Krushna Chandra Gajapati

Krushna Chandra Gajapati

Technical Data

Date of Issue April 25, 1992
Denomination Rs. 1
Quantity 600,000
Perforation comb 13 x 13½
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Violet
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1347

Stamp Number IN 1404

Yvert et Tellier IN 1145

Stanley Gibbons IN 1497

Themes Commemoration | Famous people | Headgear | Men | Politicians

Krushna Chandra Gajapathi

Overview

  • Title: Former Maharaja of Parlakhemundi
  • Role: Founder of the modern state of Orissa (now Odisha)

Major Contributions

  1. Unification of Orissa:
    • Dedicated to the unification of Oriya-speaking tracts distributed over four provinces for around three centuries.
    • Played a pivotal role in the Oriya movement, investing millions from the royal treasury for Orissa’s development.
    • Advocated for a separate province of Orissa at the Round Table Conferences of the British Government in 1930 and 1932.
    • Achieved the goal with the establishment of Orissa as a separate province in 1936.
  2. Leadership and Development:
    • Unanimously elected as the first premier of Orissa.
    • Established key institutions such as Utkal University, Cuttack Medical College, and the Rice Research Institute at Cuttack.
    • Promoted education by setting up schools, colleges, industrial institutions, modern farms, and irrigation projects.
    • Awarded scholarships to poor and meritorious students for higher studies in various fields.
  3. Cultural Patronage:
    • Patronized Oriya literature, art, music, sports, and culture.
    • Extended the narrow gauge Light Railway from Parlakhemundi to Gunupur, aiding in regional development.
  4. Military and Civic Contributions:
    • Honorary Captain in the First World War.
    • Member of the Royal Agricultural Commission and the Madras Legislative Assembly.
    • Honorary LL.D awarded by Utkal University.
    • Conferred the prestigious title of K.C.I.E.
  5. National Involvement:
    • Member of the Constituent Assembly of India.
  6. Other Contributions:
    • Significant contributions to horse racing and horse breeding in India.
    • Generous donations to institutions like the Pasteur Research Institute, Coonoor, Coimbatore Agricultural University, and the Indian Red Cross Society.
    • His name appeared on the boards of several corporate institutions.

Legacy

  • Krushna Chandra Gajapathi’s efforts in making Orissa a viable state in the Indian Union have left a lasting legacy. The people of present-day Orissa hold deep emotional attachment to him.

Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover

Designs

  • Stamp: Designed by India Security Press, Nashik.
  • First Day Cover: Depicts the palace of the Maharaja of Parlakhemundi, designed by Sankh Samant.
  • Cancellation: Designed by Alka Sharma.