Jharsuguda District, an administrative district of Orissa, was formed in the year 1994. With a total area of 2,081 sq kms and an average population of 514853, Jharsuguda District is rich in economically important mineral, especially coal. Jharsuguda Town is the headquarters of the newly formed district. However, the consolidated region of Jharsuguda has a rich history, which dates back far to the epoch of the Chauhan kings.
History of Jharsuguda District
During the British rule, Jharsuguda formed a part of Sambalpur District. The new district of Jharsuguda came into existence on 1st of April, 1994 and was created by amalgamation of the erstwhile Zamindars of Rampur, Kolabira, Padampur and Kudabaga. It is revealed from history of
Sambalpur District that Jharsuguda was known as "Jharguda" in the distant past. As per folklores a tribal group from
Jharkhand established Jharsuguda during 12th Century AD. Siva Singh, a descendant of Sambalpur royal family ruled as Jagirdar of the area comprising 12 villages namely Jharsuguda, Badheimunda, Debadihi, Kumdapali, Kureibaga, Banjari, Dalki, Balijori, Beheramal, Ekatali, Buromal, and Sarbahal. After this period the decline of Sambalpur state started due to aggression and occupation of Sambalpur by the Mahrattas Bhonsle. In the year 1951, as per the Orissa Government Notification, Jharsuguda Union Board was replaced by Jharsuguda Municipality with 13 wards. Jharsuguda remained under the Sadar sub division of Sambalpur till 1979. As per the state government notification Jharsuguda was declared as Sub-Division in 1979. The Sub-Division with its five component blocks namely Jharsuguda, Kolabira, Laikera, Kirmira and Lakhanpur became a district in the year 1994.
Culture of Jharsuguda District
Jharsuguda District has a rich and developed cultural heritage. Various fairs and festivals observed round the year for centuries, indicates its cultural and religious richness. Though many of the fairs and festivals are common to other parts of Orissa there are few which are distinct and special. Some of the indigenous festivals of Jharsuguda District are Ranjta Festival,
Ratha Yatra of Kukurjunga, Gokulastami Jatra of Rajpur and Makar Ratha Jatra of Belpahar.
Tourism in Jharsuguda District
Jharsuguda District is one of the popular tourist destinations of Orissa. This district offers several places of interest for exploring. Rock Painting and Lithography of Bikramkhol, Ruins of Hill Forts of Ulapgarh, Padmasini Temple of Padampur, Ramchandi, Koilighughar Waterfall, Ancient Siva Shrine of Jhadeswar Temple, Shree Pahadeswar Temple, Shiva Shrine of Mahadebpali and Historical Kolabira Fort are some of the prominent attractions of Jharsuguda District.
Of all the districts of Orissa, Jharsuguda District is considered to be the richest in mines, industries and business.
