Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Author: Unknown
This manuscript was published
published some time around 1946
Cultural Homogeneity: The history of Koshal like that of all other countries shows the
interplay of centrifugal and centripetal forces and tendencies leading to centralisation under
strong Kings and subsequent disruption into smaller units, from the Vedic down to the modern
period. But down through all the ages, whether during the Vedic, Puranic and Hindu periods,
during the glorious Suryavanshis, the Imperial Airas and Koshal Guptas, or during the Mughal
and Mahratta periods when the Chowhans were most powerful, the cultural homogeneity of the
people of Koshal has been maintained intact even till this day.
Language: The language of this tract has been influenced by Chotanagpuri Hindi from the
north, the Chhattisgarhr Hindi or Lariya from the west and by Telegu from the Andhra country
in the south. Thus, though the language of this tract is Oriya, it has got a distinctiveness of
its own. The language of Koshal is nowadays better known as the Sambalpuri dialect of Oriya,
which distinguishes it from that of the four other main sub-cultural Oriya groups.
Namely, Kalinga (Ganjam). Utkala, Singhbhum and Bhanjbhum, which together make up
the Oriya cultural group. The people of Koshal tract have also got common yet distinct
culture, traditions, manners, customs, mode of living and a peculiarity of outlook which
binds its people and gives this tract a distinctiveness, individuality and a personality of its own.
Leadership Amongst Oriya Cultural Groups: By virtue of its extensive area and population,
which makes Koshal the largest and most predominant Oriya cultural group, and also because
of its geographical position and historical importance, Koshal had always been the traditional
leader of the Oriyas till the advent of the British. Excepting for brief periods during the Airas
and Koshal Guptas, Orissa has never been united. Even during the hey-days of the Kalinga
Empire and the Ganga and Suryavanshi Kings of Orissa, parts of Singhbhum, Bhanjbhum,
Kalinga or Koshal have at different times remained outside the different Oriya Empires. But it
was through Koshal that Aryan culture has gone down to the coastal plains of Orissa.
Objects of this Pamphlet: The injustice and cruelty of keeping culturally homogeneous groups
and sub-groups divided, and the disadvantages of such artificial separation is very widely
recognised at present. In connection with the constitutional settlement of India, the question of
revision of boundaries of the different regions would undoubtedly be considered. The removal
of anomalies would not, however, be an easy task. The formation of new units would have to
take account of past tendencies as well as present trends. With goodwill, determination and
broad vision, however, the problem can and should be satisfactorily solved. The object of this
pamphlet is to examine the possibilities of reunion of Koshal. An attempt has been made in the
following pages to approach the problem from the angle of natural growth which is the path of
Truth. Correct solution of problems have to be based on the Natural Laws in order to be true
and lasting. It is, therefore, essential that certain basic and fundamental causes governing
evolution and growth should not be lost sight of in examining this question. The first chapter
attempts at finding the basic governing factors and tendencies from an analytical historical
angle, and the problems of Koshal are examined in the light of these findings in this and
subsequent chapters. Illustrations from history in support of the conclusions have not been
incorporated to avoid making the pamphlet unduly lengthy For the people of Koshal and
students of history of Koshal, however, there should be no difficulty in following the process of
reasoning and recalling to mind the historical background which has led to these conclusions.
Maps and Plans have been incorporated in this pamphlet for facility of clearer understanding of
the facts, suggestions and conclusions. The suggestions offered and conclusions arrived at are
of particular interest to the people of the Sambalpur tract, which is the heart of Koshal. But it is
hoped that the suggestions will also be of interest and value to the Eastern States and other
Oriya cultural groups in general.
Individual Autonomy vs. Restraint and Pooling of Resources: At each stage of evolution,
how-ever, there are two, opposite tendencies at work. On the one side is the individual’s desire
for freedom and preservation of his personality and autonomy, and on the other hand, the need
for restraint, subordination, and pooling of his sovereignty and his resources for his own and
for the common good. What is true of the individual is also true of the higher groups. The
family, the group, the village, and the higher units come to acquire the attributes of individual
entities and as such are at all times jealous to preserve their local autonomy and freedom of
action. This tendency gives rise to desire for exclusiveness. But the law of growth sets in the
opposite forces leading to interdependence and co-operation. Both these tendencies are
necessary for the protection as well as growth of the individual and other entities. One
encourages individual incentive and the other leads to co-operative effort—both necessary for
the benefit of individuals and society. These are the tendencies which set in motion the
centrifugal and centripetal forces, the interplay of which is Nature’s way of evolution and
growth.
