Odisha#Etymology

{{See also|History of Odisha#Historical names of Odisha}}

The terms Odisha and Orissa ({{Langx|or|ଓଡ଼ିଶା}}, Oṛissa) derive from the ancient Prakrit word "Odda Visaya" (also "Udra Bibhasha" or "Odra Bibhasha") as in the Tirumalai inscription of Rajendra Chola I, which is dated to 1025.{{cite book|last1=Patel|first1=C.B|title=Origin and Evolution of the Name ODISA|date=April 2010|publisher=I&PR Department, Government of Odisha|location=Bhubaneswar|pages=28, 29, 30|url=http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2010/April/engpdf/28-30.pdf|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619163833/http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2010/April/engpdf/28-30.pdf|archive-date=19 June 2015|url-status=dead}} Sarala Das, who translated the Mahabharata into the Odia language in the 15th century, calls the region 'Odra Rashtra' as Odisha. The inscriptions of Kapilendra Deva of the Gajapati Kingdom (1435–67) on the walls of temples in Puri call the region Odisha or Odisha Rajya.{{cite book|author=Pritish Acharya|title=National Movement and Politics in Orissa, 1920–1929|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LoaHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PR19|access-date=3 February 2015|date=11 March 2008|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-81-321-0001-0|page=19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=LoaHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PR19|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}

In 2011, the English rendering of {{Langx|or|ଓଡ଼ିଶା|label=none}} was changed from "Orissa" to "Odisha", and the name of its language from "Oriya" to "Odia", by the passage of the Orissa (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010 and the Constitution (113th Amendment) Bill, 2010 in the Parliament. The Hindi rendering {{Langx|hi|उड़ीसा|label=none}} ({{transliteration|hi|ISO|uṛīsā}}) was also modified to {{Langx|hi|ओड़िशा|label=none}} ({{transliteration|hi|ISO|or̥iśā}}). After a brief debate, the lower house, Lok Sabha, passed the bill and amendment on 9 November 2010.{{cite news|title=Amid clash, House passes Bills to rename Orissa, its language|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-clash-house-passes-bills-to-rename-orissa-its-language/article876145.ece|access-date=2 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=9 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-clash-house-passes-bills-to-rename-orissa-its-language/article876145.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}} On 24 March 2011, Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, also passed the bill and the amendment.{{cite news|title=Parliament passes bill to change Orissa's name|url=http://www.ndtv.com/bhubaneshwar-news/parliament-passes-bill-to-change-orissas-name-451027|access-date=2 February 2015|publisher=NDTV|date=24 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203144151/http://www.ndtv.com/bhubaneshwar-news/parliament-passes-bill-to-change-orissas-name-451027|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=live}} The changes in spelling were made with the intention of having the English and Hindi renditions conform to the Odia transliteration.{{cite news|title=Orissa wants to change its name to Odisha|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/10orissa.htm|access-date=23 June 2020|work=Rediff.com|date=10 June 2008|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125022611/https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/10orissa.htm|url-status=live}} However, the underlying Odia texts were nevertheless transliterated incorrectly as per the Hunterian system, the official national transliteration standard, in which the transliterations would be {{transliteration|or|hunterian|Orisha}} and {{transliteration|or|hunterian|Oria}} instead.

{{Main|History of Odisha|Historic sites in Odisha}}

File:The Specific Angel of Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar.jpg built by the Somavanshi king Jajati Keshari]]

Prehistoric Acheulian tools dating to Lower Paleolithic era have been discovered in various places in the region, implying an early settlement by humans.{{cite book|title=An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology|year=1990|publisher=BRILL|page=24|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wba-EZhZcfgC&q=Acheulian%20orissa&pg=PA25|author=Amalananda Ghosh|isbn=9004092641|access-date=29 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=Wba-EZhZcfgC&lpg=PA25&ots=zRfcBno4vb&dq=Acheulian%20orissa&pg=PA25#v=onepage&q=Acheulian%20orissa&f=false|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Kalinga has been mentioned in ancient texts like Mahabharata, Vayu Purana and Mahagovinda Suttanta.{{cite book|title=An Introduction to Epic Philosophy: Epic Period, History, Literature, Pantheon, Philosophy, Traditions, and Mythology, Volume 3|year=2004|publisher=Genesis Publishing|page=784|isbn=9788177558814|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uwHj-Z-dMcsC&q=Srutayudha&pg=PA784|editor=Subodh Kapoor|access-date=10 November 2012|quote=Finally Srutayudha, a valiant hero, was son Varuna and of the river Parnasa.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=uwHj-Z-dMcsC&lpg=PA784&dq=Srutayudha&pg=PA784|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite book|title=Cultural History from the Vāyu Purāna|year=1946|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Pub.|page=46|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jmnm-smZm6oC&q=bali%20sudesna&pg=PA46|author=Devendrakumar Rajaram Patil|isbn=9788120820852|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=Jmnm-smZm6oC&lpg=PA46&dq=bali%20sudesna&pg=PA46#v=onepage&q=bali%20sudesna&f=false|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}

According to political scientist Sudama Misra, the Kalinga janapada originally comprised the area covered by the Puri and Ganjam districts.Sudama Misra (1973). Janapada state in ancient India. Bhāratīya Vidyā Prakāśana. p. 78. The Sabar people of Odisha have also been mentioned in the Mahabharata.{{cite web|title=Dance bow (1965.3.5)|url=http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/index.php/tour-by-region/asia/asia/arms-and-armour-asia-141/index.html|publisher=Pitt Rivers Museum|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202160400/http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/index.php/tour-by-region/asia/asia/arms-and-armour-asia-141/index.html|archive-date=2 February 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite book|author=Rabindra Nath Pati|title=Family Planning|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5seKkk3GkIC&pg=PA97|access-date=2 February 2015|date=1 January 2008|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=978-81-313-0352-8|page=97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=_5seKkk3GkIC&pg=PA97|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Baudhayana mentions Kalinga as not yet being influenced by Vedic traditions, implying it followed mostly tribal traditions.{{cite book|author=Suhas Chatterjee|title=Indian Civilization And Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KItocaxbibUC&pg=PA68|access-date=11 February 2013|date=1 January 1998|publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=978-81-7533-083-2|page=68|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515091723/http://books.google.com/books?id=KItocaxbibUC&pg=PA68|archive-date=15 May 2013|url-status=live}}

File:Hathigumpha.JPG on the Udayagiri Hills built in {{Circa|{{BCE|150}}}}]]

File:Shanti Stupa, Dhauli 01.jpg is the location where Kalinga War was fought in {{Circa|{{BCE|260}}}}]]

Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty conquered Kalinga in the bloody Kalinga War in 261 BCE,{{cite book|title=A History of India|year=2004|publisher=Routledge|page=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPVq3ykHyH4C&q=ashoka%20261%20BC%20history&pg=PA66|author=Hermann Kulke|author2=Dietmar Rothermund|isbn=9780415329194|access-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=TPVq3ykHyH4C&lpg=PA66&dq=ashoka%20261%20BC%20history&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q=ashoka%20261%20BC%20history&f=false|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} which was the eighth year of his reign.{{cite book|author=Mookerji Radhakumud|title=Asoka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uXyftdtE1ygC&pg=PA214|access-date=6 August 2015|year=1995|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-0582-8|page=214|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=uXyftdtE1ygC&pg=PA214|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} According to his own edicts, in that war about 100,000 people were killed, 150,000 were captured and more were affected. The resulting bloodshed and suffering of the war is said to have deeply affected Ashoka. He turned into a pacifist and converted to Buddhism.{{cite book|author=Sailendra Nath Sen|title=Ancient Indian History and Civilization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&pg=PA153|access-date=6 August 2015|date=1 January 1999|publisher=New Age International|isbn=978-81-224-1198-0|page=153|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&pg=PA153|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}

By c. 150 BCE, Emperor Kharavela, who was possibly a contemporary of Demetrius I of Bactria,{{cite book|author=Austin Patrick Olivelle Alma Cowden Madden Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts University of Texas|title=Between the Empires : Society in India 300 BCE to 400 CE: Society in India 300 BCE to 400 CE|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=efaOR_-YsIcC&pg=PA78|access-date=3 February 2015|date=19 June 2006|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-977507-1|page=78|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=efaOR_-YsIcC&pg=PA78|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} conquered a major part of the Indian sub-continent. Kharavela was a Jain ruler. He also built the monastery atop the Udayagiri hill.{{cite book|author=Reddy|title=Indian Hist (Opt)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CeEmpfmbxKEC&pg=SL1-PA253|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 December 2006|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-063577-7|page=A254|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=CeEmpfmbxKEC&pg=SL1-PA253|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Subsequently, the region was ruled by monarchs, such as Samudragupta{{cite book|title=Indian History|year = 1988|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MazdaWXQFuQC&pg=PA74|access-date=3 February 2015|publisher=Allied Publishers|isbn=978-81-8424-568-4|page=74|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=MazdaWXQFuQC&pg=PA74|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} and Shashanka.{{cite book|author=Ronald M. Davidson|title=Indian Esoteric Buddhism: A Social History of the Tantric Movement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwyeIyWTlEMC&pg=PT60|access-date=3 February 2015|date=13 August 2013|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-50102-6|page=60|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=nwyeIyWTlEMC&pg=PT60|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} It was also a part of Harsha's empire.{{cite book|author=R. C. Majumdar|title=Outline of the History of Kalinga|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LNCcpkqesJ0C&pg=PA28|access-date=3 February 2015|year=1996|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-1194-8|page=28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=LNCcpkqesJ0C&pg=PA28|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}

The city of Brahmapur in Odisha is also known to have been the capital of the Pauravas during the closing years of 4th century CE. Nothing was heard from the Pauravas from about the 3rd century CE, because they were annexed by the Yaudheya Republic, who in turn submitted to the Mauryans. It was only at the end of 4th century CE, that they established royalty at Brahmapur, after about 700 years.

