Odisha General Studies | General Knowledge of Odisha

Odisha General Studies | General Knowledge of Odisha: Odisha is an Indian state located in Eastern India. It is the eighth-largest state by area, and the eleventh-largest by population, with over 41 million inhabitants. The state also has the third-largest population of Scheduled Tribes in India. It neighbours the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south.

Odisha has a history spanning over a period of over 5,000 years. In ancient time, it was known by different names in different periods such as ‘Kalinga’, ‘Udra’ or ‘Odra Desa’ ‘Utkala’, ‘Kosala’, ‘Toshala’ and ‘Kongoda’.

The name Odia originated from Odra or Udra tribes that inhabited the central coastal belt (Khurda district and Nayagarh district) of modern Odisha. Udra is the Pre-Historic name of Odisha while Odisha is the modern name of the ancient Kalinga Empire.

General Knowledge of Odisha for OPSC & Other Exams

Odisha or Odra Desa, Udra, Kalinga as called during ancient period has a rich history where many strong dynasties emerged. Human history in Odisha dates back to Lower Paleolithic era as many archaeological sources have been excavated from different regions of Odisha. The Political history opens with the rule of Nandas. The Nandas ruled Magadha and were among the first to integrate Kalinga into their empire in 350 BC.

The Mauryan dynasty under Emperor Asoka fought the famous Kalinga War in 260 BC. This war transformed Ashoka. Next came the Chedi dynasty in around 100 BC, which was followed by Muranda dynasty. The Gupta dynasty established its control in 350 AD and divided Kalinga into four principalities. During Gupta period, Sub-regional kingdoms emerged. The Matharas, Nalas, Parvatadvarkas, Mehas, Vindyatavis and Sarbhapuriyas.

Some kingdoms that emerged after the Gupta period were Virgrahas, Mudgalas and Mandala states. Sailodbhava Dynasty emerged in 553 AD and continued for around 130 years. Next was Bhauma-Kara dynasty established in first half of 8th century AD. It had many women rulers. The Somavamsi dynasty was established in middle of 10th century AD and continued its rule for 300 years. It is the last dynasty formed in ancient Odisha, after which came the era of medieval empires.

The region known as Kalinga, came under various powerful rulers during the medieval era. Among them were the Ganga rulers, Gajapatis, Bhois, etc. The rule of Mukundadeva of Bhoi dynasty further gave rise to the Afghan rule in the area. Between the 11th and 16th Centuries CE, Kalinga was gradually replaced by Odra Desa or Utkala and eventually Odisha.

After the decline of Somavasi dynasty in 10th century, the Ganga dynasty was established in Odisha. This dynasty greatly shaped up the medieval history of Odisha.

The Medieval era saw the rise of strong empires in Odisha that lasted for many centuries and added to the art, architecture and culture of Odisha. The first among them was the Ganga or Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1038 AD. It continued for 400 years. Temples like Konark, Jagannath were built by Ganga rulers. It was followed by Gajapati Dynasty in 1434 AD and continued for 100 years. Next was Bhoi Dynasty formed in 1541. It continued for 200 years.

The Karrani Dynasty formed in 1568 was the first Muslim empire in Odisha. It was short lived and was soon taken over by the Mughals. They appointed Governors to look after the administration of Odisha. Next was the Naib Nazims of Bengal in 1703 after which Odisha went into the hands of the Marathas.  After Marathas, Odisha faced British rule, which is included in Modern History of Odisha.

With the advent of modern era, Odisha came under European powers like Portuguese and British. Although, Portuguese were the first European to build factories in Odisha, but it’s the British East India Company which ruled over Odisha. They captured Odisha in a strategic way.

The phase of Odishan history is dynamic because of the resistance and revolt faced by British Administration. It includes the contribution of Odisha in national struggle for Independence of India.

Modern History of Odisha begins with the advent of European powers in the state. The Portuguese were the first to establish their settlements in Pipli but were soon overpowered by the Britishers. After the winning the Battle of Buxar in 1765, British rule was firmly established in Odisha. However it was marked by various rebellions. These were Paika and Khurda Rebellion.

Many tribal uprisings also occurred in Odisha like Ghumsar and Bhuyan Uprising. The impact of the Revolt of 1857 was felt in Odisha also as many people participated in it. But in 1866, Odisha was struck with a great famine. The death toll estimated to be one million. After this, the Britishers came up with educational reforms. Many socio-religious movements started in Odisha at that time like Satya Mahima Dharma, Brahmo Movement, etc.

