 It is said that the construction of Potagarh fort was commenced in 1768 by Edward Costford, the first Resident of Ganjam.But the star-shaped design of the fort and a very old Masjeed standing near it attest more of its Mahammadan origin than British.During the Kutabsahi rule in 17th century Ganjam was extended from Chilika to Chicacole and designated as Chicacole Circar which was the Northern-most Circar of the Northern Circars and was controlled from Golconda.