Imtiaz Qureshi at 18:26, 18 January 2026

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{{About|the municipality in Odisha, India|its namesake district|Bhadrak district}}
{{multiple issues|
{{original research|date=September 2017}}
{{more citations needed|date=September 2017}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bhadrak
| settlement_type = [[City]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Bhadrak City view.jpg
| photo2a = Dhamra Port 1.jpg
| photo2b = Akhandalamani Temple, Aradi, Bhadrak.jpg
| photo3a = Bhadrak Railway station.jpg
| photo3b =
| spacing = 1
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 280
| text = From Top; Left to Right: Bhadrak City view, Dhamra Port, Akhandalamani Temple and Bhadrak Railway Station
}}
| pushpin_map = India Odisha#India
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Odisha, India
| coordinates = {{coord|21.06|86.50|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Orissa Flag(INDIA).png}} [[Odisha]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Bhadrak district|Bhadrak]]
| established_title = 
| government_type = [[Municipality]]
| governing_body = Bhadrak Municipality
| area_footnotes = <ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld" />
| area_total_km2 = 78.86
| elevation_m = 23
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2011CensusBhadrakCity" />
| population_total = 107,369
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = [[List of cities in India by population|India 456th]], [[List of cities in Odisha by population|Odisha 9th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = Bhadrakia
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Odia language|Odia]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 756100
| registration_plate = OD-22
| website = {{URL|http://bhadrak.nic.in/}}
}}

'''Bhadrak''' is a city of [[Odisha]] state in eastern India. The city is the district headquarters of [[Bhadrak district]]. According to legend, the city derives its name from the Goddess [[Bhadrakali]], whose temple is on the banks of the Salandi River.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictAbout">{{cite web |title=About District |url=https://bhadrak.nic.in/about-district/ |date=2018 |website=Bhadrak district |access-date=2 June 2018}}</ref>

==History==
According to legend, Bhadrak derives its name from the [[Bhadrakali|Goddess Bhadrakali]], whose temple is situated on the southwest outskirts of the town. It is an ancient land, dating from the age of the [[Puranas]].<ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld">{{cite web |title=About the District |url=http://bhadrak.nic.in/location.htm |date=2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021214056/http://bhadrak.nic.in/location.htm |archive-date=21 October 2017 |website=Bhadrak district |access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>

Bhadrak's contribution to Odisha's maritime and agrarian prosperity, trade, and commerce throughout the ages is a part of history. In the Mughal period, Bhadrak was a [[subah]], or province, under the [[Nawabs of Bengal]]. When the imperial power of the Mughals waned, the area consisted of principalities such as Kanika, Nampo, and Agarapada, with administrative sub-units called chowparhies, all ruled by [[Kshatriya]] chiefs.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld" />

After the occupation of Odisha by the British in June 1804, Bhadrak constituted one of the two administrative divisions of Cuttack and Balasore. In 1828, when Balasore was made a separate district, Bhadrak became one of its sub-divisions with an assistant magistrate and deputy collector as the sub-divisional head; but the [[Pargana|munsif]]'s court remained in [[Jajpur]] until 1901.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld" />

Bhadrak was at the forefront during the period of national struggle. In 1920, Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement was launched. In March 1921, Gandhi visited Bhadrak, after being impressed by its nationalistic fervor and fighting spirit. In 1922, he started the rebellion of Kanika which British troops stationed at Bhadrak attempted to suppress; but ultimately the tenants' movement triumphed, under the leadership of Chakradhar Behera, the doyen of Kanika.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld" />

When the civil disobedience movement was launched in 1930, Bhadrak became ardent with patriotic zeal, the salt law was defied, and success achieved against the government. [[Harekrushna Mahatab]]'s role in this success has become cherished in Bhadrak, and a part of the history of modern India. Gandhi, who visited Bhadrak again in 1934, staying in Mahatab's residence at Nuabazar, addressed a meeting of the Harizan workers in Jimbaran Ashram (Nuasahi, Ashram, Garadpur). It was during this time that Banchhanidhi Mohanty of Eram was by his patriotic songs shaping, stimulating, and sensitizing the national consciousness among the people.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld" />

Since independence, the history of Bhadrak has been of progress in education, industry, agriculture, trade, and commerce.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictLocationOld" />

==Climate==
{{Weather box
| location = Bhadrak, Odisha
| metric first = Y
| single line = yes
| Jan high C = 27.2
| Feb high C = 30.0
| Mar high C = 34.3
| Apr high C = 36.9
| May high C = 37.1
| Jun high C = 34.6
| Jul high C = 31.4
| Aug high C = 31.3
| Sep high C = 31.5
| Oct high C = 30.5
| Nov high C = 28.9
| Dec high C = 27.0
| Jan low C = 14.4
| Feb low C = 17.1
| Mar low C = 21.4
| Apr low C = 24.9
| May low C = 26.7
| Jun low C = 26.3
| Jul low C = 25.7
| Aug low C = 25.9
| Sep low C = 25.6
| Oct low C = 23.4
| Nov low C = 18.0
| Dec low C = 14.3
| Jan rain mm = 13
| Feb rain mm = 31
| Mar rain mm = 34
| Apr rain mm = 45
| May rain mm = 85
| Jun rain mm = 212
| Jul rain mm = 306
| Aug rain mm = 326
| Sep rain mm = 273
| Oct rain mm = 161
| Nov rain mm = 38
| Dec rain mm = 6
| rain colour = green
|source= [http://en.climate-data.org/location/969170/ en.climate-data.org]
}}

