Odisha: Cultural Gem, Vibrant History and Flourishing Future

Located in Eastern India, Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is the eighth-largest state by area and the eleventh-largest by population, with over 41 million inhabitants.

It shares borders with Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, boasting a coastline of 485 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal. 

Odisha's rich history dates back to the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which was invaded by Emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE, leading to the famous Kalinga War.

Modern Odisha was established on April 1, 1936, with Cuttack as its capital until 1948, when it was succeeded by Bhubaneswar. With a thriving economy ranked 16th in India, Odisha is a land of cultural heritage and economic growth. 

In this article, we will explore more about Odisha, its culture, history, economic landscape and more.

Historical Overview

The origin of the name "Odisha" has its roots in the ancient term "Odda Visaya" or "Udra Bibhasha," as evidenced in historical inscriptions. In 2011, the English and Hindi renderings of Odisha were officially changed from "Orissa" to "Odisha," along with the language name from "Oriya" to "Odia." 

Odisha's history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early human settlements discovered through archaeological findings. Texts like the Mahabharata and Vayu Purana refer to Kalinga, an ancient kingdom situated in the region.

The region witnessed significant events such as the Kalinga War, during which Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, embraced Buddhism after the war's devastation. 

Over centuries, Odisha saw the rule of various dynasties, including the Somavamsi and Eastern Ganga, contributing to the region's cultural and architectural heritage with landmarks like the Lingaraj and Konark temples.

During British rule, it experienced famines and socio-political movements like the Utkal Sammilani, advocating for linguistic unity. On 1 April 1936, Odisha emerged as a separate province based on linguistic identity. Following independence, princely states merged with Odisha, leading to its present-day formation.

Odisha’s Diverse Geography

Odisha, spanning 155,707 km2 between latitudes 17.780N and 22.730N, and longitudes 81.37E and 87.53E, boasts a 450 km coastline, covering 4.87% of India's total area.

Its diverse geography includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, plateaus, and rolling uplands. Within its borders, the state boasts the picturesque Chilika Lake and the majestic Deomali Peak, towering at 1,672 meters in Koraput district.

The state experiences four distinct seasons: winter, pre-monsoon, southwest monsoon, and northeast monsoon, with temperatures and rainfall varying across the region.

Biodiversity thrives in the state's diverse habitats, including forests, plateaus, and coastal areas. Odisha's forests, covering 31.41% of its area, face challenges from deforestation and urbanisation, though conservation efforts persist. 

The state boasts unique ecosystems, such as evergreen forests harbouring over 130 species of orchids and diverse tree species, including Sal trees and bamboo. These forests provide habitats for diverse wildlife and contribute to the state's rich biodiversity.

Protected wildlife areas like Simlipal National Park and Bhitarkanika National Park are home to the Bengal tiger, elephants, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.

Chilika Lake, a brackish water lagoon, attracts migratory birds in winter and hosts endangered species like the Irrawaddy dolphin. Satapada, near Chilika Lake, offers dolphin-watching opportunities, adding to Odisha's rich natural heritage.

Governance and Administration

Odisha operates under a parliamentary system of government, with prominent political parties including the Biju Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party.

Naveen Patnaik, representing the Biju Janata Dal, has held the position of Chief Minister since 2000. The state legislature comprises 147 elected members and functions as a unicameral body.

The administrative setup of Odisha is organised into 30 districts, which are further grouped into three revenue divisions: North, Central, and South.

Each division encompasses ten districts and is overseen by a Revenue Divisional Commissioner. Local governance is decentralised, with collectors and district magistrates supervising district-level administration and panchayats managing rural affairs.

Bhubaneswar, serving as both the capital and largest city, is accompanied by other significant urban centres like Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur, and Sambalpur. Urban governance is handled by municipalities and corporations across various cities and towns throughout Odisha.

Economic Landscape

Odisha's economy is thriving, especially post-Covid, surpassing the national average in GDP growth. Bhubaneswar, the capital, leads the Smart Cities initiative, attracting substantial funding.

The state’s strategic coastal location, coupled with its abundance of natural resources, has garnered significant interest from foreign investors, particularly in sectors such as steel, power, petrochemicals, and IT.

Notable projects include the Rourkela Steel Plant and upcoming ventures from global giants like Arcelor-Mittal, Nippon Steel Corporation, and Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Company.

