Ranpur

History of Ranpur State

The princely state of Ranpur (also known as Rampur), located in the present-day Nayagarh district of Odisha, was one of the oldest and most historically significant princely states of the Orissa States Agency during the British Raj. Unlike many neighboring states, Ranpur boasted an incredibly ancient lineage, with its rulers claiming descent from the Solanki (Chalukya) clan of Rajputs.

Origin and Foundation

According to local traditions and historical chronicles, Ranpur is considered one of the oldest states in India. Legend traces its foundation back to the 2^nd millennium BCE (historically dated around 18^th century BCE by mythical accounts) by a ruler named Biswabasudev. However, historically documented rule begins with the migration of Rajput clan leaders from Western India to the eastern hills of Odisha.

The ruling dynasty of Ranpur belonged to the prestigious Solanki (Chalukya) Rajput lineage. The rulers established their capital at Ranpur, surrounded by dense forests and the scenic Maninag hills, which provided a natural defense mechanism against external invasions. You can learn more about the geographical and administrative history of this region on the Official Nayagarh District Portal.

Medieval Era: Mughal and Maratha Suzerainty

During the medieval period, the rulers of Ranpur maintained a highly autonomous status. Although they recognized the nominal suzerainty of the Gajapati Kings of Odisha, they ruled their territory independently. When the Mughal Empire annexed Odisha under Emperor Akbar, the Rajas of Ranpur paid tribute to the Mughal Subahdar but kept their internal administrative authority intact.

In the mid-18^th century, with the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas of Nagpur established their control over Odisha. The Maratha period was marked by demands for chauth (tribute). Due to the dense, inaccessible forests of Ranpur, the state often successfully resisted complete Maratha domination, maintaining its distinct Rajput-Odia cultural syncretism.

The British Period and Treaties

Following the defeat of the Marathas in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the British East India Company took control of Odisha in 1803. The Raja of Ranpur, along with other feudatory chiefs, entered into a treaty alliance with the British. Ranpur was classified as a non-salute tributary state under the Orissa States Agency.

Under British administration, the boundaries of the state were formalized, and the rulers were recognized as feudatory chiefs. Notable rulers during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries introduced several administrative reforms, built schools, and patronized the famous Jagannath Temple of Ranpur, which remains the second oldest Jagannath temple in Odisha. More details on the temple's heritage can be accessed via the Nayagarh Tourism Guide.

The Prajamandal Movement and the 1939 Uprising

The late 1930s marked a turbulent chapter in Ranpur’s history. Influenced by the Indian National Congress and nationalist leaders, the citizens of Ranpur formed the Prajamandal (People's Association) to protest against the heavy taxation, forced labor (known as Bethi), and feudal oppression of the state rulers.

On January 5, 1939, the state witnessed a historic uprising. An angry crowd gathered outside the Ranpur Palace demanding the release of arrested Prajamandal leaders. The British Political Agent, Major R.L. Bazalgette, rushed to Ranpur to control the situation. In the ensuing confrontation, Major Bazalgette fired on the crowd, which enraged the mob, leading to his assassination. This incident sent shockwaves through the British Empire, prompting a severe military crackdown in Ranpur. Two prominent freedom fighters, Raghunath Mohanty and Dibakar Parida (popularly known as Raghu-Dibakar), were convicted and hanged by the British in 1941. They are celebrated as national martyrs today. The details of this historic struggle are preserved in historical archives documented on Wikipedia's Ranpur State Page.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in August 1947, the last ruling chief of Ranpur, Raja Birbar Krishna Chandra Narendra Mahapatra, signed the Instrument of Accession. On January 1, 1948, Ranpur State officially merged into the Dominion of India, subsequently becoming a part of the Nayagarh district of Odisha state. Information on the modern administrative integration can be explored on the Official Odisha State Portal.

Today, Ranpur is a vibrant assembly constituency and a major cultural hub in Odisha. The royal palace (Ranpur Rajbati), the ancient Maninag Temple, and the historic Jagannath Temple continue to attract tourists and historians, standing as proud testaments to Ranpur’s rich Rajput legacy and its contribution to India's freedom struggle.