Trace the history of the boundary disputes during the creation of the Odisha province, especially regarding Ganjam and Jeypore.

Boundary Disputes in Odisha's Formation: Ganjam and Jeypore

Introduction

The creation of Odisha as a separate province in 1936 was marred by intense boundary disputes with neighboring presidencies. While the core districts were easily identified, the Odia-speaking tracts in the south, specifically Ganjam and the Jeypore Agency under the Madras Presidency, became the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. The dispute was a clash between linguistic logic and administrative convenience advocated by the Madras Government.

The Ganjam Dispute: Linguistic vs. Political Claims

Ganjam was the most contested territory due to its significant Telugu minority and strong administrative ties to Madras.

  • Philip-Duff Committee (1924): The British appointed this committee to gauge public opinion. It reported that an overwhelming majority of Odias in Ganjam favored amalgamation.
  • The Berhampur Question: A major dispute arose over Berhampur town. The Madras Government argued it was a Telugu stronghold, but the O'Donnell Committee (1931) eventually recommended its inclusion in Odisha based on the cultural heartland argument.
  • The Parlakhemundi Partition: The most tragic dispute was the division of Parlakhemundi. Despite Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati's efforts, the estate was split, with the town coming to Odisha while a large portion of the zamindari remained in Madras.

The Jeypore Agency and Koraput Dispute

The Jeypore Agency (modern-day Koraput) was initially excluded by the O'Donnell Committee, citing financial deficits and tribal diversity.

  • The White Paper Setback: The White Paper of 1933 excluded Jeypore entirely, causing widespread indignation in Odisha. Leaders argued that Jeypore was ethnically Odia and vital for the new province's resource base.
  • Final Inclusion: It was only after the Maharaja of Parlakhemundi's diplomatic mission to London that the Joint Parliamentary Committee reversed the decision, including the Jeypore Agency in Odisha to ensure the financial viability of the new province.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the boundary disputes highlighted the difficulty of creating homogenous linguistic states in colonial India. While the inclusion of Ganjam and Jeypore was a victory for the Odia Movement, the loss of Singhbhum, Midnapore, and parts of the Parlakhemundi estate remained a source of historical grievance. Nevertheless, these negotiations finalized the territorial framework that allowed Odisha to emerge as a distinct geographical and political entity in 1936.