History of Odisha
Odisha (Odia: ଓଡ଼ିଶା), also called Orissa, is a state in India located on the east coast near the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name for the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE. The modern state of Odisha was established as an Indian province on April 1, 1936, at Kanika Palace in Cuttack, and is primarily populated by Odia speakers.
The beauty of the Indian state of Odisha is well-known around the world, and tourists enjoy visiting this region. Along with the outstanding natural beauty destinations in this geo-location, there are many other iconic things to discover. Most importantly, Odisha’s art, culture, and history captivate tourists and provide great pleasure. Many powerful kings and emperors ruled over this land in the past, leaving a glorious history engraved in gold letters.
Odisha has several popular tourist attractions. Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar are known as the Golden Triangle of Eastern India. Puri, with the Jagannath temple near the sea (famous for the Rath Yatra or Car Festival), and Konark, with the Sun Temple, attract thousands of tourists each year. The Jagannath Temple of Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, the Lingaraj Temple, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, the Dhauligiri of Bhubaneshwar, Ashoka’s famous Rock Edict at Jaugada near Berhampur, and the Barabati Fort of Cuttack are all significant sites in India’s archaeological history.
The Great History of Odisha (Kalinga): A Kingdom of Fighters
In the past, Odisha was known by various names, including Utkal, Kalinga, Mahakantara, Orda, and Oddiyana. Odisha’s human history begins in the Lower Paleolithic era, with Acheulian tools from that period discovered in various locations throughout the state. Various dynasties, including the Mahameghavahana Dynasty, Eastern Ganga Dynasty, Gajapati Dynasty, Bhoi Dynasty, and others, ruled over Odisha and embellished its history with jewels.
A glimpse at the Brave People and History of the State of Odisha.
Great king Kharavela, the third ruler of the Mahameghavahana dynasty in Kalinga in the first century BCE, raises the kingdom’s glory to its pinnacle in the 13th year of his reign. Kharavela begins his reign by repairing the gates and ramparts of his capital, Kalinganagari, before focusing on his kingdom’s people’s wealth, expanding the army, and improving the kingdom’s reputation. He also highlighted the importance of art and culture. The majority of the information about Kharavela is found in the Hathigumpha inscription in Udayagiri, near Bhubaneswar.
During the ruling period of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, many beautiful temples and places were created by great kings. The most important temples built by these rulers are Jagannath Temple Puri, Sun Temple Konark, etc. They also created many other beautiful temples.
The Decade Rule of Colonial Era in Odisha
Odisha’s Colonial era lasted from 1600 to 1803. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to come to Odisha to build factories and start businesses. The British and other Europeans primarily focus on the cotton trade in Odisha, as well as the beautiful handcrafted art pieces.
Odisha was granted the status of a separate province on April 1, 1936. This day was celebrated as Odisha Day or Utkala Dibasa throughout the state. Initially, there were only six districts: Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Ganjam, Koraput, and Sambalpur, but now there are thirty.