Later, the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty began to unite the region. By the reign of Yayati II, c. 1025 CE, they had integrated the region into a single kingdom. Yayati II is supposed to have built the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar. They were replaced by the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Notable rulers of the dynasty were Anantavarman Chodaganga, who began reconstruction on the present-day Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri (c. 1135), and Narasimhadeva I, who constructed the Konark temple (c. 1250).{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=87k0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT559|access-date=3 February 2015|date=18 April 2014|publisher=Penguin Books Limited|isbn=978-81-8475-396-7|page=559|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=87k0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT559|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite book|title=Indian History| year=1960 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X4j7Nf_MU24C&pg=SL2-PA3|access-date=3 May 2013|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-132923-1|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101141813/http://books.google.com/books?id=X4j7Nf_MU24C&pg=SL2-PA3|archive-date=1 January 2014|url-status=live}}

The Eastern Ganga Dynasty was followed by the Gajapati Kingdom. The region resisted integration into the Mughal empire until 1568, when it was conquered by Sultanate of Bengal.{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-93-80607-34-4 |pages=121–122}} Mukunda Deva, who is considered the last independent king of Kalinga, was defeated and was killed in battle by a rebel Ramachandra Bhanja. Ramachandra Bhanja himself was killed by Bayazid Khan Karrani.{{cite book|title=Orissa General Knowledge|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMCbjkhA_ncC&pg=PA27|access-date=3 February 2015|publisher=Bright Publications|isbn=978-81-7199-574-5|page=27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=hMCbjkhA_ncC&pg=PA27|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} In 1591, Man Singh I, then governor of Bihar, led an army to take Odisha from the Karranis of Bengal. They agreed to treaty because their leader Qutlu Khan Lohani had recently died. But they then broke the treaty by attacking the temple town of Puri. Man Singh returned in 1592 and pacified the region.{{cite book|author=L.S.S. O'Malley|title=Bengal District Gazetteer : Puri|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwD0-YV2LCYC&pg=PA33|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 2007|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-7268-138-8|page=33|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=pwD0-YV2LCYC&pg=PA33|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}

In 1751, the Nawab of Bengal Alivardi Khan ceded the region to the Maratha Empire.

The British had occupied the Northern Circars, comprising the southern coast of Odisha, as a result of the Second Carnatic War by 1760, and incorporated them into the Madras Presidency gradually.{{cite book|author=Sailendra Nath Sen|title=An Advanced History of Modern India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bXWiACEwPR8C&pg=PA9|access-date=3 February 2015|year=2010|publisher=Macmillan India|isbn=978-0-230-32885-3|page=32|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=bXWiACEwPR8C&pg=PA9|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} In 1803, the British ousted the Marathas from the Puri-Cuttack region of Odisha during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The northern and western districts of Odisha were incorporated into the Bengal Presidency.{{cite book|last=Devi|first=Bandita|title=Some Aspects of British Administration in Orissa, 1912–1936|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA14|date=January 1992|publisher=Academic Foundation|isbn=978-81-7188-072-0|page=14|access-date=5 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221202033/https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA14|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}}

The Orissa famine of 1866 caused an estimated 1 million deaths.{{cite book|author=William A. Dando|title=Food and Famine in the 21st Century [2 volumes]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4cat-5-NeIC&pg=RA1-PA47|access-date=3 February 2015|date=13 February 2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-731-4|page=47|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=R4cat-5-NeIC&pg=RA1-PA47|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Following this, large-scale irrigation projects were undertaken.{{cite book|author1=J. K. Samal|author2=Pradip Kumar Nayak|title=Makers of Modern Orissa: Contributions of Some Leading Personalities of Orissa in the 2nd Half of the 19th Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ewpJNpCLJgC&pg=PA32|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 1996|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-322-9|page=32|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=3ewpJNpCLJgC&pg=PA32|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} In 1903, the Utkal Sammilani organisation was founded to demand the unification of Odia-speaking regions into one state.{{cite book|author=K.S. Padhy|title=Indian Political Thought|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZVopB0GNPQC&pg=PA287|access-date=3 February 2015|date=30 July 2011|publisher=PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=978-81-203-4305-4|page=287|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=sZVopB0GNPQC&pg=PA287|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} On 1 April 1912, the Bihar and Orissa Province was formed.{{cite book|author=Usha Jha|title=Land, Labour, and Power: Agrarian Crisis and the State in Bihar (1937–52)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lHAMkZGI_OoC&pg=PA246|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 2003|publisher=Aakar Books|isbn=978-81-87879-07-7|page=246|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=lHAMkZGI_OoC&pg=PA246|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} On 1 April 1936, Bihar and Orissa were split into separate provinces.{{cite book|author=Bandita Devi|title=Some Aspects of British Administration in Orissa, 1912–1936|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA214|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 1992|publisher=Academic Foundation|isbn=978-81-7188-072-0|page=214|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA214|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} The new province of Orissa came into existence on a linguistic basis during the British rule in India, with Sir John Austen Hubback as the first governor.{{cite news|title=Hubback's memoirs: First Governor Of State Reserved Tone Of Mild Contempt For Indians|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101129/jsp/orissa/story_13234116.jsp|access-date=3 February 2015|work=The Telegraph|date=29 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204200041/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101129/jsp/orissa/story_13234116.jsp|archive-date=4 February 2015|url-status=dead}} Following India's independence, on 15 August 1947, 27 princely states signed the document to join Orissa.{{cite book|author=B. Krishna|title=India's Bismarck, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sLr7z6gNcV0C&pg=PA243|access-date=3 February 2015|year=2007|publisher=Indus Source|isbn=978-81-88569-14-4|pages=243–244|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=sLr7z6gNcV0C&pg=PA243|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Most of the Orissa Tributary States, a group of princely states, acceded to Orissa in 1948, after the collapse of the Eastern States Union.{{Cite web|title=Merger of the Princely States of Odisha – History of Odisha|date=5 April 2018|url=https://www.historyofodisha.in/merger-of-the-princely-states-of-odisha/|language=en-US|access-date=12 May 2020|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929021821/https://www.historyofodisha.in/merger-of-the-princely-states-of-odisha/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Geography of Odisha}}

File:Chahata near mahanadi river.jpg river near Cuttack]]

Odisha lies between the latitudes 17.780N and 22.730N, and between longitudes 81.37E and 87.53E. The state has an area of 155,707 km², which is 4.87% of total area of India, and a coastline of 450 km.{{cite web|title=Geography of Odisha|url=http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/state_uts.php?id=81|website=Know India|publisher=Government of India|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204220248/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/state_uts.php?id=81|archive-date=4 February 2015|url-status=live}} In the eastern part of the state lies the coastal plain. It extends from the Subarnarekha River in the north to the Rushikulya River in the south. The lake Chilika is part of the coastal plains. The plains are rich in fertile silt deposited by the six major rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal: Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, and Rushikulya. The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), a Food and Agriculture Organization-recognised rice gene bank and research institute, is situated on the banks of Mahanadi in Cuttack.{{cite web|title=Cuttack |url=http://odisha.gov.in/ |publisher=Government of Odisha |access-date=6 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206115854/http://odisha.gov.in//portal/ViewDetails.asp?vchglinkid=GL010&vchplinkid=PL066&vchslinkid=SL050 |archive-date=6 December 2012 }} The stretch between Puri and Bhadrak in Odisha juts out a little into the sea, making it vulnerable to any cyclonic activity.{{cite journal |last1=Dasgupta |first1=Alakananda |last2=Priyadarshini |first2=Subhra |title=Why Odisha is a sitting duck for extreme cyclones |journal=Nature India |date=29 May 2019 |doi=10.1038/nindia.2019.69 |doi-broken-date=1 June 2025 |url=https://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2019.69 |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805184844/https://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2019.69 |url-status=live }}

File:Mahanadi-river-delta.jpg river delta]]

Three-quarters of the state is covered in mountain ranges. Deep and broad valleys have been made in them by rivers. These valleys have fertile soil and are densely populated. Odisha also has plateaus and rolling uplands, which have lower elevation than the plateaus. The highest point in the state is Deomali at 1,672 metres in Koraput district. Some other high peaks are: Sinkaram (1,620 m), Golikoda (1,617 m), and Yendrika (1,582 metres).

