Debagarh district, also known as Deogarh district, is a district in the state of Odisha, India. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it is one of the 30 administrative districts and is headquartered in the city of Debagarh.
The district has an area of 2781.66 km². The district has a population of 312,520 (2011 census). As of 2011, it is the least populated district in Odisha.
The district came into existence on January 1, 1994 by bifurcating the erstwhile Sambalpur district. It is inhabited by tribal and non-tribal people in almost equal proportions.
Deogarh is the former capital of the Bamanda or Bamra princely state of British India. The king of this princely state belongs to the Ganga vamsi dynasty and belongs to the extended royal family of Emperor Gajapati of Odisha.
Raja Shri Basudeb Sudhal Deb (1869-1903) was an enlightened ruler. He did much to promote conditions in the princely state and for the cause of Oriya nationalism. His contribution was more in the field of literature, education and art. He founded an educational institution, which is currently known as Raja Basu Dev High School. His son also contributed to the social, cultural and scientific development of Deogarh. Bamanda was the first princely state to introduce postal, telegraph and electricity in India.
