Trade and Commerce in British-era Gajapati: Weights, Measures, and Artisanal Economy

Summary

The Gajapati district, part of the former Ganjam district under British rule, was a predominantly tribal, agrarian region with a population of 458,175 in the early 20th century. Covering 3,440.47 square kilometers, it faced challenges such as barren land (117,383 hectares) and limited economic opportunities, with 40.21% of its population belonging to Scheduled Tribes. The district's economy relied heavily on agriculture, with rice, maize, ragi, sugarcane, and oilseeds as primary crops. Traditional cottage industries, including horn work, bamboo crafts, and earthenware, were notable, with horn products exported to regions like Kolkata and Trivandrum. Trade in Gajapati was characterized by periodic fairs (Hattas) and daily markets, where agricultural produce, livestock, textiles, and forest products were exchanged. Markets served as vital hubs for rural populations, though external traders, particularly Banjaras and Telugu Komatis, dominated commerce. Transportation relied on pack animals and later narrow-gauge railways, which boosted trade connectivity. The system of weights and measures was inconsistent, with variations in units like the vis, maund, and candy across regions. Traditional measures such as the tum (capacity) and pucka seer (weight) lacked standardization, complicating trade. The district's economic structure remained largely small-scale and localized, with limited industrial or large-scale commercial development during the British period.