Centrifugal vs. Centripetal Tendencies: Throughout the history of evolution, it is noticed that
growth and progress are achieved through the interplay of these opposite tendencies. When
adjustment to environment and to the needs of growth are not achieved, due to any one of
these tendencies becoming predominant, either from natural or artificial causes, the units
concerned have to pass through a period of suffering until they learn to adjust themselves and
resume the natural process of growth. For the good of the country as a whole, therefore,
tendencies for over-centralisation need to be as much avoided and prevented as tendencies
towards exclusiveness.
Homogeneous Cultural Units: Certain common factors govern the formation of families and
higher units of society and the State. Geography, history, common culture, language,
traditions, manners, social customs, and mode of living determine the form of the different
Sovereignty and Powers of Different Units: Sovereignty and powers retained by each
unit, from the individual upwards, is in proportion to its needs and capacity. Powers as well as
resources that are beyond the capacity of any unit is pooled for utilisation for the common good
at the next higher unit. When due either to narrowness of outlook, predominance or local
particularism any unit tries to hold on to more than its needs or capacity, conflict may arise
amongst the component units inter se as well as with the higher units. Even when there is no
such conflict, the process of growth is retarded by such unreasonable holding on to useless
powers or resources by component units.
Disturbance due to External Causes: Besides the internal causes for disturbance of the
natural evolutionary processes, at times external causes also operate in checking or disturbing
the smooth process of growth. These causes are noticed when expansionist ambitions of one
unit leads to invasion or war against another unit. The duration and nature of the disturbance
is in proportion to the nature of the aggression. In cases where expansion of a unit takes place
at the cost of other units of the same cultural group, the result is centralisation and unification
for the time being. But if it is foreign, the disturbance is much worse. Again, if the invasion is
for depredations and loot only, the suffering, though differing in degrees of intensity, is of a
temporary nature. But, if it is for purposes of occupation, the check on the process of growth
may be of a longer duration.
Formation of States: Ancient Patna, as distinguished from modern Patna, is the heart of
Koshal and it extended from the Tel to beyond the Mahanadi and comprised the territories of
modern Patna, Sonepur (west of Tel), Sambalpur, Borasambar, Khariar, Phuljhar, Deori and
Bindra Nawagarh. It was in this tract that Kusha and his Suryavanshi successors had their
capital. It was in this tract that the Koshal Guptas rose to power and extended their territories,
as well as issued their copper plate grants, from the victorious camps of Yayatinagar, Binitapur
and Suvarnapur, all situated within old Patna. After the fall of the Koshal Guptas and their
successors, the Gangavanshi Kings who ruled “here for some time, Patna had reverted to its old
division of eight garhs each ruled by a Mullick. Towards the end of the 12th Century, the need
for unity and the urge for centralisation appears to have been again felt amongst the eight
garhs of Patna. “This led to the attempt at some sort of unity by a peculiar expedient of a union
of the eight garhs, ruled over in rotation by the Mullicks of the different garhs, with a golden
lemon as the symbol of sovereignty and union. This experiment was, however, not a success,
and in the beginning of the 12th Century A.D. when Ramai Deo, the founder of the present line
of Chowhan Rulers of Patna, assumed ruler-ship of the eight garhs and united them under one
rule by forming the State of Patna, he was gladly accepted by the people of the eight garhs, as
he was able to fulfil the need of the times. Though the attempt at formation of unions of garhs
by the Mullicks, as in Patna, is not known to have been tried elsewhere, other States of Koshal
appear to have been united under single rulers at different periods during the past centuries by
the combination of smaller units according to the local needs of the different areas.
Atharagarh Confederacy: Just as the previous attempts at unification had come from ancient
Patna, the heart of Koshal, during the Suryavanshi, Aira and Koshal Gupta Kings, the new
attempt of the Chowhan Rulers also originated from Patna and in the course of twelve
generations not only Koshal was united but other areas were brought within the Empire which
comprised 72 States and equalled the previous Empires in its extent. But the urge for this
like its predecessors was unnatural and was more due to the ambition of its individual Kings
than to the need of the units. Hence, like the previous Empires, this one also dwindled down in
size. But before its complete disintegration, came dangers of foreign invasion and the need
for unity and pooling of resources of the States units, for common defence, was felt from below.
