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Odisha GK

Nov 02, 2025

1. Basic Overview

  • Formation:  April 1, 1936 (as a separate province); it became the first state of India to be formed on a linguistic basis.

  • Capital:  Bhubaneswar (The "Temple City of India")

  • Official Language:  Odia

  • Statehood Day:  Utkala Dibasa (Odisha Day) -  April 1

  • Chief Minister:  Mohan Charan Majhi (As of June 2024)

  • Governor:  Raghubar Das (As of June 2024)

2. Geography

  • Location:  Eastern coast of India.

  • Area:  155,707 sq. km (9th largest state in India).

  • Coastline:  485 km along the Bay of Bengal.

  • Neighboring States:  West Bengal to the north-east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south.

  • Major Rivers:

    • Mahanadi (The "Lifeline of Odisha")

    • Brahmani

    • Baitarani

    • Subarnarekha

    • Rushikulya

  • Forest Cover:  Significant forest area, known for rich biodiversity.

  • Important Mountains & Hills:

    • Deomali (in the Eastern Ghats) - Highest peak in Odisha (1,672 meters).

    • Simlipal Mountain Range (a part of the Eastern Ghats).

    • Mahendragiri.

3. History & Ancient Kingdoms

  • Ancient Names:  Kalinga, Utkala, Odra, Kosala.

  • Kalinga War (261 BCE):  Fought between Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire and the state of Kalinga. The massive bloodshed transformed Ashoka, who embraced Buddhism and non-violence.

  • Famous Rulers & Dynasties:

    • Mahameghavahana Dynasty:  King Kharavela (c. 1st century BCE) was a powerful ruler known from the Hathigumpha inscription.

    • Eastern Ganga Dynasty:  Built the world-famous  Konark Sun Temple .

    • Gajapati Empire:  Kapilendra Deva and Prataparudra Deva were notable rulers who built a vast empire.

  • Freedom Fighters from Odisha:

    • Buxi Jagabandhu  - Led the Paika Bidroha (Rebellion) of 1817.

    • Chakhi Khuntia

    • Bira Surendra Sai

    • Madhusudan Das  (The "Madhu Babu") - A prominent lawyer and social reformer.

    • Gopabandhu Das  - A social worker and freedom fighter.

4. Culture & Heritage

  • Classical Dance:   Odissi  - One of the eight classical dance forms of India, known for its fluid movements and sculpturesque poses.

  • Music:  Odissi music is a classical tradition. Folk music like  Pala, Daskathia , and  Sambalpuri  songs are also very popular.

  • Art & Craft:

    • Pattachitra:  A traditional cloth-based scroll painting.

    • Sambalpuri Ikat  (Bandha): A unique tie-dye art used for sarees and fabrics.

    • Silver Filigree Work  (Tarakasi): Intricate silver wire artwork from Cuttack.

    • Stone & Wood Carving:  Famous in Puri and other temple towns.

  • Cuisine:

    • Pakhal Bhat:  Fermented rice, a staple summer food.

    • Chhena Poda:  A classic dessert made from caramelized cheese.

    • Rasagola:  Odisha's claim to the origin of the famous sweet (distinct from the Bengali variant).

    • Dalma:  A dish made of dal and vegetables.

    • Seafood:  A variety of fresh fish and prawn curries.

5. Economy & Industries

  • Minerals:  Odisha is the mineral hub of India. It is the largest producer of  Chromite, Graphite, Bauxite, and Manganese .

  • Steel:  Home to major steel plants like Rourkela Steel Plant (SAIL), Tata Steel in Kalinganagar, and Jindal Steel & Power.

  • IT & Services:  Bhubaneswar is a growing IT hub.

  • Agriculture:  Major crops are Rice, Pulses, Oilseeds, Jute, and Coconut.

  • Handloom:  The Sambalpuri and Ikkat sarees are a major handloom export.

6. Tourism & Famous Places

  • The Golden Triangle:

    1. Bhubaneswar:  Temples like Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, and modern infrastructure.

    2. Puri:  Famous for  Jagannath Temple  and its annual  Rath Yatra  (Chariot Festival). The Puri Beach is a major attraction.

    3. Konark:  The  Sun Temple , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shaped like a colossal chariot.

  • Wildlife Sanctuaries:

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