Odisha
| Odisha | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Soul of India, Temple State of India |
| Capital | Bhubaneswar |
| Largest City | Bhubaneswar |
| Country | India |
| Official Language | Odia |
| Area | 1,55,707 km² |
| Population | 4.5 crore (approx.) |
| Districts | 30 |
| Founded | 1 April 1936 |
Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) is a state located on the eastern coast of India, bordered by West Bengal and Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. Known as the Soul of India and the Temple State of India, Odisha is renowned for its magnificent ancient temples, rich tribal culture, classical Odissi dance, vibrant handicrafts and the sacred Jagannath Temple at Puri. The state was established on 1 April 1936 as the first province in India to be formed on a linguistic basis, making it a landmark in Indian administrative history.
Geography
Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. The state is geographically diverse, comprising the Eastern Ghats mountain range in the interior, fertile river plains in the central and coastal regions, and a long coastline stretching over 480 kilometres. The Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani and Subarnarekha are the principal rivers of the state.
The Chilika Lake — the largest coastal lagoon in Asia and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance — is located on the southern coast of Odisha and is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and millions of migratory birds.
History
Odisha has one of the richest and most ancient histories in India. The region was known as Kalinga in ancient times and was home to one of the most powerful kingdoms in South Asia. The Kalinga War of 261 BCE — fought between Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire and the Kalinga Kingdom — was one of the bloodiest battles in ancient Indian history. The immense suffering caused by this war led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and renounce violence, transforming him into one of history's greatest proponents of peace.
The state was subsequently ruled by several powerful dynasties including the Chedi, Eastern Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. The Eastern Ganga dynasty built the magnificent Konark Sun Temple and the Jagannath Temple at Puri in the 12th and 13th centuries. The British annexed Odisha in the early 19th century, and it was integrated into the Indian Union after independence in 1947. The state was renamed from Orissa to Odisha in 2011.
Economy
Odisha is one of India's resource-rich states with a growing and diversifying economy. Key sectors include:
- Mining and Minerals — Odisha is India's largest producer of iron ore and chromite and a major producer of bauxite, coal and manganese; the state accounts for a significant share of India's total mineral wealth
- Steel and Metallurgy — Odisha is a major steel-producing state with large integrated steel plants at Rourkela, Angul and Jharsuguda
- Agriculture — Rice is the principal crop; Odisha is also a significant producer of pulses, oilseeds and vegetables
- Tourism — A rapidly growing sector driven by temple tourism, eco-tourism and tribal tourism
- Handicrafts — Odisha is renowned for its Pattachitra paintings, Sambalpuri weaving, Dokra metal craft and stone carvings
Tourism
Odisha is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and world-famous attractions:
- Jagannath Temple, Puri — One of the four sacred dhams of Hinduism and home to the famous annual Rath Yatra chariot festival
- Konark Sun Temple — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of medieval Indian temple architecture
- Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar — One of the oldest and largest temples in Odisha, dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Chilika Lake — Asia's largest coastal lagoon and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers
- Puri Beach — One of the most popular beach destinations in eastern India
- Simlipal National Park — A tiger reserve and biosphere reserve in the Mayurbhanj district
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves — Ancient Jain cave temples near Bhubaneswar
Culture
Odisha has a rich and ancient cultural heritage. Odissi — one of the eight classical dance forms of India — originated in Odisha and is celebrated for its grace, expressiveness and connection to temple traditions. The state is also known for Chhau dance, a semi-classical martial dance form.
Odia literature has a history spanning over a millennium. The Rath Yatra of Puri is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees every year.
Odisha is home to numerous tribal communities — including the Kondh, Santhal, Gond and Bondha — whose distinct cultures, traditions and art forms contribute to the state's extraordinary cultural diversity.
Education
Odisha has several prominent educational institutions:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar
- National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
- Sambalpur University, Sambalpur
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur
Transport
Odisha has a well-connected transport network:
- Airports — Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar; Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda
- Railways — Odisha is well connected by the Indian Railways network with major junctions at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Rourkela; the East Coast Railway zone is headquartered in Bhubaneswar
- Roads — The state has an extensive network of national and state highways; National Highway 16 connects Bhubaneswar to Kolkata and Chennai
- Ports — Paradip Port is one of the major seaports on India's eastern coast