This natural urge resulted in the formation of the Atharagarh Confederacy with Patna; as
the leader and centre. Subsequently, Patna, which had been split up into two kingdoms by a
grant to a younger brother, shared this leadership with its younger branch of Sambalpur. This
Confederacy lasted till 1818 and comprised the whole of Koshal excepting Bastar and
Kalahandi, the south-eastern States.
Structure of Units of Koshal: The administrative system of the different units of Koshal was a
natural growth from below, and was patriarchal in form. Because of its tribal origin, it was also
democratic in form. When the Hindus and Rajput Rulers formed the different groups into
States, they adapted the existing system which resulted in “feudalism superimposed on an
earlier tribal organisation” (C. U. Wills’ “ Territorial System of the Rajput Kingdoms of Medieval
Chhattisgarh”). “Being thus founded on a natural indigenous basis, the system ‘was at first in
practice and in theory always very simple and at the same time very comprehensive” (Ibid.).
Another important modification of the Hindu monarchical ideal and feudal system, which
recognises the absolute sovereignty of the King and, delegation of authority downwards from
him, that we find in the Koshal country, is the happy blending of the Hindu and tribal systems,
resulting in the combination of autocracy and democracy. “Thus though the feudal authority
was there, it was always held in check by democratic tendencies of the tribal life.” The
authority of the feudal chiefs from Gaontia, Dao, Gartia. and Dewan to the Raja, was
“trammelled at every turn by custom and by the system of Panchayats Now much of this
democratic element seems in Chhattisgarh to have coloured the whole fabric of government
throughout the period of Rajput rule. As has already been pointed out the very fact that each
authority from the Raja downwards was content with a very limited sphere of direct control
shows what regard they felt themselves compelled to show to every grade of society below them.
Clearly there was some adjustment of political forces, some balance of political power, which
limited all personal authority, a limitation of which the only explanation is to be found in the
strength of tribal feeling” (Ibid.). The association of the people in the administration of local,
affairs was very real and the Panchayat limited the arbitrary powers of the hierarchy of chiefs
at every stage. There were Panchayats for taluqs and higher units as well. Prahlad Dubey’s
poem “Jayachandrika “even suggests the calling of a Panchayat and the Zamindars to settle the
rival claims of the usurper and exile Maharaja of Sambalpur. In Bastar “the elders of the five
great assemblies and the agricultural class in meeting assembled” denounced the exactions of
the King’s officers on the occasion of his coronation and directed that such extraordinary levies
shall only be collected from well-established residents of villages. Another peculiar and
important feature of the evolution of the Koshal States shows that the idea of the divine right of
Kingship, absolute sovereignty and idea of the State being the private property of the Ruler did
not vitiate the system of society and administration. The identity of interests “between Ruler
and ruled as well as the association of the people with the administration through Panchayats
was very real indeed. In the words of C. U. Wills, “But the very fact that the Royal demesne was
limited to ‘no more lands than were necessary to the comfort and dignity of the Royal House
‘seems naturally to suggest that even the King was not an autocrat but was rather ‘primus inter
pares—the administrative, social and religious head but nevertheless bound: to regard the
customs of his people whose welfare and the maintenance of whose customary rights were of
even more importance than the maintenance and extension of the personal authority of the
Kingship.” This was the system that came down for the past many centuries and existed in- the
Koshal States until very recent times, when artificial causes disturbed and modified it to some
extent. But even now the traces of this system are visible in the structure society of Koshal
Artificial Check to Natural Growth: In 1803 the Atharagarh States entered into relation with
the British, but these States were sacrificed to Imperial policy in 1806, when they were
Grievous Damage to Koshal: The most grievous damage to Koshal, however, was perpetrated
firstly in A.D. 1826 when the heart of Koshal was cut into two and the five Zamindaries of, 1)
Bindra Nawagarh, 2) Khariar, 3) Borasambar, 4) Phuljhar and 5) Deori were separated from the
State of Patna; secondly, in 1849 when Sambalpur State was annexed to British India under
the policy of escheat or lapse instead of reverting to the parent State of Patna; thirdly, in 1867
when the above-mentioned five Zamindaries were annexed to British India and lastly between
1818 and 1905 when parts of Koshal were divided and kept under different provinces. In spite
of this cruel treatment by which the people of the same stock, with common culture, traditions,
manners, social customs, mode of living and language, were separated from their kith and kin,
the cultural homogeneity of Koshal has come down intact till this day.
