Raja Bahadur Bamachandra Mardaraj Deo
(13th January 1900 – 23rd January1963)
The significant contribution of many a great leaders during 1920s and 30s resulted in the formation of a separate Orissa Province. Raja Bahadur Ramachandra Mardaraj Deo of Khallikote was one of them. He was born to Raja Harihar Mardaraj and Rani Kanak Manjari Devi on 13th January 1900. In the days to come, he was destined to shape the future of Orissa.
As a child, he was nicknamed Eric. He was brought up under the guidance of Governess Mrs. F. Harvey Dunn. He lost his father Raja Harihar Mardaraj Deo on 20th July 1909. Then he was sent to Madras for schooling at NewIngton. He studied at Christian College upto the age of his eligibility to take charge of his own estate. He came to the throne of Khallikote on 14th January 1921.
As first step in his pioneering efforts towards the formation of Orissa Province, he impressed upon the Philip-Duff Committee set up in 1924 in favour of this cause. Mr. C.L. Philip and Mr. A.C. Duff came to Rambha, stayed in the palace of Raja Sahib as his guests from 17th to 21st December 1924. A well attended public meeting was organised at Khallikotegarh and the impressed Committee gave a report in favour of the amalgamation.
However, the O’donnel Commission which was constituted later on gave a very discouraging report. But, Ramachandra Mardaraj debated against it in Madras Legislative Council. Inaugurating a special meeting of Utkal Union Conference on 21st August 1932, he emphasised on the merger of Oriya tracts as per Philip-Duff Committee recommendations.
Raja Sahib attended the 3rd Round Table Conference in London where he forcefully made arguments for the cause. To augment his approach, he hosted the famous ‘Orissa Banquet’ on 12th January 1933 and there he impressed upon Sri Samuel Hoare, the Secretary of State for India and finally managed to get the approval of Sir Samuel in favour of a separate Orissa Province.
As per the deliberations of 3rd Round Table Conference, a Joint Parliamentary Committee was constituted to look into this matter. Finally, the Government of India Act, 1935 was adopted and the clause 289 of this Act provided for the formation of a Separate Orissa Province
Raja Ramachandra Mardaraj Deo was a dynamic leader with full creative energy. His wide administrative and political experience and competence was a source of strength and inspiration for people who worked with him. He dedicated his life completely for the people of Orissa and worked for their welfare. The great Raja Sahib breathed his last on 23rd January 1963.
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