When India became independent, the district Kalahandi joined United India on 1. 1. 1948. On 1st November 1949, the two districts namely Patna Balangir and Berhempur were combined to form one separate district. At the same time Nuapada, a portion of Sambalpur, was joined along with Kalahandi. When this area was under the rule of a king in 1930, the ‘west Indravati project’ was formulated. But because this district joined United India in 1948, this project was not implemented. In 1978 this project was approved and the work was started. In the years 1960 and 1980 there were many deaths in this district because of drought, selling of children, lack of nutritious food and poverty. Though the government officials visited this area between 1980 and 2010, long standing plans such as higher education, national highways, railways, industries etc were carried out only to a small extent. The growth did not see full development. From the year 2000 the Indravati water storage projects are of great help for farming and cultivation in two seasons. Now it is supplying the electricity power to different parts of Odisha and West Bengal.

The population that communicates in the Kalahandiya language is approximately 2.5 million, residing primarily in the Kalahandi and Niyapara districts. The tribal groups include the Kangda, Porja, Parjara, Padra, Pakoriya, and Sayonra. Additionally, individuals from the backward community are represented by the Thamba, Kavi, Samar, Thoba, Mohar, Belthar, Mangali, Gawda, Bayk, Maharpadi, Banga, Kulatta, Pulia, Bairai, Kumbar, Theli, Maali, Surthi, and Pandari. Furthermore, the region is also home to Brahmins, Karnam, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs, all of whom communicate in the Kalahandi language. The literacy rate of Kalahandi district in Odisha is 59.22%. This includes 71.9% male literacy and 46.68% female literacy.  The Christian population is 0.71%

Occupation of the Kalandiya People:

Kalahandi district is renowned for its diamond stones and possesses fertile soil conducive to agriculture.  The local economy is significantly reliant on forest resources. While the inhabitants are involved in a variety of occupations, agriculture remains their primary source of livelihood.

Food habits of the Kalahandiya People:

The community has a strong preference for a beverage known as ‘Makul,’ which is an intoxicating drink. Additionally, there are individuals within the district who are addicted to smoking. The staple food items consumed by the residents include rice, pulses, vegetables, bread, chapati, and leafy greens.