Modern Problems Facing Koshal: Since 1818 the growth of Koshal has been unnatural. Its
different units have been living in an artificial atmosphere and while nearly a century and a
quarter have passed bringing new problems and new ideas, there has been no uniform growth
in its different component units, and in the higher stages, the evolutionary processes seem to
have come to a standstill. The result is that Koshal appears to be suffering from the malady of
arrested growth. With growing needs of modern times, changes have taken place in the system
of administration up to the States’ level through the different sub-units of administration, but
the centralisation has properly reached up to the States’ level only. Whereas with the
Atharagarh Confederacy of Koshal as the nucleus a much greater degree of centralisation
would have taken place long ago, and many of the serious problems that are facing us to-day
would have been easily solved, and prosperity and plenty would have been the result for all
concerned, the forcible checking of natural evolutionary processes has created new problems to
add to the difficulties of Koshal. The closest identity of interests and association that existed
between the Rulers and the ruled has been loosened by the atmosphere created by artificial
conditions. Without freedom and scope for growth and adjustment to changing conditions,
assimilation of new ideas and modification of administrative system have not kept pace with
the requirements of changing times and growing needs of the old democratic institutions have
lost much of their indigenous spontaneity.
Need for Picking Up Threads from the Past: The only satisfactory way of solving the
problems of Koshal would be to pick up the threads of the past and resume the evolutionary
processes from the time they were artificially checked. There is, however, no way of going
backwards in history. What is therefore necessary is to attempt to reconstruct the structure as
it would have emerged in the natural course, assimilating new ideas that have come in the
intervening period and solving the new needs that have grown in the meantime. As Federation
was the trend of Kosha’s revolutionary processes, Federation must be the solution of her
present problems.
Fate of Koshal States intimately connected with Eastern States: The fate of the Koshal
States which form the major portion of the area and population of the Eastern States is
intimately connected with that of the other Eastern States. Similarities in history, traditions,
customs, manners, social contacts and outlook, bind all the Eastern States together. Moreover,
the similarity of administrative systems binds the Eastern States more closely together than
any other single consideration.
Problems of the Eastern States: The difficulties which face the Eastern States arise from the
handicaps which we have seen in the case of the Koshal States. Like the latter, all these States
have not grown naturally during the last century and have not had the scope and freedom to
adapt themselves to changing times. This is due mainly to the unnatural and artificial
atmosphere in which they have existed, rather than to want of the stimulus from within. The
Rulers have been as much victims of this artificiality as the ruled. With increasing needs of
modern life and consequent increased demands on the administrative System, it has not been
possible for individual States to meet these adequately. Though very rich in natural resources,
individual States have not been able to develop and utilise the same to the fullest extent due to
limitation of individual resources. Thus, the necessary and possible economic development
has-not been achieved and consequently the standard of living of the people, as well as
expenditure on social and administrative services, leaves much room for improvement. In the
administrative sphere, there have been some changes in the internal structure and some
amount of centralisation has been effected. But the active association of the people in the old
systems has been sacrificed to the needs of administrative efficiency and centralisation. The
growth not having been natural, corresponding changes have not taken place in the political
and constitutional spheres to keep pace with changing ideas and times, and there has been
very little evolution of new institutions to replace the old ones for re-establishing that close
association of the people, which had existed before.
States’ Autonomy vs. Federation: Like individuals, State entities are ordinarily jealous of
their autonomy. There has, therefore, been hesitation and delay on the part of States to pool
their resources together. Force of circumstances and needs for adaptation to changes have now
removed all hesitancy and reason has prevailed over sentiment. The needs of regional
particularism will have to be adjusted with those of centralisation. This would not be a difficult
task as a move has already been made in this direction. The States have developed a sense of
oneness, attachment and local patriotism amongst their inhabitants and these qualities must
have full scope for exercise in the local sphere and local affairs.
Advantages of Federation: The Federation of the Eastern States will have the advantage of
being a compact block of 60,000 square miles with a population of 8,000,000 people, having
similar traditions, outlook and administrative system, who will be brought together for matters
of common interest. This will also preserve the identity and distinctive personality of each State
and leave scope to its people for initiative and decision in their local affairs. It will bring unity
without destroying individuality and will be enduring because it is in accordance with past
evolutionary trends. The advantage to the people of the States would be the preservation of
their social structure and unity as well as benefits from combination in a bigger group and the
least disturbance in their mode of living, manners, customs and traditions, while bringing
together a cultural homogeneous people and democracy both in local affairs as well as at the
Federal Centre.
