View source for Odisha

{{Short description|State in Eastern India}}
{{About|the state of India|the flowering plant|Odisha cleistantha|other uses|Odisha (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Orissa|other uses|Orissa (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Odisha
| official_name = State of Odisha
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
 | photo1a      = Konarka Temple.jpg
 | photo1b      = Deomali peak.jpg
 | photo2a      = Beautiful Sun Set.jpg
 | photo2b      =Puri Ratha Yatra.jpg
 | photo3a      = Shri Jagannatha Temple.jpg
 | photo3b      =  Chilika Bhubaneswar.me.jpg
 | photo4a     = Bhitarkanika Crocodile.jpg
 | photo4b      = Ratnagiri (29).JPG
 | photo5a      = Lingaraj temple Bhubaneswar.jpg
 | photo5b      =Hirakud Dam.jpg
 | position     = centre
 | spacing                = 5
 | color_border           = white
 | color                  = black
 | size                   = 330
 }}
| imagesize = 
| image_alt = 
| image_caption = '''Zigzag from Top-left:''' [[Konark Sun Temple]], [[Deomali (mountain)|Deomali]], [[Chandipur, Odisha|Chandipur Beach]], [[Ratha Yatra (Puri)|Ratha Yatra]], [[Jagannath Temple]],    
 [[Chilika Lake]], [[Bhitarkanika National Park]], [[Ratnagiri, Odisha|Ratnagiri]], [[Lingaraj Temple]], [[Hirakud Dam]]
| type = State
| image_seal = Seal of Odisha.svg
| etymology = "Land of the [[Odia people|Odias]]"
| nicknames = Soul of India<br />India’s Best Kept Secret
| motto = [[Satyameva Jayate]] ([[Sanskrit]])<br>"Truth alone triumphs"{{force singular}}
| anthem = [[Bande Utkala Janani]] ([[Odia language|Odia]])<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/orissaannualreference/ORA-2005/ORA-2005.htm |title=Orissa Annual Reference 2005 |access-date=9 June 2012 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627130051/http://orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/orissaannualreference/ORA-2005/ORA-2005.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/2016/April/engpdf/odisha%20review-2016_april.pdf |title=Odisha Review 2016 |access-date=1 April 2018 |archive-date=2 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402101410/http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/2016/April/engpdf/odisha%20review-2016_april.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><br />"I Adore Thee, O Mother Utkala"<br />
[[File:Bande Utkala Janani Odia.ogg]]
| image_map = IN-OD.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|20.27|85.82|region:IN-OD_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| region = East India
| before_was = [[Orissa Province]]
| formation_date4 = {{start date and age|1936|4|1|df=y}}<br />[[Utkala Dibasa]]
| capital = Bhubaneswar
| largest city = Bhubaneswar
| districts = [[List of districts of Odisha|30 (3 divisions)]]
| Governor = [[Kambhampati Hari Babu]]
| Chief_Minister = [[Mohan Charan Majhi]]
| Deputy_CM = [[Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo]] <br />[[Pravati Parida]]
| legislature_type = Unicameral
| assembly = [[Odisha Legislative Assembly]]
| assembly_seats = 147 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 10 seats
| lok_sabha_seats = 21 seats
| judiciary = [[Odisha High Court]]
| area_total_km2 = 155707
| area_rank = 8th
| length_km = 500
| width_km = 1030
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="Socio-economic Profile">{{cite book | title=Socio-economic Profile of Rural India (series II).: Eastern India (Orissa, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) | publisher=Centre for Rural Studies, L.B.S. National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie | year=2011 | isbn=978-81-8069-723-4 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fi_rz0_1ELUC&pg=PA73 | access-date=16 August 2019 | page=73}}</ref>
| elevation_m = 
| elevation_max_m = 1,672
| elevation_max_point = [[Deomali (mountain)|Deomali]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deomali Peak in Koraput India |url=https://www.india9.com/i9show/Deomali-Peak-57564.htm |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=www.india9.com |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324211121/https://www.india9.com/i9show/Deomali-Peak-57564.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| elevation_min_m = 0
| elevation_min_point = [[Bay of Bengal]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="CensusIndia2011PCA12018"/>
| population_total = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 41,974,218
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = 11th
| population_density = 307/km
| population_urban = 16.68%
| population_rural = 83.32%
| population_demonym = [[Odia people|Odia]]
| 0fficial_Langs = [[Odia language|Odia]] & [[English language|English]]<ref
 name=nclmanurep2010>{{cite web |title=Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 47th report (July 2008 to June 2010) |pages=122–126 |publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM47thReport.pdf |access-date=16 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513161847/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM47thReport.pdf |archive-date=13 May 2012 }}</ref>
| official_script = [[Odia script]]
| GDP_footnotes = <ref name="MOSPI">{{cite web|url=https://www.prsindia.org/parliamenttrack/budgets/odisha-budget-analysis-2020-21|title=Odisha Budget analysis|date=18 February 2020|website=PRS India|access-date=27 September 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029164451/https://www.prsindia.org/parliamenttrack/budgets/odisha-budget-analysis-2020-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GDP_total = {{Increase}}{{INRConvert|8.65|t|lk=r}}
| GDP_year = 2023–24
| GDP_rank = 15th
| GDP_per_capita = {{INRConvert|182548}} (2023-24) <ref>{{Cite web |title=ODISHA Economic Survey Page 13 |url=https://pc.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-07/OES%20Chapter_1%28Main%20Booklet%29_0.pdf |website=ODISHA Economic Survey }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> {{IncreasePositive}}
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 21st
| HDI = {{Increase}}0.610 {{color|#DECA57|Medium}}<ref>{{cite web |title=India: Subnational HDI |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/IND/ |website=Global Data Labs |access-date=8 June 2025}}</ref>
| HDI_year = 2022
| HDI_rank = 33rd
| literacy = 79.0%<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |title=Annual Report, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July 2023 – June 2024) |date=23 September 2024 |publisher=National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |pages=A-10 |chapter=Appendix-A: Detailed tables, Table (7): Literacy rate (in per cent) of persons of different age groups for each State/UT (persons, age-group (years): 7 & above, rural+urban (column 6))}}</ref>
| literacy_year = 2024
| literacy_rank = 25th
| sex_ratio = 979[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sex ratio of State and Union Territories of India as per National Health survey (2019–2021)|url=https://main.mohfw.gov.in/basicpage-14|website=Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India|access-date=8 January 2023|archive-date=8 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108164803/https://main.mohfw.gov.in/basicpage-14|url-status=live}}</ref>
| sexratio_year = 2011
| sexratio_rank = 9th
| iso_code = IN-OD<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:IN|title=Standard: ISO 3166 — Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions|access-date=24 November 2023|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031837/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:IN|url-status=live}}</ref>
| registration_plate = OD<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2012/Sep/01/vehicle-registration-number-od-to-replace-or-from-today-402096.html|title=Vehicle registration number: OD to replace OR from today|access-date=21 June 2012|archive-date=18 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318132053/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2012/Sep/01/vehicle-registration-number-od-to-replace-or-from-today-402096.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| website = odisha.gov.in
| foundation_day = Utkala Dibas
| mammal = [[Sambar deer|Sambar]]<ref name="Orissareview"/>
| bird = [[Indian roller]]<ref name="The Times of India 2017">{{cite web | title=Palapitta: How a mindless dasara ritual is killing our state bird palapitta – Hyderabad News | website=The Times of India | date=29 September 2017 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/how-a-mindless-dasara-ritual-is-killing-our-state-bird-palapitta/articleshow/60872593.cms | access-date=7 October 2019 | archive-date=2 November 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102011836/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/how-a-mindless-dasara-ritual-is-killing-our-state-bird-palapitta/articleshow/60872593.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation | url=http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/apr2005/englishpdf/bluelay.pdf | title=Blue Jay | publisher=Orissa Review | date=2005 | access-date=7 October 2019 | archive-date=7 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007123050/http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/apr2005/englishpdf/bluelay.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>
| fish = [[Tor tor|Mahanadi mahseer]]<ref>{{cite web|title=State Fishes of India|url=http://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/Fish%20%26%20Fisheries%20of%20India/2.State%20Fishes%20of%20India.pdf|publisher=National Fisheries Development Board, Government of India|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=10 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010035036/http://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/Fish%20%26%20Fisheries%20of%20India/2.State%20Fishes%20of%20India.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| flower = [[Saraca asoca|Asoka]]<ref name="Orissareview"/>
| tree = [[Ficus religiosa|Sacred Fig]]<ref name="Orissareview">{{citation |url= http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/apr2005/englishpdf/bluelay.pdf |title= Blue Jay |publisher= Orissa Review |page= 87 |date= 2005 |access-date= 7 October 2019 |archive-date= 7 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191007123050/http://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/apr2005/englishpdf/bluelay.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{citation | url=http://rprcbbsr.in/View/Downloads/Ficusreligiosa18_11_2014.pdf | title=Pipal(Ficus religiosa) – The State Tree of Odisha | publisher=RPRC | date=2014 | access-date=29 November 2020 | archive-date=9 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209124534/http://rprcbbsr.in/View/Downloads/Ficusreligiosa18_11_2014.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>
| image_highway = SH IN-OD.png
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Odisha|OD SH1 – OD SH57]]
}}

