Tigiria

Origin and Foundation of Tigiria State

The princely state of Tigiria (also known as Tigirya) was one of the smallest princely states of India during the British Raj, located in present-day Cuttack district of Odisha. The state was founded in 1246 CE by Raja Nityananda Tunga. According to local historical accounts and folklore, Raja Nityananda Tunga migrated from northern India and established his rule over the region after defeating local chieftains. The name "Tigiria" is widely believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word Trigiri, meaning "Three Hills," referring to the prominent hillocks that bounded the territory.

The ruling dynasty belonged to the Kshatriya Tunga clan. Despite its small geographic footprint—covering an area of only about 46 square miles (approximately 119 square kilometers)—the rulers of Tigiria maintained a high degree of autonomy and successfully preserved their cultural and political identity against surrounding larger kingdoms.

The Medieval Period: Maratha and Mughal Influence

During the medieval era, Tigiria was positioned between larger, more aggressive neighboring states such as Athgarh, Baramba, and Dhenkanal. Like most of the Garhjat (tributary) states of Odisha, Tigiria paid nominal allegiance to the imperial powers ruling from Cuttack, including the Gajapatis of Odisha, the Mughals, and later the Marathas.

Under the Maratha Empire, the rulers of Tigiria paid a fixed annual tribute known as Peshkash. Despite these external demands, the internal administration of Tigiria remained largely undisturbed, allowing the local rulers to foster Odia culture, traditional military arts, and administrative systems peculiar to the hilly tracts of western and central Odisha.

The British Raj and Treaty of 1803

Following the defeat of the Marathas in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the British East India Company took control of Odisha in 1803. In the same year, the ruler of Tigiria, along with other chiefs of the Orissa Tributary Mahals, signed a treaty engagement acknowledging British suzerainty. Under the British administration, Tigiria was classified as a non-salute state and was managed under the political supervision of the Commissioner of Orissa at Cuttack, who functioned as the political agent.

Despite its small size, the British administration recognized the ruler's local authority, granting them sanads (charters) that defined their administrative and judicial powers. The state paid a small tribute (taka) to the British treasury and was recognized for maintaining peaceful internal administration.

Key Reformers and Rulers

Several rulers of Tigiria left a lasting mark on the development of the state through administrative and social reforms:

• Raja Harihar Kshatriya Birbar Chamupati Singh Mahapatra: Ruling in the latter half of the 19^th century, he was highly regarded for his benevolence, patronage of arts, and educational initiatives. He established primary schools, improved agricultural irrigation, and constructed temples, including the famous Prasanna Purusottama Temple.
• Raja Brajraj Kshatriya Birbar Chamupati Singh Mahapatra: Born in 1921, he was the last coronated ruler of Tigiria. Known for his modern education and progressive views, he took over the administration in the twilight years of the British Raj and navigated the difficult transition during the integration of Indian states.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the rulers of the Orissa Feudatory States signed the Instrument of Accession. On January 1, 1948, Tigiria formally merged into the Dominion of India, eventually becoming a part of the newly formed state of Orissa (now Odisha).

The post-independence history of Tigiria is marked by the poignant story of its last ruler, Raja Brajraj Kshatriya Birbar Chamupati Singh Mahapatra. After the abolition of the privy purses by the Indian Government in 1971, the former ruler fell into extreme poverty, eventually selling his palace and living in a mud hut among his former subjects, who continued to hold him in high esteem until his death on November 30, 2015. His passing marked the end of an era, as he was widely reported as the last surviving formal ruler of the erstwhile princely states of Odisha.

Today, Tigiria is a bustling block and tehsil within the Cuttack district of Odisha. It is known for its rich handloom weaving traditions, scenic beauty, and historical temples that attract tourists and historians alike.

References and External Links

• Read more about the history of Tigiria on the Tigiria State Wikipedia Page.
• Explore historical and administrative data on the Official Website of Cuttack District.
• Read the obituary of the last ruler of Tigiria on BBC News.