Khammam

Khammam

, also known as Khammamett, is the city in Khammam district of the Indian state of Telangana. It is the fourth largest city in the state. It is the headquarters of the Khammam district and Khammam mandal also. It is located about 193 kilometres (120 mi) east of the state capital, Hyderabad, 61 kilometres (38 mi) from Suryapet, 120 kilometres (75 mi) from Warangal and also it is located about 121 kilometres (75 mi) North of the Andhra Pradesh state capital, Amaravathi. The river Munneru flows on the western side of the city. As of 2011 census of India, Khammam urban agglomeration has a population of 313,504. However, on 19 October 2012, the civic body of Khammam was upgraded to Municipal corporation Post upgradation to corporation Khammam population is approximated to be 3,07,000.

Etymology

Historical records show that the city’s name was once “Kammamettu.”. The name was also anglicised as “Commomet” and “Khammammet”.

History

Name Khammam, which means a pillar is named after lord Narasimha Swamy, the presiding deity of Narasimhaswamy Gutta, an important pilgrimage site for the locals. Because of the presence of Lord Narasimhaswami temple in Khammam, the city was named as Sthambadri earlier. The city is located on the banks of a river called Munneru which is a tributary of the Krishna River. Khammam district has a lot of historical importance in Telangana.

Khammam City, which was the seat of Taluk Administration, was part of the larger Warangal District, until 1 October 1953. Five taluks of the Warangal district viz., Khammam, Madhira, Yellandu, Burgampadu and Paloncha (now Kothagudem) were carved out and a new district Khammam with Khammam as District Headquarters. In 1959 Bhadrachalam Revenue Division consisting Bhadrachalam and Nuguru Venkatapuram Taluks of East Godawari district, which were on the other side of the river Godavari were merged into Khammam on grounds of geographical contiguity and administrative viability.

In 1973, a new taluk with Sathupalli as its headquarters was carved out from Madhira and Kothagudem taluks. In the year 1976 four new taluks were formed viz., Tirumalayapalem, Sudimalla, Aswaraopeta and Khammam district was initially a part of larger Warangal District.

History of Khammam shows that it has produced a number of leaders who were part of the Freedom struggle, such as first generation Communist leaders Peravelli Venkata Ramanaiah, Pendyala Satyanarayana Rao, Sarvadevabhatla Ramanatham, K.L. Narsimha Rao, and Chirravuri Laxminarasaiah First Municipal Chairman of Khammam; Congress leaders Madapati Hanumantha Rao, Chepuri Nenkanna, Madapati Ramchander Rao, Sardar Jamalpuram Keshava Rao, Bommakanti Satyanarayana Rao, Hayagreeva Chary, and Nizam Rashtra Vimochanam Jalagam Vengala Rao, former Chief Minister of AP, Prof. K. Venkata Ramiah, Founder and Vice-Chancellor of KU.

Freedom movement

Some of the notable events in Khammam town during freedom struggle:

  • 1931 – First Independence movement in Khammam proper
  • 1935 – First Library established in Khammam town
  • 1945 – 12th State Andhra Mahasabha meeting at Khammam organised by Pendyala Satya Narayana Rao as general secretary, Aahvana sangham. Elected Baddam Ellareddy as president and Pendyala Satya Narayana Rao as vice-president to 13th State Andhra Mahasabha in that meeting. The meeting was held on 26–28 March. Puchalapalli Sundarayya participated in the meeting as guest. Nearly 40,000 people attended the meeting.
  • 1946 – Mahathma Gandhi’s visit to Khammam mett (Khammam town) on 5 August 1946
  • 1947 August, 7 – Satyagraham at Madhira and Khammam by Jamalapuram Kesava Rao, Kurapati Venkata Raju, Jagadeeswaraiah Neelakandan, Bachalakura Laxmaiah, Vattikonda Ramakotaiah, Heeralal Moriya, Teegala Hanumantha Rao, Kolipaka Kishan Rao, Gella Keshava Rao, Yadavalli Venkateswara Sharma, Pullabhotla Venkateswarlu (Hyderabad congress present), Vutukuru Kamala (Freedom Fighter – Telangana Vimochana)

Geography

Left:North of Khammam town as seen from Narasimha Swamy hill, Right:South of Khammam town as seen from Narasimha Swamy hill

Topography

Khammam is located at 17.25°N 80.15°E. It has an average elevation of 108 metres (390 feet).

