Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo

Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo (29 August 1946 – 4 January 2026) was an Indian historian and archaeologist from Khariar, Nuapada, Odisha.[1] He was the titular head of the erstwhile zamindari estate of Khariar, born to eight time law maker,a noted author and poet of Odisha Raja Anup Singhdeo and Rani Soubhagya Manjari Devi.[2][3][4]

Early life and Career

Deo learnt field archaeology and trained under his uncle the late Kalahandi Maharaj Pratap Keshari Deo. He has also been instrumental in documenting the pre-history and ancient history of the Nuapada region and also tribal civil disobedience movements during the struggle for Indian independence in the gadjat hill tracts of Odisha. His research and exploration has helped document rare archaeological finds, tribal customs and ancient riverine trade posts along Odisha's major rivers and establish distinct connections to the larger South East Asia region and Western Odisha.[5][6][7] He had been instrumental in the preservation and publication of the speeches made by Maharaja Sir Rajendra Narayan Bhanja Deo of Kanika made during his term in the Indian Legislative Council.(1916-1920) and also of the Utkal Sammilani[8]

He was the president of Khariar Sahitya Samiti. He authored several books on Odisha, and discovered the pre-historic rock art of Yogimath Donger,[9] the Ghat Ghumar rock art copper plates, gold coins of the Sharabhapuriya dynasty, a clay seal, a stone seal of Panduvamshi dynasty, Kalachuri coins,[10] terracotta artefacts, and beads and sculptures of various types depicting human and animal figures with some having red ochre finish.[11]

Deo has also contributed towards the research about the origins of the Jagannath deity with an indepth study on the myth, mystique and historical evidence of the origin of Jagannath. Which go counter to the traditional beliefs but reveal the little known side of deity's origins.[12]

Family and Personal Life

Jitamitra Prasada Deo was married to Rajshree Devi of the Puri royal family and a noted social worker, philanthrophist and agriculturalist herself.[13] Together they have two songs and a daughter, Deo passed away on 4 January 2026, at the age of 79.[14]

Books

Following are some of his highly cited books:

  • Cultural Profile of South Kosala, Gyan books, Delhi, 2012, ISBN 8121200954
  • Origin of Jagannath Deity, Giyan Books, Delhi, 1991, ISBN 812120352X
  • Tantric Art of Odisha
  • Fic, Victor M. (2003). The tantra: its origin, theories, art, and diffusion from India to Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, China, Japan, and Indonesia. Abhinav Publications. p. 69. ISBN 978-81-7017-424-0.
  • Character Assassination in Modern History of Orissa.

References

  1. ^ Profile of JP Singh Deo http://www.navratnanews.com/Profile/profile_ofJitamitra%20Prasad%20Singh%20Deo.htm Archived 2 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Ghosh, S. (1978). Orissa in Turmoil: A Study in Political Developments. India: Sankha.
  3. ^ Glimpses of Orissa. (1986). India: Punthi Pustak.
  4. ^ Siṃhadeba, J. P. (2006). Archaeology of Orissa: With Special Reference to Nuapada and Kalahandi. India: R.N. Bhattacharya.
  5. ^ Sainath, P. (2022). The Last Heroes: Foot Soldiers of Indian Freedom. India: Penguin Random House India Private Limited.
  6. ^ Siṃhadeba, J. P. (2001). Tāntric art of Orissa. India: Kalpaz Publications.
  7. ^ Orissa Review. (2004). India: Published and issued by Home (Public Relations) Department, Government of Orissa.
  8. ^ Bhanja Deo, R. N., Siṃhadeba, J. P. (2006). Eventful Life of an Orissa Province Maker: Diaries of Raja Sir R.N. Bhanja Deo of Kanika, 1908 to 1922 A.D.. India: R.N. Bhattacharya.
  9. ^ Pradhan, Sadasiba (2001). Rock art in Odisha. Aryan Books International. p. 16. ISBN 978-81-7305-215-6.
  10. ^ Tripathy, Snigdha (1986). Early and medieval coins and currency system of Orissa, circa 300 B.C. to 1568 A.D. Punthi Pustak. p. 96. OCLC 15488618.
  11. ^ The Journal of Orissan History. (n.d.). India: Orissa History Congress.
  12. ^ Review Projector (India).. (1991). India: T.R. Kesava Murthy.
  13. ^ "Queen of the downtrodden". The Times of India. 29 November 2004. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
  14. ^ Khadial King Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo Passes Away at 80
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