The state experiences four meteorological seasons: winter (January to February), pre-monsoon season (March to May), south-west monsoon season (June to September) and north east monsoon season (October–December). However, locally the year is divided into six traditional seasons (or rutus): Grishma (summer), Barsha (rainy season), Sharata (autumn), Hemanta (dewy),Sheeta(winter season) and Basanta (spring).

{{Main|Flora and fauna of Odisha|Forests in Odisha}}

According to a Forest Survey of India report released in 2012, Odisha has 48,903 km² of wild forest, covering 31.41% of the state's total area. The forests are classified into areas of dense forest (7,060 km²), medium dense forest (21,366 km²), open forest (forest without closed canopy; 20,477 km²) and scrub forest or scrubland (4,734 km²). The state also has bamboo forests (10,518 km²) and tidal areas of mangrove swamp (221 km²). The state is gradually losing its wilderness areas to timber smuggling, deforestation, destructive mining, and general urban industrialisation, as well as livestock grazing. There have been attempts at conservation and reforestation.{{cite news|title=Study shows Odisha forest cover shrinking|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Study-shows-Odisha-forest-cover-shrinking/articleshow/11904659.cms|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Times of India|date=16 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Study-shows-Odisha-forest-cover-shrinking/articleshow/11904659.cms|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}

Due to the climate and good rainfall, Odisha's evergreen and moist forests are uniquely suitable habitats for wild orchids. Around 130 species have been reported from the state.{{cite book|title=Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-D1RR7A3HfUC&pg=PA116|access-date=5 February 2015|date=1 January 2007|publisher=New India Publishing|isbn=978-81-89422-60-8|page=116|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=-D1RR7A3HfUC&pg=PA116|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Around 97 of them are found in Mayurbhanj district alone. The Orchid House of the Nandankanan Zoological Park maintains some of these species.{{cite news|title=Orchid House a haven for nature lovers|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100823/jsp/orissa/story_12842681.jsp|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Telegraph|date=23 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205133023/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100823/jsp/orissa/story_12842681.jsp|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}}

Simlipal National Park is a protected wildlife area and Bengal tiger reserve spread over 2,750 km² of the northern part of Mayurbhanj district. The park has around 1,078 species of plants, including 94 of the aforementioned orchids. The sal is the primary tree species. For fauna, the park is home to around 55 species of mammal, including the Bengal tiger, chital, chousingha, common langur, gaur, Indian elephant, Indian giant squirrel, jungle cat, leopard, muntjac, sambar, small Indian civet and wild boar. There are over 300 species of birds in the park, such as the common hill myna, as well as grey, Indian pied and Malabar pied hornbills. There are also some 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the famed king cobra, plus banded krait and tricarinate hill turtle. There is also a mugger crocodile breeding programme in nearby Ramtirtha.{{cite web|title=Similipal Tiger Reserve|url=http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/critical_regions/national_parks_tiger_reserves/similipal_tiger_reserve/|website=World Wide Fund for Nature, India|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205152048/http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/critical_regions/national_parks_tiger_reserves/similipal_tiger_reserve/|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live}}

The Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary is a 190 km² protected area near the capital city, Bhubaneswar. However, urban expansion and over-grazing have reduced the forests, driving the herds of elephants to migrate away, as well as increasing human-elephant conflicts—which sometimes results in injury and death (on both sides). Some elephants have died in conflicts with villagers, while some have died during migration after being accidentally electrocuted by power lines or even hit by trains. Outside the protected area, they are killed by ivory poachers. In 2002, there were about 80 elephants, but by 2012, their numbers had been reduced to 20. Many of the animals have migrated toward the Barbara Reserve forest, Chilika, Nayagarh district, and Athagad.{{cite news|title=Banished from their homes|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/52316-banished-from-their-homes.html|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Pioneer|date=29 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904034144/http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/52316-banished-from-their-homes.html|archive-date=4 September 2012}}{{cite news|title=Away from home, Chandaka elephants face a wipeout|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Away-from-home-Chandaka-elephants-face-a-wipeout/2013/08/23/article1747976.ece|work=The New Indian Express|date=23 August 2013|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205151829/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Away-from-home-Chandaka-elephants-face-a-wipeout/2013/08/23/article1747976.ece|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}} Besides elephants, the sanctuary also has leopards, jungle cats and herds of chital.{{cite book|author=Sharad Singh Negi|title=Biodiversity and Its Conservation in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PjfVFGM4p6wC&pg=PA242|access-date=5 February 2015|date=1 January 1993|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-85182-88-9|page=242|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=PjfVFGM4p6wC&pg=PA242|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}

The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district covers 650 km², of which 150 km² are mangroves. Gahirmatha Beach, in Bhitarkanika, is the world's largest nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles.{{cite book|author=Venkatesh Salagrama|title=Trends in Poverty and Livelihoods in Coastal Fishing Communities of Orissa State, India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3m6XG0WippUC&pg=PA16|access-date=5 February 2015|year=2006|publisher=Food & Agriculture Org.|isbn=978-92-5-105566-3|pages=16–17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=3m6XG0WippUC&pg=PA16|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} In 2013, the Indian Coast Guard initiated Operation Oliver to protect the endangered sea turtle population of the region.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/coast-guard-launches-operation-oliver/article5392444.ece |title=Coast Guard launches 'Operation Oliver' |newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 November 2013 |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620155343/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/coast-guard-launches-operation-oliver/article5392444.ece |url-status=live }} Other major nesting grounds for the turtle in the state are Rushikulya, in Ganjam district,{{cite news|title=Olive Ridley turtles begin mass nesting|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/olive-ridley-turtles-begin-mass-nesting/article5678344.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=12 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164643/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/olive-ridley-turtles-begin-mass-nesting/article5678344.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}} and the mouth of the Devi river.{{cite news|title=Mass nesting of Olive Ridleys begins at Rushikulya beach|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/15/stories/2004031505150300.htm|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=15 March 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/15/stories/2004031505150300.htm|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead}} The Bhitarkanika sanctuary is also noted for its large population of saltwater crocodiles and Asian water monitors,{{cite web |url= https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=70348&view=species |title= Observations (iNaturalist) Bhitarkanika |website= www.iNaturalist.org |access-date= 20 September 2023 |archive-date= 28 March 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240328171011/https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=70348&view=species |url-status= live }} the second-largest lizard species on earth,{{cite news|title=Bhitarkanika Park to be Closed for Crocodile Census|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bhitarkanika-Park-to-be-Closed-for-Crocodile-Census/2013/12/03/article1925220.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The New Indian Express|date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205162831/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bhitarkanika-Park-to-be-Closed-for-Crocodile-Census/2013/12/03/article1925220.ece|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}} in addition to axis deer and rhesus macaques. The coastal mangrove environments are home to several types of mudskippers, including the barred, Boddart's blue-spotted and great blue-spotted mudskippers.

In winter, Bhitarkanika is also visited by migratory birds. Among the many species, both resident and migratory, are kingfishers (including black-capped, collared and common kingfishers), herons (such as black-crowned night, grey, purple and striated herons), Indian cormorants, openbill storks, Oriental white ibis, pheasant-tailed jacana, sarus cranes, spotted owlets and white-bellied sea-eagles.{{cite news|title=Bird Count Rises in Bhitarkanika|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bird-Count-Rises-in-Bhitarkanika/2014/09/14/article2430718.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The New Indian Express|date=14 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205162754/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bird-Count-Rises-in-Bhitarkanika/2014/09/14/article2430718.ece|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}} The possibly endangered horseshoe crab is also found in this region.{{cite news|title=Concern over dwindling horseshoe crab population|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/concern-over-dwindling-horseshoe-crab-population/article5435987.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/concern-over-dwindling-horseshoe-crab-population/article5435987.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}

Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon on the east coast of Odisha with an area of 1,105 km². It is connected to the Bay of Bengal by a 35-km-long narrow channel and is a part of the Mahanadi delta. In the dry season, the tides bring in salt water. In the rainy season, the rivers falling into the lagoon decrease its salinity.{{cite book|author1=Pushpendra K. Agarwal|author2=Vijay P. Singh|title=Hydrology and Water Resources of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKs1gBhJSWIC&pg=PA984|access-date=5 February 2015|date=16 May 2007|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4020-5180-7|page=984|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKs1gBhJSWIC&pg=PA984|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Birds from places as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal (and other parts of Russia), Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas migrate to the lagoon in winter.{{cite news|title=Number of birds visiting Chilika falls but new species found|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/number-of-birds-visiting-chilika-falls-but-new-species-found/article4288574.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=9 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831173859/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/number-of-birds-visiting-chilika-falls-but-new-species-found/article4288574.ece|archive-date=31 August 2014|url-status=live}} Among the waterfowl and wading birds spotted there are Eurasian wigeon, pintail, bar-headed goose, greylag goose, greater flamingo, common mallard and Goliath heron.{{cite news|title=Chilika registers sharp drop in winged visitors|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/chilika-registers-sharp-drop-in-winged-visitors/article5572489.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=13 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/chilika-registers-sharp-drop-in-winged-visitors/article5572489.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Two new species of migratory birds sighted in Chilika Lake|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/two-new-species-of-migratory-birds-sighted-in-chilika-lake/article4285667.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/two-new-species-of-migratory-birds-sighted-in-chilika-lake/article4285667.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}} The lagoon also has a small population of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.{{cite news|title=Dolphin population on rise in Chilika Lake|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dolphin-population-on-rise-in-chilika-lake/article108981.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The Hindu|date=18 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dolphin-population-on-rise-in-chilika-lake/article108981.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}} The state's coastal region has also had sightings of the rare finless porpoise, as well as the more common bottlenose dolphin, humpback dolphin and spinner dolphins in its waters.{{cite news|title=Maiden Dolphin Census in State's Multiple Places on Cards|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Maiden-Dolphin-Census-in-State%E2%80%99s-Multiple-Places-on-Cards/2015/01/20/article2627780.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=The New Indian Express|date=20 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123131044/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Maiden-Dolphin-Census-in-State%E2%80%99s-Multiple-Places-on-Cards/2015/01/20/article2627780.ece|archive-date=23 January 2015|url-status=dead}}

Satapada is situated close to the northeast cape of Chilika Lake and Bay of Bengal. It is famous for dolphin watching in their natural habitat. There is a tiny island en route for watching dolphins, where tourists often take a short stop. Apart from that, this island is also home for tiny red crabs.{{Cite news |last=Rongmei |first=Precious|title=Empty beaches, dolphins and more at Odisha's Rajhans Island |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/empty-beaches-dolphins-and-more-at-odishas-rajhans-island/articleshow/103656713.cms |access-date=25 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

According to a census conducted in 2016, there are around 2000 elephants in the state.

{{cite web |title=Wildlife Census – Odisha Wildlife Organisation |url=https://www.wildlife.odisha.gov.in/WebPortal/WildlifeCensus.aspx |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819100941/https://www.wildlife.odisha.gov.in/WebPortal/WildlifeCensus.aspx |url-status=dead }}

File:Nandankanan19.jpg|White tiger in the Nandankanan Zoo

File:DSC 0764f.jpg|Irrawaddy dolphins can be found in Chilika

File:Vanda tessellata Orchi 001.jpg|Vanda tessellata, one of the orchids found in Odisha{{cite journal|author1=P.K. Dash|author2=Santilata Sahoo|author3=Subhasisa Bal|title=Ethnobotanical Studies on Orchids of Niyamgiri Hill Ranges, Orissa, India|journal=Ethnobotanical Leaflets|year=2008 |issue=12|pages=70–78|url=http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=ebl&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.co.in%2Fscholar%3Fq%3DOrissa%2BOrchid%26btnG%3D%26hl%3Den%26as_sdt%3D0%252C5#search=%22Orissa%20Orchid%22|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205133643/http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=ebl&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.co.in%2Fscholar%3Fq%3DOrissa%2BOrchid%26btnG%3D%26hl%3Den%26as_sdt%3D0%252C5#search=%22Orissa%20Orchid%22|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

File:Chilika Bhubaneswar.me.jpg|Migratory birds at Chilika Lake

File:Bhitarkanika Mangroves Flora and Fauna 03.JPG|Crocodile in Bhitarkanika National Park

File:ORISSA SECRETARIAT.jpg]]

{{Main|Government of Odisha}}

All states in India are governed by a parliamentary system of government based on universal adult franchise.{{cite book|author1=Chandan Sengupta|author2=Stuart Corbridge|title=Democracy, Development and Decentralisation in India: Continuing Debates|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AXbYAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA8|access-date=15 February 2015|date=28 October 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-19848-9|page=8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=AXbYAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA8|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Our Parliament |website=Lok Sabha |publisher=Government of India |url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/our%20parliament/Our%20Parliament.pdf |access-date=2 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203104729/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/our%20parliament/Our%20Parliament.pdf |archive-date=3 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}

The main parties active in the politics of Odisha are the Biju Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. Following the Odisha State Assembly Election in 2019, the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal stayed in power for the sixth consecutive term until 2024. Currently, BJP , who won for the first time, formed the government after winning the majority in 2024 Odisha Legislative Assembly election. Mohan Charan Majhi is the 17th Chief Minister of Odisha.{{cite web | title=Who is Mohan Charan Majhi? 10 points about BJP's tribal leader | website=mint | date=2024-06-11 | url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/odisha-gets-a-news-cm-after-24-years-who-is-mohan-charan-majhi-5-points-11718111115393.html }}

{{Main|Odisha Legislative Assembly|Vidhan Sabha}}

The Odisha state has a unicameral legislature.{{cite book|author=Ada W. Finifter|author-link1=Ada Finifter|title=Political Science|date=1978 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KFk1K9_yf90C&pg=PA94|access-date=15 February 2015|publisher=FK Publications|isbn=978-81-89597-13-9|page=94|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=KFk1K9_yf90C&pg=PA94|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} The Odisha Legislative Assembly consists of 147 elected members,{{cite news|title=BJD's landslide victory in Odisha, wins 20 of 21 Lok Sabha seats|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bjds-landslide-victory-in-odisha-wins-20-of-21-lok-sabha-seats/472363-3-234.html|access-date=18 March 2015|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908125021/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bjds-landslide-victory-in-odisha-wins-20-of-21-lok-sabha-seats/472363-3-234.html|archive-date=8 September 2014|url-status=dead}} and special office bearers such as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker, or by the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence.{{cite book|author=Rajesh Kumar|title=Universal's Guide to the Constitution of India|date=17 January 2024 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=an78gq3JwzYC&pg=PA110|access-date=18 March 2015|publisher=Universal Law Publishing|isbn=978-93-5035-011-9|pages=107–110|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=an78gq3JwzYC&pg=PA110|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} Executive authority is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, although the titular head of government is the Governor of Odisha. The governor is appointed by the President of India. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly.{{cite book|author1=Ramesh Kumar Arora|author2=Rajni Goyal|title=Indian Public Administration: Institutions and Issues|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nvzcy7o4sgAC&pg=PA205|access-date=18 March 2015|year=1995|publisher=New Age International|isbn=978-81-7328-068-9|pages=205–207|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=nvzcy7o4sgAC&pg=PA205|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} The 147 elected representatives are called Members of the Legislative Assembly, or MLAs. One MLA may be nominated from the Anglo-Indian community by the governor.{{cite book|author=Subhash Shukla|title=Issues in Indian Polity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CAs9PNOfL28C&pg=PA99|access-date=18 March 2015|year=2008|publisher=Anamika Pub. & distributors|isbn=978-81-7975-217-3|page=99|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=CAs9PNOfL28C&pg=PA99|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} The term of the office is for five years, unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term.

The judiciary is composed of the Odisha High Court, located at Cuttack, and a system of lower courts.

{{Main|List of districts of Odisha}}

Odisha has been divided into 30 districts. These 30 districts have been placed under three different revenue divisions to streamline their governance. The divisions are North, Central and South, with their headquarters at Sambalpur, Cuttack and Berhampur respectively. Each division consists of ten districts and has as its administrative head a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC).{{cite web|title=About Department |url=http://odisha.gov.in/ |publisher=Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Odisha |access-date=27 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206115854/http://odisha.gov.in//revenue/web/Aboutus.asp?GL=1&PL=1 |archive-date=6 December 2012 }} The position of the RDC in the administrative hierarchy is that between that of the district administration and the state secretariat.{{cite book|author=Laxmikanth|title=Governance in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DY1CAQAAQBAJ&pg=SA6-PA17|access-date=27 March 2015|publisher=McGraw-Hill Education (India) Pvt Limited|isbn=978-0-07-107466-7|pages=6–17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=DY1CAQAAQBAJ&pg=SA6-PA17|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} The RDCs report to the Board of Revenue, which is headed by a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service.

File:Orissa State map.svg

Each district is governed by a collector and district magistrate, who is appointed from the Indian Administrative Service or a very senior officer from Odisha Administrative Service.{{cite book|author=Siuli Sarkar|title=Public Administration in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=smahlYxg-8YC&pg=PA117|access-date=11 August 2015|date=9 November 2009|publisher=PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=978-81-203-3979-8|page=117|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=smahlYxg-8YC&pg=PA117|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite book|title=Public Administration Dictionary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dg-7OFEp3E8C&pg=PA263|access-date=11 August 2015|year=2012|publisher=Tata McGraw Hill Education|isbn=978-1-259-00382-0|page=263|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=Dg-7OFEp3E8C&pg=PA263|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}} The collector and district magistrate is responsible for collecting the revenue and maintaining law and order in the district. Each district is separated into sub-divisions, each governed by a sub-collector and sub-divisional magistrate. The sub-divisions are further divided into tahasils. The tahasils are headed by tahasildar. Odisha has 58 sub-divisions, 317 tahasils and 314 blocks. Blocks consists of Panchayats (village councils) and town municipalities.