'''Odisha''' ({{Indic Transl|or|oṛiśā|oˈɽisa|Or-ଓଡ଼ିଶା.oga}}) <ref>{{Cite web |title=Odisha Name Alteration Act, 2011 |url=https://1drv.ms/b/s!AoSY7m8bBHQlkxQHTN0wGaU6x_Ux?e=VwyO2n |access-date=23 September 2011 |publisher=eGazette of India |language=en}}</ref> is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] located in [[East India|Eastern India]]. It is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|eighth-largest state by area]], and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|eleventh-largest by population]], with over 41 million inhabitants. The state also has the third-largest population of [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes]] in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stscodisha.gov.in/Aboutus.asp?GL=abt&PL=1|title=ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department:: Government of Odisha|website=stscodisha.gov.in|access-date=10 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901131912/http://www.stscodisha.gov.in/Aboutus.asp?GL=abt&PL=1|archive-date=1 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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 [[coastline]] of {{convert|485|km}} along the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the [[Indian Ocean]].<ref name="CoastalSecurity">{{cite web |title=Coastal security |publisher=[[Odisha Police]] |url=http://odishapolice.gov.in/?q=node/163 |access-date=1 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206043803/http://odishapolice.gov.in/?q=node%2F163 |archive-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The region is also known as '''Utkaḷa''' and is mentioned by this name in India's national anthem, [[Jana Gana Mana]].

The ancient kingdom of [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]], which was invaded by the [[Maurya Empire|Mauryan]] Emperor [[Ashoka]] in 261 BCE resulting in the [[Kalinga War]], coincides with the borders of modern-day Odisha.<ref name=GovHistory>{{cite web|title=Detail History of Orissa|url=http://www.orissa.gov.in/history1.htm|publisher=[[Government of Odisha]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112195307/http://www.orissa.gov.in/history1.htm|archive-date=12 November 2006}}</ref> The modern boundaries of Odisha were demarcated by the [[British India]]n government, the [[Orissa Province]] was established on 1 April 1936, consisting of the Odia-speaking districts of [[Bihar and Orissa Province]], [[Madras Presidency]] and [[Central Provinces]].<ref name=GovHistory /> [[Odisha Day|Utkala Divas]] ({{literally|Odisha Day}}) is celebrated on 1 April.<ref name="FlavoursOfOdisha">{{cite news|title=Utkala Dibasa hails colours, flavours of Odisha|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Utkala-Dibasa-hails-colours-flavours-of-Odisha/articleshow/33095967.cms|access-date=1 February 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=2 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708211533/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Utkala-Dibasa-hails-colours-flavours-of-Odisha/articleshow/33095967.cms|archive-date=8 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Cuttack]] was made the capital of the region by [[Anantavarman Chodaganga]] in {{circa|1135}},<ref name="Chakraborty1985">{{cite book|author=Rabindra Nath Chakraborty|title=National Integration in Historical Perspective: A Cultural Regeneration in Eastern India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PItbvfAvVggC&pg=PA17|access-date=30 November 2012|year=1985|publisher=Mittal Publications|pages=17–|id=GGKEY:CNFHULBK119|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515095045/http://books.google.com/books?id=PItbvfAvVggC&pg=PA17|archive-date=15 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> after which the city was used as the capital by many rulers, through the British era until 1948. Thereafter, [[Bhubaneswar]] became the capital of Odisha.<ref name="Kalia1994">{{cite book|author=Ravi Kalia|title=Bhubaneswar: From a Temple Town to a Capital City|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F2YSPiKbmHkC&pg=PA23|access-date=2 February 2015|year=1994|publisher=SIU Press|isbn=978-0-8093-1876-6|page=23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=F2YSPiKbmHkC&pg=PA23|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
{{See also|History of Odisha#Historical names of Odisha}}
The terms ''Odisha'' and ''Orissa'' ({{Langx|or|ଓଡ଼ିଶା}}, ''Oṛissa'') derive from the ancient [[Prakrit]] word  ''"Odda Visaya"'' (also "''Udra Bibhasha''" or "''Odra Bibhasha''") as in the [[Tirumalai (Jain complex)|Tirumalai]] inscription of [[Rajendra Chola I]], which is dated to 1025.<ref name=orissareview>{{cite book|last1=Patel|first1=C.B|title=Origin and Evolution of the Name ODISA|date=April 2010|publisher=I&PR Department, Government of Odisha|location=Bhubaneswar|pages=28, 29, 30|url=http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2010/April/engpdf/28-30.pdf|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619163833/http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2010/April/engpdf/28-30.pdf|archive-date=19 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Sarala Das]], who translated the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' into the [[Odia language]] in the 15th century, calls the region 'Odra Rashtra' as Odisha. The inscriptions of [[Kapilendra Deva]] of the [[Gajapati Kingdom]] (1435–67) on the walls of temples in [[Puri]] call the region ''Odisha'' or ''Odisha Rajya''.<ref name="Acharya2008">{{cite book|author=Pritish Acharya|title=National Movement and Politics in Orissa, 1920–1929|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LoaHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PR19|access-date=3 February 2015|date=11 March 2008|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-81-321-0001-0|page=19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=LoaHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PR19|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, the English rendering of {{Langx|or|ଓଡ଼ିଶା|label=none}} was changed from "Orissa" to "Odisha", and the name of its language from "Oriya" to "Odia", by the passage of the ''Orissa (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010'' and the ''Constitution (113th Amendment) Bill, 2010'' in the [[Indian Parliament|Parliament]]. The Hindi rendering {{Langx|hi|उड़ीसा|label=none}} ({{transliteration|hi|ISO|uṛīsā}}) was also modified to {{Langx|hi|ओड़िशा|label=none}} ({{transliteration|hi|ISO|or̥iśā}}). After a brief debate, the lower house, [[Lok Sabha]], passed the bill and amendment on 9 November 2010.<ref name=AmidClashBillPass>{{cite news|title=Amid clash, House passes Bills to rename Orissa, its language|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-clash-house-passes-bills-to-rename-orissa-its-language/article876145.ece|access-date=2 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-clash-house-passes-bills-to-rename-orissa-its-language/article876145.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On 24 March 2011, [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of [[Parliament]], also passed the bill and the amendment.<ref name=ChangeOrissaName>{{cite news|title=Parliament passes bill to change Orissa's name|url=http://www.ndtv.com/bhubaneshwar-news/parliament-passes-bill-to-change-orissas-name-451027|access-date=2 February 2015|publisher=[[NDTV]]|date=24 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203144151/http://www.ndtv.com/bhubaneshwar-news/parliament-passes-bill-to-change-orissas-name-451027|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The changes in spelling were made with the intention of having the English and Hindi renditions conform to the Odia transliteration.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orissa wants to change its name to Odisha|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/10orissa.htm|access-date=23 June 2020|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=10 June 2008|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125022611/https://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/10orissa.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the underlying Odia texts were nevertheless transliterated incorrectly as per the [[Hunterian transliteration|Hunterian system]], the official national transliteration standard, in which the transliterations would be {{transliteration|or|hunterian|Orisha}} and {{transliteration|or|hunterian|Oria}} instead.

