Brahmapur, Odisha

Brahmapur, also known as Berhampur, is a major urban center on the eastern coastline of Odisha, India. It holds the distinction of being the fourth most populous city in the state. The city is widely recognized by two specific titles: the "Silk City" and the "food capital of Odisha." Its name is believed to derive from Brahmeswara, a Hindu deity. This deity is worshipped at a temple in Lathi, located 4 km from the main city.

The city's identity is deeply tied to its history of textile production. The title "Silk City" comes from the famous Berhampur Patta silk sarees. This industry grew when the Dera community migrated from Rajahmundry between 1662 and 1672. Led by Kota Chandramani Kubera Senapati, these weavers settled in Mohuri, the old name for Berhampur. They practiced the hereditary profession of weaving tussar silken products known as Patta Matha. This migration was requested by Raja Harihar Narayan Deo of the Mohuri zamindari. To promote these silk products, the community started the Ghata Yatra, or Pot Festival.

Geographically, the region has a tropical climate with distinct seasonal shifts. The maximum summer temperature can reach 40 °C, typically during the month of May. In contrast, the minimum winter temperature is around 22 °C in January. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 1190 mm. Most of this precipitation arrives as torrential monsoon rain between July and October.

Brahmapur's history stretches back to the ancient Kalinga empire. The nearby site of Jaugada, located 35 km away on the Rushikulya river, was an ancient fort and city. It existed from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. Following the Kalinga War, Samapa (Jaugada) became a provincial headquarters for the Maurya Empire. Later, the region was part of the Odishan empire under the Eastern Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. During the British period, the region was part of the Madras Presidency. An epidemic in 1815 forced authorities to move the Ganjam headquarters to Berhampur.

The city played a vital role in the formation of the modern Orissa province. For decades, Odia speakers in Berhampur organized movements to protect their language. They demanded that Odia be recognized in courts and government offices. In 1903, leaders held the Ganjam Jatiya Samiti conference in the city. Prominent figures like Madhusudan Das and Gopabandhu Das participated in these efforts. Mahatma Gandhi visited Berhampur on March 29, 1921, to support the cause of Odisha amalgamation. These continuous political efforts eventually led to the formation of the Orissa Province on April 1, 1936.

Modern Brahmapur is a significant hub for transportation and administration. The Brahmapur railway station, part of the Khurda Road division, began operating in 1900. It sits on the important Howrah-Chennai Main Line. The city is also connected to National Highway 16, which links Chennai and Kolkata. For local travel, three-wheeler auto taxis and taxi apps like Ola are common. The Berhampur Municipal Corporation manages the city and has existed for over 150 years.

Demographically, the city is highly literate compared to national standards. Census data shows an effective literacy rate of 90.04%, which is higher than the national average of 74.04%. The population includes 185,584 males and 170,239 females. The city also maintains a rich cultural life through theatre and cinema. The Ganjam Kala Parishad and Prakasam Hall are among the country's oldest theatre halls. The Sri Sitaram Vilas Talkies was the oldest movie hall in Odisha, established in 1927.