The capital of the state is Bhubaneswar and the largest city is Cuttack, which also functions as the deputy capital of the state . The other major cities are, Rourkela, Berhampur and Sambalpur. Municipal Corporations in Odisha include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Rourkela.

Other municipalities of Odisha include Angul, Asika, Balangir, Balasore, Barbil, Bargarh, Baripada, Basudevpur, Belpahar, Bhadrak, Bhanjanagar, Bhawanipatna, Biramitrapur, Boudh, Brajarajnagar, Byasanagar, Chhatrapur, Deogarh, Dhamra,Dhenkanal, Gopalpur, Gunupur, Hinjilicut, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jeypore, Jharsuguda, Joda, Kendrapara, Kendujhar, Khordha, Konark, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Paradeep, Paralakhemundi, Phulbani, Puri, Rajgangpur, Rayagada, Sonepur, Sundargarh, Talcher, Titilagarh, Karanjia, Chatrapur, Asika, Kantabanji, Nimapada, Baudhgarh, and Umerkote.

{{Largest cities

| country = Odisha

| stat_ref = As of the 2011 Census

| list_by_pop = List of cities in Odisha

| div_name = District

| div_link = List of districts of Odisha{{!}}District

| city_1 = Cuttack

| div_1 = Cuttack district{{!}}Cuttack

| pop_1 = 921,321

| img_1 = Cuttack Montage.png

| city_2 = Bhubaneswar

| div_2 = Khordha district{{!}}Khordha

| pop_2 = 881,988

| img_2 = Bhubaneswar skyline.jpg

| city_3 = Rourkela

| div_3 = Sundargarh district{{!}}Sundargarh

| pop_3 = 552,970

| img_3 = Suraksha Path Bridge near IG Park Rourkela.jpg

| city_4 = Brahmapur, Odisha{{!}}Brahmapur

| div_4 = Ganjam district{{!}}Ganjam

| pop_4 = 355,823

| img_4 = Platform RainyDay.JPG

| city_5 = Sambalpur

| div_5 = Sambalpur district{{!}}Sambalpur

| pop_5 = 270,331

| city_6 = Puri

| div_6 = Puri district{{!}}Puri

| pop_6 = 201,026

| city_7 = Balasore

| div_7 = Balasore district{{!}}Balasore

| pop_7 = 144,373

| city_8 = Bhadrak

| div_8 = Bhadrak district{{!}}Bhadrak

| pop_8 = 121,338

| city_9 = Baripada

| div_9 = Mayurbhanj district{{!}}Mayurbhanj

| pop_9 = 116,874

| city_10 = Balangir

| div_10 = Balangir district{{!}}Balangir

| pop_10 = 98,238

}}

Auxiliary authorities known as panchayats, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs in rural areas.

{{Main|Economy of Odisha}}

Odisha is experiencing a rapid economic growth post-Covid. The impressive growth in gross domestic product of the state has been reported by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Odisha's growth rate is above the national average.{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/gdp-growth-most-states-grew-faster-than-national-rate-in-201213/1206770|title=GDP growth: Most states grew faster than national rate in 2012–13|work=The Financial Express|date=12 December 2013|access-date=23 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215183438/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/gdp-growth-most-states-grew-faster-than-national-rate-in-201213/1206770|archive-date=15 December 2013|url-status=live}} The central Government's Urban Development Ministry has recently announced the names of 20 cities selected to be developed as smart cities. The state capital Bhubaneswar is the first city in the list of smart Cities released in January 2016, a pet project of the Indian Government. The announcement also marked with sanction of Rs 508.02 billion over the five years for development.{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bhubaneswar-tops-first-list-of-smart-cities/|title=Bhubaneswar leads Govt's Smart City list, Rs 50,802 crore to be invested over five years|date=29 January 2016|website=The Indian Express|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318020954/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bhubaneswar-tops-first-list-of-smart-cities/|archive-date=18 March 2016|url-status=live}}

File:One of the iron ore mines in Keonjhar district.jpg]]

File:ROURKELA STEEL PLANT.JPG]]

Odisha has abundant natural resources and a large coastline. Odisha has emerged as the most preferred destination for overseas investors with investment proposals.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-states-that-attracted-highest-fdi/20120829.htm|title=Indian states that attracted highest FDI|publisher=Rediff|date=29 August 2012|access-date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408212658/http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-states-that-attracted-highest-fdi/20120829.htm|archive-date=8 April 2014|url-status=live}} It contains a fifth of India's coal, a quarter of its iron ore, a third of its bauxite reserves and most of the chromite.

Rourkela Steel Plant{{cite web|url=http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=rourkela |title=Rourkela Steel Plant |publisher=Sail.co.in |access-date=23 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531085659/http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=rourkela |archive-date=31 May 2012 }} was the first integrated steel plant in the public sector in India, built with collaboration of Germany.

Arcelor-Mittal has also announced plans to invest in another mega steel project amounting to $10 billion. Russian major Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Company (MMK) plans to set up a 10 MT steel plant in Odisha, too. Nippon Steel Corporation has recently announced to set up their own plants, one of which will be the world's largest and most advanced steel plant in Odisha, with a production capacity of 30 MT annually.{{Cite web |title=Nippon Steel Corporation to set up 30 MTPA plant in Odisha |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/apr/05/nippon-steel-corp-to-set-up-30-mtpa-plant-in-odisha-2562913.html |access-date=7 April 2023 |website=The New Indian Express |date=5 April 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407180128/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/apr/05/nippon-steel-corp-to-set-up-30-mtpa-plant-in-odisha-2562913.html |url-status=live }} Bandhabahal is a major area of open cast coal mines in Odisha. The state is attracting an unprecedented amount of investment in aluminium, coal-based power plants, petrochemicals, and information technology as well. In power generation, Reliance Power (Anil Ambani Group) is putting up the world's largest power plant with an investment of US$13 billion at Hirma in Jharsuguda district.{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-reliance-to-invest-rs-60000-cr-for-orissa-power-plant-1042928|title=Reliance to invest Rs 60,000-cr for Orissa power plant|work=dna|date=21 July 2006|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903141606/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-reliance-to-invest-rs-60000-cr-for-orissa-power-plant-1042928|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}

In 2009 Odisha was the second top domestic investment destination with Gujarat first and Andhra Pradesh in third place according to an analysis of ASSOCHAM Investment Meter (AIM) study on corporate investments. Odisha's share was 12.6 per cent in total investment in the country. It received an investment proposal worth {{INRConvert|2.01|t|year=2010}} in 2010. Steel and power were among the sectors which attracted maximum investments in the state.{{cite web |url=http://www.assocham.org/prels/shownews.php?id=2303 |title=Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra top 3 Domestic Investment Destinations of 2009 |publisher=Assocham |date=21 January 2010 |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723170222/http://www.assocham.org/prels/shownews.php?id=2303 |archive-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

The recently concluded Make in Odisha Conclave 2022 saw the state generate investment proposals worth ₹10.5 trillion with an employment potential for 10,37,701 people. Out of the total investment proposals received, the metals, ancillary and downstream sectors fetched ₹5.50 lakhs crore (trillion), power, green energy, and renewable energy sector fetched ₹2.38 trillion, and chemicals-petrochemicals and logistics-infrastructure sector attracted ₹76,000 crores and ₹1.20 trillion, respectively. Odisha has the potential to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

Odisha has a network of roads, railways, airports and seaports. Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road with the rest of India. Some highways are getting expanded to four lanes.{{cite web |url=http://www.odishalinks.com/Odishagrowth/topics/tnc-all/roads-and-highways-infrastructure-in-Odisha/national-highways/nh-42 |title=NH 42 |publisher=Odishalinks.com |date=16 June 2004 |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125170225/http://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/topics/tnc-all/roads-and-highways-infrastructure-in-orissa/national-highways/nh-42 |archive-date=25 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Odisha-plans-metro-signs-contract-for-detailed-project-report-preparation/articleshow/40781576.cms|title=Odisha plans metro, signs contract for detailed project report preparation|work=The Times of India|date=23 August 2014 |access-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831124032/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Odisha-plans-metro-signs-contract-for-detailed-project-report-preparation/articleshow/40781576.cms|archive-date=31 August 2014|url-status=live}} Odisha Government Plans Mega Metro Rail Project to Connect Puri and Bhubaneswar {{cite web | url=https://enewsinsight.com/puri-bhubaneswar-mega-metro-rail-project-soon | title=Puri-Bhubaneswar Mega Metro Rail Project Soon? | date=8 February 2023 | access-date=12 February 2023 | archive-date=9 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209223025/https://enewsinsight.com/puri-bhubaneswar-mega-metro-rail-project-soon/ | url-status=live }} The metro rail proposal was given to connect trains between Puri- Bhubaneswar – Cuttack.{{cite web | url=https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/odisha-approves-metro-train-project-between-cuttack-bhubaneswar-and-puri-200581 | title=Odisha Approves Metro Train Project Between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri | access-date=1 April 2023 | archive-date=1 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401095109/https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/odisha-approves-metro-train-project-between-cuttack-bhubaneswar-and-puri-200581 | url-status=live }} The Odisha government has planned a new Expressway that will connect Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar with the proposed Shri Jagannath International Airport at Puri.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/Apr/05/odisha-plans-new-expressway-between-bhubaneswar-puri-2562919.html | title=Odisha plans new Expressway between Bhubaneswar & Puri – the New Indian Express | date=5 April 2023 | access-date=7 April 2023 | archive-date=7 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407051503/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/apr/05/odisha-plans-new-expressway-between-bhubaneswar-puri-2562919.amp | url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of airports in Odisha}}

