1. Historical Background: The Disintegration
Historically, the territory of Odisha extended from the Ganga to Godavari, but it faced disintegration starting from the death of Mukundadeva up to 1936. As a result of this dismemberment, Odia-speaking territories were attached to four different provinces: Bengal, Madras, Central Provinces, and Bihar. Consequently, Odias were reduced to the status of linguistic minorities in these provinces, facing neglect and domination by linguistic majorities.
2. Early Administrative Recognition
The injustice of this division was recognised by certain British officials in the mid-19th century:
- 1855: Henry Ricketts, the Commissioner of Odisha Division, proposed the merger of Sambalpur with the Odisha Division.
- 1868: Sir Stafford Northcote, Secretary of State for India, argued that Odia-speaking areas should be grouped into a single administrative unit for better administration.
3. Growth of Socio-Political Associations (19th Century)
The post-famine period saw the rise of an educated middle class that expressed aspirations through the press and associations. While some early initiatives were taken by Englishmen, such as the Mutual Improvement Society (1859), a vibrant network of indigenous associations soon emerged.
Key Associations and Objectives:
- Language and Welfare: The Utkal Bhasa Unnati Bidhayini Sabha (1867) and Utkal Bhasa Uddipani Samaj (1867) focused on linguistic development. The Utkal Sabha (Odisha People's Association) formed in 1882 became a prominent platform.
- Social Reform: Associations like the Ganjam Nisha Nishedhini Sabha (1875) and Madak Seban Nibarini Sabha (1879) targeted social evils like intoxication.
- Education: The Shiksha Bidhayini Sabha (1881) and Odisha Graduate and Undergraduate Association (1888) promoted education.
These associations aimed at the development of language, protection of Odia interests, and social reform, although the process was slackened by the slow progress of education.
4. The Role of Utkal Sammilani (1903–1920)
The Utkal Sammilani (Utkal Union Conference) played the most critical role in the Odia movement.
Formation and The Risley Circular:
- Ganjam Jatiya Samiti: Formed in early 1903 at Rambha, it held a conference in April 1903 at Berhampur, resolving to hold annual national conferences.
- The Risley Circular: In December 1903, the government of Lord Curzon circulated a plan (by Henry Risley) proposing the addition of Sambalpur, Ganjam district, and Vizagpatnam Agencies to the Odisha Division.
- First Session (1903): The first Odia national conference was held at Cuttack on 30-31 December 1903. It was organised through the efforts of Madhusudan Das and presided over by the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj (Shriram Chandra Bhanjadeo). The conference accepted the unification scheme of the Risley Circular.
Objectives of Utkal Sammilani:
The primary goal was the merger of Odia-speaking tracts. However, it also focused on:
- Industrial and agricultural development.
- Establishment of a separate university for Odisha.
- Revival of cottage industries and social reforms.
5. Critical Analysis: Nature of the Movement
When writing answers, it is crucial to critically analyse the character of the Utkal Sammilani:
- Loyalist Character: The organisation was loyalist in nature, often paying tributes to the British Crown and seeking goals through appeals to colonial justice rather than agitation.
- Elitist Composition: It was dominated by feudal elements (Rajas and Zamindars) and the educated gentry.
- Mass Base: While it claimed to represent the nation, it generally failed to become a mass organisation. Efforts to organise branches and paid missionaries had only temporary success, and the movement remained largely confined to the elite under the guiding spirit of Madhusudan Das.
6. Conclusion
The political consciousness of the Odia elite manifested in two distinct ways: firstly, through the agitation for the merger of Odia-speaking areas to safeguard linguistic interests; and secondly, through participation in broader national issues such as the Indian National Congress and local self-government reforms. Despite its elitist limitations, the movement successfully laid the foundation for the unification of Odisha.
