Bargarh

Bargarh is situated towards the western border of the state towards Chhattisgarh. The place was initially a fort and was initially called as the Baghar Kota, as derived from the inscriptions from 11th century AD. Bargarh has also witnessed early Buddhist settlement and have influenced the lifestyle of the people for a short span of time. Bargarh though has few tourist attractions but it is rich in its cultural heritage. Bargarh is famous for the Dhanuyatra that is said to the biggest open theatrical stage and depicts the Krishna Leela. The place is dotted with temples and also has Buddhist monasteries and caves that showcase the settlement of different cultures at different points in time at Bargarh.

The district formed on the 1st April 1993 being divided from Sambalpur District.The original name of place was “Baghar Kota” as known from an inscription of the 11th Century A.D. The place was called “Bargarh” probably from the time of Balaram Dev, the Chauhan Raja of Sambalpur, who made it for first time his headquarters and constructed a big part for its protection. The district is full of tourist places.