ODISHA

Geography

• Location: Odisha is situated on the eastern coast of India, bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south.
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• Major Rivers: Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, and Subarnarekha
• Landscape: The state features diverse landscapes, including coastal plains, river valleys, forests, and mountain ranges. The Eastern Ghats run through Odisha.

Climate

• Tropical Climate: Odisha experiences a tropical monsoon climate with hot summers, a monsoon season with heavy rainfall, and mild winters.
• Cyclones: The state is prone to cyclones due to its coastal location.

History

• Ancient Kingdoms: Odisha has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with powerful kingdoms such as Kalinga. The famous Kalinga War (261 BCE) was fought here, leading to Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
• Medieval Period: The region saw the rise of several dynasties, including the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and the Gajapati Kingdom.
• Colonial Era: Odisha came under British rule in the 19th century and played a significant role in India's struggle for independence.

Culture

• Language: Odia is the official language. Other languages spoken include Hindi, English, and various tribal languages.
• Art and Craft: Odisha is famous for its traditional art forms such as Pattachitra (scroll painting), silver filigree work, stone carving, and applique work.
• Dance and Music: Classical dance forms like Odissi and folk dances like Chhau and Sambalpuri are integral to the state's cultural heritage. Traditional music includes Odissi music and folk songs.
• Festivals: Major festivals include Durga Puja, Rath Yatra, Diwali, and Raja. The state also celebrates numerous tribal festivals.

Economy

• Agriculture: A significant part of Odisha's economy is based on agriculture, with rice being the primary crop. Other crops include pulses, oilseeds, and sugarcane.
• Industry: Odisha has a strong industrial base, with sectors like steel, aluminum, power, and mining playing a crucial role. Major industrial hubs include Rourkela, Angul, and Jharsuguda.
• Tourism: Tourism is a growing sector, with attractions like temples, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural festivals drawing visitors.

Major Attractions

• Temples: The Sun Temple at Konark, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar are world-renowned.
• Beaches: Puri Beach, Chandipur Beach, and Gopalpur-on-Sea are popular destinations.
• Wildlife: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Chilika Lake (famous for its bird sanctuary and the Irrawaddy dolphins) are notable for their biodiversity.
• Historical Sites: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli Giri (Ashoka's rock edicts), and the Rajarani Temple are significant historical sites.

Education and Research

• Institutions: Odisha is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, and the Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB).
• Research: The state has various research institutions focusing on areas like agriculture, fisheries, and metallurgy.

Demographics

• Population: Odisha has a diverse population with a mix of tribal and non-tribal communities. The state has a significant tribal population, constituting around 22% of the total population.
• Religion: Hinduism is the predominant religion, followed by Islam, Christianity, and other religions.

Governance

• Administrative Structure: The state is divided into 30 districts. The Governor is the ceremonial head, while the Chief Minister is the head of the government.
• Legislature: Odisha has a unicameral legislature with the Odisha Legislative Assembly consisting of 147 members.