== History ==
{{Main|History of Odisha|Historic sites in Odisha}}

[[File:The Specific Angel of Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Lingaraja Temple]] built by the Somavanshi king Jajati Keshari]]
Prehistoric [[Acheulian]] tools dating to [[Lower Paleolithic]] era have been discovered in various places in the region, implying an early settlement by humans.<ref name=Ghosh2012>{{cite book|title=An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology|year=1990|publisher=BRILL|page=24|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wba-EZhZcfgC&q=Acheulian%20orissa&pg=PA25|author=Amalananda Ghosh|isbn=9004092641|access-date=29 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=Wba-EZhZcfgC&lpg=PA25&ots=zRfcBno4vb&dq=Acheulian%20orissa&pg=PA25#v=onepage&q=Acheulian%20orissa&f=false|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Kalinga has been mentioned in ancient texts like ''[[Mahabharata]]'', ''[[Vayu Purana]]'' and ''Mahagovinda Suttanta''.<ref name=sonofvaruna>{{cite book|title=An Introduction to Epic Philosophy: Epic Period, History, Literature, Pantheon, Philosophy, Traditions, and Mythology, Volume 3|year=2004|publisher=Genesis Publishing|page=784|isbn=9788177558814|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uwHj-Z-dMcsC&q=Srutayudha&pg=PA784|editor=Subodh Kapoor|access-date=10 November 2012|quote=Finally Srutayudha, a valiant hero, was son Varuna and of the river Parnasa.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=uwHj-Z-dMcsC&lpg=PA784&dq=Srutayudha&pg=PA784|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="vayu">{{cite book|title=Cultural History from the Vāyu Purāna|year=1946|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Pub.|page=46|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jmnm-smZm6oC&q=bali%20sudesna&pg=PA46|author=Devendrakumar Rajaram Patil|isbn=9788120820852|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=Jmnm-smZm6oC&lpg=PA46&dq=bali%20sudesna&pg=PA46#v=onepage&q=bali%20sudesna&f=false|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to political scientist Sudama Misra, the Kalinga [[janapada]] originally comprised the area covered by the [[Puri district|Puri]] and [[Ganjam district|Ganjam]] districts.<ref>Sudama Misra (1973). ''Janapada state in ancient India''. Bhāratīya Vidyā Prakāśana. p. 78.</ref> The [[Sabar people]] of Odisha have also been mentioned in the Mahabharata.<ref name="DanceBow">{{cite web|title=Dance bow (1965.3.5)|url=http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/index.php/tour-by-region/asia/asia/arms-and-armour-asia-141/index.html|publisher=[[Pitt Rivers Museum]]|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202160400/http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/index.php/tour-by-region/asia/asia/arms-and-armour-asia-141/index.html|archive-date=2 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pati2008">{{cite book|author=Rabindra Nath Pati|title=Family Planning|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5seKkk3GkIC&pg=PA97|access-date=2 February 2015|date=1 January 2008|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=978-81-313-0352-8|page=97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=_5seKkk3GkIC&pg=PA97|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Baudhayana sutras|Baudhayana]] mentions Kalinga as not yet being influenced by [[Vedic]] traditions, implying it followed mostly tribal traditions.<ref name="Chatterjee1998">{{cite book|author=Suhas Chatterjee|title=Indian Civilization And Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KItocaxbibUC&pg=PA68|access-date=11 February 2013|date=1 January 1998|publisher=M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=978-81-7533-083-2|page=68|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515091723/http://books.google.com/books?id=KItocaxbibUC&pg=PA68|archive-date=15 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Hathigumpha.JPG|thumb|200px|right|[[Hathigumpha inscription|Hathigumpha]] on the [[Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves|Udayagiri Hills]] built in {{Circa|{{BCE|150}}}}]]
[[File:Shanti Stupa, Dhauli 01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Dhauli|Shanti Stupa at Dhauli]] is the location where [[Kalinga War]] was fought in {{Circa|{{BCE|260}}}}]]
[[Ashoka]] of the [[Mauryan]] dynasty conquered Kalinga in the bloody [[Kalinga War]] in 261 BCE,<ref name=ashoka>{{cite book|title=A History of India|year=2004|publisher=Routledge|page=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPVq3ykHyH4C&q=ashoka%20261%20BC%20history&pg=PA66|author=Hermann Kulke|author2=Dietmar Rothermund|isbn=9780415329194|access-date=12 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=TPVq3ykHyH4C&lpg=PA66&dq=ashoka%20261%20BC%20history&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q=ashoka%20261%20BC%20history&f=false|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> which was the eighth year of his reign.<ref name="Radhakumud1995">{{cite book|author=Mookerji Radhakumud|title=Asoka|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uXyftdtE1ygC&pg=PA214|access-date=6 August 2015|year=1995|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-0582-8|page=214|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=uXyftdtE1ygC&pg=PA214|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> According to his own [[edicts]], in that war about 100,000 people were killed, 150,000 were captured and more were affected.<ref name=ashoka /> The resulting bloodshed and suffering of the war is said to have deeply affected Ashoka. He turned into a pacifist and converted to Buddhism.<ref name="Radhakumud1995" /><ref name="Sen1999">{{cite book|author=Sailendra Nath Sen|title=Ancient Indian History and Civilization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&pg=PA153|access-date=6 August 2015|date=1 January 1999|publisher=New Age International|isbn=978-81-224-1198-0|page=153|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&pg=PA153|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

