Dhamnagar: Gohiratikri, where the last independent king of Orissa Gajapati Mukunda Dev was killed in war with Muslim rulers of Bengal, is fading into oblivion as the neither the administration nor the tourism department has done anything to restore its glory.
Situated in Dobal panchayat to the west of river Genguti river, a distributary of Baitarani, Gohiratikri under this block in Bhadrak district is not only important from historical point of view but also has a rich mention in mythology, legends and folklore.
It was in 1568 when the Gajapati was martyred at battlefield. The state lost its freedom and came to be ruled by Muslim rulers.
The historical place is now surrounded farmland and jungles. Locals and historians have expressed their concern that if urgent steps are not taken for its restoration, the last bastion of independent Orissa will only be found in the pages of history.
According to history, threatened by attack from the Muslim rulers of Bengal, Gajapati Mukunda Dev came with his forces to Gohiratikri which lies to the north of Biraja temple. Goddess Biraja is the presiding deity of Jajpur. There he set up his camps in a dense forest to the west of Genguti.
On the king’s direction, ponds were dug out near each camp to meet the water requirement in the dense jungle. Each pond was named after the head of the camp which can be ascertained from the fact that many of existing ponds are known by the names of Nauri Gadia, Gobind Gadia, Rani Gadia and Bela Gadia. The Kshatriyas of the Udra clan, who claim to be the descendants of ancient kings, still reside in villages in and around Gohiratikri.
A large tank named Senapatia Pokhari is lying abandoned to the north-east of Gohiratikri. Similar is the state of another pond named Alamchand Pokahri which lies to the north-west of Gohiratikri. A major portion of the tank is now buried under muck and soil while a Radha-Krishna temple lies in the middle of the pond.
According to historian Dr Krushna Chandra Panigrahi, the Muslim ruler of Bengal attacked Orissa in 1567. Bengal sultan Soleman Karni’s son Bajaid and his general Kalapahad launched a fierce attack on Orissa during the period. The Gajapati sought the help of Mughal emperor Akbar.
However, as the Mughal army delayed in arriving, Mukunda Dev fought a fierce battle with Bajaid and Kalapahad with his army but was martyred. The Mughal army then drove away the Bengal sultan from Orissa and Akbar anointed the late Mukunda Dev’s son Narendra Dibyasingh Dev as the king while appointing Ekram Khan as his general.
Legend has it that, the place got its name from a pair of lovers, Gohira and Tikri, of the tribal Sabar community.
During ancient times, the place was home to several sages and hermits who had their ashrams set up in the area. During the secret exile, the Pandavas stayed for a shot period at Gohiratikri. It is also believed that the Kauravas and Pandavas had fought a battle at Gohiratikri.
An idol of Mahabir Hanuman, which is now worshipped, dates back to ancient times. A little away from the place is situated a mutt where a round shaped stone is believed to be the tomb of a sage. There is a Jagannath temple on the premises of old mutt. It is said that the place was once used to be the capital of Bhouma dynasty. The place was then known as Guhadev Pataka or Guheshwar Pataka and later came to be known as Gohiratikri. Then ruler Maharani Tribhuban Mahadevi had planted several trees and dug out ponds for beautification of the place.
Despite being of historical importance, the state government is yet to take up efforts to declare Gohiratikri as a place of heritage.
Educationist Daitari Das said the original battlefield has shrunk in size over the years and is surrounded by farmland.
Trader Nandakishore Sahu lamented that while everybody claims it to be a place of historical importance none has made any effort for its development.
The main road connecting to Dobal market passes on Genguti river embankment and is used by thousands of commuters. During rainy season, it goes out of shape due to lack of repair work.
History lecturer of Akhandalamani College, Sk Juman Ali, said the site has been lying neglected due to government apathy. PNN