Climate

Khammam
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
15
30
16
5
33
18
5
37
22
7
40
26
15
42
28
50
37
28
85
32
25
170
31
25
160
33
23
70
33
22
10
31
18
0
30
15
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm

Climate for Khammam Average Weather in Khammam for January Sunlight 9 hours a day Coldest January temperature 12 °C Coldest daily temperature 16 °C Warmest daily temperature 28 °C Warmest January temperature 38 °C Discomfort* Moderate Morning Humidity 76% Evening Humidity 45% Rain in January 4 mm

Average Weather in Khammam for February Sunlight 10 hours a day Coldest February temperature 15 °C Coldest daily temperature 19 °C Warmest daily temperature 29 °C Warmest February temperature 40 °C Discomfort* Moderate Morning Humidity 67% Evening Humidity 39% Rain in February 9 mm Wet days for February 1 days

Khammam experiences typical Indian climatic conditions. Summer season is hot and the temperatures can climb rapidly during the day. Monsoon season brings certain amount of rainfall and the temperatures gradually reduce during this period. After the onset of the monsoon day temperatures are much lower and as the winter approaches they reduce further.

Summer season is from March and lasts till the end of May. During this time day temperatures are high and can reach 40 °C to 42 °C. Humidity is low as it is not located near the ocean. Conditions are generally dry during this period and the temperatures range from a minimum of 35 °C and can rise up to a maximum of 40  °C to 45 °C. Monsoon season brings much needed relief from the heat. Monsoon seasons are from the months of June to September. Temperatures average around 30 °C during this period. The place gets rain from the South West Monsoon. Some amount of rainfall can be experienced in the October as well. Winter season is from December to February. January is usually the coldest parts of the year. Temperatures range around 28 °C to 34 °C during this time.

  • Winter: December To February
  • Summer: March to June
  • South West Monsoons  – July to September
  • North East Monsoons  – October to November

Rain storms and cyclones are common in the region during the rainy season, which starts with the monsoons in early June. The cyclones could occur any time of the year, but commonly between August and November.

hideClimate data for Khammam (1981–2010, extremes 1941–2009)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F)

Floods[edit]

Munneru river in Khammam
Khammam has been receiving higher annual rainfall than the rest of state. The annual rainfall is 175 centimetres (69 in) during the monsoon season. Khammam was also affected by the floods of Munneru, the tributary of Krishna River. In 2007, the floods struck by the River drowned the Bokkalagadda with a heavy three-day rain. Again in 2009, floods struck and inundated the area. There has also been a proposal for the construction of a barricade. Food Corporation of India storage centres in Khammam regularly release food for the flood victims[citation needed].

Demographics[edit]

hideKhammam UA population
Census Population
1911 9,117
1921 11,532
1931 13,002
1941 18,982
1951 28,251
1961 35,888
1971 56,919
1981 98,757
1991 149,077
2001 198,620
Sources:[19]
As of 2011 census, population of Khammam (urban and rural areas combined) in 2011 is 313,504; of which male and female are 155,461 and 158,043 respectively—a sex ratio of 1017 females per 1000 males. Urban population of Khammam is 250,182 whereas, rural population of Khammam is 63,322. 32,172 children are in the age group of 0–6 years, of which 16,725 are boys and 15,447 are girls —a ratio of 924 per 1000. The average literacy rate stands at 79.40% (For ages 7 and above) with 223,380 literates, significantly higher than the state average of 67.41%.[2][20]
Religions in Khammam[21]
Religion
Hindu
Muslim
Christians
Others†
†Includes Sikhs, Jains

Governance[edit]

The Khammam Municipal Corporation is the city’s civic body. Khammam is one of Telangana’s historical cities, with nearly 1,000 years of traceable history. It is the headquarters of Khammam District. The town was constituted into a Municipality on 24 March 1942 and upgraded to a special grade municipality in the year 2001. Administratively, Khammam is divided into 11 revenue wards and 41 election wards. On 19 October 2012 Khammam municipality was announced as a Municipal Corporation, with a further 9 gram panchayats added around it which developed in business[clarification needed] with the town. Presently Khammam has 20 revenue wards and 60 election divisions. The Municipal Corporation has an area of 93.45 km2.

Culture[edit]

Bhakta Ramadasu Kala Kshetram,[22] has been a prestigious National theatre, constructed by the State Government in the name of Sri. Bhakta Ramadasu ( Kancherla Gopanna )[23] was a devotee of Sri Rama and composer of Carnatic music.

Landmarks[edit]

Khammam Fort, constructed in 950 AD by the Kakatiya Dynasty, is situated on a hill overlooking the city. Lakaram lake is another tourist attraction.[24] Apart from these there are many places surrounding the city, such as Bhadrachalam, Parnasala, Nelakondapalli, Kusumanchi.

Information Technology[edit]

Khammam IT Hub
Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao inaugurated IT Hub in Khammam city. Spread across 42,000 sq feet, the five-floor IT tower is constructed at a cost of Rs 27 crore. As many as 19 companies signed up to begin operations at the IT hub which provides employment opportunities to unemployed youth. The minister also said that the government will sanction Rs 20 crore soon for the phase-II of IT Hub.[25]

Transport[edit]

Entrance to Khammam Bus Station

Entrance to Khammam Station
The city is connected to major cities and towns by means of road and railways. National and state highways that pass through the city are National Highway 365A, State Highway 3 and 42.