==Transportation==
Bhadrak City is well connected with the state of Odisha, and to other parts of the country as well. The town lies on [[National Highway 16 (India)|National Highway 16]], {{convert|130|km}} northeast of [[Bhubaneswar]], the state capital.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictHow-to-reach" />

Bhadrak City has three bus stop, one on NH 16(New Bus stand/Main Bus Stand), the others near Bant square and Charampa. There are frequent buses to and from [[Cuttack]], [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Balasore]], and [[Calcutta]].{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

[[Bhadrak railway station]] is at Charampa, which is {{convert|3|km|}} north of Bhadrak city.

The nearest airport is [[Biju Patnaik International Airport]], {{convert|145|km|}} southwest, near Bhubaneswar.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictHow-to-reach">{{cite web |title=How to Reach |url=https://bhadrak.nic.in/how-to-reach/ |website=Bhadrak district |access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>

The nearest port is [[Dhamra Port]], around 75 kilometers east of the city.

==Demographics==

{{Historical populations
|1901 |18581
|1911 |18578
|1921 |18175
|1931 |18283
|1941 |19550
|1951 |18795
|1961 |25285
|1971 |40478
|1981 |60600
|1991 |76435
|2001 |92515
|2011 |107463
|source = [[Census of India]]<ref>{{cite web |title = Population growth of ULBs in Orissa (1901 – 2001) |url=http://rcueslucknow.org/states/Compendium%20of%20Urban%20Data%20(Orissa)/_21_%20POPULATION%20GROWTH%20OF%20ULBs%20IN%20ORISSA%20_1901-2001_.pdf
|website=The Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies (RCUES)}}</ref>}}

===Population===
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Bhadrak
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|59.72}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|39.56}}
}}

{{As of|2011}}, Bhadrak has a population of 107,463. Males constitute 51% (55,090) of the population and females 49% (52,373). Bhadrak has an average literacy rate of 79.49%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 83.99% of males, and 74.77% of females, literate. 12% (13,138) of the population is under 6 years of age.<ref name="2011CensusBhadrakCity">{{cite web |title=Bhadrak City Census 2011 data |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/268-bhadrak.html |website=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>

==Politics==
Bhadrak is part of [[Bhadrak (Lok Sabha constituency)|Lok Sabha Constituency 3 Bhadrak(SC)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf |title=Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Odisha |publisher=Election Commission of India |access-date=2008-09-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304184320/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009 |df=dmy}}</ref> The present Member of Parliament is [[Manjulata Mandal|Avimanyu Sethi]], of the [[Biju Janata Dal|Bharatiya Janta party]] (BJP).<ref name="BhadrakDistrictPubRep">{{cite web |title=Public Representatives |url=https://bhadrak.nic.in/public-representatives/ |website=Bhadrak district |access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>

The current [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] from the [[Bhadrak (Odisha Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bhadrak assembly constituency]] is Sitansu Sekhar Mohapatra,<ref name="BhadrakDistrictPubRep" /> of the BJP, who won the seat in 2024. Previous MLAs from this seat were sanjiv Mallick (BJD), who was the MLA for two terms up to 2019; Naren Palei, of the [[Indian National Congress|INC]], elected in 2004; Biren Palei, INC, in 2000; Prafulla Samal (BJD), who won in 1995 and in 1990; Jugal Kishore Pattanayak, who won in 1985, as a member of the INC, and in 1980, as a member of INC(I); and Ratnakar Mohanty, of [[Janata Party|JNP]], in 1977.

==Education==
[[File:BIET.jpg|right|thumb|200x200px|Bhadrak Institute of Engineering and Technology (BIET)]]

The higher education institutions of the district are the [[Bhadrak Institute of Engineering & Technology|Bhadrak Institute of Engineering and Technology]] (BIET) and [[Bhadrak Autonomous College]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bhadrakcollege.nic.in/|title=Bhadrak Autonomous College - ODISHA|website=bhadrakcollege.nic.in|access-date=2018-06-11|archive-date=10 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610115650/http://bhadrakcollege.nic.in/|url-status=dead}}</ref> among others. The Bhadrak Institute of Engineering & Technology (BIET) in Orissa(known as [[Odisha]]), India, was established in 1982. It is situated at Barapada, which is 8 km away from sub-district headquarters at Bhadrak [[Rural]]. [[India]]

There are six new [[industrial training institute]]s (ITI) in Bhadrak, whose courses impart technical skill to students.

