital. When Vikram Dev of the Suryavansh dynasty came into control, he shifted his headquarters to Jeypore during the 17th century. And this Koraput town thrived being the capital.
In 1753 AD Koraput was under French possession. The French conquered it from Nizam and Raju. Then the King Vijayanarayan invited The British East India Company to get rid of the French. After a conflicting battle, the French accepted defeat. Then King Ramachandra Dev of Jeypore was granted this region by the British. Koraput was selected as the capital by the British in 1870 for better health prospects.
Although a majority of the population depends on agriculture and related activities for their living, Koraput is not behind industrial development. It has set industries and plants for manufacturing and processing of Aluminum, paper, aeronautical engineering, Hydroelectric plant. It is the storehouse for a significant amount of minerals such as limestone, Bauxite, multicoloured stones. This fast developing city is, at times, held back by the Naxalites. Naxalism has been a severe issue over the region.
The rich culture of Koraput is the result of being home to various tribal people. The varying traditions of each tribe have its uniqueness. Gadabas is a part of the Munda group of tribes. They comprehensively practise shifting cultivation. They share a love for dance and music. Omanatya is a tribal group that mostly depends on agriculture. A few popular dances among them are Chera Chera Nach and Junia Nach. Parojas are one of the primarily populated tribes of this territory. Their expression in Dhemsa, Dungdunga dances and Laga songs is an evidence of their artistic side. The Sauras are mentioned in Hindu myths and classics, notably the Purans. Saurya Tribe is involved in hunting. Bhumia tribe mostly are agriculturists. They blend their culture with their agricultural practices. Durua tribe take part in agriculture practices. By tradition, Duruas were engaged as quasi-military servicemen by the native kings.