Road[edit]

Khammam Telangana State Road Transport Corporation bus station is the second biggest and highly sophisticated bus station in the Telangana state with modern facilities.[26] The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation operates buses from Khammam to destinations like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Warangal, Tirupathi, Suryapet, Vijayawada, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Eluru, Nizamabad, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Adilabad, Bhadrachalam, Madhira, Godavarikhani, Karimnagar, Nellore, Jagityal, Kothagudem, Nirmal, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nuzvid, Tiruvuru, Jaggaiahpet, Macherla, Kaleshwaram, Srisailam, Manugur, Sathupally, Aswaraopeta, Bhimavaram, Kodad, Yellandu and Mahabubabad.[27] City buses in the name of Khammam City Service run in various routes across the city and sub urban areas.

Railway[edit]

Khammam railway station provides rail connectivity to the city, located on the Kazipet–Vijayawada section of the New Delhi-Chennai main line. It is administered under Secunderabad railway division of the South Central Railway zone. The station is served by Indian Railways and is well connected by rail to all parts of India. 98 trains arrive at or depart from the station every day, transporting over one lakh sixty thousand (160,000) passengers daily to their destinations across the country. Khammam railway station was declared second cleanest in the ‘A’ category stations.[28] Khammam railway station is the one of the biggest and busiest railway stations in the south-central railway system.

Education[edit]

There are various pharmacy colleges such as Khammam College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Browns College of Pharmacy and MBA, MCA, and engineering colleges around Khammam, such as the Swarna Bharathi Institute of Science and Technology Engineering College, The Vazir Sultan College of Engineering. Mamata Medical College is also a teaching hospital located in the city. SR & BGNR Degree and KMDC Degree & PG College also conducts archaeological research on megalithic sites. For competitive exams like groups, police, teacher jobs Right Choice IAS academy is the famous coaching centre in the entire Khammam district.[29][30] The DIET in Khammam imparts quality education to student teachers. It also has many schools like Harvest Public School, New Vision, Resonance, S.F.S, Khammam Public school e.t.c

Media[edit]

The major Telugu newspapers in city are Sakshi, Eenadu, Andhra Bhoomi, Andhra Prabha, Vaartha, Suryaa, Prajasakti, Nava telangana and Vishalandra. The major English newspapers in the city are The Hindu, Telangana Today, The Times of India, Deccan Chronicle, The Hindu Business Line, The New Indian Express and The Hans India. Electronic Media include HMTV, ETV, Sakshi, M8 Media, 88tv Telugu And Ck news

Sports[edit]

Sardar Patel Stadium[31] – A stadium with all amenities including sports complex, indoor stadium, swimming pool, cricket net, skating rink, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. There is a running track around the football pitch.
Pavilion Grounds By Khammam Municipal Corporation
SR & BGNR Grounds

Festivals[edit]

Women in the city celebrate Bathukamma, a floral festival in which they worship the goddess with different flowers for nine days.[32] The women carry their Bathukamma to the nearest temple of their locality, then they clap, sing and dance rhythmically around the Bathukamma.[33] Along with Bathukamma, Bonalu was also declared a state festival on 15 June 2014.[34]

Cuisine[edit]

The cuisine of the city is mainly South Indian. The famous breakfast items are Idli, Dosa, Vada, Rava Bonda, Mysore Bonda, Parotha and Puri. Rice with variety of curries including curd is taken as main food and the most notable one is the Biryani. Special food items Harees and Haleem are traditional food items available in the season of Ramadan.[35]

Movie Theatres[edit]

There are 8 film theatres in the town. Among 8 theatres; Asian Srinivasa, Vinoda, Kinnerasani and Nartaki Megaplex Theatres were near to both Bus and Railway Stations.
Aditya Theatre Asian Srinivasa Theatre
SVC Tirumala Theatre Nartaki Megaplex Theatre
Vinoda Theatre Asian Sunder Max Theatre

Tourism[edit]

There are few parks in the city, namely:

Lakaram Park (Mini-Tank Bund)
Municipal Park
Gandhi Park
Jammibanda Park
Danavayyagudem Park
Aravapalli Ashok Kumar Municipal Park
Velugumatla Udyanavanam

Other major tourism spots are :

Khammam Khilla (Fort)
Parnasala
Stambhadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Telangana Amaraveerula Stupham.

