Athmallik


Athmallik is a town and a notified area committee and a Sub division of Angul district in the state of Odisha, India.

History

Athmallik was initially an estate which was recognized as a princely state in 1874. Athmallik was one among the 26 feudatory states of Odisha. Kaintragarh was the capital of Athmallik State, being carved out of the erstwhile Baudh ex-feudatory state. In the 11th century it became a separate princely state, established by King Prattap Deo, a scion of the Kadamba Dynasty. Prattap Deo was said to have found a Honda which was considered to be lucky enough, after which the territory was then named as "Hondpa". In the course of time, one of the chiefs divided the ex-state into eight divisions and placed one sub-chief called "Malla" in each division with a view of suppressing the unruly tribes; on this basis the kingdom changed its name from "Hondpa" to "Athmallik". The state merged with Dhenknal from the rule of Kishore Chandra Dev in 1948 and remained under Dhenkanal District until 31 March 1993. Due to bifurcation of the District Athmallik, a Sub-Division, is now under Angul District, as from 1993.

Rajas

Rajas of the princedom are as follows:.
India census, Athmallik had a population of 11,383. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Athmallik has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Outstanding personalities

Athmallik is the birthplace of the internationally renowned Swedish artist Pradyumna Mahandia. Mahanndia was the portrait painter of Indira Gandhi before he went away to Sweden on a bi-cycle to meet his lady love Lotta. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a making a film on Mahandia's early life in Athmallik.

How to Go

Athmallik is located at 235 km from Bhubaneswar, 200 km from Cuttack and 160 km from Sambalpur and is well connected by road. The nearest railhead is at Boinda, 36 km from here, connected with the major cities of India. Nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar.

Accommodation

A circuit house, an Inspection Bungalow of public works department, a Guest house of Manjore Irrigation Project and a dharmasala managed by NAC provide accommodation facilities to the tourists. However the comfort loving travellers are advised to stay at Angul and cover the shrine in a day by hiring a vehicle.

Education

Athmallik has a few good educational and institutions. It houses many Oriya, Hindi, and English-medium schools.
Athamallik College is the key centre for education in this area.