By c. 150 BCE, Emperor [[Kharavela]], who was possibly a contemporary of [[Demetrius I of Bactria]],<ref name="Texas2006">{{cite book|author=Austin Patrick Olivelle Alma Cowden Madden Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts University of Texas|title=Between the Empires : Society in India 300 BCE to 400 CE: Society in India 300 BCE to 400 CE|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=efaOR_-YsIcC&pg=PA78|access-date=3 February 2015|date=19 June 2006|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-977507-1|page=78|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=efaOR_-YsIcC&pg=PA78|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> conquered a major part of the Indian sub-continent. Kharavela was a [[Jain]] ruler. He also built the monastery atop the [[Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves|Udayagiri]] hill.<ref name="Reddy2006">{{cite book|author=Reddy|title=Indian Hist (Opt)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CeEmpfmbxKEC&pg=SL1-PA253|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 December 2006|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-063577-7|page=A254|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=CeEmpfmbxKEC&pg=SL1-PA253|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, the region was ruled by monarchs, such as [[Samudragupta]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Indian History|year = 1988|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MazdaWXQFuQC&pg=PA74|access-date=3 February 2015|publisher=Allied Publishers|isbn=978-81-8424-568-4|page=74|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=MazdaWXQFuQC&pg=PA74|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Shashanka]].<ref name="Davidson2013">{{cite book|author=Ronald M. Davidson|title=Indian Esoteric Buddhism: A Social History of the Tantric Movement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nwyeIyWTlEMC&pg=PT60|access-date=3 February 2015|date=13 August 2013|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-50102-6|page=60|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=nwyeIyWTlEMC&pg=PT60|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also a part of [[Harsha]]'s empire.<ref name="Majumdar1996">{{cite book|author=R. C. Majumdar|title=Outline of the History of Kalinga|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LNCcpkqesJ0C&pg=PA28|access-date=3 February 2015|year=1996|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-1194-8|page=28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=LNCcpkqesJ0C&pg=PA28|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The city of [[Brahmapur, Odisha|Brahmapur]] in Odisha is also known to have been the capital of the [[Pauravas]] during the closing years of 4th century CE. Nothing was heard from the Pauravas from about the 3rd century CE, because they were annexed by the [[Yaudheya|Yaudheya Republic]], who in turn submitted to the [[Mauryans]]. It was only at the end of 4th century CE, that they established royalty at Brahmapur, after about 700 years.

Later, the kings of the [[Somavaṃśī dynasty|Somavamsi]] dynasty began to unite the region. By the reign of Yayati II, c. 1025 CE, they had integrated the region into a single kingdom. Yayati II is supposed to have built the [[Lingaraj temple]] at [[Bhubaneswar]].<ref name=GovHistory /> They were replaced by the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty]]. Notable rulers of the dynasty were [[Anantavarman Chodaganga]], who began reconstruction on the present-day Shri [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple]] in [[Puri]] (c. 1135), and [[Narasimhadeva I]], who constructed the [[Konark temple]] (c. 1250).<ref name="Dalal2014">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=87k0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT559|access-date=3 February 2015|date=18 April 2014|publisher=Penguin Books Limited|isbn=978-81-8475-396-7|page=559|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=87k0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT559|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IndianHistory">{{cite book|title=Indian History| year=1960 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X4j7Nf_MU24C&pg=SL2-PA3|access-date=3 May 2013|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-132923-1|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101141813/http://books.google.com/books?id=X4j7Nf_MU24C&pg=SL2-PA3|archive-date=1 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Eastern Ganga Dynasty was followed by the [[Gajapati Kingdom]].  The region resisted integration into the [[Mughal empire]] until 1568, when it was conquered by [[Sultanate of Bengal]].<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-93-80607-34-4 |pages=121–122}}</ref> Mukunda Deva, who is considered the last independent king of Kalinga, was defeated and was killed in battle by a rebel Ramachandra Bhanja. Ramachandra Bhanja himself was killed by [[Bayazid Khan Karrani]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Orissa General Knowledge|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMCbjkhA_ncC&pg=PA27|access-date=3 February 2015|publisher=Bright Publications|isbn=978-81-7199-574-5|page=27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=hMCbjkhA_ncC&pg=PA27|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1591, [[Man Singh I]], then governor of [[Bihar]], led an army to take Odisha from the [[List of rulers of Bengal#Karrani dynasty (Mughal vassals)|Karranis of Bengal]]. They agreed to treaty because their leader Qutlu Khan Lohani had recently died. But they then broke the treaty by attacking the temple town of [[Puri]]. Man Singh returned in 1592 and pacified the region.<ref name="O'malley2007">{{cite book|author=L.S.S. O'Malley|title=Bengal District Gazetteer : Puri|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwD0-YV2LCYC&pg=PA33|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 2007|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-7268-138-8|page=33|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=pwD0-YV2LCYC&pg=PA33|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1751, the Nawab of Bengal [[Alivardi Khan]] ceded the region to the [[Maratha Empire]].<ref name=GovHistory />

