---
title: "Jaugada Fort Ganjam: History, Timings & Visitor Guide"
description: "Explore Jaugada Fort in Ganjam, Odisha. Discover the ancient Mauryan capital Samapa, Emperor Ashoka"
image: "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/jaugada-fort-ganjam.webp"
---

![Weathered stone and scrub surround the historic site at Jaugada.](/images/featured/jaugada-fort-ganjam.webp)

Plan your visit

Jaugada Fort Ganjam

Historic 3rd-century BCE fortified Mauryan provincial city of Samapa and ASI-protected site of Emperor Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts in Ganjam district, Odisha.

 Address Jaugada, near Purushottampur, Ganjam District, Odisha 761018, India [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=19.528%2C84.829) 

Deep in the fertile agricultural plains of southern Odisha, near the banks of the sacred Rushikulya River, lies one of the most consequential archaeological treasures in the Indian subcontinent. **Jaugada Fort Ganjam** preserves the silent remnants of Samapa, the thriving southern provincial capital of Kalinga during the reign of Emperor Ashoka the Great.

Unlike typical medieval forts featuring stone battlements and royal palaces, Jaugada is an ancient earthen fortification dating back more than 2,250 years. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this peaceful rural monument houses the celebrated Ashokan Rock Edicts carved directly into a monumental granite rock face. It offers a rare window into the moral transformation and administrative brilliance of Ashoka following the destructive Kalinga War.

> Key Takeaways
>
> Ancient Identity: Jaugada was the fortified Mauryan city of Samapa, serving as the southern administrative seat alongside northern Toshali (near modern Bhubaneswar).
>
> Ashokan Inscriptions: Contains Emperor Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Two Separate Kalinga Edicts inscribed in the Brahmi script using the Magadhi Prakrit language.
>
> Earthen Architecture: Built as a massive square fortification with high mud ramparts, defensive moats, and internal stone structural remains.
>
> Location & Connectivity: Situated roughly 35 km northwest of Berhampur and 10 km from Purushottampur, easily accessible via paved district roads from National Highway 16.
>
> Visiting Experience: Free admission, open daily during daylight hours, best visited between October and March when combined with nearby heritage sites.

## Jaugada Fort Ganjam at a Glance: Quick Timings, Fees & Key Facts

Before planning your journey to this offbeat archaeological site, review these verified operational facts and logistics compiled from the [Archaeological Survey of India](https://asi.nic.in/), official records from the [Ganjam District Administration](https://ganjam.nic.in/), travel advisories from [Odisha Tourism](https://odishatourism.gov.in/), and our comprehensive [Ganjam district travel guide](/ganjam-district/).

| Feature | Visitor Detail |
| --- | --- |
| **Location** | Jaugada Village, near Purushottampur, Ganjam District, Odisha |
| **Monuments Classification** | ASI Protected Monument of National Importance |
| **Ancient City Name** | Samapa (Southern Administrative Headquarters of Mauryan Kalinga) |
| **Inscriptions Age** | Circa 261 to 232 BCE (3rd Century BCE) |
| **Language & Script** | Magadhi Prakrit language in ancient Brahmi script |
| **Daily Visiting Hours** | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday through Sunday) |
| **Entry Ticket Fee** | Free (no entry ticket required) |
| **Photography Rules** | Still photography allowed free; tripods require ASI permission |
| **Recommended Time** | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| **Nearest Railhead** | Brahmapur Railway Station (BAM), approximately 35 km |

### Key Heritage and Location Highlights

Jaugada stands on the northern bank of the Rushikulya River, surrounded by open paddy fields and low granite knolls. The entire archaeological enclosure covers an expansive area once defended by a square perimeter of packed earth and stone rubble.

The focal point for visitors is a large modern pavilion built by the ASI to shelter the inscribed granite face from wind, rain, and thermal weathering. Inside, a polished rock surface reveals line after line of crisp Brahmi letters, as sharp and legible as when Ashoka’s royal scribes chiseled them over two millennia ago.

### Who Will Enjoy Visiting Jaugada Fort

History enthusiasts, archaeology researchers, and travelers who appreciate peaceful, uncrowded cultural landmarks will find Jaugada deeply rewarding. The absence of commercial souvenir stalls and noisy tour crowds allows you to reflect on ancient Indian history in contemplative silence.

Families with school children will also appreciate the site as a living history classroom. Seeing authentic Ashokan inscriptions in their original geographic setting provides a memorable connection to ancient India that textbooks cannot replicate.

