The first spark of the movement of Princeley States of Orissa appeared in Nilgiri, a small states in the district of Balasore in 1938. On the occasion of the visit of Balvant Ray Mehta, the Secretary of All India States People’s Conference to Orissa on June 19, 1938, Orissa States Enquiry Committee put forth the charges of forced labour, non-payment of wages for the labourers and collection of salamis during royal marriage against the Nilgiri Durbar.

Through the active help of Harekrishna Mahatab and Sarangadhar Das in the early 1938 Prajamandal was formed at Gariamal in Nilgiri state under the leadership of Kailash Chandra Mohanty and Banamali Das. On 11th July, 1938, the day of chariot festival, in a large gathering kailash Chandra Mohanty and Banamali Das demanded the recognition of their civil rights and removal of unjust laws.

They exposed the misdeeds of Nilgiri Durbar and demanded a new agricultural policy, end of arbitary taxes and installation of people oriented admibnistration. The Prajamandal instigated the people to carry on their crusade peacefully through non-violent means. The Nilgiri Durbar used all repressive measures to supress the movement. By the middle of July, 1938, in Nilgiri, 116 Prajamandal agitators had been arrested.

The movement in Nilgiri became intense after the arrest of Banmali Das. Police fired upon the processionist on 10th August, 1938 and next day police gave lathi blows to the agitators and fired upon them. The Prajamandal declared the Raja’s family excommunicated. People of Nilagiri prepared themselves under the leadership of Kailash Chandra Mohanty for a final showdown.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The Prajamandal gave the call for a civil disobideince movement in order to paralyse the administration of this state. At this critical juncture due to intervention of Harekrishna Mahatab and Political Agent Major Bazelgatte, Collector of Balasore negotiation of rebels started with Nilgiri Durbar. As a part of the settlement the Prajamandal withdrew the example-communication of Raja’s family and all the important rebel leaders were released.

The people got civil liberty and the right to ventilate their grievances in a constitutional manner. Even through the forced contribution of Bethi and Magan were abolished, the Raja rejected the Prajamandal’s demand for the formation of a State Assembly and popular control over the State Budget. Peace and order were restored in the state for the time being after the victory of people. The success of Prajamandal movement of Nilagiri provided inspiration to the suffering people in different Garjat States.