The [[British India|British]] had occupied the [[Northern Circars]], comprising the southern coast of Odisha, as a result of the [[Carnatic Wars|Second Carnatic War]] by 1760, and incorporated them into the [[Madras Presidency]] gradually.<ref name="Sen2010">{{cite book|author=Sailendra Nath Sen|title=An Advanced History of Modern India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bXWiACEwPR8C&pg=PA9|access-date=3 February 2015|year=2010|publisher=Macmillan India|isbn=978-0-230-32885-3|page=32|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=bXWiACEwPR8C&pg=PA9|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1803, the British ousted the Marathas from the Puri-Cuttack region of Odisha during the [[Second Anglo-Maratha War]]. The northern and western districts of Odisha were incorporated into the [[Bengal Presidency]].<ref name="Bandita1992">{{cite book|last=Devi|first=Bandita|title=Some Aspects of British Administration in Orissa, 1912–1936|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA14|date=January 1992|publisher=Academic Foundation|isbn=978-81-7188-072-0|page=14|access-date=5 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221202033/https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA14|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Orissa famine of 1866]] caused an estimated 1 million deaths.<ref name="Dando2012">{{cite book|author=William A. Dando|title=Food and Famine in the 21st Century &#91;2 volumes&#93;|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4cat-5-NeIC&pg=RA1-PA47|access-date=3 February 2015|date=13 February 2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-731-4|page=47|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=R4cat-5-NeIC&pg=RA1-PA47|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this, large-scale [[irrigation]] projects were undertaken.<ref name="SamalNayak1996">{{cite book|author1=J. K. Samal|author2=Pradip Kumar Nayak|title=Makers of Modern Orissa: Contributions of Some Leading Personalities of Orissa in the 2nd Half of the 19th Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ewpJNpCLJgC&pg=PA32|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 1996|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-322-9|page=32|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=3ewpJNpCLJgC&pg=PA32|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>  In 1903, the [[Utkal Sammilani]] organisation was founded to demand the unification of [[Odia language|Odia]]-speaking regions into one state.<ref name="PADHY2011">{{cite book|author=K.S. Padhy|title=Indian Political Thought|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sZVopB0GNPQC&pg=PA287|access-date=3 February 2015|date=30 July 2011|publisher=PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=978-81-203-4305-4|page=287|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=sZVopB0GNPQC&pg=PA287|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 April 1912, the [[Bihar and Orissa Province]] was formed.<ref name="Jha2003">{{cite book|author=Usha Jha|title=Land, Labour, and Power: Agrarian Crisis and the State in Bihar (1937–52)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lHAMkZGI_OoC&pg=PA246|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 2003|publisher=Aakar Books|isbn=978-81-87879-07-7|page=246|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=lHAMkZGI_OoC&pg=PA246|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 April 1936, [[Bihar]] and Orissa were split into separate provinces.<ref name="Devi1992">{{cite book|author=Bandita Devi|title=Some Aspects of British Administration in Orissa, 1912–1936|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA214|access-date=3 February 2015|date=1 January 1992|publisher=Academic Foundation|isbn=978-81-7188-072-0|page=214|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=lBQQHizn788C&pg=PA214|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The new [[Orissa Province|province of Orissa]] came into existence on a linguistic basis during the British rule in India, with Sir John Austen Hubback as the first governor.<ref name="Devi1992" /><ref name=Hubback>{{cite news|title=Hubback's memoirs: First Governor Of State Reserved Tone Of Mild Contempt For Indians|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101129/jsp/orissa/story_13234116.jsp|access-date=3 February 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|date=29 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204200041/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101129/jsp/orissa/story_13234116.jsp|archive-date=4 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following [[India's independence]], on 15 August 1947, 27 [[princely state]]s signed the document to join Orissa.<ref name="Krishna2007">{{cite book|author=B. Krishna|title=India's Bismarck, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sLr7z6gNcV0C&pg=PA243|access-date=3 February 2015|year=2007|publisher=Indus Source|isbn=978-81-88569-14-4|pages=243–244|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=sLr7z6gNcV0C&pg=PA243|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Most of the [[Orissa Tributary States]], a group of princely states, acceded to Orissa in 1948, after the collapse of the [[Eastern States Union]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Merger of the Princely States of Odisha – History of Odisha|date=5 April 2018|url=https://www.historyofodisha.in/merger-of-the-princely-states-of-odisha/|language=en-US|access-date=12 May 2020|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929021821/https://www.historyofodisha.in/merger-of-the-princely-states-of-odisha/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Odisha}}

[[File:Chahata near mahanadi river.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Mahanadi]] river near Cuttack]]
Odisha lies between the latitudes 17.780N and 22.730N, and between longitudes 81.37E and 87.53E. The state has an area of 155,707&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, which is 4.87% of total area of India, and a coastline of 450&nbsp;km.<ref name=GeographyKnowIndia>{{cite web|title=Geography of Odisha|url=http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/state_uts.php?id=81|website=Know India|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204220248/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/state_uts.php?id=81|archive-date=4 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In the eastern part of the state lies the coastal plain. It extends from the [[Subarnarekha River]] in the north to the [[Rushikulya]] River in the south. The lake [[Chilika]] is part of the coastal plains. The plains are rich in fertile [[silt]] deposited by the six major rivers flowing into the [[Bay of Bengal]]: [[Subarnarekha river|Subarnarekha]], [[Budhabalanga]], [[Baitarani]], [[Brahmani River|Brahmani]], [[Mahanadi]], and [[Rushikulya]].<ref name=GeographyKnowIndia /> The [[National Rice Research Institute]] (NRRI), a [[Food and Agriculture Organization]]-recognised rice [[gene bank]] and research institute, is situated on the banks of Mahanadi in [[Cuttack]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cuttack |url=http://odisha.gov.in/ |publisher=[[Government of Odisha]] |access-date=6 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206115854/http://odisha.gov.in//portal/ViewDetails.asp?vchglinkid=GL010&vchplinkid=PL066&vchslinkid=SL050 |archive-date=6 December 2012 }}</ref> The stretch between Puri and Bhadrak in Odisha juts out a little into the sea, making it vulnerable to any cyclonic activity.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dasgupta |first1=Alakananda |last2=Priyadarshini |first2=Subhra |title=Why Odisha is a sitting duck for extreme cyclones |journal=Nature India |date=29 May 2019 |doi=10.1038/nindia.2019.69 |doi-broken-date=1 July 2025 |url=https://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2019.69 |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805184844/https://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2019.69 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Mahanadi-river-delta.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Satellite view of the [[Mahanadi]] [[river delta]]]]
Three-quarters of the state is covered in mountain ranges. Deep and broad valleys have been made in them by rivers. These valleys have fertile soil and are densely populated. Odisha also has [[plateau]]s and [[Highland|rolling uplands]], which have lower elevation than the plateaus.<ref name=GeographyKnowIndia /> The [[List of Indian states and union territories by highest point|highest point in the state]] is [[Deomali (mountain)|Deomali]] at 1,672 metres in [[Koraput district]]. Some other high peaks are: Sinkaram (1,620&nbsp;m), Golikoda (1,617&nbsp;m), and Yendrika (1,582 metres).<ref name="Socio-economic Profile"/>