File:Biju Patnaik International Airport.jpg, Bhubaneswar]]

Odisha has a total of three operational airports, 16 airstrips and 16 helipads.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/85381-ten-year-roadmap-for-states-civil-aviation.html|title=Ten-year roadmap for State's civil aviation|work=The Pioneer|location=India|date=4 August 2012 |quote=at present there are 17 airstrips and 16 helipads in Odisha |access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121060624/http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/85381-ten-year-roadmap-for-states-civil-aviation.html |archive-date=21 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.odishanow.in/story.aspx?s_id=5551|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015115504/http://www.odishanow.in/story.aspx?s_id=5551|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2014|title=10-year roadmap set up to boost Odisha civil aviation|work=Odisha Now.in|year=2012|quote=Odisha has 17 airstrips and 16 helipads.|access-date=5 August 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20120803/2037069.html|title=Odisha initiate steps for intra and inter state aviation facilities|work=news.webindia123.com|date=3 August 2012 |quote=Odisha has 17 airstrips and 16 helipads|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113150837/http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20120803/2037069.html|archive-date=13 January 2015|url-status=dead }} The airport at Jharsuguda was upgraded to a full-fledged domestic airport in May 2018. Rourkela Airport became operational in December 2022.The Dhamra Port Company Limited plans to build Dhamra Airport 20 km from Dhamra Port.{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/adani-group-plans-airport-at-dhamra/articleshow/66603746.cms |author1=Sujit Kumar Bisoyi |title= Adani Group plans airport at Dhamra |work= Times of India |date= 13 November 2018 |access-date= 3 February 2020 |archive-date= 6 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191206015656/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/adani-group-plans-airport-at-dhamra/articleshow/66603746.cms |url-status= live }}

• Bhubaneswar – Biju Patnaik International Airport
• Jeypore – Jeypore Airport
• Jharsuguda – Veer Surendra Sai Airport
• Rourkela – Rourkela Airport
• Berhampur – Rangeilunda Airport
• Bhawanipatna - Utkela Airport

{{Main|Category:Ports and harbours of Odisha}}

File: Gopalpur Port.jpg]]

File:Bbrailhq.jpg headquarters, Bhubaneswar]]

File:Dhamra Port.jpg]]

Odisha has a coastline of {{convert|485|km}}. It has one major port at Paradip and few minor ports. some of them are:{{cite book | last=Division | first=P. | title=India 2019: A Reference Annual | publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting | isbn=978-81-230-3026-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZaSDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT701 | access-date=16 July 2019 | page=701 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328174246/https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZaSDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT701 | url-status=live }}{{cite book | author=India. Parliament. Rajya Sabha | title=Parliamentary Debates: Official Report | publisher=Council of States Secretariat | issue=v. 227, nos. 18–20 | year=2012 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UFyjP-0VEc8C | access-date=16 July 2019 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328174112/https://books.google.com/books?id=UFyjP-0VEc8C | url-status=live }}

• Port of Dhamara
• Port of Gopalpur
• Port of Paradip
• Port of Subarnarekha

Major cities of Odisha are well connected to all the major cities of India by direct daily trains and weekly trains. Most of the railway network in Odisha lies under the jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) with headquarters at Bhubaneswar and some parts under South Eastern Railway and South East Central Railway.

{{historical populations|11=1901|12=1,03,02,917|13=1911|14=1,13,78,875|15=1921|16=1,11,58,586|17=1931|18=1,24,91,056|19=1941|20=1,37,67,988|21=1951|22=1,46,45,946|23=1961|24=1,75,48,846|25=1971|26=2,19,44,615|27=1981|28=2,63,70,271|29=1991|30=3,16,59,736|31=2001|32=3,68,04,660|33=2011|34=4,19,74,218|source= Census of India{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |title=Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901 |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010234955/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |url-status=live }}|align=right}}

File:Lifestyle of tribal folks is visible.jpg of Koraput, Odisha]]

According to the 2011 Census of India, Odisha accounted for approximately 3% of India's total population. The state had a population of 41,974,218, with 21,212,136 males (50.54%) and 20,762,082 females (49.46%), resulting in a sex ratio of 978 females per 1,000 males. This marked a growth rate of 13.97% during the 2001-2011 period, a decline from 16.25% in the previous decade (1991-2001). The population density stood at 269 people per square kilometre, with Ganjam district having the highest population among all districts in Odisha. In contrast, Debagarh district has the lowest population. The population in the age group of 0–6 years comprised 12% of the total population, with a child sex ratio of 934 females for every 1,000 males in this age group. Additionally, Scheduled Castes (SC) constituted a population of 7.2 million, making up 16.5% of the total population, while Scheduled Tribes (ST) accounted for 9.6 million, representing 22.1% of the population.{{cite web |date=2018 |title=Population, Size and Decadal Change |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019035341/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2019 |access-date=16 June 2020 |work=Primary Census Abstract Data Highlights, Census of India |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

According to the 2011 Census, Odisha's overall literacy rate is 72.87%. Male literacy stands at 81.59%, while female literacy is recorded at 64.01%. Odisha's literacy rate is slightly below the national average of 74.04%. Literacy rates vary within the state, with Khordha district having the highest literacy rate at 86.88%, while Nabarangpur has the lowest at 46.43%. In rural areas, the average literacy rate is 70.22%, compared to 85.57% in urban areas. Among the Scheduled Tribe population, the literacy rate is 52.24%.

In terms of poverty, Odisha had a poverty rate of 57.15% in 2004–2005, nearly double the national average of 26.10% at the time. However, since 2005, the state has made significant progress, reducing the poverty rate by 24.6 percentage points, with the current estimate at 32.6%.{{cite web |title=India States Briefs – Odisha |publisher=World Bank |date=31 May 2016 |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/india-states-briefs-odisha |access-date=12 July 2019 |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712104621/https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/india-states-briefs-odisha |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=NITI Aayog report: Odisha tops in poverty reduction rate among other states |website=Pragativadi: Leading Odia Dailly |date=30 July 2017 |url=http://www.pragativadi.com/niti-aayog-report-odisha-tops-poverty-reduction-rate-among-states/ |access-date=12 July 2019 |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712104623/http://www.pragativadi.com/niti-aayog-report-odisha-tops-poverty-reduction-rate-among-states/ |url-status=dead }}

Data from 1996–2001 indicated that the state’s life expectancy was 61.64 years, slightly above the national average. Odisha also records a birth rate of 23.2 per 1,000 people annually, a death rate of 9.1 per 1,000, an infant mortality rate of 65 per 1,000 live births. In 2011-2013, Odisha recorded a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 222 per 100,000 live births, according to a report by NITI Aayog. As of 2018, Odisha’s Human Development Index (HDI) stands at 0.606.{{Cite web|title=Sub-national HDI – Subnational HDI – Global Data Lab|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0|access-date=31 March 2021|website=globaldatalab.org|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426230954/https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0|url-status=live}} The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Odisha declined from 2.1 in 2015-16 to 1.8 in 2020-21, paralleling the national trend, which saw a decrease from 2.2 to 2.0 during the same period.{{Cite web |title=NFHS-5, Phase-2 |url=https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/NFHS-5_Phase-II_0.pdf |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare }}

With a cumulative score of 67.8, Odisha tops the ranking in fiscal health index 2025.{{Cite web |date=28 January 2025 |title=India's top 10 best-performing states in the Fiscal Health Index 2025 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/indias-top-10-best-performing-states-in-the-fiscal-health-index-2025-9801341/ |access-date=17 February 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

{{See also|Hinduism in Odisha|Christianity in Odisha|Odia Muslims}}

{{Pie chart

|thumb = right

|caption = Religion in Odisha (2011)

|label1 = Hindu

|value1 = 93.63

|color1 = darkorange

|label2 = Christian |value2 = 2.77 |color2 = Blue

|label3 = Muslim |value3 = 2.17 |color3 = green

|label4 = Other religion |value4 = 1.14 |color4 = black

|label5 = Sikh |value5 = 0.05 |color5 = darkkhaki

|label6 = Buddhist |value6 = 0.03 |color6 = yellow

|label7 = Jain |value7 = 0.02 |color7 = brown

|label8 = No religion |value8 = 0.18 |color8 = white

}}

File:Westindischer Maler um 1550 001.jpg]]

