Bhubaneswar is more than just a SMART city. It is a pool of emotions for all the people of Odisha! It is the city where art and heritage bloom and charms the people with its warmth and tranquillity. It’s a breathtaking blend of tradition and modernity and leaves an everlasting impact on those who visit it. For those who live here, it is no less than heaven!
Today we celebrate the 75th foundation day of our beloved city, Bhubaneswar. Yes, it has been 75 years to the glorious day when the foundation of the New Capital was laid at Bhubaneswar, which would eventually replace Cuttack as the capital of Odisha in 1948.
Today is not just the foundation day. It is also the day that fills the hearts of all the Bhubaneswar Vasis with pride and joy. So as we celebrate the day, let us go through and relive the history that gives a clear picture of how Bhubaneswar became the capital of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar Now VS Bhubaneswar Then
Before Bhubaneswar was declared capital, Cuttack ruled till India got its independence. It was the hub of all the major political activities.
Bhubaneswar, a cheerful city full of life, now brimming with culture and technology, was once a small village in Odisha. It was a treasure land of temples which were also the best representation of the Kalinga style of architecture. After the British came to India in 1803 and began their rule, Cuttack became the capital of Odisha. It continued as the capital until India became independent in 1947.
Why Bhubaneswar and Not Cuttack?
After about a decade of struggle to give Odisha an identity of its own, it became a separate state in 1936. There was a sudden increase in the bulk of trade, commerce, and transportation. The administration felt Cuttack was not fit to bear the load of a burgeoning capital. The city had its disadvantages as it was sandwiched between two rivers, Mahanadi and Kathjodi, thus limiting its scope of expansion. While Bhubaneswar on the other hand, had a vast expanse of land that gave it an edge over Cuttack. Harekrushna Mahtab, the then Chief Minister of Odisha, stated that Bhubaneswar should become the new capital of Odisha. He played a pivotal role in giving the necessary push to the process of the new capital formation.
The Process Begins
The series of events that followed posed several obstacles. Many of you might not be aware that while the planning of Bhubaneswar was in full swing, simultaneous planning of Chandigarh was going on.
Enters Otto Koenigsberger
The politicians wanted a future capital for Odisha, which needed the expertise of an eminent Town planner with global recognition. Otto Koenigsberger, a Jew architect, came into the picture. He was an oppressed jew who suffered grave misfortune at the hands of Hitler, whose resentment for the Jewish community left scars in the pages of German history. He came to Odisha following Jawarharlal Nehru’s orders after Mahtab requested him to design Bhubaneswar town. He was also the chief designer of several buildings in Mysore, including buildings for the Urban Housing Department for the resettlement of refugees. He laid a lot of emphasis on having the capital based on an Egalitarian basis, which implies providing basic comforts to the residents on a unit and sectoral basis.
However, another architect was assigned the task of planning of Bhubaneswar township, named Julius Vaz. Koenigsberger was in a constant tussle with Vaz. His idea went against the perception of the Odias, as they attached a lot of importance to the architectural heritage of Odisha. Several differences of opinion arose between the administration and Koniesberger regarding the smooth planning of the capital. He planned the town on a linear/horizontal basis. His idea mainly focussed on the planning that sustained for more than 50 years. However, the administration was willing to accommodate only 20,000 people.
Nehru’s vision and perspective played a pivotal role in the planning of both Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh. When he laid the foundation for the new capital at Bhubaneswar, he strongly expressed that Bhubaneswar should never lose touch with its architectural splendor and must not have high-rise buildings. He believed that the beauty of the city should gel with the rich heritage of the city. For Chandigarh, he had no such reservations and left everything to its planner, Le Corbusier, and his team.
Bhubaneswar Is Born
Unlike Koenigsberger, Corbusier tolerated no interference from politicians and bureaucrats, making Chandigarh’s planning much smoother. Vaz was critical of the idea of linear planning. Subsequently, Koneisberger’s plan was approved, which led to the setting up of units 1, 2, and 3. During the fifties, Raj Bhavan, Assembly building Rabindra Mandap came up that now stands tall on the roads of Bhubaneswar. After the departure of Koenigsberger in 1951, Vaz and politicians and bureaucrats had a free hand which did not happen in Chandigarh.
Subsequently, the city flourished with several buildings, with a large number of people dwelling in it, and is constantly growing with wide avenues and high-rise buildings. We all being a part of Bhubaneswar wish to see our city attain prosperity in all the aspects, and must pledge together to make its glorious art and heritage shine for all times to come!
What Makes Bhubaneswar Unique
Home To Pahala Rasgulla
Odisha’s sweets have fans all across the nation. Be it Chhena Podo or Khaja. But do you know that the famous Pahala Rasgulla has its origin within the boundaries of Bhubaneswar?
Divine Land of Temples
Bhubaneswar is not only the city that shines with art, culture, and loads of fun. Its beauty also lies in its age-old temples that give a surreal glimpse of our splendid architecture. Bhubaneswar is home is hundreds of temples that invite devotees throughout the year.
Hub For Start-Ups
Bhubaneswar is not only buzzing with culture but also with start-ups. If you too are planning to set up your start-up, Bhubaneswar is the place for you!
One Of The Nation’s First Planned Cities
How can we forget to mention this? Throughout we spoke about Bhubaneswar’s foundation day and are happily celebrating its 75th anniversary. Bhubaneswar was one of the first planned cities with Chandigarh!
Wishing you all a Happy 75th Day of Bhubaneswar Foundation Day!
