A District of Heritage, Transformation, and Economic Power. The district of Angul came into existence as an independent district with effect from 1st April 1993.
Angul district, located in the heart of Odisha, is a region where history and modern industry converge. With a legacy tracing back to the Bhaumakara Kingdom of the 8th century, Angul has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the influence of Mughals, Marathas, and the British, and its eventual transformation into a modern administrative and industrial powerhouse. Today, Angul stands as the industrial hub of Odisha, home to some of India’s largest coalfields and leading public and private enterprises.
Historical Legacy
Angul’s recorded history begins under the Bhaumakara dynasty, later ruled by the Shulkis, Somavanshis, Eastern Gangas, and the Gajapati Kingdom. The district also finds mention during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq, who traversed the region in pursuit of elephants. Following the decline of the Gajapati state, smaller kingdoms emerged, operating with relative autonomy despite nominal allegiance to successive powers—the Mughals, Bengal Nawabs, and Marathas.
British conquest in 1803 altered Angul’s political structure. Recognized as feudatory estates, the territories of Angul, Pallahara, Talcher, and Athamallik came under colonial supervision. In 1891, Angul was established as a district headquarters, marking the beginning of structured governance under the Angul District Regulations of 1894. However, administrative reorganizations led to Angul’s dissolution as a district in 1936, with subdivisions absorbed into Cuttack and later Dhenkanal.
Angul: A Historical Link Between Western and Coastal Odisha
A Journey Through Dynasties, Power Shifts, and Colonial Transition
Angul district serves as a crucial link between the western and coastal halves of Odisha. Its cultural and historical significance is marked by prehistoric and post-historic relics found in villages such as Bhimakand, Kankili, Kulei, Samal, Sanakerjang, Kaliakata, Paranga, Kerjang, Tikarapara, and Pallahara. Over the centuries, Angul has witnessed a succession of rulers and dynasties, reflecting its strategic location and political importance in Odisha’s history.
Early Dynastic Rule
The geographical setting of Angul attracted various ruling houses. Among them were the Bhanjas of Angulaka-pattana, the Sulkis of Kodalaka Mandala, the Nandodbhavas of Airavatta Mandala, and the Tungas of Yamagartta Mandala. The Bhaumakaras held sway until their decline by the middle of the 10th century AD, after which the Somavamsis of South Kosala took control of eastern Odisha, including the Dhenkanal region.
Transition of Power
The Somavamsis were later ousted by the Gangas, with Chodaganga Deva establishing his authority sometime before 1112 AD. Ganga rule continued until 1435 AD, when Kapilendradeva founded the Solar dynasty. By 1533-34, Govinda Vidyadhar ended the Suryavamsi rule and initiated the Bhoi dynasty, which lasted until 1559. At that point, Mukundadeva of the Chalukya family seized power, only to be defeated and killed in 1568 when the Afghans of Bengal invaded Odisha.
Periods of Political Transition
Throughout these frequent dynastic changes, Angul itself did not play a remarkable role in shaping larger political events. Instead, it consistently passed from one authority to another. During the Suryavamsi and Bhoi dynasties, however, several feudal states emerged as self-contained political units—namely Angul, Talcher, Pallahara, and Athamallik.
The Last King and British Annexation
Somanath Singh, the last king of Angul, ruled for 33 years from 1814 until 1847, when he was deposed by the British Government. On 16 September 1848, the Government formally confiscated the state, placing Angul under direct British rule. The district was administered by the Superintendent of the Tributary Mahals through an appointed Tehsildar, who managed revenue collection and justice. This system continued until 1891, when Angul was formally constituted as a separate district.
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Administrative Rebirth
For nearly three decades, Angul functioned as part of adjoining districts until 27th March 1993, when it was reconstituted as an independent district for better administration. Today, Angul comprises four subdivisions—Pallahara, Athamallik, Talcher, and the Sadar subdivision—with eight blocks, eight tahsils, and 23 police stations. Spread across 6,232 sq. km, Angul has a population of 1.27 million (2011 Census), of which one-sixth resides in urban areas. The district is also home to significant Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe populations, reinforcing its social and cultural diversity.
The district of Angul came into existence as an independent district with effect from 1st April 1993 and lies between 200 31′ N and 210 40′ N latitude and 840 15′ E to 850 23′ E longitude. The district covers a geographical area of 6232 square kilometers and stands as the 11th largest district among 30 districts in the State. Angul is bounded on the north by Sundargarh district, on the west by Deogarh, Sambalpur and Sonepur districts, on the south by Boudh and Nayagarh districts, on the south-east by Dhenkanal and Cuttack and on the east by Keonjhar District. Although new, strategically it is the most advanced district because itgives highest revenue to the Government due to vast coal mines located in its abode.
