About Odisha

provides detailed information on the capital of the place, its historical background, and geographical topography. Spread over a total area of 155,707 km², Orissa holds a population of 36,706,920. The state of Orissa has a vast reserve of minerals and is an important center for development of IT related industries.

Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa. An important religious and cultural hub, Bhubaneswar bears relics to the rich traditional heritage of the state. The well planned city of Bhubaneswar attracts several Indian and foreign investors for further development of industries.

The rich history of Orissa can be further sub divided into ancient, medieval and modern history. During the ancient times, Orissa was known as Kalinga. Orissa has been the cradle of civilization of several dynasties who ruled over the region. The region of Kalinga flourished under the Magadha rulers.

Orissa played an important role in the Indian Independence Struggle. The spread of modern education through the medium of English language helped in the development of new social consciousness among the indigenous inhabitants of the state. After independence, Orissa became one of the prominent states of India because of its industrial and commercial growth.

The heterogeneous topography of Orissa is reflected in its distinct geographical divisions. Orissa comprises of five geographical areas of the Central Plateau, Coastal Plains, Western Rolling Upland, Middle Mountainous and Highlands Region and the Flood Plains.

The Blue Jay is the state bird and the Sambar is the state animal of Orissa. Orissa mostly comprises of Hindu religious groups. However Muslims, Christians and Sikhs also form a considerable part of the huge population of the state. Orissa has a sizeable population of minorities of Schedule Tribes and Schedule Castes.