## The Ancient History of Jaugada and the Lost City of Samapa

To understand the historical magnitude of Jaugada, one must look back to the third century BCE, when Kalinga was a powerful maritime confederacy that controlled flourishing trade routes across the Bay of Bengal.

![Open ground surrounds the historic Jaugada site.](/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-landscape.webp)
*The landscape helps explain the scale and setting of the ancient settlement.*

### From Pre-Mauryan Settlement to Provincial Capital

Archaeological excavations at Jaugada have unearthed evidence of continuous human occupation stretching back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Before the Mauryans arrived, the site was already a fortified trade hub positioned along an inland caravan route connecting the coastal plains of the Rushikulya basin with the mineral-rich Eastern Ghats.

Following the [historic Kalinga War of 261 BCE](/the-kalinga-war/), Emperor Ashoka reorganized the newly conquered territory into two distinct administrative divisions. The northern province was administered from Toshali (identified with Sisupalgarh and Dhauli near Bhubaneswar), while the southern province was governed from Samapa, centered right here at Jaugada.

### Emperor Ashoka and the Conquest of Kalinga

The war for Kalinga was the turning point in Ashoka’s life. The bloodshed and displacement caused by the conflict filled the emperor with deep remorse, prompting him to renounce military conquest (Digvijaya) in favor of spiritual and moral conquest through righteousness (Dharmavijaya).

To govern the proud and devastated people of Kalinga, Ashoka stationed royal governors called *Mahamatras* at Samapa. He instructed them through specialized rock inscriptions to rule with compassion, justice, and absolute impartiality, treating every citizen as a father treats his children.

### The Legend of Jatudurga and the Lacquer Fort

Local Odia folklore offers an intriguing alternative name for the site: *Jatudurga* or the Lac Fort (from the Sanskrit word *jatu*, meaning lac or shellac). According to popular legend, the ancient citadel was constructed by a king named Duryodhana or Mayuradhwaja using impenetrable walls coated in molten lac.

![Low fort remains sit among scrub at Jaugada.](/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-rampart.webp)
*The site’s open earthworks and masonry reward a slow walk.*

The myth claims that enemy arrows and artillery could not breach the sticky, slippery walls. The fortress supposedly fell only when an adversary set fire to the ramparts using flaming torches. Modern archaeological studies have disproven the lacquer theory, showing that the high walls were actually composed of sun-baked earth, rubble, and burnt brickwork.

## The Ashokan Rock Edicts: Epigraphy, Script, and Peaceful Governance

The inscriptions at Jaugada are among the most celebrated epigraphic documents in world history. They demonstrate an imperial ruler deliberately limiting his own authority to guarantee the civil welfare of his subjects.

### The Two Separate Kalinga Edicts Explained

Along with fourteen standard Major Rock Edicts found across India, Jaugada preserves the famous **Separate Kalinga Edicts** (also present at Dhauli). In these special decrees, Ashoka explicitly omitted the standard Thirteenth Rock Edict, which graphically described the slaughter and misery of the Kalinga conquest, likely out of respect for the sensitivities of the local population.

Instead, Ashoka addressed his administrators directly in the Separate Edicts. He carved the immortal decree:

> “All men are my children. Just as I desire for my own children that they may enjoy every kind of prosperity and happiness both in this world and in the next, so also do I desire the same for all men.”

The emperor commanded his officials to avoid hasty imprisonment, unwarranted torture, and administrative arrogance. He ordered judicial reviews every five years to ensure that citizens in Samapa were treated fairly under imperial law.

### Brahmi Script and Prakrit Language on Granite

The edicts are incised upon three distinct vertical slabs of a large granite rock mass measuring approximately 30 feet in length and 15 feet in height. The letters are inscribed in early Brahmi characters, the parent script of almost all modern South Asian writing systems, including modern Odia.

The language employed is Eastern Magadhi Prakrit, the administrative tongue of the Mauryan court. Although more than twenty-two centuries have passed, the deep incisions and smooth dressing of the granite face have kept the letters remarkably sharp and legible.

### ASI Conservation and the Protective Glass Enclosure

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the exposed rock face suffered minor surface exfoliation due to temperature fluctuations and fungal growth. Recognizing the immense cultural value of the site, the Archaeological Survey of India erected a permanent roofed structure and protective viewing barrier around the inscribed boulders.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Visitors can view the entire inscription clearly through the protective enclosure. Information panels installed by the ASI provide English, Hindi, and Odia translations of each individual edict.

