The British East India Company's influence in Odisha began in the mid-18th century, taking advantage of the declining Maratha power. The coastal region, with its strategic ports and trade routes, was of particular interest. Through a series of treaties and military campaigns, the British gradually gained control, culminating in the annexation of Odisha in 1803 following the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
Administrative Organization
Initially, Odisha was included in the Bengal Presidency, a vast administrative unit encompassing much of northern and eastern India. The region was governed from Calcutta, the capital of the Presidency. This arrangement often led to neglect of Odisha's specific needs and concerns. The British administration focused primarily on revenue collection and maintaining law and order, with little investment in infrastructure or social development.
Economic Exploitation
Odisha's economy under the Bengal Presidency was characterized by exploitation and stagnation. The British implemented land revenue policies that burdened the peasantry, leading to widespread poverty and indebtedness. The region's resources, including timber, minerals, and agricultural produce, were extracted for the benefit of the British Empire. Industrial development was limited, and Odisha remained largely agrarian and underdeveloped.
Social and Cultural Changes
British rule brought about significant social and cultural changes in Odisha. The introduction of Western education and ideas led to the emergence of a new educated elite. However, traditional social structures and cultural practices were also disrupted. Christian missionaries were active in the region, leading to conversions and the spread of Western values.
Resistance and Reform Movements
Odisha witnessed several resistance movements against British rule. Tribal uprisings, peasant revolts, and nationalist movements challenged the colonial authority. The Paika Rebellion of 1817, led by Bakshi Jagabandhu, was a notable early example of armed resistance. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Odisha became a center of nationalist activity, with leaders like Madhusudan Das and Gopabandhu Das playing prominent roles in the Indian independence movement.
Separation from Bengal Presidency
The growing demand for greater autonomy and recognition of Odisha's distinct identity led to its separation from the Bengal Presidency in 1912. Bihar and Orissa were carved out as a new province, with Patna as its capital. This marked a significant step towards self-rule, although Odisha continued to be part of British India.
Legacy of British Rule
British rule in Odisha left a complex legacy. While the period saw the introduction of modern infrastructure and institutions, it also led to economic exploitation, social disruption, and political marginalization. The experience under the Bengal Presidency shaped Odisha's identity and its path towards independence and statehood in 1936.
The formation of separate provinces in Odisha during British rule was a long and complex process, driven by a combination of administrative convenience, political expediency, and the growing aspirations of the Odia people for a unified and self-governed homeland. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:
1. Early Administration (1803 – 1912):
Annexation: After the British annexed Odisha in 1803, it was initially placed under the Bengal Presidency. This vast administrative unit, headquartered in Calcutta, encompassed much of northern and eastern India.
Neglect and Disparity: Odisha's distinct linguistic and cultural identity was often overlooked within the Bengal Presidency. Administrative decisions were made in Calcutta, leading to a sense of neglect and underdevelopment in Odisha.
2. Bihar and Orissa Province (1912 – 1936):
Growing Demands for Separation: The rise of Odia nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to increasing demands for a separate province. Leaders like Madhusudan Das advocated for the unification of Odia-speaking tracts scattered across different administrative units.
Formation of Bihar and Orissa: In 1912, the British government separated Bihar and Orissa from the Bengal Presidency, forming a new province with Patna as its capital. While this was a step towards greater autonomy, Odisha still lacked full control over its affairs.
3. A Separate Odisha Province (1936):
Continued Efforts: The movement for a separate Odisha province gained momentum in the 1920s and 1930s. The Utkal Sammilani, a leading socio-political organization, played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and lobbying the British government.
Government of India Act, 1935: This act paved the way for provincial autonomy and the reorganization of British India. It provided an opportunity for the creation of a separate Odisha province.
Formation of Orissa Province: On April 1, 1936, Odisha finally became a separate province, fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of the Odia people. The new province included six districts: Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Koraput, and Ganjam. Cuttack was chosen as the capital.
Key Factors Contributing to the Formation of a Separate Province:
Odia Nationalism: The rise of Odia nationalism and the desire for a unified homeland were crucial driving forces.
Administrative Convenience: The British government recognized the administrative challenges of governing a diverse region like Odisha from a distant capital.
Political Expediency: Creating a separate province helped appease the growing demands for self-rule and placate the nationalist movement.
Linguistic and Cultural Identity: The recognition of Odisha's distinct linguistic and cultural identity played a significant role in the decision.
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