Economic and Financial Stability: It is well known that the Eastern States are probably
the richest in India in the matter of natural resources. All the important basic minerals are
found in the Eastern States. The largest and best iron ores in Asia are in the Eastern States.
Bauxite, Chrome, Manganese, Graphite, Coal, Mica, Vanadium, Asbestos, Kyanite, Copper,
Limestone, Kaolin and a host of other minerals are found in the Eastern States. The quality of
these mineral ores are of very high grade and the quantities are vast. With central planning
and regional development many basic and heavy industries will be established, once the
Federation comes into existence. There are possibilities of at least 2 Steel Factories, 1
Aluminium Industry. 1 Copper Factory and many Cement Factories and other mineral
industries. From the vast forest resources, there are possibilities of Paper Mills, Plywood
Situation, Area and Population of Sambalpur Tract: The area of the Sambalpur tract outside
the Eastern States is approximately 8,000 square miles with a population of about 1,500,000.
Sambalpur District, which includes at present the Zamindaries of Khariar and Borasambar, is
at present in Orissa Province. Bindra Nawagarh, Phuljhar and Deori, the three other
Zamindaries of this tract, are at present in the Raipur District of the Chhattisgarh Division of
the Central Provinces.
Historical Background: The Sambalpur tract is part of Koshal and was also part of the
Atharagarh Confederacy till 1818. Sambalpur itself was a State till 1849 and as the younger
branch of Patna shared with the latter the joint leadership of the Atharagarh Confederacy. The
five other Zamindaries of this tract were also parts of Patna and the Atharagarh Confederacy
and were treated as Garhjat States till 1867. History and tradition, customs and manners,
social structure and culture, physical features and mode of living of the people of this tract are
similar to that of the States of Koshal and Chhattisgarh. How strong the feeling of local
particularism developed by the people was and how strong the traditions of the State were,
would be apparent from the fact that in spite of its lapse to the British* in 1849, attempts were
made to reform it into a State in 1857 and the rebellion of this place lasted for years even after
the Mutiny had been put down in the rest of India, and even after the final suppression, the
people of Sambalpur agitated and waited in deputation on the Commissioner of Chhattisgarh,
when the latter visited Sambalpur in 1864, demanding the restoration of the State.
Inconveniences and Sufferings: How hard it is for the Sambalpur people- to have been
forcibly separated from their kith and kin and divided from the rest of Koshal can be better
imagined than described. By the change of administration the people of the Sambalpur tract
have not had much benefit, as in their transfer from province to province; they always
remained at the extreme corners of any province. Their fate has been like that of a football,
Dilemma of Sambalpur: Natural and cultural affinities, history and tradition, geographical
proximity and administrative convenience naturally draw the Sambalpur tract towards the
Federation of the Eastern States. The economic strength and financial stability of the proposed
Eastern States Federation and the alluring prospects of rising standards of Jiving and
“financial gains which will accrue by joining that Federation, are considerations that cannot be
lightly brushed aside. The restoration of local autonomy, the freedom to decide their own fate
and to run their own house in accordance with their desires and their traditions are
considerations that require the maturest deliberation. Above all the prospect and opportunity
of reunion with their kith and kin, to be rejoined with the major portion of Koshal which is in
the Eastern States, to form a compact Oriya block in the Eastern States Federation, to reunite
some of the Oriya tracts lying in different administrations and to reenforce the cultural
homogeneity of Koshal by closer administrative union of all the Koshal areas, are matters
which make the decision facing Sambalpur the greatest and most momentous in its history.
The dilemma in which Sambalpur now finds itself is to choose between the Eastern States
Federation and Orissa. On one side are prosperity, affinity, administrative convenience, and
reunion with kith and kin, and on the other unnatural combination. On the one side are
prospect of equality and welcome of brothers, and on the other subordination and indifference.
Will the call of blood be thicker than that of water? It is for Sambalpur to decide.