5
33
18
5
37
22
7
40
26
15
42
28
50
37
28
85
32
25
170
31
25
160
33
23
70
33
22
10
31
18
0
30
15

Average max. and min. temperatures in °CPrecipitation totals in mm

Climate for Khammam Average Weather in Khammam for January Sunlight 9 hours a day Coldest January temperature 12 °C Coldest daily temperature 16 °C Warmest daily temperature 28 °C Warmest January temperature 38 °C Discomfort* Moderate Morning Humidity 76% Evening Humidity 45% Rain in January 4 mm

Average Weather in Khammam for February Sunlight 10 hours a day Coldest February temperature 15 °C Coldest daily temperature 19 °C Warmest daily temperature 29 °C Warmest February temperature 40 °C Discomfort* Moderate Morning Humidity 67% Evening Humidity 39% Rain in February 9 mm Wet days for February 1 days

Khammam experiences typical Indian climatic conditions. Summer season is hot and the temperatures can climb rapidly during the day. Monsoon season brings certain amount of rainfall and the temperatures gradually reduce during this period. After the onset of the monsoon day temperatures are much lower and as the winter approaches they reduce further.

Summer season is from March and lasts till the end of May. During this time day temperatures are high and can reach 40 °C to 42 °C. Humidity is low as it is not located near the ocean. Conditions are generally dry during this period and the temperatures range from a minimum of 35 °C and can rise up to a maximum of 40  °C to 45 °C. Monsoon season brings much needed relief from the heat. Monsoon seasons are from the months of June to September. Temperatures average around 30 °C during this period. The place gets rain from the South West Monsoon. Some amount of rainfall can be experienced in the October as well. Winter season is from December to February. January is usually the coldest parts of the year. Temperatures range around 28 °C to 34 °C during this time.

  • Winter: December To February
  • Summer: March to June
  • South West Monsoons  – July to September
  • North East Monsoons  – October to November

Rain storms and cyclones are common in the region during the rainy season, which starts with the monsoons in early June. The cyclones could occur any time of the year, but commonly between August and November.

hideClimate data for Khammam (1981–2010, extremes 1941–2009)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 1941 165,204 +0.90%
1951 167,713 +0.15%
1961 190,436 +1.28%
1971 227,902 +1.81%
1981 268,366 +1.65%
1991 317,622 +1.70%
2001 373,372 +1.63%
2011 441,162 +1.68%
source:

According to the 2011 census Boudh district has a population of 441,162, roughly equal to the nation of Malta. This gives it a ranking of 552nd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 142 inhabitants per square kilometre (370/sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 17.82%. Baudh has a sex ratio of 991 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 72.51%.

At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 78.69% of the population in the district spoke Odia and 20.55% Sambalpuri as their first language.

Languages of Boudh district in 2011 census

  Odia (78.69%)
  Sambalpuri (20.55%)
  Others (0.76%)

Culture

Boudh is a new district but the civilization of Boudh area is as old as the oldest river valley civilizations of the world. As all civilization started on the banks of the river and the riverine passage was the mode of transport in the days of yore, people of Boudh claimed to be inheritors of rich culture. From 2nd century AD up to a period of one thousand years, Boudh was an important seat of Jagannathism , i.e Odia Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shakti cult in the country. Boudh is part of Odia Culture. It was highly developed educationally and culturally during the Soma Vanshi period and also during the Gangas and Surya Vanshi period.

Communal dance

Various types of dances are prevalent in the district. These are usually held during socio-religious functions. An account of some of the major dances is given below.

Karma dance

The Karma dance of Boudh is quite different from the Karama dance of the Oraons of Sundergarh District. In Boudh, the Ghasis perform this festival and dance. They observe Sana Karama festival on the 11th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrab (August–September) and Karama festival on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of the same month. On both the occasions, males and females belonging to the Ghasi community perform the Karama dance. The girls sing Karama songs and the boy play on the Mrudunga and Madala. They generally sing songs relating to goddess Karama whom they worship on the occasion.

Danda Nata

Danda Nata

Danda Nata is a ritual dance and is very popular in Boudh. The participants of the dance are the devotees of the god Hara and goddess Parvati. They perform the dance in the month of Chaitra (March–April) and Vaishakha (April–May).

Dalkhai dance

The people of Boudh perform this dance during the month of Aswina (September–October) on the occasion of Bhaijuntia (Bhatri Dwitya) In this dance young girls stand in a line or in a semi-circular pattern with songs known as Dalkhai songs.

Fairs and festivals

The Hindus of the district observe a number of festivals all year round. These festivals may broadly be divided into two categories, viz. domestic festivals observed in each household and public festivals and fairs where people congregate in large numbers on some auspicious days. The domestic festivals are confined to worship of family deities, observance of Ekadashi, various vratas, etc. most of them being guided by phases of the moon. The public festivals are usually religious ceremonies attended by a large number of men, women, and children who come for worship as well as entertainment. An account of some of the important festivals in the district is given below.

Chuda Khai Jatra

This function is observed in the last Friday of Margasira (November–December) wherein both males and females gather in a place and scold each other in filthy languages and also fight each other. The concept behind this is that by such function the land will yield good crops.

