Talagoluru is a rural village located in the Pottangi block of Koraput district, in the Indian state of Odisha. The village is known for its long-established tribal heritage, forested and hilly geography, and its role as a local administrative center under the Panchayati Raj system. Talagoluru is predominantly inhabited by indigenous tribal communities and is surrounded by natural landscapes, including hills, waterfalls, and trekking routes.

Etymology

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The name Talagoluru is locally believed to have originated from indigenous linguistic roots associated with the region’s tribal communities. The name has been preserved through oral traditions and local administrative usage over generations.

Geography

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Talagoluru is located at 18.384236701455542° N latitude and 82.95844628476846° E longitude. The village spans a total geographical area of approximately:

79.67 square kilometres (30.76 sq mi)

7,966.95 hectares 19,686.76 acres

The total perimeter of the village boundary is approximately 59.79 kilometres.

The village lies within the Eastern Ghats physiographic region and features a diverse terrain consisting of plains, undulating hills, forest cover, rocky outcrops, and seasonal streams. The surrounding environment supports both agricultural activity and forest-based livelihoods.

Climate

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Talagoluru experiences a tropical monsoon climate, typical of southern Odisha. Summers are warm, monsoons bring moderate to heavy rainfall, and winters are comparatively mild. Seasonal rainfall supports agriculture and replenishes natural water sources, including streams and waterfalls.

History

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Talagoluru has a long history of human settlement, primarily by indigenous tribal communities. Oral histories, cultural continuity, and traditional land use practices suggest that the village has been continuously inhabited for over 1100 years.

Historically, the village functioned as a self-sustaining agrarian and forest-dependent settlement. Governance was traditionally managed through tribal councils and customary practices prior to the introduction of formal colonial and post-independence administrative systems. After independence, Talagoluru was integrated into the Panchayati Raj system, establishing structured local governance through an elected Gram Panchayat.

Demographics

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Population

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Talagoluru has an estimated population of approximately 550 residents, based on local administrative records aligned with the 2021 Census of India projections. The official Census of India 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore final published figures are unavailable.

Population Table

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Census Year Population Remarks 2011 Data not separately published Included under Panchayat records 2021 ~550 Census postponed due to COVID-19

Tribes and Communities:

Talagoluru is predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Tribe communities. Major tribal groups include:

  • Konda Paraja
  • Kondha
  • Dora

These communities maintain distinct cultural identities, languages, rituals, and agricultural traditions. Social life is organized around kinship networks, community gatherings, and seasonal festivals.

Language

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The official and commonly spoken language of Talagoluru is Odia, which is used for administration, education, and public communication. Tribal dialects are also spoken within communities, particularly in cultural and domestic contexts.

Administration and Governance

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Talagoluru is governed by the Talagoluru Gram Panchayat, operating under the Panchayati Raj system of Odisha. The Gram Panchayat serves as the lowest tier of rural local self-government.

Administrative Institutions

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  • Gram Panchayat Office
  • Common Service Point (CSP) providing digital governance and citizen services

The Panchayat is responsible for local development works, welfare scheme implementation, record maintenance, and coordination with block and district authorities.

Talagoluru Gram Panchayat:

The Talagoluru Gram Panchayat administers village-level governance and development. It functions under the jurisdiction of the Pottangi block and Koraput district administration.

Functions

  • Implementation of government welfare schemes
  • Maintenance of village infrastructure
  • Issuance of certificates and records
  • Coordination with district and block offices
  • Public grievance redressal

Politics

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Residents of Talagoluru participate in Panchayat, Odisha Legislative Assembly, and Lok Sabha elections. Development initiatives such as public transport connectivity and rural services have been introduced under successive state governments, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and later continued under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Transport and Connectivity

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Talagoluru is connected by road and lies near National Highway NH-130CD, which includes an exit point and toll gate close to the village. The highway provides access to nearby towns and administrative centers.

Public Transport

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● Laxmi Bus Service, introduced under the BJD government and currently operating under BJP administration, provides essential public transport connectivity for residents.

Economy:

The village economy is primarily based on:

  • Agriculture
  • Collection of forest produce
  • Daily wage labor
  • Small-scale local trade

Traditional farming practices dominate, with seasonal crops supported by monsoon rainfall. Forest resources contribute to supplementary income for households.

Culture and Festivals:

Talagoluru has a vibrant cultural life rooted in tribal traditions and regional customs.

Major Festivals

● Chaita Paraba – a major tribal festival marking seasonal change and agricultural cycles

● Dussehra

● Pongal

Festivals are celebrated with traditional dance, music, rituals, and community feasts.

Tourism and Natural Attractions:

Talagoluru is surrounded by scenic and ecologically significant locations, many of which remain relatively unexplored:

● Sandy Canyon – known for unique rock formations
● Hastikunda – a natural site associated with water bodies
● Hoars Waterfall – a seasonal waterfall
● Meghavesm Hill – offering panoramic views

● Garuda Hills – popular for trekking and nature exploration

These sites have potential for eco-tourism and trekking activities.

Environment

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The village lies within a forested and hilly region supporting diverse flora and fauna. Indigenous communities practice sustainable use of natural resources guided by traditional knowledge systems.

Infrastructure and Services

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● Road connectivity via NH-130CD

● Gram Panchayat administration

● Digital services through CSP

● Public transport via Laxmi Bus

Education

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Primary education facilities are accessed within the Panchayat and nearby areas. Higher education opportunities are pursued in surrounding towns.

Health

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Basic healthcare services are accessed through nearby primary health centers and district facilities.

See Also

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● Panchayati Raj in Odisha

● Koraput district

● Tribal communities of Odisha

● Rural development in India

References

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● Government of Odisha Official Portal [1]

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● Official website of the Government of Odisha: https://odisha.gov.in/

  1. ^ "Government of Odisha – Official Website". Government of Odisha.