| Bhadrak | |
| Native Name Lang: | or |
| Settlement Type: | District of Odisha |
| Coordinates: | 21.0667°N 86.5°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Odisha |
| Seat Type: | Headquarters |
| Seat: | Bhadrak |
| Leader Title: | Collector |
| Leader Name: | Dilip Routrai IAS[1] |
| Leader Title1: | SP |
| Leader Name1: | Varun Guntupalli IPS |
| Leader Title2: | Member of Parliament |
| Leader Name2: | Avimanyu Sethi, BJP |
| Leader Title3: | Member of Legislative Assembly |
| Leader Name3: | Sitansu Sekhar Mohapatra, BJP |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Area Total Km2: | 2505 |
| Population Total: | 1,506,337 |
| Population As Of: | 2011 |
| Population Density Km2: | 601 |
| Population Rank: | 12 |
| Timezone1: | IST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5:30 |
| Area Code: | 06784 |
| Area Code Type: | Telephone code |
| Registration Plate: | OD-22 |
| Blank1 Name Sec2: | Precipitation |
| Blank1 Info Sec2: | 1427.9mm |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Odia, English |
| Blank2 Name Sec1: | Sex ratio |
| Blank2 Info Sec1: | 981 ♂/♀ |
| Blank5 Name Sec1: | Literacy |
| Blank5 Info Sec1: | 83.25% |
| Blank2 Name Sec2: | Avg. summer temperature |
| Blank2 Info Sec2: | 48°C |
| Blank3 Name Sec2: | Avg. winter temperature |
| Blank3 Info Sec2: | 17°C |
Bhadrak is a district of Odisha state in eastern India. Bhadrak city is the headquarters and the largest city of the district.
The district is named after goddess Bhadrakali whose temple is situated on bank of Salandi river, 8km distant from the Bhadrak city.[2]
Bhadrak District, located in the Indian state of Odisha, boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to the era of the Puranas, a period marked by flourishing maritime and agricultural prosperity in the region. One notable chapter in its history occurred at Rakta Tirtha Eram in Basudevpur, where a tragic incident unfolded during the struggle for independence. Under the leadership of DSP Kunjabihari Mohanty, British police forces were responsible for the loss of approximately 30 lives, including that of a prominent figure named Pari Bewa.
In the annals of Bhadrak's history, King Mukunda Dev stands as the final indigenous sovereign ruler of the region. However, after the year 1575, following the defeat of the Afghans by Raja Man Singh during the Mughal period, Bhadrak District underwent a transformation. It transitioned into a Subha and subsequently fell under the governance of the Nawabs of Bengal as the Mughals exerted their influence over the political landscape of Bhadrak.
Over time, Bhadrak District came under Maratha rule until the British Empire extended its dominion across the entirety of Odisha. This historical progression underscores the diverse and complex tapestry of Bhadrak's past, characterized by shifts in governance and significant events that left lasting imprints on the region's identity and heritage.[3]
Following its attainment of independence, the history of Bhadrak has been marked by a multifaceted journey of progress across various sectors, encompassing Education, Industry, Agriculture, Trade, and Commerce. With the emergence of new opportunities and the advent of promising developments, Bhadrak has propelled itself towards the twenty-first century with a sense of optimism and the potential for further advancement. This forward trajectory reflects the region's commitment to growth and its aspirations for a prosperous future.[4]
Bhadrak District boasts a wealth of historical sites and monuments, inviting visitors to explore its rich heritage. Among these, Palia stands out as the renowned location of the Biranchi Narayan Temple,[5] while the Sri Radha Madanmohan Temple ranks as one of the district's most frequented religious sites.[6] Notably, Aradi, situated just 10 kilometers from Chandabali, is celebrated for its Akhandalamani Temple. Chandabali, historically significant as the first port established in Odisha, adds another layer of intrigue to the region's cultural and historical tapestry. These sites collectively contribute to the district's allure for travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
On 1 April 1993, the Bhadrak District was established as an independent administrative entity, having been carved out from the Balasore District. This significant administrative change marked the district's emergence as a distinct and separate region within the state of Odisha, India.[7]
It consists of 1370 villages which constitute 7 Blocks. There are 6 urban bodies. They are Bhadrak and Basudevpur municipality and Dhamra, Chandabali, Dhamnagar and Agarpada NAC.
The district has an area of . Bhadrak town is from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. Salandi River passes by this district. Baitarani flows by Chandabali town and falls into the Bay of Bengal at Dhamara.[8]
Agriculture is one of the main source of income for the district. Also many people in the coastal area, from Dhamara of Chandbali Block to Padhuan of Basudevpur Block, depend on upon Fishing and marine services. The major fishing harbors are located at Dhamara, Kasia & Chudamani. Many people are also involved in business and service sector.[9]
Bhadrak railway station is the biggest railway station of Bhadrak district and serves Bhadrak city. An important upcoming town in Bhadrak district is Dhamara, which is upcoming newly built mega-port of the district. New railway line from Bhadrak to Dhamra is constructed.Dhamra Airport is proposed to be built by the Dhamra Port Company Limited, 20 km from Dhamra Port[11]
Also Chennai- Kolkata NH-16, State Highway 35,53 and 57 are passing through Bhadrak district,and also going to connect with NH-316A with Dhamara
According to the 2011 census Bhadrak district has a population of 1,506,337,[12] roughly equal to the nation of Gabon[13] or the US state of Hawaii.[14] This gives it a ranking of 332nd in India (out of a total of 640).[12] The district has a population density of 601PD/sqkm .[12] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 12.95%.[12] Bhadrak has a sex ratio of 981 females for every 1000 males,[12] and a literacy rate of 83.25%. 12.34% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 22.23% and 2.02% of the population respectively.[12]
At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 90.56% of the population in the district spoke Odia, 6.61% Urdu, 1.46% Bengali and 0.47% Santali as their first language.[15]
Bhadrak district has been doing good in every consideration. A new palace type collectorate is constructed and being in service since 2016. The roads and environment is so clean to eyes. It has a large bus stand near Dakshinkali Temple and by NH-16.Every types of modern malls are there. It is the city of brotherhood between Hindu and Muslims. Both celebrate their ceremonies together with each other. In Puruna Bazaar there Budha Ganesh puja is celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims. It has Bhadrak autonomous college, which is soon going to be a university. New medical site is being started construction having 100 nursing training seats. It has been declared as the first nectar city of Odisha. It has Dhamara port which is so large and going to be the largest port in Asia. A polytechnic university is going to be started soon.
See main article: List of constituencies of Odisha Vidhan Sabha. The following is the 5 Vidhan sabha constituencies[16] [17] of Bhadrak district and the elected members[18] of that area
| No. | Constituency | Reservation | Extent of the Assembly Constituency (Blocks) | Member of 15th Assembly | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | Bhandaripokhari | None | Bhandaripokhari, Bonth | Sanjib Mallick | BJD | |
| 44 | Bhadrak | None | Bhadrak (M), Bhadrak | Sitansu Sekhar Mohapatra | BJP | |
| 45 | Basudevpur | None | Basudevpur, Basudevpur, Tihidi (part) | Ashok Kumar Das | INC | |
| 46 | Dhamnagar | SC | Dhamnagar, Tihidi (part) | Suryabanshi Suraj | BJP | |
| 47 | Chandabali | None | Chandabali, Tihidi (part) | Byomakesh Ray | BJD |
Bhadrak district belongs to Bhadrak constituency. Its member of parliament is Avimanyu Sethi (BJP)