History of Kalahandi District has traced out with a wonderful story of its origination. According to the tribal history of Kalahandi District, it was a princely state of the earlier days. Only after India`s Independence on January 1, 1948, Kalahandi became an integral part of the Union of India. Later on November 1, 1949, Kalahandi was incorporated with Odisha
Early History of Kalahandi District
Kalahandi District in modern era was the abode of the population of Stone Age and the largest cemetery of the megalithic age has been discovered in Kalahandi District. This shows the region had a civilized culture since the pre-historic era. Asurgarh near Narla in Kalahandi District was one of the oldest metropolises in Odisha whereas the other one was Sisupalgarh near Bhubaneswar. Some other historical forts in the region includes Budhigarh (ancient period), Amthagarh (ancient period), Belkhandi (ancient to medieval period) and Dadpur-Jajjaldeypur (medieval period). Kalahandi District was unconquered by the great Ashoka, who fought the great Kalinga War, as per Ashokan record. In medieval period the region had played a prominent role to link South India, Eastern India and Central India region and witnessed the battle ground for Somavansi Dynasty, Chola Dynasty, Kalachuris and Eastern Ganga dynasty. Kalahandi region was the main route for Chola to attack Subarnapur.
Medieval History of Kalahandi District
During medieval era, Kalahandi District was fortified with magnificent monuments, forts, temples etc. to add to the splendour of this district thereby attracting tourists from far off places. The former capital of the State of Kalahandi, Junagarh, erstwhile capital of Kalahandi princely state, lying about 26 kilometres from Bhawanipatna houses a strongly built fort. Multiple Hindu temples are built with sculptures bearing proof of the heinous Sati rite. The present name of Kalahandi finds mention for the first time in the Junagarh Dadhivaman temple inscription issued from Kalahandinagara by Maharaja Jugasai Dev in A. D. 1718.
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