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 8^th 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 11^th 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.