Ratha Jatra

The Ratha Jatra or Car Festival of Lord Jagannath is held on the 2nd day of the bright fortnight in the month of Asadha (June–July). The festival is observed at different places of Boudh, but the festival observed in the Boudh town deserves special mention. During this festivals, people of this district wear new dresses and make delicious food. Thousands of people from nearby villages of the district congregate at Boudh for this occasion. The Raja of Boudh performs the ritual as in case of Ratha Jatra of Puri. The three deities – Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken in a car from the main temple to the Mausima temple. The deities stay there for 7 days. During this time different types melas, mina bazaar are organized at Boudh as large numbers of people come to Boudh.

Laxmi Puja

Laxmi Puja is observed in almost all Hindu households on every Thursday in the month of Margasira (November–December). The Hindu women celebrate this festival with great austerity and devotion. On the Thursdays, the house and the courtyard are decorated with chita or alpana designs, and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is evoked and worshipped. The last Thursday of the month marks the end of the Puja when rice cakes and other preparations of sweets are offered to the goddess.

Nuakhai

Nuakhai is an agricultural festival. It is observed more or less in all parts of the district. This ceremony generally takes place in the bright fortnight of Bhadraba (August–September) on an auspicious day fixed by the astrologer. On this occasion, preparations of new rice are offered to gods, goddesses, and ancestors, after which members of the family along with friends and relatives partake of the new rice. The head of the family officiates in this function.

Sivaratri

Sivaratri festival is observed in all Siva temples on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February–March). The devotees remain awake throughout the night and worship Lord Siva. At midnight a lamp called Mahadipa is taken to the top of the temple and is kept burning throughout the night. The devotees break their fast after seeing the Mahadipa. This festival is observed with great pomp and splendor in the Siva temple of Boudh town namely Matengeswar, Chandrachuda, Mallisahi, and at Charisambhu (Jagati), Karadi, Sarsara, Dapala, Bhejigora, and Raniganj.

Dasahara

Vijayadashami (Dasahara)

The Durga Puja and Dasahara festivals are celebrated during the bright fortnight in the month of Aswina (September–October). Generally, this Puja continues for 4 days from Saptami up to Dasami. The images of goddess Durga are worshipped in a few places in the district of which celebrations held at Boudh town and at Sakta shrine of Purunakatak deserve special mention.

Dasahara has a special significance to the warrior caste. They worship their old weapons of war and exhibit physical feats on the occasion. Their heroic forebears used to start on fresh military expeditions during this season of the year.

Dola Jatra

Dola Jatra is usually celebrated from the day of Phagu Dasami to Phagu Purnima. In some places, it is observed from the next day of Phagu Purnima to Chaitra Krishna Panchami. On this occasion, the images of Radha and Krishna are placed in a decorated biman and carried in procession to the accompaniment of music. At places, the bimans carrying Radha-Krishna images from different places assemble together for a community worship. This assembly of the gods called melan is usually celebrated with great pomp and show. This is the main festival of the people belonging to the Gaura caste. They worship the cow and play naudi (a play with sticks) by singing songs relating to Radha and Krishna.

Puajiuntia and Bhaijiuntia

The Puajintuia ceremony is celebrated on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Aswina (September–October). On this occasion almost all the mothers worship the deity Dutibahana for long life and prosperity of their sons.

On the 8th day of the bright fortnight of Aswina (September–October), Bhaijiuntia is observed. The sisters worship goddess Durga on this occasion for the long and happy life of their brothers.

Ramaleela

Ramanavami or Ramaleela celebration is celebrated during the month of Chaitra. It is observed for 8 to 30 days at different temples of Rama. It is a dance drama in open theatre for the entertainment of people during which seven parts of the epic Ramayana is being played by different artists on different nights. It is observed with great pomp and shows in Raghunath temple at Boudh town for 18 days. It is also famously observed at Laxmiprasad village of Boudh town. It is also observed with religious fervor at Raghunath Jew temple of Debgarh and in the village Bahira.

Kailashi Jatra

Kailashi or Kalashi Jatra is observed on the 11th day of bright fortnight of Kartika which is also an auspicious month for Hindu. It is observed in the kalashi kothi (worshipping place). The walls of the kalashi kothi is painted with different god and goddess. A special type of musical instrument called Dhunkel is being played during this occasion inside the worshipping place. Girasinga is famous for this festival in the district. It is also observed in Palas, Landibandha, Gandhinagar Khuntbandha, Chandrapur, gundulia, Sarsara, Samapaju, Sidhapur, Khaligaon, Ramgad and Khaliabagicha of Boudh town.

Christian festivals

The Christians of the district observe New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with great pomp and show.