Moreover, Odisha ranked as the second top domestic investment destination in 2009, with a diverse range of sectors witnessing significant inflows. 

The recent Make in Odisha Conclave 2022 further solidified the state's economic prospects, with investment proposals totalling a staggering 10.5 trillion, promising employment opportunities for over a million people. With this momentum, Odisha aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

Odisha's Transportation Infrastructure

Odisha boasts a well-developed transportation network comprising roads, railways, airports, and seaports. Bhubaneswar serves as a pivotal hub, seamlessly connecting with the rest of India via air, rail, and road.

The government has ambitious plans for transportation, including a Mega Metro Rail Project linking Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack.

Additionally, a new expressway is being developed to connect the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar with the proposed Shri Jagannath International Airport in Puri. 

The state currently operates three airports, including the recently operational Rourkela Airport, and plans to expand further. For maritime trade, Odisha's coastline hosts major ports like Paradip and minor ports such as Dhamara and Gopalpur.

The railway network, managed primarily by the East Coast Railway, ensures seamless connectivity between Odisha's major cities and the rest of the country, facilitating both daily and weekly train services.

Diverse Demographics

Odisha, with a population of 41,974,218 as per the 2011 census, exhibits a slight male majority at 50.54%. The literacy rate stands at 73%, revealing notable gender disparities, with 82% of males and 64% of females being literate.

Nonetheless, the state has made significant strides in poverty reduction, witnessing a substantial decline from 57.15% in 2004–2005 to 32.6% at present.

The average life expectancy in Odisha is 61.64 years, with a birth rate of 23.2 per 1,000 people and a death rate of 9.1 per 1,000 people annually. As of 2018, the state's Human Development Index stands at 0.606. In terms of religion, Hinduism holds the majority, constituting approximately 94% of the population, while Christians make up 2.8%.

Odia serves as the official language, spoken by 82.70% of the populace, alongside various dialects like Sambalpuri and Cuttacki. Furthermore, Odisha is home to diverse tribal communities, each with its own distinct language. However, many of these languages face the risk of extinction due to increased interaction with outsiders and migration.

Education and Sports Landscape

Odisha boasts a diverse array of educational institutions, ranging from prestigious universities to specialised institutes.

Some notable ones include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the Indian Institute of Technology in Bhubaneswar, as well as the National Institute of Technology in Rourkela.

Entry into these institutes, particularly for engineering degrees, is through the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination. For medical courses, the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test is applicable. 

Moreover, Odisha has made significant strides in sports, hosting major international events like the Men's Hockey World Cup in 2018 and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2022.

The state features top-notch sports stadiums like the Kalinga Stadium and the Barabati Stadium, along with High-Performance Centres aimed at nurturing talent and promoting various sports disciplines.

Cultural Tapestry

Odisha's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its diverse cuisine and vibrant dance forms. The kitchen of the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, known as the largest in the world, serves thousands daily with its traditional cooking methods.

Pahala rasagola, a syrupy dessert, and Chhenapoda, a sweet delicacy originating from Nayagarh, are iconic dishes of Odisha. The state's culinary prowess is further highlighted by dishes like Dalma, a delectable mix of dal and vegetables. 

In addition to its culinary delights, Odisha is renowned for its classical dance form, Odissi. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, Odissi is one of India's oldest dance forms, cherished for its grace and beauty. Alongside Odissi, other traditional dances like Ghumura, Chhau, and Gotipua showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Odisha.

Must Visit Tourist Destinations

Odisha, a state full of tourist attractions, has something for everyone planning to visit. The state boasts magnificent temples such as the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar and the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

From the architectural marvels of the Konark Sun Temple to the spiritual sanctuaries of Maa Sarala and Maa Tarini, Odisha offers a vast array of experiences.

For nature lovers, Bhitarkanika's mangroves and the bird sanctuary of Chilika Lake are must-visit destinations. Hill stations like Daringbadi and calm beaches like Chandipur beckon travellers seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty. The Hirakud Dam and Samaleswari Temple stand as testaments to engineering and cultural brilliance.

In the southern region, revered sites like Taratarini Temple and the majestic Deomali Peak captivate visitors. Despite its abundant offerings, Odisha's share of foreign tourist arrivals remains relatively modest, underscoring the untapped potential of this gem in eastern India.