Capital City or Mofussil Town: With the formation of the Federation of the Eastern States, the
question of finding a suitable capital for the Federation will arise. The capital will have to be a
fairly big city, to accommodate Council and Assembly Houses, Presidential Palace, States
Houses, Houses for Ministers, Advisers, Executive Officers, High Court Judges and various
other officers. Space will also be required for Secretariat and Office Buildings,
High Court and other Court Buildings, Museums, Libraries, Reading Rooms, Clubs,
Cinemas, Town Hall, University Buildings, Law College, Medical College, Engineering
College, Science and Arts Colleges, Fine Arts and Music Colleges, Technological and Technical
Institutes, Training Colleges, Hostels, Schools, Research Institutes, Central Agricultural Farm
and Institutes, Central Livestock Farm and Institutes, Laboratories, Broadcasting Station,
Hotels, Recreation Centres, Parks, Playgrounds, Industrial, Commercial and
Residential areas, etc., etc. The historical importance and geographical situation, which
makes Sambalpur the heart of Koshal and the centre of the Eastern States, naturally attracts
attention as the ideal place for the capital city of the Eastern States Federation. Some
historians have identified Sambalpur, which is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi,
with Yayatinagar of the Imperial Guptas of Koshal. What better place could history or nature
have made than Sambalpur or old Yayatinagar to be the capital of the Eastern States
Federation which would include a reunited Koshal? Sambalpur, however, cannot be
chosen as the capital of the Eastern States, if it chooses to remain with the Orissa Province and
does not join the Eastern States Federation. Whether Sambalpur becomes the capital city of
Eastern States Federation and becomes “Greater Sambalpur” and the centre of the unit, or
remains as a third-rate mofussil town of an outlying district of another unit as an island in the
Eastern Federation, depends on the choice of the people of Sambalpur.
Ways Open to Sambalpur Tract: The people of the five Zamindaries which formed part of
Patna State till 1826 may decide to rejoin Patna, on the ground of their long traditional
and historical connection, similarity of customs, manners, language, outlook and social
contacts and cultural affinity of the people, and thus share in the local autonomy as well as
become parts of the Eastern States Federation. Sambalpur may similarly claim to revert to
Patna on historical, moral, constitutional and legal grounds. If, however, these areas wish to
remain separate, they may in the alternative claim to remain centrally administered
areas directly under the Federal Government of the Eastern States. There should be no legal
Opportunity Knocks only once at the Door: Opportunity knocks but only once at each one’s
door and it is only the wise who take her by the forelock. Napoleon is said to have uttered
words% to this effect and its truth is self-evident. Boundaries of provinces and districts which
have been haphazardly drawn, accidentally or for administrative convenience of the times, will
have to be redrawn and revised in the near future. An opportunity like this is never likely to
occur again in the history of Sambalpur. If Sambalpur misses this opportunity, it may have to
repent for all times to come. It is for the intelligentsia and leaders of Sambalpur to rise to the
occasion, to organise and to make the demand of the people of Sambalpur known to the world
in unequivocal
terms.
Area and Population of Eastern States Federation if Sambalpur Tract Joins: If the
Sambalpur tract decides to join the Eastern States Federation, the Federation will become a
compact area of about 68,000 square miles with a population of about 9,500,000 people. The
Oriya area in the Federation will then be an area of 52,000 square miles, and a population of
7,900,000. Thus, a ‘large tract of Oriya country and a large block of Oriya people having
similarities and affinities will be brought together and united.
The Khondmals: The Khondmals which are 800 square miles in area, and are inhabited by
Khonds were parts of Baudh State less than 100 years back. The inhabitants of this area have
close association with the Khonds of the neighbouring States and attachment for the State of
Baudh. The present position of this area is very anomalous as it has neither been ceded to the
British nor has it been annexed. On constitutional grounds, as well as for administrative
convenience, it may be desirable to return this area to Baudh to which legally it still belongs. If
this is done, the area and population of the Eastern States Federation will be increased
correspondingly. The similar problem of Kolhan area in Singhbhum will also need consideration.
Interests of Sambalpur Tract with Eastern States Federation: On the grounds of history,
traditions, geographical proximity and social contacts, the interests of the Sambalpur tract lie
with those of the Eastern States Federation. It will be economic-ally advantageous to the people
as well as administratively convenient for Sambalpur and the outlying Oriya Zamindaries in
Central Provinces if they join the Eastern States Federation. If the people of the tract prefer to
do so there should be no objection from Orissa and no obstacles should be put in their way, as
they will be joining an Oriya block with which their interests are intimately bound and they will
be getting better economic advantages, which should be welcomed as being in the larger
interests of the Oriyas as a whole.