Odisha

Odisha is a state in eastern India, along the Bay of Bengal. It is bordered by West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the northwest, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south, with a long coastline. The state capital is Bhubaneswar, and other major urban centers include Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Puri. Odisha covers about 155,700 square kilometers and had a population of about 41 million as of the 2011 census; more recent estimates place the population higher.

Historically known as Kalinga, Odisha rose to prominence in ancient and medieval India. The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE) led to Mauryan emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. The region later formed part of various empires and dynasties. In 1936, it became a separate province of British India; it was named Orissa for much of the 20th century and Odisha in 2011, aligning with the state government spelling standard.

Odisha has a distinct cultural and linguistic identity. The Odia language is official and widely spoken. The state is known for Odissi, one of India’s classical dances, and for temples such as the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The annual Rath Yatra in Puri attracts visitors from across the country. It is also noted for crafts such as Pattachitra painting and appliqué work.

Economically, Odisha is rich in minerals, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, and limestone. It has growing heavy industry, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Paradip Port serves as a major trade gateway, and the state hosts industrial corridors around Bhubaneswar–Cuttack, Angul, and Rourkela. Protected areas such as Bhitarkanika and Simlipal National Parks preserve biodiversity.

Odisha is divided into 30 districts. It hosts several higher education institutions, including IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, and AIIMS Bhubaneswar, contributing to education and research and supporting a culture that blends maritime heritage with diverse landscapes and arts.