Ganjam district is a district of the Indian state of Odisha. The total area of Ganjam is 8,206 km² (3,168 mi²). The district headquarters is Chhatrapur. Ganjam is divided into three sub-divisions: Chhatrapur, Berhampur and Bhanjanagar. The Imperial Gazetteer of India of 1908 mentions Ganjam, along with Thanjavur and South Canara districts, as the three districts of the Madras Presidency where Brahmins were most numerous. As of 2011, it is the most populous district in Odisha (out of 30).
Ganjam was part of ancient Dakshina Kalinga. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka wrote his message at Jaugada, near the banks of the Rushikulya, in present-day Ganjam district. Therefore, scholars conclude that a significant part of Ganjam was under the rule of Ashoka. There are several theories about the name 'Ganjam'. During the 7th century the region was known as Kangoda or Kongoda. Some scholars believe that the word evolved from this ancient name, while others suggest that the name of the region is probably derived from the Persian word "Ganj", meaning "granary" or "market" and therefore It reflects the importance of the historic ports and indicates the respective exchange centres. and commerce.
Ganjam district is one of the oldest administrative units of Odisha. It was part of the Madras Presidency during British rule.