Unlike the rock edicts at [Dhauli Giri Hills Shanti Stupa](/dhauli-giri-hills-shanti-stupa/) where the inscription sits beneath an open-air rock-cut elephant sculpture, Jaugada presents the full administrative text within an intimate and undisturbed rural sanctuary.

## Defensive Architecture of the Ancient Mud and Stone Fortress

While the Ashokan edicts receive the most scholarly attention, the physical layout of the fort itself is a masterwork of ancient defensive engineering.

### Earthen Ramparts and Deep Moat System

The fortification at Jaugada forms a large square enclosure measuring roughly one kilometer on each side. The defensive perimeter was formed by massive earthen ramparts that originally stood between 15 and 25 feet high, reinforced with rubble stone and sun-dried clay bricks.

A deep surrounding moat, fed by seasonal overflows from the nearby Rushikulya River, encircled the outer wall. Even today, walking along the elevated mounds gives visitors a clear perspective of the fort’s strategic positioning, overlooking the surrounding plains and controlling regional river crossings.

Like the contemporary [ancient fortifications of Sisupalgarh](/sisupalgarh-fort-bhubaneswar-khordha/) near Bhubaneswar, Jaugada had designated gateway portals in each cardinal direction, allowing controlled entry for merchants, military patrols, and agricultural caravans.

### Archaeological Excavations and Recovered Artifacts

Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India across the fort grounds have yielded a fascinating assortment of everyday Mauryan and post-Mauryan artifacts:

![Aged stone blocks show weathering at Jaugada.](/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-stone-detail.webp)
*The surviving stonework is best viewed without touching or climbing.*

- **Coins**: Silver and copper punch-marked coins bearing imperial Mauryan symbols, along with Puri-Kushana copper coins from later trade eras.

- **Pottery**: High-quality Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and red polished ware, confirming trade connections with northern Gangetic kingdoms.

- **Beads and Ornaments**: Semi-precious stone beads made from carnelian, agate, crystal, and terracotta, showcasing active local artisan guilds.

- **Iron Implements**: Spearheads, sickles, nails, and arrowheads demonstrating advanced iron metallurgy in southern Odisha during the third century BCE.

## Best Time to Visit Jaugada Fort and Weather Conditions

Ganjam district experiences a tropical climate with distinctly hot summers and pleasant, breezy winters. Choosing the right month for your trip will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.

| Season | Months | Daytime Temperature | Visiting Experience |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Winter (Best Time)** | October to March | 18°C to 28°C | Cool, sunny days with clear skies; ideal for exploring the fort grounds and nearby picnic spots. |
| **Summer** | April to June | 32°C to 42°C | Intense heat and strong afternoon sunshine; outdoor walking becomes physically exhausting after 10:00 AM. |
| **Monsoon** | July to September | 26°C to 34°C | Lush green landscape, but rain can make rural earthen pathways muddy and slippery. |

### Winter Window (October to March)

Winter is overwhelmingly the most pleasant time to explore Jaugada. The air is crisp in the morning, daytime temperatures remain moderate, and the surrounding rural landscape is lush from the receding monsoon rains.

Visiting in the early morning between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM or during the golden hour between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM provides the finest photography light, with warm sunshine illuminating the granite rock pavilion.

### Summer and Monsoon Travel Realities

During peak summer months from April to June, temperatures in Ganjam frequently climb above 38°C. Because the site is open and shaded only by a handful of mature trees, visiting during mid-day in summer is not recommended. If you travel during these months, plan an early morning stop before the heat intensifies.

The monsoon season paints the Rushikulya basin in rich shades of green. However, heavy rains can create standing water in the lower ditches of the ancient moat. Sturdy, water-resistant footwear is advisable if visiting during damp weeks.

## How to Reach Jaugada Fort: Road, Rail, and Transit Options

Reaching Jaugada Fort is straightforward from Berhampur, Gopalpur, or Bhubaneswar.

| Transit Stage | Route & Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Bhubaneswar to Berhampur** | 165 km via National Highway 16 | 3.5 to 4 hours by road or express train |
| **Berhampur to Purushottampur** | 25 km via State Highway 32 | 40 to 45 minutes by taxi or bus |
| **Purushottampur to Jaugada** | 10 km via local paved rural road | 15 to 20 minutes by auto-rickshaw |

### Reaching from Berhampur via Purushottampur

Berhampur (Brahmapur) serves as the primary base for visiting Jaugada. The distance from Berhampur city center to Jaugada is approximately 35 kilometers, taking around 50 to 60 minutes by road:

- Head north from Berhampur along State Highway 32 through Hinjilicut.

