Baripada is often seen as just a starting point for visiting the renowned Simlipal National Park in Odisha, known for its tiger and elephant populations. Not widely known is the existence of a dazzling palace in the heart of the town, with a hidden love story.
Belgadia Palace is currently inhabited by the descendants of the former rulers of Mayurbhanj, the Bhanj Deos. Praveen Chandra Bhanj Deo is a member of the 47th generation. He resides in a section of the palace with his spouse, two daughters, and his 91-year-old mother. Thanks to the efforts of his daughters, Mrinalika and Akshita, a majority of this 215-year-old palace is now accessible to the public. Akshita states, “We aim to raise awareness about the heritage of our forefathers in the district as well as in the state of Odisha.”
The royal love story
The sisters conducted a thorough inspection of the palace before opening its doors, uncovering numerous hidden gems. One of these treasures was the tumultuous love story between their ancestor Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo and Sucharu Devi, the third daughter of Keshub Chandra Sen, a philosopher and social reformer from 19th century Bengal.
Following the loss of his father during his youth, he was engaged to the Hindu Rajput princess of Porahat (now in Bihar), who happened to be the daughter of his father’s closest friend. He pursued his education at Mayo College in Ajmer and furthered his studies in England, a common practice among young princes of that era to establish connections with the crown and European nobility. Upon his return, he resided in Calcutta, the former British capital of India, and during a gathering in Darjeeling attended by prominent figures from East India such as the Tagore’s and Sen’s, he encountered and fell in love with Sucharu Devi, the 15-year-old third daughter of the renowned leader of the Brahmo Samaj, Keshab Chandra Sen. Sucharu Devi was a well-educated, well-traveled, opinionated, and skilled artist. At the age of 18, just before his coronation as Maharajah, he expressed his desire to propose to Sucharu Devi’s father by writing a letter to his British secretary and minister in Mayurbhanj.
The state senators and his British advisors were discussing his impulsive decision, while he started to pursue Sucharu and eventually got engaged to her. The state was shocked and the British warned him that if there were any internal disturbances, they would demand his abdication. This all took place in 1889, and the crown prince’s family strongly objected to the match. Sucharu Devi’s biography, written by her daughter Joyoti, recounts the opposition she faced due to her Brahmo background and different caste and religion.
The youthful prince found himself with his hands tied, and as a final act of contrition to Sucharu, he wed the princess of Porahat, who had been taken in by the Panchkote royal family (now in Bengal). However, his love for Sucharu Devi endured. Suniti Devi, her older sister and former queen of Coochbehar, as well as grandmother to Gayatri Devi, recounted in her autobiography, “We attempted to convince her to marry, but nothing could persuade her to forget her beloved.”
In the interim, a prominent advocate of feminism in India, she was chosen as the president of Bengal Women’s Education League in 1931.
Sriram Chandra’s initial spouse, HH Lakshmi Devi, bore two sons and a daughter before succumbing to smallpox along with her youngest daughter. Nearly 14 years later, while the Maharajah was traveling the world, he found himself at a gathering in Calcutta where he recognized a familiar face. Reuniting with Sucharu Devi after all those years, he discovered that she had remained unmarried as she had already given her heart to him. Recognizing her as his one true love,
On January 31, 1904, Sriram Chandra, who was 32 years old, wrote a letter to Sucharu Devi asking her to marry him again. He asked if she would be willing to give up worldly pleasures and be his spiritual companion. He believed it was the voice of the Almighty. They were only together for 4 years, but the family chose to donate their royal properties to the states of Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha, except for Belgadia, where they spent the happiest days of their.
He delivered a momentous speech in the Mayurbhanj senate, declaring that as a Hindu ruler, he had two obligations – one of dharma (duty) to his people and the other of karma (destiny) to himself. His duty was to wed a Hindu wife and produce an heir to the throne, while his karma was Sucharu, a bond predestined in the heavens for him. Despite objections from his family, who insisted that even if he married her, she would never be permitted to enter the palace, he renovated and transformed The Belgadia Palace, a former guest house for royal dignitaries visiting the state, for her. According to Suniti Devi, “The Maharaja’s wife passed away, and he returned to propose to my sister. The nuptials took place in Calcutta, and for a period, they enjoyed the most blissful existence.” This occurred in 1904. They journeyed the world together, supported renowned artists like Hemandra Nath Majumdar and Jamini Roy, established schools, hospitals, and collaborated with the Tata family to establish the first Iron Ore and Steel mine in Mayurbhanj. They were benefactors, advocates of arts and crafts, and aspired to construct a self-sufficient democratic state.
He had a son named Dhrubendra Chandra Bhanj Deo and two daughters from his second wife, Sucharu Devi. Dhrubendra Chandra Bhanj Deo became a well-known air force pilot and passed away during the Second World War. The older daughter got married to the Maharaja of Vizianagram, and the younger daughter, Rani Jyoti Manjari Devi, got married to Mahant Sarveshwar Das, the Raja Bahadur of Nandgaon, a princely state of the former Central Provinces and Berar.
Contributions of Maharaj Shreeram Chandra Bhanj Deo
Shreeram Chandra Bhanj Deo (1877-1913) played a crucial role in Indian history, particularly recognized for his impact as a leader and advocate for social change. His birth took place on December 17, 1877, within the esteemed lineage of Mayurbhanj, a princely state located in what is now Odisha, India. 1. Maharajah Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo served as the 45th ruler of Mayurbhanj. Despite having autonomous control over his state, alliances were carefully orchestrated between the princely state and the British governor.
He worked hard to make Mayurbhanj better and helped the people with different programs. People thought he was a great king. He made a council to help run the state and made changes to the language, health, and administration. He started the scientific operation of iron mines and gave the Tatas the Gorumahisani mines. He also built a railway line and 474 miles of roads. He made the Baripada Municipality and started a high school, hospital, and leper asylum. He appointed Mohini Mohan Dhar as the Dewan of Mayurbhanj and made Gopabandhu Das his advocate. He loved Oriya art and culture and showed the Chhau dance in Calcutta. He was a patriot and supported the Odia language. He added rooms to the royal palace and it looks like the Buckingham Palace. Two colleges are now in the palace.
SABAI CRAFT :
In an historical article it says that Shriram Chandra bhanj deo who always go for madagarcar for hunting.he found sabai grass there, then he took it from there.
Sabai grass craft is an important part of the culture and economy of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The craft has gained international attention and has become a source of income for many local artisans. The products made from Sabai grass are not only beautiful but also have practical uses, such as plant holders, laundry baskets, and fruit baskets. The use of Sabai grass in home design gives living spaces a natural and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the craft has provided training and job opportunities for local boys and girls, particularly from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe groups. The export of Sabai grass products has also brought economic relief to the region, with plans for further expansion to other developed countries. It’s impressive to see the variety of products that can be made from Sabai grass, and the impact it has had on the local community.
Pingback: A Tale Of Unfinished Love: The Unseen Bond Between Atal Bihari Vajpayee And Rajkumari Kaul • Rashmi Divyanshi