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Industrial and Economic Significance
Angul has emerged as the industrial hub of Odisha and a key contributor to India’s energy and manufacturing sector. The Talcher and Brahmani Valley coalfields are among the largest in the country, powering numerous industries and energy plants. Public sector giants such as Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), NTPC, NALCO, and Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) have established a strong presence, alongside private enterprises including Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL) and JITPL.
The district is also home to key training institutes like the Police Training College and the Forest Rangers College. Beyond heavy industries, Angul supports a thriving network of ancillary units, providing employment and growth opportunities.
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Natural Wealth and Connectivity
Rich in forest resources, Angul hosts the Satkosia Tiger Reserve and multiple reserve forests, making it an ecological hotspot. The highest peak, Malayagiri (1,187 m), adds to its natural charm. Strategically located just 125 km from Bhubaneswar, the district is well-connected by National and State highways, while Angul and Talcher serve as key railway junctions on the Sambalpur–Bhubaneswar line.
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Demography
As per the Census 2011, the population of Angul district is 1,273,821, of which males and females are 655,718 and 618,103, respectively. As per the census 2001, the population of the district was 1,140,003, of which males constituted 587,234 and females constituted 552,769. The population of Angul District constituted 3.03 percent of the total population of the State. There has observed a decennial that the density of population growth of the Angul district is 11.74 in comparison to 2001 census.
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Climate & Rainfall of Angul
Seasonal Variations and Rainfall Patterns
Climate & Rainfall
The climatic conditions of Angul District are very varied. The average annual rainfall of the District is 1421 mm. However, there is a great variation of rainfall from year to year. The rainfall in the District during the last 10 years varied between 896 mm and 1744 mm. The best time to visit this District is during winter.
Climate
The climatic condition of the district is hot and moist sub-humid. The climatic conditions of Angul are very varied. It has mainly four seasons. The summer season is from March to mid-June, the period from mid-June to September is the rainy season, October and November constitute the post-monsoon season, and winter is from December to February. The best time to visit this district is in winter.
The average annual rainfall of the district is 1421 mm. The normal rainfall of the district is 1421 mm. However, the rainfall pattern is erratic and varies from year to year. The kharif crop suffers due to a lack of rain during the critical months of July and August.
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Geography & Land of Angul
Natural Resources, Rivers, Forests, and Topography
Geography & Land
The district has a geographical area of 6.37 lakh ha, which is 4.09% of the total geographical area of the State. The district is gifted with abundant natural resources—both forests and minerals. The total forest coverage of the district is 2716.82 sq. km, which is 42.62% of total geographical area. About 63% of people reside as forest dwellers and depend on NTFP for earning their livelihood.
The highest peak of the district is Malyagiri of Pallahara sub-division which is 1186 meter above MSL. Banamadali peak in Angul sub-division is 790 meter in height. In Athamalik sub-division, the main peaks are Panchadhara and Hingamandal hills. Due to its geographical location and vast stretches, it provides a great advantage to agriculture. The district economy is mainly agrarian. The development of industries started considerably in the recent years. The total cultivable area of this district is 2,16,403 ha covering 32.7% of the total geographical area of the district.
Water Resource & River System
The district has two major rivers i.e., Mahanadi and Brahmani flowing round the year in its territory. Mahanadi marks the southern boundary of this district. River Brahmani enters the district through Rengali reservoir and passes through Talcher sub-division. Both these big rivers have innumerable large and small tributaries. Mainly Pallahara, Talcher and the major portion of Angul sub-division come under the part of Brahmani basin. The basin of Mahanadi is spread over Athamalik sub-division and part of Angul sub-division.
A multi-purpose dam has been constructed over the Brahmani river at Rengali for hydropower project where 250 MW of electricity is generated. A barrage has also been constructed 35 kms downstream at Samal. This irrigation project is poised to irrigate 3,36,400 ha of land in the districts of Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Jajpur and Keonjhar. Other water bodies of Angul are mountain streams, which are torrents in the rains and in the summer contain little or no water.
Forest
The district has 2716.82 sq. km. forest area which is 42.62% of the total geographical area. Forest area comes under Angul, Athamalik, Satakosia (WL) divisions and Pallahara range of Deogarh Forest Division. Angul Forest Division is the oldest Forest Division in the State and it was established in 1885. It is one of the pioneer Divisions where scientific management of forests commenced.
