Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Bhanja Deo, an acclaimed statesman, was born in
Baripada of
Orissa. He was sworn in as the king of Mayurbhanj in 1890.
During his reign, Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Bhanja Deo introduced many reforms of public interest. He visited many countries in 1910 and used that experience for the welfare and enhancement of the state. He generously helped many institutions and organizations such as Cuttack Medical College, Ravenshaw College, Utkal University, Utkal Sammilani, and Utkal Sahitya Samaj. Maharaja is credited with the establishment of Baripada Municipality, Jubuli library of Baripada and the introduction of Baripada to Rupsa railway track.
Maharaja Sri Ramachandra Bhanja Deo played a key role in the political setup of Orissa. He administered the state by consulting the state council that he had set up with eminent persons such as Gopabandhu. He also helped the co-operative movement of India by providing land. Besides, he founded the publications 'Utkalprava' and 'Manorama'.