- Turn northwest toward Purushottampur town.

- From Purushottampur, follow the rural paved road toward Pandia and Jaugada village for roughly 8 kilometers.

- Clear roadside signboards erected by the tourism department guide you directly to the ASI monument entrance.

Hiring a round-trip taxi or auto-rickshaw from Berhampur or Hinjilicut is the most convenient option, as public buses stop at Purushottampur and do not run directly to the monument gates.

### Driving Route from Bhubaneswar via NH-16

If driving from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack:

- Follow National Highway 16 south through Khordha, Balugaon, and Chatrapur (roughly 160 kilometers).

- At the Chatrapur junction or Hinjilicut bypass, turn westward toward Purushottampur.

- The total driving time from Bhubaneswar is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours along excellent four-lane highways.

### Nearest Railway Station and Local Transport

The nearest major railway station is **Brahmapur Railway Station (BAM)**, a key junction on the Howrah-Chennai main trunk line served by dozens of express and superfast trains daily.

From Brahmapur station:

- Taxis can be hired at the station rank for a half-day excursion covering Jaugada and Maa Tara Tarini Temple (fare usually ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹2,200 depending on vehicle size).

- Shared auto-rickshaws and state transport buses run frequently between Berhampur New Bus Stand and Purushottampur town for budget travelers. From Purushottampur, hire a local auto for the final short stretch to the fort.

## Nearby Attractions in the Ganjam Heritage Circuit

Because exploring Jaugada Fort requires approximately one to two hours, you can comfortably combine it with other famous attractions in Ganjam district to create a memorable full-day travel itinerary.

### Maa Tara Tarini Hill Temple

Located just 12 kilometers southeast of Jaugada, the sacred [Maa Tara Tarini Temple on Kumari hills](/maa-tara-tarini-temple/) is one of the four ancient Adi Shakti Peethas in India. Perched atop the scenic Kumari mountain overlooking the Rushikulya River, this twin-goddess shrine features modern ropeway cable cars, grand stone steps, and panoramic views of the Ganjam plains.

Visiting Jaugada in the morning followed by afternoon darshan at Tara Tarini creates a rewarding historical and spiritual journey.

### Historic Potagarh Fort at Rushikulya Mouth

Located roughly 45 kilometers southeast near the town of Ganjam, the [star-shaped ramparts of Potagarh Fort](/potagarh-fort-ganjam/) display eighteenth-century maritime military architecture. Featuring subterranean escape tunnels, European cemeteries, and brick bastions where French, British, and local rulers clashed, Potagarh stands as a fascinating colonial counterpart to ancient Mauryan Jaugada.

### Tampara Lake and Rushikulya River Valley

For water recreation and relaxation, head to [Tampara Lake in Chatrapur](/tampara-lake-chatrapur-ganjam/), approximately 40 kilometers from Jaugada. One of the largest freshwater lakes in coastal Odisha, Tampara offers speedboating, jet skiing, scenic lakeside wooden promenades, and landscaped family parks.

Nature lovers traveling during the winter nesting season (typically January to March) can also visit the Rushikulya river mouth rookery, world-renowned as one of the largest mass nesting sites for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

## Visitor Tips, Photography Rules, and Site Etiquette

Because Jaugada is an authentic archaeological sanctuary rather than a commercial amusement complex, keeping a few practical tips in mind will make your visit effortless.

> [!TIP]
>
> Carry sufficient drinking water and light refreshments with you from Purushottampur or Berhampur. There are no commercial cafeterias or snack stalls inside the archaeological zone.

### Water, Sun Protection, and Footwear Guidelines

- **Sun Protection**: Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, particularly if visiting between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

- **Footwear**: Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers suitable for walking on uneven grass, compacted earth, and ancient gravel trails.

- **Hydration**: Bring reusable water bottles; small local shops near Pandia village sell packaged water and tender coconut, but selections inside the park are minimal.

### Responsible Archaeological Tourism

- **Respect the Monument**: Never touch, scratch, lean against, or attempt to trace the ancient rock inscriptions. Even microscopic skin oils can damage ancient polished granite over time.