Satkosia Sanctuary is one of the unique eco-systems of India. Angul Forest Division covers forest areas of Angul and Talcher civil sub-divisions of Angul district. The forest area consists of reserve forests, demarcated protected forests, un-demarcated protected forests, and forests under revenue records. Over time, forests have been depleted due to illicit felling, uncontrolled grazing, fire, encroachments, and developmental activities like setting up of power units, mines, irrigation projects, and other industries.
Sal is the main species in most of the forest blocks coming under moist and dry deciduous vegetation. Piasal, Sisoo, Bandhan, Gambhar, and Kurum are reducing fast while Char, Salai, Karada and Barabakalia are increasing in proportion. Teak is planted in the area. There are 146 different varieties of trees, 3 varieties of bamboo, 59 shrubs, 46 herbs, 24 perennial grasses, 8 varieties of annual grasses, and 57 varieties of climbers found in the forests. Some of the major NTFPs like Lodha, Medha, Phenphena, Siali fibre, Mahua flower, Honey, Myrobalan, Mango kernel and Gillo are available in the forests of Angul.
Topography
The area is composed of undulating tracts of high ridges and low valleys. Different types of land like hills & hill slope, foothills, upland, medium and low lands are found in the district. The topographic situation of the district is marked by three major regions.
- The South and Western part comprises ranges of the Eastern Ghat Super group and the older metamorphic group.
- The Central portion is represented by sediments deposited in the Satpura-Mahanadi graven defined by pronounced NW-SE trending lineaments on a Precambrian platform, almost separating the Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt. The northern boundaries of Talcher Basin are faulted.
- On a regional scale, Talcher basin takes the shape of a north westerly plunging syncline with closure in the east and the younger horizon outcropping progressively towards west. On the other hand, the beds dip northerly and number of coal seams increases in that direction indicating a possible homoclinal structure.
Three sets of intrabasinal faults trending E-W, NE-SW, and WNW-ESE have been recognized. The north and north-east part is occupied by hill ranges of Iron Ore Super group. The elevation varies from 76 m to 1186 m. The highest peak of the district is Malyagiri of Pallahara sub-division (1186 m). Banamadali peak in Angul sub-division is 790 m in height. In Athamalik sub-division, the main peaks are Panchadhara and Hingamandal hills.
Soil
The soil characteristic of the district is variable in nature with a range of colours from high gray and pale yellow to deep gray, and textures from coarse sand to silt. The major soil types are red (alfisol), laterite and lateritic (ultisol and oxisol) with limited patches of forest soil (humous).
Angul falls under mid-central table land and the broad soil group is alluvial, red, lateritic, mixed red and black. The soil is mostly acidic in nature. The available nitrogen in soil is low, while availability of phosphorus and potassium are medium.
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Angul – Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Formation | Came into existence as an independent district on 1st April 1993 |
| Geographical Area | 6,232 sq. km (6.37 lakh ha), 11th largest district of Odisha |
| Location | Lies between 20°31′ N – 21°40′ N latitude and 84°15′ E – 85°23′ E longitude |
| Boundaries | North – Sundargarh; West – Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur; South – Boudh, Nayagarh; South-East – Dhenkanal, Cuttack; East – Keonjhar |
| Population (2011) | 1.27 million (Male: 6.55 lakh, Female: 6.18 lakh); 3.03% of Odisha’s total |
| Urban Population | About 16% of total |
| Forests | 2,716.82 sq. km (42.62%) of district area; Satkosia Tiger Reserve located here |
| Major Rivers | Mahanadi (southern boundary), Brahmani (via Rengali reservoir, Talcher sub-division) |
| Irrigation Projects | Rengali Dam (250 MW hydropower), Samal Barrage (irrigates 3.36 lakh ha across multiple districts) |
| Topography | Elevation varies from 76 m to 1,186 m; Highest Peak – Malyagiri (1186 m, Pallahara) |
| Soil Types | Red (alfisol), lateritic (ultisol & oxisol), forest soil (humous); mostly acidic |
| Rainfall | Average annual rainfall – 1421 mm (varies between 896 mm & 1744 mm) |
| Climate | Hot and moist sub-humid; 4 seasons – Summer (Mar–Jun), Monsoon (Jun–Sep), Post-Monsoon (Oct–Nov), Winter (Dec–Feb) |
| Economy | Primarily agrarian with major industrial growth in recent years |
| Industrial Significance | Hosts India’s largest coalfields (Talcher & Brahmani Valley); Home to MCL, NTPC, NALCO, FCI, JSPL, JITPL |
| Connectivity | 125 km from Bhubaneswar; Well-connected by highways; Major railway junctions – Talcher & Angul |
(India CSR)