Odisha General Studies | General Knowledge of Odisha

1. Odisha: An Overview

  • General Information
  • Administration
  • Largest/Longest in Odisha
  • State Symbols

2. Ancient History of Odisha

  • Historical Names of Odisha
  • Sources of History of Odisha
  • Ancient Kingdoms and Empires in Odisha
  • Sub-Regional Kingdoms after the Gupta Period

3. Medieval History of Odisha

  • Ganga Dynasty (1038-1435 AD)
  • Gajapati Dynasty (1434-1541 AD)
  • Bhoi Dynasty (1541-1558 AD)
  • Karrani Dynasty (1568-1589 AD)
  • Odisha under the Naib Nazims of Bengal

4. Modern History of Odisha

  • The Portuguese in Odisha
  • British Rule in Odisha
  • Movements in Odisha against British
  • Tribal Uprising in Odisha

5. Freedom Struggle in Odisha

  • Pre-Independence Era
  • Quit India Movement and Odisha
  • Post-Independence Era

6. Formation of Odisha

  • Odia Movement
  • Formation of Bihar-Odisha Province
  • Merger of the Princely States of Odisha

7. Administrative Set up of Odisha

  • Odisha Legislature
  • Odisha Executive
  • Chief Minister of Odisha
  • Important Institutions of Odisha

8. Odisha Judiciary

  • Odisha High Court
  • Subordinate Courts in Odisha

9. Local Self-Government & Panchayati Raj in Odisha

  • Panchayati Raj System in Odisha
  • Urban Local Bodies in Odisha

10. District Profile of Odisha

  • Divisions of Odisha
  • Central Division, Cuttack
  • Northern Division, Sambalpur
  • Southern Division, Berhampur

11. Demographic Profile of Odisha

  • Population of Odisha
  • Rural Population of Odisha

12. Geographical Features of Odisha

  • Physiographic Region of Odisha
  • The Central Plateaus
  • The River Valleys and Flood Plains

13. Climate and Soils of Odisha

  • Climate of Odisha
  • Rainfall in Odisha
  • Climatic Regions in Odisha
  • Cyclone in Odisha
  • Soils in Odisha
  • Problems and Management of Soils in Odisha

14. Drainage System of Odisha

  • Rivers of Odisha
  • Rivers of Mahanadi Delta
  • Rivers of Eastern Slopes of Eastern Ghats
  • Lakes of Odisha
  • Waterfalls in Odisha
  • Bays and Islands in Odisha

15. Agriculture and Irrigation in Odisha

  • Cropping Seasons in Odisha
  • Major Crops of Odisha
  • Agro-Climatic Zones in Odisha
  • Horticulture in Odisha
  • Floriculture in Odisha
  • Irrigation in Odisha
  • Irrigation Projects
  • Government Initiatives for Irrigation

16. Animal Husbandry in Odisha

  • Livestock Sector in Odisha
  • State Initiatives of Fishery Development
  • Animal Husbandry Department

17. Forests of Odisha

  • Recorded Forest Area in Odisha
  • Classification of Forests of Odisha
  • The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
  • Government Departments for Forest Development

18. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha

  • National Parks of Odisha
  • Wildlife Reserves in Odisha
  • Biodiversity in Odisha
  • Nandankanan Zoological Park

19. Mineral Resources of Odisha

  • Minerals Found in Odisha
  • Classification of Minerals
  • Government Initiatives for Mineral Development

20. Industries of Odisha

  • Key Industries of Odisha
  • Cottage Industries in Odisha
  • State Industrial Policy, 2015

21. Energy Sector of Odisha

  • Thermal Power Plants in Odisha
  • Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
  • Government Institutions in Odisha for Energy Sector
  • Government Initiatives in Energy Sector

22. Transport in Odisha

  • Transportation in Odisha
  • Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC)
  • Government Initiatives for Railway Transport

23. Communication and Cinema in Odisha

  • Means of Communication in Odisha
  • Cinema of Odisha
  • Famous Actors from Odisha
  • Famous Actresses from Odisha
  • Odisha State film Awards

24. Tourism in Odisha

  • Temples in Odisha
  • Buddhist Movement 
  • Forts in Odisha
  • Caves in Odisha
  • Hill Stations and Beaches in Odisha
  • Other Tourist Places in Odisha
  • Tourism Policy, 2016

25. Language and Literature

  • Language of Odisha
  • Literature of Odisha
  • Eminent Personalities of Odisha Literature

26. Folk Art, Craft & Culture of Odisha

  • Paintings of Odisha
  • Crafts of Odisha
  • Culture of Odisha

27. Music and Dance of Odisha

  • Music of Odisha
  • Dance Forms of Odisha
  • Folk Dramas of Odisha

28. Fairs, Festivals and Cuisines of Odisha

  • Fairs of Odisha
  • Festivals of Odisha
  • Tribal Festival
  • Cuisines of Odisha

29. Sports in Odisha

  • Sports Scenario in Odisha
  • Odisha Sports Youth Policy, 2013
  • Famous Sports Personalities of Odisha
  • Major Schemes for Sports in Odisha

30. Awards and Honours of Odisha

  • Famous Awards of Odisha
  • National Awardees from Odisha
  • Padma Awardees from Odisha

31. Education and Health in Odisha

  • Education Sector in Odisha
  • Major Universities of Odisha
  • National Level Institutions in Odisha
  • Health Sector in Odisha

32. Caste and Tribes of Odisha

  • Scheduled Tribes in Odisha
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Odisha

33. Historical & Other Famous Personalities of Odisha

  • Historical Personalities
  • Political Personalities

34. Social Welfare Schemes of Odisha

  • Schemes for Health Sector in Odisha
  • Pension Schemes in Odisha
  • Miscellaneous Schemes of Odisha

35. Yearly Current Affairs Odisha

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!
Scroll to Top