- **Follow Photography Rules**: General handheld photography and phone videography are free and welcomed. Commercial videography, professional camera tracks, and drone flights require prior written authorization from the Archaeological Survey of India (Bhubaneswar Circle).

- **Keep It Clean**: Dispose of all plastic wrappers and water bottles in municipal trash bins or carry your litter back to your vehicle. Jaugada remains clean and well preserved largely because visitors practice responsible leave-no-trace habits.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Where is Jaugada Fort located in Odisha?

Jaugada Fort is situated near Purushottampur town in Ganjam district of southern Odisha, along the northern bank of the Rushikulya River. It lies approximately 35 km northwest of Berhampur and roughly 165 km south of Bhubaneswar.

### What is the historical significance of Jaugada?

Jaugada was the ancient fortified city of Samapa, serving as the southern provincial headquarters of Mauryan Kalinga during the third century BCE. It is renowned for preserving Emperor Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Two Separate Kalinga Edicts on an inscribed granite face.

### What are the opening timings of Jaugada Fort?

The archaeological grounds are open daily to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the week. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended because the monument does not have night illumination.

### Is there an entry ticket fee to visit Jaugada Fort?

Admission to Jaugada Fort and its Ashokan rock edict pavilion is completely free for all Indian and international visitors. Handheld mobile and camera photography is also permitted without additional charges.

### How to reach Jaugada Fort from Berhampur?

You can drive or take a hired taxi from Berhampur via Hinjilicut and Purushottampur, covering the 35 km route in about one hour. Alternatively, take a state transport bus from Berhampur to Purushottampur and hire an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 8 km.

### What are the Two Separate Kalinga Edicts found at Jaugada?

The Separate Kalinga Edicts are specialized imperial directives where Ashoka instructed his judicial officers at Samapa to administer justice with mercy and impartiality. In these inscriptions, Ashoka famously declared that all citizens are his children and deserve compassionate governance.