=== Climate ===
The state experiences four [[Season#Modern mid-latitude meteorological|meteorological seasons]]: [[Climate of India#winter|winter]] (January to February), [[Climate of India#Summer|pre-monsoon season]] (March to May), [[Climate of India#Monsoon|south-west monsoon season]] (June to September) and [[October Heat|north east monsoon season]] (October–December). However, locally the year is divided into six traditional seasons (or ''[[Ritu (Indian season)|rutus]]''):  ''Grishma'' (summer), ''Barsha'' (rainy season), ''Sharata'' (autumn), ''Hemanta'' (dewy),''Sheeta''(winter season) and ''Basanta'' (spring).<ref name=GeographyKnowIndia />
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="13"|Mean Temp and Precipitation of Selected Weather Stations<ref>{{cite web|title=Monthly mean maximum & minimum temperature and total rainfall based upon 1901–2000 data |url=http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/climateimp.pdf |publisher=[[India Meteorological Department]] |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413020426/http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/climateimp.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2015 }}</ref>
|-
!
!colspan="3"|Bhubaneswar<br />(1952–2000)
!colspan="3"|Balasore<br />(1901–2000)
!colspan="3"|Gopalpur<br />(1901–2000)
!colspan="3"|Sambalpur<br />(1901–2000)
|-
!
!Max (°C)
!Min (°C)
!Rainfall (mm)
!Max (°C)
!Min (°C)
!Rainfall (mm)
!Max (°C)
!Min (°C)
!Rainfall (mm)
!Max (°C)
!Min (°C)
!Rainfall (mm)
|-
|'''January'''||28.5||15.5||13.1||27.0||13.9||17.0||27.2||16.9||11.0||27.6||12.6||14.2
|-
|'''February'''||31.6||18.6||25.5||29.5||16.7||36.3||28.9||19.5||23.6||30.1||15.1||28.0
|-
|'''March'''||35.1||22.3||25.2||33.7||21.0||39.4||30.7||22.6||18.1||35.0||19.0||20.9
|-
|'''April'''||37.2||25.1||30.8||36.0||24.4||54.8||31.2||25.0||20.3||39.3||23.5||14.2
|-
|'''May'''||37.5||26.5||68.2||36.1||26.0||108.6||32.4||26.7||53.8||41.4||27.0||22.7
|-
|'''June'''||35.2||26.1||204.9||34.2||26.2||233.4||32.3||26.8||138.1||36.9||26.7||218.9
|-
|'''July'''||32.0||25.2||326.2||31.8||25.8||297.9||31.0||26.1||174.6||31.1||24.9||459.0
|-
|'''August'''||31.6||25.1||366.8||31.4||25.8||318.3||31.2||25.9||195.9||30.7||24.8||487.5
|-
|'''September'''||31.9||24.8||256.3||31.7||25.5||275.8||31.7||25.7||192.0||31.7||24.6||243.5
|-
|'''October'''||31.7||23.0||190.7||31.3||23.0||184.0||31.4||23.8||237.8||31.7||21.8||56.6
|-
|'''November'''||30.2||18.8||41.7||29.2||17.8||41.6||29.5||19.7||95.3||29.4||16.2||17.6
|-
|'''December'''||28.3||15.2||4.9||26.9||13.7||6.5||27.4||16.4||11.4||27.2||12.1||4.8
|}

=== Biodiversity ===
{{Main|Flora and fauna of Odisha|Forests in Odisha}}

According to a [[Forest Survey of India]] report released in 2012, Odisha has 48,903&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> of wild forest, covering 31.41% of the state's total area. The forests are classified into areas of dense forest (7,060&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), medium dense forest (21,366&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), open forest (forest without closed [[Canopy (biology)|canopy]]; 20,477&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) and [[Shrubland|scrub forest]] or scrubland (4,734&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>). The state also has [[bamboo forest]]s (10,518&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) and tidal areas of [[mangrove]] swamp (221&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>). The state is gradually losing its wilderness areas to [[Illegal logging|timber smuggling]], [[deforestation]], destructive mining, and general urban industrialisation, as well as livestock [[grazing]]. There have been attempts at conservation and [[reforestation]].<ref name=ForrestCover>{{cite news|title=Study shows Odisha forest cover shrinking|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Study-shows-Odisha-forest-cover-shrinking/articleshow/11904659.cms|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Study-shows-Odisha-forest-cover-shrinking/articleshow/11904659.cms|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Due to the climate and good rainfall, Odisha's evergreen and moist forests are uniquely suitable habitats for wild [[orchid]]s. Around 130 species have been reported from the state.<ref name="Orchids">{{cite book|title=Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-D1RR7A3HfUC&pg=PA116|access-date=5 February 2015|date=1 January 2007|publisher=New India Publishing|isbn=978-81-89422-60-8|page=116|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=-D1RR7A3HfUC&pg=PA116|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Around 97 of them are found in [[Mayurbhanj district]] alone. The Orchid House of the [[Nandankanan Zoological Park]] maintains some of these species.<ref name=OrchidHouse>{{cite news|title=Orchid House a haven for nature lovers|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100823/jsp/orissa/story_12842681.jsp|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|date=23 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205133023/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100823/jsp/orissa/story_12842681.jsp|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Simlipal National Park]] is a protected wildlife area and Bengal tiger reserve spread over 2,750&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> of the northern part of [[Mayurbhanj district]]. The park has around 1,078 species of plants, including 94 of the aforementioned orchids. The [[sal tree|''sal'']] is the primary tree species. For fauna, the park is home to around 55 species of [[mammal]], including the [[Bengal tiger]], [[axis deer|chital]], [[chousingha]], [[common langur]], [[gaur]], [[Indian elephant]], [[Indian giant squirrel]], [[jungle cat]], [[Indian leopard|leopard]], [[Indian muntjac|muntjac]], [[sambar deer|sambar]], [[small Indian civet]] and [[wild boar]]. There are over 300 species of birds in the park, such as the [[common hill myna]], as well as [[Indian grey hornbill|grey]], [[Indian pied hornbill|Indian pied]] and [[Malabar pied hornbill]]s. There are also some 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the famed [[king cobra]], plus [[banded krait]] and [[tricarinate hill turtle]]. There is also a [[mugger crocodile]] breeding programme in nearby Ramtirtha.<ref name=WWFSimilipal>{{cite web|title=Similipal Tiger Reserve|url=http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/critical_regions/national_parks_tiger_reserves/similipal_tiger_reserve/|website=[[World Wide Fund for Nature]], India|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205152048/http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/critical_regions/national_parks_tiger_reserves/similipal_tiger_reserve/|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary]] is a 190&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> protected area near the capital city, Bhubaneswar. However, urban expansion and over-grazing have reduced the forests, driving the herds of elephants to migrate away, as well as increasing human-elephant conflicts—which sometimes results in injury and death (on both sides). Some elephants have died in conflicts with villagers, while some have died during migration after being accidentally electrocuted by power lines or even hit by trains. Outside the protected area, they are killed by ivory [[Poaching|poacher]]s. In 2002, there were about 80 elephants, but by 2012, their numbers had been reduced to 20. Many of the animals have migrated toward the Barbara Reserve forest, Chilika, [[Nayagarh district]], and [[Athagad]].<ref name=ElephantBanished>{{cite news|title=Banished from their homes|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/52316-banished-from-their-homes.html|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Pioneer (newspaper)|The Pioneer]]|date=29 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904034144/http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/item/52316-banished-from-their-homes.html|archive-date=4 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=ElephantWipeout>{{cite news|title=Away from home, Chandaka elephants face a wipeout|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Away-from-home-Chandaka-elephants-face-a-wipeout/2013/08/23/article1747976.ece|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=23 August 2013|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205151829/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Away-from-home-Chandaka-elephants-face-a-wipeout/2013/08/23/article1747976.ece|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Besides elephants, the sanctuary also has leopards, jungle cats and herds of chital.<ref name="Negi1993">{{cite book|author=Sharad Singh Negi|title=Biodiversity and Its Conservation in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PjfVFGM4p6wC&pg=PA242|access-date=5 February 2015|date=1 January 1993|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-85182-88-9|page=242|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=PjfVFGM4p6wC&pg=PA242|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Bhitarkanika National Park]] in [[Kendrapara district]] covers 650&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, of which 150&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> are mangroves. [[Gahirmatha Beach]], in Bhitarkanika, is the world's largest nesting site for [[olive ridley sea turtle]]s.<ref name="Salagrama2006">{{cite book|author=Venkatesh Salagrama|title=Trends in Poverty and Livelihoods in Coastal Fishing Communities of Orissa State, India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3m6XG0WippUC&pg=PA16|access-date=5 February 2015|year=2006|publisher=Food & Agriculture Org.|isbn=978-92-5-105566-3|pages=16–17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=3m6XG0WippUC&pg=PA16|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, the Indian Coast Guard initiated [[Operation Oliver]] to protect the endangered sea turtle population of the region.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/coast-guard-launches-operation-oliver/article5392444.ece |title=Coast Guard launches 'Operation Oliver' |newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 November 2013 |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620155343/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/coast-guard-launches-operation-oliver/article5392444.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Other major nesting grounds for the turtle in the state are [[Rushikulya]], in [[Ganjam district]],<ref name=Olive2>{{cite news|title=Olive Ridley turtles begin mass nesting|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/olive-ridley-turtles-begin-mass-nesting/article5678344.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=12 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164643/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/olive-ridley-turtles-begin-mass-nesting/article5678344.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and the mouth of the [[Devi river]].<ref name=Olive3>{{cite news|title=Mass nesting of Olive Ridleys begins at Rushikulya beach|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/15/stories/2004031505150300.htm|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 March 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/15/stories/2004031505150300.htm|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Bhitarkanika sanctuary is also noted for its large population of [[saltwater crocodile]]s and [[Asian water monitor]]s,<ref name="inaturalist.org">{{cite web |url= https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=70348&view=species |title= Observations (iNaturalist) Bhitarkanika |website= www.iNaturalist.org |access-date= 20 September 2023 |archive-date= 28 March 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240328171011/https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=70348&view=species |url-status= live }}</ref> the second-largest lizard species on earth,<ref name=CrocCensus>{{cite news|title=Bhitarkanika Park to be Closed for Crocodile Census|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bhitarkanika-Park-to-be-Closed-for-Crocodile-Census/2013/12/03/article1925220.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205162831/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bhitarkanika-Park-to-be-Closed-for-Crocodile-Census/2013/12/03/article1925220.ece|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> in addition to [[axis deer]] and [[rhesus macaque]]s.<ref name="inaturalist.org"/> The coastal mangrove environments are home to several types of [[mudskipper]]s, including the [[barred mudskipper|barred]], [[Boleophthalmus boddarti|Boddart's blue-spotted]] and [[Boleophthalmus pectinirostris|great blue-spotted mudskipper]]s.<ref name="inaturalist.org"/>

