Odisha GK

1. Basic Overview

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

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

• Official Language:  Odia

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

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

• Governor:  Raghubar Das (As of June 2024)

2. Geography

• Location:  Eastern coast of India.

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

• Coastline:  485 km along the Bay of Bengal.

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

• Major Rivers:

  • Mahanadi (The "Lifeline of Odisha")

  • Brahmani

  • Baitarani

  • Subarnarekha

  • Rushikulya

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

• Important Mountains & Hills:

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

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

  • Mahendragiri.

3. History & Ancient Kingdoms

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

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

• Famous Rulers & Dynasties:

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

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

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

• Freedom Fighters from Odisha: