Chhatrapur, India

History

The Ganjam area was a part of the ancient Kalinga empire which was occupied by King Ashoka in 261 B.C During this period it was the main route of South and East for shipping. Its huge number of black elephants attracted king Ashok to invading Kalinga.

The district was named after the old township and European fort of Ganjam situated on the northern bank of river Rushikulya, which was the headquarter of the district. In 1757 it was French Commander Bussy, who marched into Ganjam and realized areas of tribute from feudal chiefs. It was the English who ultimately defeated the French in the Deccan and annexed Ganjam in 1759.

The modern Ganjam carved out of the Vizag district of Madras Presidency and came into existence on 31 March 1936. Ganjam district separated from Madras Presidency and formed a part of the newly created Orissa Province with effect from 1 April 1936. The re-organized district comprises the whole of Ghumusar, Chhatrapur and Baliguda divisions, Aska division, Athaghara division, part of old Berhampur taluk, part of old Ichhapur taluk, part of Parlakhemundi plains and the whole of Parlakhemundi agency area in the old Chicacola division.

From the History section of Chhatrapur on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.