If you go on a random journey across the countryside of Olasingh village, you will find a dilapidated building. It is located in the middle of the village. A vast, unused, uninhabited building in a crowded setting sounds unusual. Yet, it is true. It is a ghostly place that transports spectators to a grimly reminiscent past. Only long snakes, stray dogs, and cats live on the premises without rent, it seems!
The ruined building belonged to the late Dasarathi Patanaik, the late zamindar of Olasingh. He was a rich, influential, flirtatious person in the Olasingh area. Most importantly, he inherited the property from his grandfather, Charan Patnaik. During the Paika rebellion in 1817, Charan Patnaik provided crucial information about Bakshi Jagabandhu’s activities. He gave this information to the British. Bakshi Jagabandhu was the rebel Paika leader who fought against the British in guerrilla warfare. Charan Patanaik’s betrayal led to the imprisonment of Bakshi Jagabandhu and imperiled the Paikas’ movement.
In return for Charan Patnaik’s favor, the British awarded him approximately 300 acres of land. They also gave him many properties spread across Khordha district. But the British were very cunning. They knew very well that those who betray their own people are easily tempted to do so if given the chance. So, they gave him “Namak Haram Jagiri”. Namak haram in Hindi means a person who can’t be trusted. All the properties provided by the Britishers were disrespectful in that regard.
The next generation does not appreciate the worldly things acquired through dishonest means. The curse of the people plays a huge role in that regard. Similarly, in this Olasingh case, the next generations of the Patnaik family didn’t enjoy the properties. Their grandparents had left these properties to them. They grew wayward, and their direction led them to different places. Constant neglect and apathy ruined all the properties acquired through improper means. Anyone can blame the past’s evil deeds. Alternatively, the curse of people wronged by the Zamindar during the British era can also be blamed.
The beautiful buildings that once employed 15-20 housemaids are now ruined. The courtyards were once filled with the joy and laughter of young girls from the households. They have fallen silent now. A constant, eerie vibe enveloped the entire precinct. Bypassers sometimes claim to have seen ghosts in the evening. Dark energy has captured the whole essence of the place. Now, the new generation is fighting for ownership of the entire thing, even as property maintenance hits a low point.
Seeing the tragedy of the bygone era of Olasingh, one can conclude that nothing in life is permanent. The key aspect is how one conducts oneself throughout one’s lifetime. It’s about the mental peace, self-satisfaction, or guilt one most often feels when facing life’s issues. One’s soul leaves the earth after experiencing the beauty or tragedy of a lifetime. The lost souls of the Olasingh property have forgotten their old dwellings to move on to a different life!
The Witty Stride 