There are also numerous secondary schools. Bhadrak High School, established in 1882, is one of the oldest schools in Odisha. Dr. [[Harekrushna Mahatab]], first chief minister of Odisha, studied at this school. Schools using English as a medium of instruction include Durga Prasad Saraf Vidyapeeth,<ref>{{cite web |title=Durga Prasad Saraf Vidyapeeth, Bhadrak |url=http://www.dpsvidyapeeth.com/ |date=2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924004323/http://www.dpsvidyapeeth.com/ |archive-date=24 September 2016 |website=Dpsvidyapeeth.com |access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref> Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar School, SBD International School, Jyothi Convent School, Happy Home School, Sunshine Mission School, Carmel School, Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhadrak, and St. Xavier's School.

==Tourism and culture==

The [[Akhandalamani Temple]], the abode of [[Shiva|Lord Siva]] is located on the bank of the [[Baitarani River]], at Aradi, {{convert|37|km}} from the district headquarters. On the outskirts of the city, {{convert|5|km}} southwest, is situated Maa Bhadrakali Temple, whose deity, it is believed, gave the town its name.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictTouristPlaces">{{cite web |title=Tourist Places |url=https://bhadrak.nic.in/tourist-places/ |date=2018 |website=Government of Odisha: Bhadrak district |access-date=12 June 2018}}</ref>

In the city itself one can worship and get blessing at Maa Banka Basuli Temple and Baba Lokanath Shiva Temple. Bankabasuli is the oldest temple in Bhadrak. This temple is famous for its serenity and divinity. Durgapuja is the primary function of this temple. It is situated at the heart of Bhadrak near Kacheri Bazar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tour |first=Odisha |date=2020-12-04 |title=Bankabasuli Temple, Bhadrak |url=https://odishatour.in/bankabasuli-temple-bhadrak/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Odisha Tour |language=en-US}}</ref>

Apart from that, the historical places and monuments to visit in the Bhadrak district include several Hindu temples; such as the Maa Santoshi Temple, located in Korkora village; Sri Radha Madanmohan temple; the temple of Akhandalamani; the Kali Puja held at Charampa; Prasanna Khemeswar Mahadev Temple in Anijo village, which is a Shiva temple that has existed for 150 years.<ref name="BhadrakDistrictCulture&Heritage">{{cite web |title=Culture & Heritage |url=https://bhadrak.nic.in/culture-heritage/ |website=Bhadrak district |access-date=21 May 2018}}</ref>

[[File: Maa Patana Mangala Temple, Chhatrapada, Ghanteswar Promoted By K.C.Nayak(NALU) son of Kashi Nath Nayak.jpg|thumb|Maa Patana Mangala Temple, Chhatrapada, Ghanteswar]]

Apart from above there is a famous temple situated at kharida binayakpur under basudevpur block in the name of Aankudeswari Temple.The temple is too much popular in Bhadrak district and every year on the occasion of Maha vishuba sankranti / pana sankranti / vaishakhi there is a festivals conducted by the temple authority for almost 15th days.

There are also Muslim mosques such as the Sufi Saint Mujahid-e-Millat's Shrine (Mazaar) at Dhamnagar. This shrine is also known as Khanquah-E-Habibah. It is the center of an annual celebration called Eid-Miladun-Nabi, which commemorates the prophet Mohammad's birthday.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

Other sites in Bhadrak include the Maa Patana Mangala temple and the biggest pond in Odisha.

As a religious hub, Bhadrak is also home to festivals and religious celebrations. The [[Pana Sankranti]] held at Chhatrapada from 14 to 21 April is one of the most famous. [[Dol Purnima]] or Holi (Melana) is also another major festival; it is celebrated in several locations in Bhadrak. The Cart Festival (Ratha Yatra), on the other hand, is celebrated in Jharpata, Gamal, Hide, Ghanteswar, Totapada, Chhatrapada, Bhadrak, and Bhatia village Sri Jagannath matha. This last location is one of the oldest places which observes Ganesh puja (150 years).{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

== Notable people ==

* [[Laxmikanta Mohapatra]] (18 December 1888 – 24 February 1953) was an Indian Odia poet, writer, performance artist, and freedom fighter. He was born in Talapada, Tihidi Block of Bhadrak District, on 18 December 1888.<ref>{{Cite web |title=English Releases |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=31084 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408062429/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=31084 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=pib.gov.in |url-status=live }}</ref>

* [[Ananta Charan Sukla]], was an Indian scholar of comparative literature, literary criticism, aesthetics, and philosophy.

==See also==
* [[1991 Bhadrak riot]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Bhadrak district}}
{{Municipalities of Odisha}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Bhadrak district]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in India]]

Bhadrak - Revision history

Imtiaz Qureshi at 18:26, 18 January 2026