Rayagada

Rayagada district is known as the most famous region of the state because of its longest human history. Although the district came into existence on the 2nd October 1992. It has long and glorious historical records evident by copper plates, rock inscriptions as well as different coins, which clearly indicate the region was the centre of attraction in all ages. In the third century B.C., during the reign of Ashoka the Great, it was covered under Kalinga empire. The hilly track between river Languli and Prachi language as Bansadhara and Nagabali, as evident by Andhra Historical Journal XXVII edition at page 46, was famous for spices.

Another Bhojpur Rock inscription in Brahmi of Rastrik King Mandhata adds some facts about this region. Later, Rastriks were defeated by Kharvela, the only Aryan Emperor of Odisha, at the time of Samudra Gupta himself during the Chawpagada battle. The rock inscription of Allahbad inscribed by Mahamantri Harisena provides evidence to this effect. Later, the ruins of mud fort and historical idol of Mahakal Bhairab found at Champikota very near to Rayagada makes it clear that this is the ancient Champagada Fort. During Ganga Vansi and Surya Vansi Kings, it was under Dadarnab Dev of Gudari Kataka. A rock inscription found at Pataleswar temple in Brahmi script provides an evidence to this effect.

A subsequent literature found at Pataleswar temple speaks about the River Languli giving a supporting evidence to the various facts. This region went to Bahamanis when Mukund Dev was defeated at Gohera Tikiri in 1519. Then, it was under Nandapur Kingdom for brief period of 47 years. Biswambar Dev who was defeated and killed by Hasin Khan was perhaps the third king installed at Rayagada. Still, the Sati Kunda Goddess Majhi Ghariani and the mudfort around it speaks much about its evidence. In subsequent years it was under Bobilli, a Tahasil of Vijayanagaram. Later, during the English regime, Rayagada was covered under the Jeypore Zamindari, which continued till Independence.