Based on the 2011 Census, Odisha has a predominantly Hindu population, with 93.63% adhering to Hinduism. The state is home to several prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Jagannath Puri, known for the Jagannath Temple, and the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, which attract devotees from across India and beyond. Christianity is the second-largest religion at 2.77%, followed by Islam at 2.17%. Smaller communities include Sikhs (0.05%), Jains (0.02%), and Buddhists (0.03%). Additionally, 1.14% of the population practices other religions, with Sarna being one of the prominent indigenous faiths,{{Cite web |title=C-01 Appendix: Details of religious community shown under 'Other religions and persuasions' in main table C01 - 2011 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11398/download/14511/DDW00C-01%20Appendix%20MDDS.xlsx |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=Census of India |format=XLS}} particularly among tribal communities. A small segment, 0.18%, did not state their religious affiliation.{{cite web |title=Table C-01 Population by Religious Community: Odisha |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520044022/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=Census of India, 2011 |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

{{Table alignment}}

{{Main|Odia language}}

File:Bilingual signboard for Registration at a Hospital in Bhubaneswar.jpg

{{Pie chart

| thumb = right

|caption = Languages of Odisha (2011)

|label1 = Odia |value1 = 82.70 |color1 = blue

|label2 = Kui |value2 = 2.24 |color2 = forestgreen

|label3 = Santali |value3 = 2.06 |color3 = deeppink

|label4 = Urdu |value4 = 1.60 |color4 = chocolate

|label5 = Telugu |value5 = 1.59 |color5 = yellowgreen

|label6 = Hindi |value6 = 1.23 |color6 = orangered

|label7 = Bengali |value7 = 1.20 |color7 = lightsalmon

|label8 = Mundari |value8 = 1.09 |color8 = violet

|label9 = Others |value9 = 6.29 |color9 = grey

|style=align="left"

}}

File:Languages of Odisha.svg

Odia is the official language of Odisha{{Cite web|url=http://lawodisha.gov.in/pages/viewYearActOrdinances/1954|title=:: Law Department (Government of Odisha) ::|website=lawodisha.gov.in|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302165024/http://lawodisha.gov.in/pages/viewYearActOrdinances/1954|url-status=dead}} and is spoken by 82.70% of the population according to the 2011 census of India.{{cite web|title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Odisha|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10217/download/13329/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX|website=Census of India 2011|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India|access-date=20 May 2022|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520044028/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10217/download/13329/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX|url-status=live}} It is also one of the classical languages of India. English is the official language of correspondence between state and the union of India. Spoken Odia is not homogeneous as one can find different dialects spoken across the state. Some of the major dialects found inside the state are Sambalpuri, Cuttacki, Puri, Baleswari, Ganjami, Desiya, Kalahandia and Phulbani. The standard language is based on the Cuttacki dialect. In addition to Odia, significant populations of people speaking other major Indian languages like Hindi, Telugu, Urdu and Bengali are also found in the state, mainly in cities.{{cite book|last=Mahapatra|first=B. P.|title=Linguistic Survey of India: Orissa|year=2002|publisher=Language Division, Office of the Registrar General|location=Kolkata, India|pages=13–14|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-documents/lsi/ling_Orissa.html|access-date=20 February 2014|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113153328/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-documents/lsi/ling_Orissa.html|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}

The different tribal (Adivasi) communities who mostly reside in western and southern Odisha have their own languages belonging to Munda and Dravidian family of languages. Some of these major tribal languages are Santali, Kui, Mundari and Ho. Due to increasing contact with outsiders, migration and socioeconomic reasons many of these indigenous languages are slowly getting extinct or are on the verge of getting extinct.{{Cite web|title=Atlas of languages in danger {{!}} United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/endangered-languages/atlas-of-languages-in-danger/|access-date=19 October 2019|publisher=UNESCO|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213064456/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/endangered-languages/atlas-of-languages-in-danger/|url-status=live}}

The Odisha Sahitya Academy Award was established in 1957 to actively develop Odia language and literature. The Odisha government launched a portal in 2018 to promote Odia language and literature.{{Cite web |url=https://ova.gov.in/en |title=Odia vartual academy |access-date=25 October 2019 |archive-date=26 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226111037/https://ova.gov.in/en/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Education in Odisha}}File:Utkal University Main Gate.jpg main gate]]

Entry to various institutes of higher education especially into engineering degrees is through a centralised Odisha Joint Entrance Examination, conducted by the Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Rourkela, since 2003, where seats are provided according to order of merit.{{cite web |title=Biju Patnaik University of Technology |publisher=Bput.org |url=http://www.bput.org/ |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205233536/http://www.bput.org/ |archive-date=5 December 2008 |url-status=live }} Few of the engineering institutes enroll students by through Joint Entrance Examination. For medical courses, there is a corresponding National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test.

{{Main|Culture of Odisha}}

Odisha is home to several Hindu figures. Sant Bhima Bhoi was a leader of the Mahima sect. Sarala Das, a Hindu Khandayat, was the translator of the epic Mahabharata into Odia. Chaitanya Das was a Buddhistic-Vaishnava and writer of the Nirguna Mahatmya. Jayadeva was the author of the Gita Govinda.

The Odisha Temple Authorisation Act of 1948 empowered the government of Odisha to open temples for all Hindus, including Dalits.P. 63 Case studies on human rights and fundamental freedoms: a world survey, Volume 4 By Willem Adriaan Veenhoven

Perhaps the oldest scripture of Odisha is the Madala Panji from the Puri Temple believed from 1042 AD. Famous Hindu Odia scripture includes the 16th-century Bhagabata of Jagannatha Dasa.P. 77 Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 30 By Scholastic Library Publishing In the modern times Madhusudan Rao was a major Odia writer, who was a Brahmo Samajist and shaped modern Odia literature at the start of the 20th century.Madhusudan Rao By Jatindra Mohan Mohanty, Sahitya Akademi

File:Mayurbhanj Chhau.jpg

{{Main|Cuisine of Odisha}}

Odisha has a culinary tradition spanning centuries. The kitchen of the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri is reputed to be the largest in the world, with 1,000 chefs, working around 752 wood-burning clay hearths called chulas, to feed over 10,000 people each day.{{cite book |author1=National Association on Indian Affairs |author2=American Association on Indian Affairs |year=1949 |title=Indian Affairs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QcMVAQAAIAAJ |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606204607/http://books.google.com/books?id=QcMVAQAAIAAJ |archive-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite book |author1=S.P. Sharma |author2=Seema Gupta |date=3 October 2006 |title=Fairs & Festivals of India |publisher=Pustak Mahal |isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 |pages=103– |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54MSg3a63WgC&pg=PA103 |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608212537/http://books.google.com/books?id=54MSg3a63WgC&pg=PA103 |archive-date=8 June 2013 |url-status=live }}

The syrupy dessert Pahala rasagola made in Odisha is known throughout the world.{{cite news |author=Mitra Bishwabijoy |date=6 July 2015 |title=Who invented the rasgulla? |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-features/Who-invented-the-rasgulla/articleshow/47909754.cms |access-date=2 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709071914/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Life-Style/Food/Food-Features/Who-invented-the-rasgulla/articleshow/47909754.cms |archive-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=live }} Chhenapoda is another major Odisha sweet cuisine, which originated in Nayagarh.{{cite web |title=Chhenapoda |date=15 April 2012 |publisher=Simply TADKA |url=http://www.simplytadka.com/2012/04/chhena-poda-cottage-cheese-cake.html |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109232431/http://www.simplytadka.com/2012/04/chhena-poda-cottage-cheese-cake.html |archive-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=live }} Dalma (a mix of dal and selected vegetables) is widely known cuisine, better served with ghee.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}

File:Odisha ra Rasagola.jpg

The "Odisha Rasagola" was awarded a GI tag 29 July 2019 after a long battle about the origin of the famous sweet with West Bengal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/odisha-rasagola-receives-gi-tag-two-years-after-west-bengal/story/368775.html|title=Odisha Rasagola receives geographical indication tag; here's what it means|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=29 July 2019|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020192714/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/odisha-rasagola-receives-gi-tag-two-years-after-west-bengal/story/368775.html|url-status=live}}

This decision involved a broader interpretation of the law established under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Section 2(e) of the Act stipulates that a geographical indication can be provided to a product if its quality, characteristics, or reputation are attributable to its geographical origin and are unique. The uniqueness of Odisha’s Rasagola lies in its color, texture, and taste, distinguishing it from the West Bengal variant. Historical references in Odisha’s texts support the geographical origin of the dish.{{Cite web|url=https://advocatetanwar.com/rasgulla-vs-rosogolla-a-bitter-battle-of-sweet/|title=RASGULLA VS. ROSOGOLLA – A BITTER BATTLE OF SWEET|website=www.advocatetanwar.com/|date=25 October 2023 }}

{{Main|Odissi}}

File:Abhinaya.jpg

Odissi dance and music are classical art forms. Odissi is the oldest surviving dance form in India on the basis of archaeological evidence.{{cite web |title=Odissi Kala Kendra |publisher=odissi.itgo.com |url=http://odissi.itgo.com/ |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512041730/http://odissi.itgo.com/ |archive-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=live }} Odissi has a long, unbroken tradition of 2,000 years, and finds mention in the Natyashastra of Bharatamuni, possibly written c. 200 BC. However, the dance form nearly became extinct during the British period, only to be revived after India's independence by a few gurus.

