False Point in Odisha: Home to India’s oldest functioning lighthouse, this place shaped history

Nestled near the mouth of the Mahanadi River, where it joins the Bay of Bengal, lies a remarkable headland with a name as intriguing as its legacy: False Point.

Situated in the Kendrapara district, this location isn’t just a scenic delta but a landmark of India's maritime heritage, home to the oldest functional lighthouse in India that has watched over seafarers for nearly two centuries.

The Name That Deceived Generations of Sailors

The origin of the name ‘False Point’ is rooted in maritime confusion. Before the age of modern navigation, ships often mistook this headland for Point Palmyras and confused the mouth of the Mahanadi River for the Hooghly River, leading to costly navigational errors.

Recognising this recurring mistake, the British named the site ‘False Point’ to warn approaching ships.

The Lighthouse That Never Sleeps

Commissioned in March 1838 by the East India Company, the False Point Lighthouse stands tall at 129 feet, painted in striking red and white bands.

Its minaret-like architecture, inspired by Mughal design, was constructed using laterite stones sourced from Barabati Fort in Cuttack.

Initially lit by a coconut oil wick lamp, the lighthouse underwent several upgrades from a six-wick capillary lamp in 1879 to a petroleum vapour lamp in 1931. Today, it flashes two white beams every 20 seconds, visible from a distance of 40 km, continuing to aid sailors in emergencies despite satellite-era tools.

Strategically located 2 km inland in Batighar village, the lighthouse is shielded from the southern monsoon winds, a decision that has helped preserve it against the elements. Currently, it is managed by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) under the Ministry of Shipping.

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A Crucial Maritime and Trade Hub

In the 19th century, False Point Port emerged as a significant link in colonial maritime trade. Opened in 1860, it was hailed as the best harbour between Hooghly and Bombay, offering safe anchorage.

The British connected it to Cuttack via Odisha's canal system, transforming it into a bustling export point for rice and oil-seeds to Mauritius, France, and French colonies.

Lifeline During the Odisha Famine of 1866

When the Odisha famine of 1866 ravaged the region, False Point served a humanitarian role of epic proportions. It was among the few locations where relief shipments could safely dock, allowing vital supplies to reach famine-struck populations. The lighthouse and port became literal beacons of hope.

From Glory to Decline

Despite its strategic value, False Point’s prominence began to fade with the opening of Chandbali Port in 1872, the launch of the Coast Canal in 1885, and the advent of the Bengal Nagpur Railway in 1899.

Add to that the region’s susceptibility to cyclones and sedimentation, and the port gradually slipped into obscurity.

Yet, the lighthouse endured.

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Modern Legacy and Heritage Recognition

Today, the False Point Lighthouse remains not just operational but symbolic of India’s enduring maritime strength.

It plays a vital role in navigation near Paradip Port and serves as a backup navigational aid when modern systems falter. Recognising its historical value, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has included it in heritage promotion drives under the Indian Lighthouse Festival.

Tourists now visit False Point to witness a blend of colonial architecture, historical importance, and natural beauty. The lighthouse is now a monument to resilience and remembrance.