Muslim festivals

The Muslim inhabitants celebrate Id-Ul-Fitre, Id-Ul-Zuha, Shab-E-Barat, Shab-E-Quadar, Juma-Tul-Wida, Muharram, Shab-E-Meraj, Milad-Un-Nabi, and Ramzan like their fellow brethren in other parts of the state.

Recreation

Leisure and recreation are essential for life. People usually gather in the evening at the temple or in a common place where the priest or Puran panda recites and explains from the religious texts like the Bhagabat, the Mahabharat, the Ramayan, the Haribansa, or other Puranas. The singing of Bhajan or kirtan accompanied with musical instruments like khanjani, gini, mrudanga or harmonium is also another popular form of entertainment for the people. Occasionally acrobatic feats, monkey dance, beard dance, and snake charming and magic performed by itinerant professional groups also provide entertainment to the people. In urban areas cinema, opera are a common source of entertainment. Besides this recreational clubs are also functioning in the district.

Tourism

Boudh is known for its century-old temples, ancient Buddha statues, and caves. With the spread of Saivism, Vaishnavism and a number of other cults, numerous shrines dedicated to various deities were found in this region.

Buddha Statues

Three remarkable Buddhist statues are found in Boudh are indicative of the fact that it was once a center of Buddhist culture. One of the statues is present in Boudh town. The total height of this image is 6 ft. 9 inches of which the seated figure measures 4 ft. 3 inches in height and 3 ft. 10 inches from knee to knee. It is seated in the bhumisparsa mudra on a lotus throne 1 ft. 2 inches in height placed on a pedestal 11 inches in height and 4 ft. 6 inches in breadth. The whole image is built up in sections with carved stones. The only attendant figures are two Gandharvas flying with garlands in their hands on the sides of the head. On the whole, this colossus of Boudh compares favourably with similar colossi at Udayagiri and Lalitgiri in Cuttack district. The image is uninscribed and beneath the pedestal is the ancient stone pavement of the original shrine. This appears to be the site of an ancient Buddhist monastery the remains of which are still to be found.

At a distance of 40 km. from Boudh town the image of Buddha is in the village shyamsundarpur. The height of the statue is 5 ft. and the image is in the same posture as in Boudh town. Here also the only attendant figures are two Gandharvas flying with garlands in their hands at the back of the Budhha statue. The image is built up of sandstone. Locally it is known as Jharabaudia Mahaprabhu.

Another Budhha statue is also seen in the village Pragalapur, which is 2 km from Shyamsundarpur. The height of this statue is 3.5 ft. In the left-hand side of the statue there are three numbers of the invisible image and on the right-hand side, their lies five numbers of an image called ugratara.

Ramanath Temple

Rameshwar – Ramnath Temples

A group of three temples of Siva at Boudh town are called the Rameswar or Ramanath temples, dating back to the 9th century AD are reputed for their special feature. The decorative motifs and the plastic art of three temples at Boudh are certainly superior to and older than the great Lingaraj and Ananta Vasudeva group. One particular feature of the Ramanath temple is worth particular attention. Their plan is quite different from any other temples. In plan, these temples are eight-rayed stars and the argha-pattas of the lingas are also similar. These magnificent temples built of red sandstone and profusely carved are stated to have been constructed in the mid-9th century AD. The temples with rich texture and curved surfaces are noteworthy. Each of these temples stands by itself on a raised platform, and consists of a cell and an attached portico. The minute recesses and angularities produce a charming effect of light and shade and confer an appearance of greater height from the continued cluster of vertical lines than they really possess. Archaeological Survey of India has preserved this temple.

Jogindra Villa Palace

This is the palace of ex-Ruler of Boudh locally known as Raja batis. This was constructed during the reign of Raja Jogindra Dev, who was a benevolent and generous ruler. The palace is a picturesque and handsome building commanding a fine view of Mahanadi.

Hanuman Temple

This temple is situated in the midst of the river Mahandai to the east of Boudh town. The Hanuman temple was constructed by a religious mendicant. This shrine was constructed on a large stone. The temple commands an extensive view, especially during rain when the Mahanadi is in full bloom.

Chandra Chuda and Matengeswar Temple

The Chandra Chuda and Matengeswar temple are situated on the bank of river Mahanadi in Boudh town. Both the temples are Shiva temples. In the Matengeswar temple, there is also a separate temple for goddess Parvati.

Madan Mohan Temple

In Madan Mohan temples idol of Radha-Krishna has been worshipped. One Gayatri Pragnya Mandir is also situated at the adjacent to these temples.

Jagannath Temple

This temple is one of the ancient temples of Odisha. It is situated in the heart of Boudh town.

Debagarh

The Raghunath temple at Debagarh is 14 km from Boudh town. The marble statue of Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman are being worshipped here. There is also a pond here.

