Life History of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo
Through this article, I want to throw some light on the life and exemplary works of Maharaja Shri Krushna Chandra Gajapati, the architect of modern Orissa. Details are given in the description presented below.
Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, the Architect of 
Modern Odisha was born on 26th April 1892 in the royal family of Paralakhemundi belong to the Ganga dynasty of Puri. His father Sri Gourachandra Gajapati Narayan Deo (2nd) was an able leader and a good ruler. At the age of 12 only, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati has lost his father. As he was the minor, the Zamindari of Paralakhemundi was transferred to Mr. N. Macmichale, ICS agent to the Court of Wards .His Primary education was started in a local Maharaja School. After that he has got himself admitted into Newington residential College at Madras for higher studies. At the age of 21, he became the king of Ganjam on 26th April 1913. The Princes of Kharsuan was his Queen.
His contributions towards the formation of Independent Orissa State were significant. He was one of the eminent people of Orissa who had dreamt about Swatantra Orissa Pradesh by combining all Oriya speaking states. Oriya Raksha Agitation launched for the formation of Independent Orissa was led by Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati. 10th Utkal Sammilani was conducted at Paralakhemundi under his guidance in the year 1912. He had attended both 1st and 2nd Round Table Conference held at London in the year 1931 and presented the memorandum for an independent and separate Oriya State. He had established a printing press named Gajapati Press to create literary awareness among oriya people. He became the 1st honourable Prime Minister of Independent Orissa.
Contributions of Maharaja towards education, irrigation, social welfare and other developmental work of Orissa are commendable. The reservoirs Ram Sagar, Seeta Sagar, Laxman Sagar and Krushna Sagar were constructed by him for irrigation purpose. He is responsible for the establishment of Famous Rice Research Institute at Cuttack. He is also responsible for the establishment of Utkal University, SCB Medical College and Orissa High court. He has established a Girl's High School at Paralakhemundi for promotion of education among women. The Narrow Gauge Railway line from Paralakhemundi to Gunpur is his contribution towards the society and the state at large. He has established a permanent theatre in Paralakhemundi for promotion of art and cultural activities.
The illustrious and worthy son of Orissa Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati was took his last breath on 25th May 1974. But his contributions towards building modern Orissa will always be remembered forever.
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