In winter, Bhitarkanika is also visited by [[migratory birds]]. Among the many species, both resident and migratory, are [[kingfishers]] (including [[black-capped kingfisher|black-capped]], [[collared kingfisher|collared]] and [[common kingfisher]]s), [[heron]]s (such as [[black-crowned night heron|black-crowned night]], [[grey heron|grey]], [[purple heron|purple]] and [[striated heron]]s), [[Indian cormorant]]s, [[Asian openbill|openbill stork]]s, [[Oriental white ibis]], [[pheasant-tailed jacana]], [[sarus crane]]s, [[spotted owlet]]s and [[white-bellied sea-eagle]]s.<ref name=BirdCount>{{cite news|title=Bird Count Rises in Bhitarkanika|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bird-Count-Rises-in-Bhitarkanika/2014/09/14/article2430718.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=14 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205162754/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Bird-Count-Rises-in-Bhitarkanika/2014/09/14/article2430718.ece|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="inaturalist.org"/> The possibly endangered [[horseshoe crab]] is also found in this region.<ref name=horseshoe>{{cite news|title=Concern over dwindling horseshoe crab population|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/concern-over-dwindling-horseshoe-crab-population/article5435987.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/concern-over-dwindling-horseshoe-crab-population/article5435987.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Chilika Lake]] is a brackish water lagoon on the east coast of Odisha with an area of 1,105&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. It is connected to the [[Bay of Bengal]] by a 35-km-long narrow channel and is a part of the Mahanadi delta. In the dry season, the tides bring in salt water. In the rainy season, the rivers falling into the lagoon decrease its salinity.<ref name="AgarwalSingh2007">{{cite book|author1=Pushpendra K. Agarwal|author2=Vijay P. Singh|title=Hydrology and Water Resources of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKs1gBhJSWIC&pg=PA984|access-date=5 February 2015|date=16 May 2007|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4020-5180-7|page=984|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKs1gBhJSWIC&pg=PA984|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Birds from places as far as the [[Caspian Sea]], [[Lake Baikal]] (and other parts of Russia), [[Central Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]], [[Ladakh]] and the [[Himalayas]] migrate to the lagoon in winter.<ref name=ChilikaFalls>{{cite news|title=Number of birds visiting Chilika falls but new species found|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/number-of-birds-visiting-chilika-falls-but-new-species-found/article4288574.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831173859/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/number-of-birds-visiting-chilika-falls-but-new-species-found/article4288574.ece|archive-date=31 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Among the [[waterfowl]] and [[wading birds]] spotted there are [[Eurasian wigeon]], [[Northern pintail|pintail]], [[bar-headed goose]], [[greylag goose]], [[greater flamingo]], common [[mallard]] and [[Goliath heron]].<ref name=SharpDropChilika>{{cite news|title=Chilika registers sharp drop in winged visitors|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/chilika-registers-sharp-drop-in-winged-visitors/article5572489.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/chilika-registers-sharp-drop-in-winged-visitors/article5572489.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=TwoNewChilika>{{cite news|title=Two new species of migratory birds sighted in Chilika Lake|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/two-new-species-of-migratory-birds-sighted-in-chilika-lake/article4285667.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/two-new-species-of-migratory-birds-sighted-in-chilika-lake/article4285667.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The lagoon also has a small population of the endangered [[Irrawaddy dolphin]]s.<ref name=DolphinRise>{{cite news|title=Dolphin population on rise in Chilika Lake|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dolphin-population-on-rise-in-chilika-lake/article108981.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017164642/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/dolphin-population-on-rise-in-chilika-lake/article108981.ece|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The state's coastal region has also had sightings of the rare [[finless porpoise]], as well as the more common [[bottlenose dolphin]], [[humpback dolphin]] and [[spinner dolphin]]s in its waters.<ref name=DolphinCensus>{{cite news|title=Maiden Dolphin Census in State's Multiple Places on Cards|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Maiden-Dolphin-Census-in-State%E2%80%99s-Multiple-Places-on-Cards/2015/01/20/article2627780.ece|access-date=5 February 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=20 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123131044/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Maiden-Dolphin-Census-in-State%E2%80%99s-Multiple-Places-on-Cards/2015/01/20/article2627780.ece|archive-date=23 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Satpada|Satapada]] is situated close to the northeast cape of Chilika Lake and Bay of Bengal. It is famous for dolphin watching in their natural habitat. There is a tiny island en route for watching dolphins, where tourists often take a short stop. Apart from that, this island is also home for tiny red crabs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rongmei |first=Precious|title=Empty beaches, dolphins and more at Odisha's Rajhans Island |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/empty-beaches-dolphins-and-more-at-odishas-rajhans-island/articleshow/103656713.cms |access-date=25 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