Chari Sambhu Temple

Chari Sambhu Temple

The Chari sambhu temple was previously named as Gandharadi temple. It is situated near the village Jagati at a distance of 16 km. from Boudh. It is the renowned twin temples of Nilamadhava and Sidheswar. These temples were constructed under the patronage of the Bhanja rulers of Khinjali mandala in the 9th century AD. These two temples were built on one platform which is exactly similar to each other. The one on the left hand is dedicated to Siva named Siddheswar and its shikhara is surmounted by a Sivalinga. The second is dedicated to Vishnu, named Nilamadhava and its shikhara is surmounted by a wheel of blue chlorite. The principle of construction of the jagamohans at Gandhara is slightly different from that of other temples. Their roofs are built on the cantilever principle and originally it appears to have been supported on twelve large pillars arranged as a hollow square.

Thus each side had four pillars of which the central ones flanked an opening. Originally these two jagamohanas appear to have been open on all sides; but later on, the lintels on all sides appear to have given away and then it became necessary to fill in the gaps between pillars with the exception of the four openings with ashlar masonry. At the same time, the side openings were filled up with a jali or lattice of blue chlorite towards the bottom and a frieze of four miniature temple shikhara over it. This arrangement is not followed in later temples where the ingress of light into jagamohana is through four or five stone pillars in the opening used as window bars.

The style of ornamentation in the jagamohans of the Gandharadi temples is altogether different. Even stylized chaitya-windows are rarely to be seen at Gandharadi except at the bases of the pilasters of the vimana. the ornamentation on these two jagamohans is very simple and much less overcrowded. The importance of the Gandharadi temples lies in the fact that they provide a link and that a very important one, in the chain of the evolution, in the chain of the evolution of the medieval Orissa temple type.

The Gandharadi temple is also locally known as ‘Chari Sambhu Mandira‘ (the temple of four Sambhus or Siva lingas). In the Siva temple Siddheswar is the presiding deity. In the Jagamohan, to the left of the door leading to the sanctum is the siva Linga called Jogeswar and to the right of the door is the linga called Kapileswar. At a little distance from Siddheswar stands the temples of Paschima Somanath (Siva), the door of the temple opening to the west.

Some images of considerable antiquity are found worshipped in shrines nearby. Notable among them are the images of Ganesh in the temple of Paschima Somanath and an image of eight armed Durga worshipped under a banyan tree, the later image being badly eroded due to the vagaries of weather. These images probably once adorned the Siddheswar temple. Portions of carved doorsteps in black chlorite and other decorative motifs have been unearthed. In the vicinity of the temple. Five feet (1.52 meters) high Hanuman image of good workmanship is being worshipped near the village Jagati and a carved Nabagraha slab is lying in the cornfield. Archaeological Survey of India has preserved this place.

Purunakatak

Bhairabi Temple, Purunakatak

Purunakatak, 30 km from Boudh on Boudh-Bhubaneswar road, is a trading center of some importance. Goddess Bhairabi is the presiding deity of Boudh District. Durga puja festival is observed here for 16 days. Just opposite to the Bhairabi temple is the temple of Maheswar Mahadev. One Inspection Bungalow is nearby for staying.

Places of Interest

  • Padmatola Sanctuary
  • Dambarugada Mountains
  • Nayakpada Cave (Patali Shrikhetra)
  • Marjakud Island

Apart from the above places, there are numerous places in Boudh for tourist visits e.g. Asurgada, Shiva temple at Karadi, Sarsara and Baunsuni, Jatasamadhi temple at Balasinga (Temple of Mahima Cult), and Paljhir Dam.

Legislation

Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

The following are the 2 Vidhan sabha constituencies of Boudh district and the elected members of that area.

No. Constituency Reservation Extent of the Assembly Constituency (blocks) Member of 15th Assembly Party
85 Kantamal None Kantamal, Boudh (part) Mahidhar Rana BJD
86 Boudh None Harbhanga, Boudhgarh (NAC), Boudh (part) Pradip Kumar Amat BJD

Star Wars92% (130 reviews)90 (24 reviews)N/AThe Empire Strikes Back94% (102 reviews)82 (25 reviews)N/AReturn of the Jedi82% (94 reviews)58 (24 reviews)N/AStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace52% (232 reviews)51 (36 reviews)A−Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones65% (253 reviews)54 (39 reviews)A−Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith80% (299 reviews)68 (40 reviews)A−Star Wars: The Force Awakens92% (437 reviews)80 (55 reviews)AStar Wars: The Last Jedi90% (472 reviews)84 (56 reviews)AStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker51% (495 reviews)54 (61 reviews)B+Spin-off filmsStar Wars: The Clone Wars18% (171 reviews)35 (30 reviews)B−Rogue One: A Star Wars Story84% (446 reviews)65 (51 reviews)ASolo: A Star Wars Story69% (475 reviews)62 (54 reviews)A−Television filmsStar Wars Holiday Special27% (15 reviews)N/AN/AThe Ewok Adventure21% (14 reviews)N/AN/AEwoks: The Battle for Endor33% (3 reviews)N/AN/A

Accolades

Academy Awards

The eleven live-action films together have been nominated for 37 Academy Awards, of which they have won seven. The films were also awarded a total of three Special Achievement Awards. The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi received Special Achievement Awards for their visual effects, and Star Wars received a Special Achievement Award for its alien, creature and robot voices.

