Jaugada is a historic site situated about 35 km from
Gopalpur-On-Sea, in
Ganjam District,
Orissa. It is famous for the rock edicts of
Ashoka, same as the one found in
Dhauli near
Bhubaneswar.
Jaugada, earlier known as Jatudurga, is believed to be built by Duryodhana of Mahabharat fame.
A large number of old bricks, tiles, potteries, beads, terracotta objects and punch marked silver coins of Mauryas age were found here. There is also a ruined fort, reminiscent of the ancient heritage of the Rushikulya Valley Civilization that once prevailed in the area.
The Ashoka inscription depicted on a rock face is about 30 ft long and 15 ft high elevated about 12 ft on a mass of granite gneiss. The Archeological Survey of India has treated this rock surface chemically to prevent it from further damage and has declared it as a protected monument.
By road, Jaugada is well linked with Berhampur and Tara Tarini (12 km). Berhampur Railway Station is the nearest railhead (40 km).