Bhubaneswar is more than just a SMART city. It is a pool of emotions for all the people of Odisha! It is the city where art and heritage bloom and charms the people with its warmth and tranquillity. It’s a breathtaking blend of tradition and modernity and leaves an everlasting impact on those who visit it. For those who live here, it is no less than heaven!
Today we celebrate the 75th foundation day of our beloved city, Bhubaneswar. Yes, it has been 75 years to the glorious day when the foundation of the New Capital was laid at Bhubaneswar, which would eventually replace Cuttack as the capital of Odisha in 1948.
Today is not just the foundation day. It is also the day that fills the hearts of all the Bhubaneswar Vasis with pride and joy. So as we celebrate the day, let us go through and relive the history that gives a clear picture of how Bhubaneswar became the capital of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar Now VS Bhubaneswar Then
Before Bhubaneswar was declared capital, Cuttack ruled till India got its independence. It was the hub of all the major political activities.
Bhubaneswar, a cheerful city full of life, now brimming with culture and technology, was once a small village in Odisha. It was a treasure land of temples which were also the best representation of the Kalinga style of architecture. After the British came to India in 1803 and began their rule, Cuttack became the capital of Odisha. It continued as the capital until India became independent in 1947.
Why Bhubaneswar and Not Cuttack?
After about a decade of struggle to give Odisha an identity of its own, it became a separate state in 1936. There was a sudden increase in the bulk of trade, commerce, and transportation. The administration felt Cuttack was not fit to bear the load of a burgeoning capital. The city had its disadvantages as it was sandwiched between two rivers, Mahanadi and Kathjodi, thus limiting its scope of expansion. While Bhubaneswar on the other hand, had a vast expanse of land that gave it an edge over Cuttack. Harekrushna Mahtab, the then Chief Minister of Odisha, stated that Bhubaneswar should become the new capital of Odisha. He played a pivotal role in giving the necessary push to the process of the new capital formation.
The Process Begins
The series of events that followed posed several obstacles. Many of you might not be aware that while the planning of Bhubaneswar was in full swing, simultaneous planning of Chandigarh was going on.
Enters Otto Koenigsberger
The politicians wanted a future capital for Odisha, which needed the expertise of an eminent Town planner with global recognition. Otto Koenigsberger, a Jew architect, came into the picture. He was an oppressed jew who suffered grave misfortune at the hands of Hitler, whose resentment for the Jewish community left scars in the pages of German history. He came to Odisha following Jawarharlal Nehru’s orders after Mahtab requested him to design Bhubaneswar town. He was also the chief designer of several buildings in Mysore, including buildings for the Urban Housing Department for the resettlement of refugees. He laid a lot of emphasis on having the capital based on an Egalitarian basis, which implies providing basic comforts to the residents on a unit and sectoral basis.
However, another architect was assigned the task of planning of Bhubaneswar township, named Julius Vaz. Koenigsberger was in a constant tussle with Vaz. His idea went against the perception of the Odias, as they attached a lot of importance to the architectural heritage of Odisha. Several differences of opinion arose between the administration and Koniesberger regarding the smooth planning of the capital. He planned the town on a linear/horizontal basis. His idea mainly focussed on the planning that sustained for more than 50 years. However, the administration was willing to accommodate only 20,000 people.
Nehru’s vision and perspective played a pivotal role in the planning of both Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh. When he laid the foundation for the new capital at Bhubaneswar, he strongly expressed that Bhubaneswar should never lose touch with its architectural splendor and must not have high-rise buildings. He believed that the beauty of the city should gel with the rich heritage of the city. For Chandigarh, he had no such reservations and left everything to its planner, Le Corbusier, and his team.
Bhubaneswar Is Born
Unlike Koenigsberger, Corbusier tolerated no interference from politicians and bureaucrats, making Chandigarh’s planning much smoother. Vaz was critical of the idea of linear planning. Subsequently, Koneisberger’s plan was approved, which led to the setting up of units 1, 2, and 3. During the fifties, Raj Bhavan, Assembly building Rabindra Mandap came up that now stands tall on the roads of Bhubaneswar. After the departure of Koenigsberger in 1951, Vaz and politicians and bureaucrats had a free hand which did not happen in Chandigarh.
Subsequently, the city flourished with several buildings, with a large number of people dwelling in it, and is constantly growing with wide avenues and high-rise buildings. We all being a part of Bhubaneswar wish to see our city attain prosperity in all the aspects, and must pledge together to make its glorious art and heritage shine for all times to come!
What Makes Bhubaneswar Unique
Home To Pahala Rasgulla
Odisha’s sweets have fans all across the nation. Be it Chhena Podo or Khaja. But do you know that the famous Pahala Rasgulla has its origin within the boundaries of Bhubaneswar?
Divine Land of Temples
Bhubaneswar is not only the city that shines with art, culture, and loads of fun. Its beauty also lies in its age-old temples that give a surreal glimpse of our splendid architecture. Bhubaneswar is home is hundreds of temples that invite devotees throughout the year.
Hub For Start-Ups
Bhubaneswar is not only buzzing with culture but also with start-ups. If you too are planning to set up your start-up, Bhubaneswar is the place for you!
One Of The Nation’s First Planned Cities
How can we forget to mention this? Throughout we spoke about Bhubaneswar’s foundation day and are happily celebrating its 75th anniversary. Bhubaneswar was one of the first planned cities with Chandigarh!
Wishing you all a Happy 75th Day of Bhubaneswar Foundation Day!