Film Best Picture Best Director Best Supporting Actor Best Original Screenplay Best Costume Design Best Film Editing Best Makeup Best Original Score Best Production Design Best Sound Editing Best Sound Mixing Best Visual Effects Ref.
Star Wars Nominated Nominated Nominated Won category not yet introduced Won Won Won
The Empire Strikes Back Nominated Special Achievement
Return of the Jedi Nominated
The Phantom Menace Nominated
Attack of the Clones
Revenge of the Sith Nominated
The Force Awakens Nominated Nominated Nominated Nominated
Rogue One
The Last Jedi Nominated Nominated
Solo Nominated
The Rise of Skywalker Nominated Nominated Nominated

Grammy Awards

The franchise has received a total of fifteen Grammy Award nominations, winning six.

Film Album of the Year Best Pop Instrumental Performance Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media Best Instrumental Composition Ref.
Star Wars Nominated Won Won Won
The Empire Strikes Back Nominated Won Won
Return of the Jedi Nominated
The Phantom Menace Nominated
Revenge of the Sith Nominated Nominated
The Force Awakens Won
Solo Nominated
Notes
  1. ^ Alec Guinness for his performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
  2. ^ For “Star Wars – Main Title”
  3. ^ For “Yoda’s Theme”
  4. ^ For The Empire Strikes Back. Also nominated for “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme) and “Yoda’s Theme”.
  5. ^ For “Anakin’s Betrayal”

Library of Congress

In 1989, the Library of Congress selected the original Star Wars film for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry, as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The Empire Strikes Back was selected in 2010. 35mm reels of the 1997 Special Editions were the versions initially presented for preservation because of the difficulty of transferring from the original prints, but it was later revealed that the Library possessed a copyright deposit print of the original theatrical releases. By 2015, Star Wars had been transferred to a 2K scan which can be viewed by appointment.

Emmy Awards

Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure was one of four films to be juried-awarded Emmys for Outstanding Special Visual Effects at the 37th Primetime Emmy Awards. The film was additionally nominated for Outstanding Children’s Program but lost in this category to an episode of American Playhouse.

At the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor and the CBS documentary Dinosaur! were both juried-awarded Emmys for Outstanding Special Visual Effects. The film additionally received two nominations for Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or a Special.

Unproduced and rumored films

In early 2013, Bob Iger announced the development of a spin-off film written by Simon Kinberg, reported by Entertainment Weekly to focus on bounty hunter Boba Fett during the original trilogy. In mid-2014, Josh Trank was officially announced as the director of an undisclosed spin-off film, but had left the project a year later due to creative differences, causing a teaser for the film to be scrapped from Star Wars Celebration. In May 2018, it was reported that James Mangold had signed on to write and direct a Fett film, with Kinberg attached as producer and co-writer. By October, the Fett film was reportedly no longer in production, with the studio instead focusing on The Mandalorian, which utilizes a similar character design.

In August 2017, it was rumored that films focused on Jabba the Hutt, and Jedi Masters Obi-Wan and Yoda were being considered or were in development. Stephen Daldry was reportedly in early negotiations to co-write and direct the Obi-Wan movie. At D23 Expo in August 2019, it was announced that a streaming series about the character would be produced instead.

Felicity Jones, who played Jyn Erso in Rogue One, has the option of another Star Wars film in her contract; notwithstanding her character’s fate in Rogue One, it has been speculated that she could return in other anthology films. In 2018, critics noted that Solo was intentionally left open for sequels. Alden Ehrenreich and Emilia Clarke confirmed that their contracts to play Han Solo and Q’ira extended for additional films, if required.

An unannounced film centered around the Mos Eisley Spaceport was reportedly put on hold or cancelled in mid-2018, leading to rumors of the cancellation or postponement of the anthology series. Lucasfilm swiftly denied the rumors as “inaccurate”, confirming that multiple unannounced films were in development.

Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss were to write and produce a trilogy of Star Wars films scheduled to be released in December 2022, 2024, and 2026, which were first announced to be in development in February 2018. However, citing their commitment to a Netflix deal, the duo stepped away from the project in October 2019. Kennedy stated her openness to their returning when their schedules allow.

Additionally, though unconfirmed by Lucasfilm, BuzzFeed reported in May 2019 that Laeta Kalogridis was writing the script for the first film in a potential Knights of the Old Republic trilogy. In January 2020, a film set in the era of The High Republic was rumored to be in development.