The variety of dances includes Ghumura dance, Chhau dance, Jhumair, Mahari dance, Dalkhai, Dhemsa and Gotipua.

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Mahari Dance festival, 2012.jpg

| caption1 = Mahari Dance, gave birth to the modern classical dance forms of Odissi

| image2 = Gotipua Dance3.JPG

| caption2 = Gotipua Dance

| image3 = Ghumura folk dance.JPG

| caption3 = Ghumura folk dance

| image4 = DHEMSA DANCE.jpg

| caption4 = Dhemsa Dance

}}

{{Main|Sports in Odisha}}

File:Barabati Stadium IPL Match Pune Warriors India vs. Deccan Chargers.jpg in Cuttack]]

The state of Odisha has hosted several international sporting events, including the 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup, 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup.

Sports stadiums in Odisha include:

1. Kalinga Stadium
2. Barabati Stadium
3. Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium
4. East Coast Railway Stadium
5. Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium
6. KIIT Stadium
7. Veer Surendra Sai Stadium
8. Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium{{Cite news|last=Suffian|first=Mohammad|date=16 February 2021|title=Odisha CM Lays Foundation of India's Largest Hockey Stadium named after 'Birsa Munda' In Rourkela|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/hockey/story/odisha-cm-lays-foundation-of-india-s-largest-hockey-stadium-named-after-birsa-munda-in-rourkela-1769860-2021-02-16|access-date=3 June 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603040034/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/hockey/story/odisha-cm-lays-foundation-of-india-s-largest-hockey-stadium-named-after-birsa-munda-in-rourkela-1769860-2021-02-16|url-status=live}}

There are some High Performance Centres in the state as well which have been set up at Kalinga Stadium for the development of respective sports in Odisha. Some of the HPCs are as follows:

• Abhinav Bindra Targeting Performance (ABTP)
• Dalmia Bharat Gopichand Badminton Academy
• JSW Swimming HPC
• Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) for Athletics, Hockey, and Weightlifting
• KJS Ahluwalia and Tenvic Sports HPC for Weightlifting
• Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre (ONTHHPC) {{cite web |url=https://kalingatv.com/state/naval-tata-hockey-academy-inaugurated-in-odisha-capital/ |title=Naval Tata Hockey Academy Inaugurated In Odisha Capital |website=Kalinga TV |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=13 August 2019 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921054009/https://kalingatv.com/state/naval-tata-hockey-academy-inaugurated-in-odisha-capital/ |url-status=live }}
• Odisha Aditya Birla and Gagan Narang Shooting HPC
• Reliance Foundation Odisha Athletics HPC
• SAI Regional Badminton Academy{{Cite web|author=Minati Singha|date=15 May 2017|title=Odisha-SAI Regional Badminton Academy inaugurated in Bhubaneswar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/odisha-sai-regional-badminton-academy-inaugurated-in-bhubaneswar/articleshow/58686446.cms|access-date=30 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602225427/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/odisha-sai-regional-badminton-academy-inaugurated-in-bhubaneswar/articleshow/58686446.cms|url-status=live}}
• Udaan Badminton Academy{{Cite web|title=Udaan Badminton Academy-HOME|url=https://www.theudaan.net/|access-date=30 May 2021|website=www.theudaan.net|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226021003/https://www.theudaan.net/|url-status=dead}}
• AIFF High Performance Centre{{Cite web|title=High Performance Centre deal a big boost for Odisha and AIFF {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/odisha-aiff-high-performance-centre-big-boost/1cwe57j3pqvvu14c7f7q7a8r0d|access-date=7 June 2021|website=www.goal.com|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607034811/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/odisha-aiff-high-performance-centre-big-boost/1cwe57j3pqvvu14c7f7q7a8r0d|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Tourism in Odisha}}

The Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar has a {{convert|150|ft|m|adj=on}} high deula while the Jagannath Temple, Puri is about {{convert|200|ft|m}} high and dominates the skyline. Only a portion of the Konark Sun Temple at Konark in Puri district, the largest of the temples of the "Holy Golden Triangle" exists today, and it is still staggering in size. It stands out as a masterpiece in Odisha architecture. Sarala Temple, regarded as one of the most spiritually elevated expressions of Shaktism is in Jagatsinghpur district. It is also one of the holiest places in Odisha and a major tourist attraction. Maa Tarini Temple situated in Kendujhar district is also a famous pilgrimage destination. Every day thousands of coconuts are given to Maa Tarini by devotees for fulfilling their wishes.{{cite book |last=Norenzayan |first=Ara |date=25 August 2013 |title=Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-1-4008-4832-4 |pages=55–56 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2VMtfYiQCXEC&pg=PA55 |access-date=24 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208052058/https://books.google.com/books?id=2VMtfYiQCXEC&pg=PA55 |archive-date=8 February 2016 |url-status=live }}

Odisha's varying topography – from the wooded Eastern Ghats to the fertile river basin – has proven ideal for evolution of compact and unique ecosystems. This creates treasure troves of flora and fauna that are inviting to many migratory species of birds and reptiles. Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district is famous for its second largest mangrove ecosystem. The bird sanctuary in Chilika Lake (Asia's largest brackish water lake). The tiger reserve and waterfalls in Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj district are integral parts of eco-tourism in Odisha, arranged by Odisha Tourism.{{cite web |title=MTN 82:9–10 Olive ridley tagged in Odisha recovered in the coastal waters of eastern Sri Lanka |publisher=Seaturtle.org |url=http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn82/mtn82p9b.shtml |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207034709/http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn82/mtn82p9b.shtml |archive-date=7 December 2013 |url-status=live }}

Daringbadi is a hill station in the Kandhamal district. It is known as "Kashmir of Odisha", for its climatic similarity. Chandipur, in Baleswar district is a calm and serene site, is mostly unexplored by tourists. The unique speciality of this beach is the ebb tides that recede up to 4 km and tend to disappear rhythmically.

In the western part of Odisha, Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district is the longest earthen dam in the World. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in Asia. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Hirakud Dam. Samaleswari Temple is a Hindu temple in Sambalpur city, dedicated to the goddess known as 'Samaleswari', the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is a strong religious force in western part of Odisha and Chhattisgarh state. The Leaning Temple of Huma is located near Sambalpur. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Bimaleshwar. Sri Sri Harishankar Devasthana, is a temple on the slopes of Gandhamardhan hills, Balangir district. It is popular for its scenes of nature and connection to two Hindu lords, Vishnu and Shiva. On the opposite side of the Gandhamardhan hills is the temple of Sri Nrusinghanath, is situated at the foothills of Gandhamardhan Hill near Paikmal, Bargarh district.

In the southern part of Odisha, The Taratarini Temple on the Kumari hills at the bank of the Rushikulya River near Berhampur city in Ganjam district. Here worshiped as the Breast Shrine (Sthana Peetha) and manifestations of Adi Shakti. The Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of the Mother Goddess and is one of four major ancient Tantra Peetha and Shakti Peethas in India. Deomali is a mountain peak of the Eastern Ghats. It is located in Koraput district. This peak with an elevation of about 1,672 m, is the highest peak in Odisha.

The share of foreign tourists' arrival in the state is below one per cent of total foreign tourist arrivals at all India level.{{Cite web |url=http://www.odisha.gov.in/pc/Download/Economic_Survey_2014-15.pdf |title=Odisha – Economic Survey 2014–15 |access-date=14 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215005858/http://www.odisha.gov.in/pc/Download/Economic_Survey_2014-15.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}

File:Rath Yatra Puri 07-11027.jpg|The Rath Yatra in Jagannath Temple, Puri

File:Tarni temple Gate view.JPG|Maa Tarini Temple, Ghatgaon

File:Gundichaghagi Waterfall, Keonjhar During monsoons.png|Gundichaghagi waterfall Keonjhar during monsoons

• Outline of Odisha
• East India
• Odia people

{{Reflist|2}}

{{Sister project links|voy=Odisha}}

; Government

• {{official website}}
• [https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en.html Official tourism site]

; General information

• {{GovPubs|Odisha}}
• {{Britannica|432692}}
• {{Wikiatlas|Odisha}}
• {{osmrelation-inline|1984022}}

{{Geographic location

|Centre=Odisha

|North=Jharkhand

|Northeast=West Bengal

|East=Bay of Bengal

|Southeast=Andhra Pradesh & Bay of Bengal

|South=Andhra Pradesh

|Southwest=Chhattisgarh

|West=Chhattisgarh

|Northwest=Chhattisgarh

}}

{{Odisha|ଓଡ଼ିଶା}}

{{States and territories of India}}

{{Languages spoken in Odisha}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:States and union territories of India

Category:States and territories established in 1936

Category:1936 establishments in India