A campaign was launched by Harisingh Vidyadhara, commander and minister of the Gajapati Maharaja Prataparudra Deva, to bring it under the umbrage of the larger kingdom.

Harisingh belonged to the Bhoi dynasty, whose brother Govinda Vidyadhara would later overthrow Prataparudra Deva's successors to become the Gajapati ruler of Odisha.

Dhenkanal, situated 150 km north of Puri, was conquered by the Vidyadhara using a force of cavalry and foot soldiers in a battle between the Gajapati's army and the ruling chief.

Raja Bhagirathi Pratap was a very popular and effective ruler, who was decorated with hereditary title of Mahindra Bahadur.

After all these incidents people expected an improved state of affairs after Raja Sri Shankar Pratap would return from abroad and take over administration from his younger brother.

Raja Sri Shankar Pratap Singh Deo Mahindra Bahadur accepted Harmohan Patnaik as an adviser.

Raja Sri Shankar Pratap was elected as Member of newly formed Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Raja Sri Shankar Pratap's son, Brigadier Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo, became a Member of Indian Parliament and a Minister in the Government of India's cabinet.