### Which nearby places can be visited with Jaugada?

Visitors can easily combine Jaugada with the famous Maa Tara Tarini Hill Temple, located just 12 km away near Purushottampur. Other nearby attractions in the circuit include the star-shaped Potagarh Fort, Tampara Lake, and Gopalpur Sea Beach.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@graph": [
    {
      "@type": "BlogPosting",
      "@id": "https://incredibleodisha.in/jaugada-fort-ganjam/#article",
      "headline": "Jaugada Fort Ganjam: History, Timings & Visitor Guide",
      "description": "Explore Jaugada Fort in Ganjam, Odisha. Discover the ancient Mauryan capital Samapa, Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts, visiting timings, route, and travel tips.",
      "image": [
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/jaugada-fort-ganjam.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/jaugada-fort-ganjam.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 630,
          "caption": "Weathered stone and scrub surround the historic site at Jaugada.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-landscape.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-landscape.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 800,
          "caption": "Open ground surrounds the historic Jaugada site.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-rampart.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-rampart.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 800,
          "caption": "Low fort remains sit among scrub at Jaugada.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-stone-detail.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-stone-detail.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 800,
          "caption": "Aged stone blocks show weathering at Jaugada.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        }
      ],
      "datePublished": "2026-11-10T00:00:00.000Z",
      "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "@id": "https://incredibleodisha.in/#author",
        "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
        "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/",
        "image": {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/author-avatar.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/author-avatar.webp",
          "width": 240,
          "height": 240,
          "caption": "Portrait of Rajesh Kumar, Travel Writer & Odisha Explorer",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        "description": "Documenting Odisha’s districts, culture, festivals, heritage sites, and practical local information to help travelers and residents alike.",
        "jobTitle": "Travel Writer & Odisha Explorer",
        "knowsAbout": [
          "Odisha Tourism",
          "Culture",
          "Heritage",
          "Nature",
          "Local Guides"
        ],
        "sameAs": [
          "https://www.facebook.com/www.incredibleodisha.in",
          "https://www.instagram.com/incredibleodisha_in/",
          "https://x.com/incredible_od",
          "https://in.pinterest.com/incredibleodisha_in/"
        ]
      },
      "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "@id": "https://incredibleodisha.in/#organization",
        "name": "Incredible Odisha",
        "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/",
        "logo": {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/logo-512.png",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/logo-512.png",
          "width": 512,
          "height": 512
        },
        "description": "Discover Odisha through travel guides, district profiles, festivals, temples, waterfalls, public info updates, and local stories.",
        "sameAs": [
          "https://www.facebook.com/www.incredibleodisha.in",
          "https://www.instagram.com/incredibleodisha_in/",
          "https://x.com/incredible_od",
          "https://in.pinterest.com/incredibleodisha_in/"
        ]
      },
      "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://incredibleodisha.in/jaugada-fort-ganjam/"
      },
      "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/jaugada-fort-ganjam/",
      "inLanguage": "en-IN",
      "dateModified": "2026-11-10T00:00:00.000Z",
      "articleSection": "History of Odisha",
      "keywords": [
        "History of Odisha",
        "Ancient India",
        "ASI Protected Monuments",
        "Historical Forts",
        "Ganjam District",
        "Ashoka"
      ],
      "wordCount": 3186
    },
    {
      "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
      "@id": "https://incredibleodisha.in/jaugada-fort-ganjam/#breadcrumb",
      "itemListElement": [
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Home",
          "item": "https://incredibleodisha.in/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "History of Odisha",
          "item": "https://incredibleodisha.in/categories/history/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ListItem",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "Jaugada Fort Ganjam: History, Timings & Visitor Guide"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "FAQPage",
      "mainEntity": [
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Where is Jaugada Fort located in Odisha?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Jaugada Fort is situated near Purushottampur town in Ganjam district of southern Odisha, along the northern bank of the Rushikulya River. It lies approximately 35 km northwest of Berhampur and roughly 165 km south of Bhubaneswar."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is the historical significance of Jaugada?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Jaugada was the ancient fortified city of Samapa, serving as the southern provincial headquarters of Mauryan Kalinga during the third century BCE. It is renowned for preserving Emperor Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts and the Two Separate Kalinga Edicts on an inscribed granite face."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What are the opening timings of Jaugada Fort?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "The archaeological grounds are open daily to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the week. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended because the monument does not have night illumination."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Is there an entry ticket fee to visit Jaugada Fort?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Admission to Jaugada Fort and its Ashokan rock edict pavilion is completely free for all Indian and international visitors. Handheld mobile and camera photography is also permitted without additional charges."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How to reach Jaugada Fort from Berhampur?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "You can drive or take a hired taxi from Berhampur via Hinjilicut and Purushottampur, covering the 35 km route in about one hour. Alternatively, take a state transport bus from Berhampur to Purushottampur and hire an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 8 km."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What are the Two Separate Kalinga Edicts found at Jaugada?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "The Separate Kalinga Edicts are specialized imperial directives where Ashoka instructed his judicial officers at Samapa to administer justice with mercy and impartiality. In these inscriptions, Ashoka famously declared that all citizens are his children and deserve compassionate governance."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "Which nearby places can be visited with Jaugada?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Visitors can easily combine Jaugada with the famous Maa Tara Tarini Hill Temple, located just 12 km away near Purushottampur. Other nearby attractions in the circuit include the star-shaped Potagarh Fort, Tampara Lake, and Gopalpur Sea Beach."
          }
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "TouristAttraction",
      "name": "Jaugada Fort Ganjam",
      "description": "Historic 3rd-century BCE fortified Mauryan provincial city of Samapa and ASI-protected site of Emperor Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts in Ganjam district, Odisha.",
      "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/jaugada-fort-ganjam/",
      "image": [
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/jaugada-fort-ganjam.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/featured/jaugada-fort-ganjam.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 630,
          "caption": "Weathered stone and scrub surround the historic site at Jaugada.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-landscape.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-landscape.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 800,
          "caption": "Open ground surrounds the historic Jaugada site.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-rampart.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-rampart.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 800,
          "caption": "Low fort remains sit among scrub at Jaugada.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        },
        {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-stone-detail.webp",
          "contentUrl": "https://incredibleodisha.in/images/inline/jaugada-fort-ganjam-stone-detail.webp",
          "width": 1200,
          "height": 800,
          "caption": "Aged stone blocks show weathering at Jaugada.",
          "creator": {
            "@type": "Person",
            "name": "Rajesh Kumar",
            "url": "https://incredibleodisha.in/about/"
          },
          "creditText": "Incredible Odisha",
          "copyrightNotice": "© Incredible Odisha",
          "license": "https://incredibleodisha.in/privacy/",
          "acquireLicensePage": "https://incredibleodisha.in/contact/"
        }
      ],
      "address": "Jaugada, near Purushottampur, Ganjam District, Odisha 761018, India",
      "geo": {
        "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
        "latitude": 19.528,
        "longitude": 84.829
      }
    }
  ]
}
```