Krushna Chandra Gajapati (26 April 1892 – 25 May 1974), popularly known as Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayana Dev was a key personality in the formation of an Independent Odisha State. He is regarded as the architect of the modern Odisha state. The present Gajapati District of Odisha was named after him.[1] He was the Honorary Captain in the First World War. He had great interest in Oriya literature, art, music, culture, sports, games and horse-riding (in which sport he himself excelled).

Shri Krushna Chandra Gajapati was an Honorary Captain in the First World War. He received a rare Sanad in 1920 from the then Viceroy and Governor General of India, in recognition of his services rendered to the Indian Army during the Great War and as a mark of commendation. He was a Member of the Royal Commission on Agriculture, under the Chairmanship of Lord Linlithgow. He was also a Member of the Madras Legislative Council.

He was awarded honorary Doctorates by the Utkal University and the Berhampur University. The prestigious Knighthood of K.C.I.E. was conferred on him by the King of England. He was one of the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution, being a Member of the Constituent Assembly of India. His contribution to horse-racing and his encouragement for horsebreeding in India are notable.