According to a census conducted in 2016, there are around 2000 elephants in the state.
<ref>{{cite web |title=Wildlife Census – Odisha Wildlife Organisation |url=https://www.wildlife.odisha.gov.in/WebPortal/WildlifeCensus.aspx |access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819100941/https://www.wildlife.odisha.gov.in/WebPortal/WildlifeCensus.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Nandankanan19.jpg|White tiger in the [[Nandankanan Zoo]]
File:DSC 0764f.jpg|[[Irrawaddy dolphins]] can be found in [[Chilika]]
File:Vanda tessellata Orchi 001.jpg|''[[Vanda tessellata]]'', one of the orchids found in Odisha<ref name=NiyamgiriOrchids>{{cite journal|author1=P.K. Dash|author2=Santilata Sahoo|author3=Subhasisa Bal|title=Ethnobotanical Studies on Orchids of Niyamgiri Hill Ranges, Orissa, India|journal=Ethnobotanical Leaflets|year=2008 |issue=12|pages=70–78|url=http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=ebl&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.co.in%2Fscholar%3Fq%3DOrissa%2BOrchid%26btnG%3D%26hl%3Den%26as_sdt%3D0%252C5#search=%22Orissa%20Orchid%22|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205133643/http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=ebl&sei-redir=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.google.co.in%2Fscholar%3Fq%3DOrissa%2BOrchid%26btnG%3D%26hl%3Den%26as_sdt%3D0%252C5#search=%22Orissa%20Orchid%22|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
File:Chilika Bhubaneswar.me.jpg|Migratory birds at [[Chilika Lake]]
File:Bhitarkanika Mangroves Flora and Fauna 03.JPG|Crocodile in [[Bhitarkanika National Park]]
</gallery>

== Government and politics ==
[[File:ORISSA SECRETARIAT.jpg|thumb|200px|Odisha State Secretariat at [[Bhubaneswar]]]]
{{Main|Government of Odisha}}

All states in India are governed by a [[parliamentary system]] of government based on [[universal adult franchise]].<ref name="SenguptaCorbridge2013">{{cite book|author1=Chandan Sengupta|author2=Stuart Corbridge|title=Democracy, Development and Decentralisation in India: Continuing Debates|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AXbYAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA8|access-date=15 February 2015|date=28 October 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-19848-9|page=8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=AXbYAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA8|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=OurParliament>{{cite web |title=Our Parliament |website=[[Lok Sabha]] |publisher=[[Government of India]] |url=http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/our%20parliament/Our%20Parliament.pdf |access-date=2 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203104729/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/our%20parliament/Our%20Parliament.pdf |archive-date=3 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The main parties active in the politics of Odisha are the [[Biju Janata Dal]], the [[Indian National Congress]] and [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref name=BJDLandslide /> Currently, BJP, who won for the first time, formed the government after winning the majority in [[2024 Odisha Legislative Assembly election]]. [[Mohan Charan Majhi]] is the 17th Chief Minister of Odisha.<ref>{{cite web | title=Who is Mohan Charan Majhi? 10 points about BJP's tribal leader | website=mint | date=2024-06-11 | url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/odisha-gets-a-news-cm-after-24-years-who-is-mohan-charan-majhi-5-points-11718111115393.html }}</ref>

=== Legislative assembly ===
{{Main|Odisha Legislative Assembly|Vidhan Sabha}}

The Odisha state has a [[unicameral]] legislature.<ref name="Finifter">{{cite book|author=Ada W. Finifter|author-link1=Ada Finifter|title=Political Science|date=1978 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KFk1K9_yf90C&pg=PA94|access-date=15 February 2015|publisher=FK Publications|isbn=978-81-89597-13-9|page=94|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=KFk1K9_yf90C&pg=PA94|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Odisha Legislative Assembly]] consists of 147 elected members,<ref name=BJDLandslide>{{cite news|title=BJD's landslide victory in Odisha, wins 20 of 21 Lok Sabha seats|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bjds-landslide-victory-in-odisha-wins-20-of-21-lok-sabha-seats/472363-3-234.html|access-date=18 March 2015|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908125021/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bjds-landslide-victory-in-odisha-wins-20-of-21-lok-sabha-seats/472363-3-234.html|archive-date=8 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and special office bearers such as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, who are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the Speaker, or by the Deputy Speaker in the Speaker's absence.<ref name="Kumar">{{cite book|author=Rajesh Kumar|title=Universal's Guide to the Constitution of India|date=17 January 2024 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=an78gq3JwzYC&pg=PA110|access-date=18 March 2015|publisher=Universal Law Publishing|isbn=978-93-5035-011-9|pages=107–110|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=an78gq3JwzYC&pg=PA110|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[executive (government)|Executive authority]] is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the [[Chief Minister of Odisha|Chief Minister]], although the titular head of government is the [[Governor of Odisha]]. The governor is appointed by the [[President of India]]. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister by the governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly.<ref name="AroraGoyal1995">{{cite book|author1=Ramesh Kumar Arora|author2=Rajni Goyal|title=Indian Public Administration: Institutions and Issues|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nvzcy7o4sgAC&pg=PA205|access-date=18 March 2015|year=1995|publisher=New Age International|isbn=978-81-7328-068-9|pages=205–207|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=nvzcy7o4sgAC&pg=PA205|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The 147 elected representatives are called [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|Members of the Legislative Assembly]], or MLAs. One MLA may be nominated from the [[Anglo-Indian]] community by the governor.<ref name="Shukla2008">{{cite book|author=Subhash Shukla|title=Issues in Indian Polity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CAs9PNOfL28C&pg=PA99|access-date=18 March 2015|year=2008|publisher=Anamika Pub. & distributors|isbn=978-81-7975-217-3|page=99|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=CAs9PNOfL28C&pg=PA99|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The term of the office is for five years, unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term.<ref name="Kumar" />

The [[judiciary]] is composed of the [[Odisha High Court]], located at Cuttack, and a system of lower courts.

=== Subdivisions ===
{{Main|List of districts of Odisha}}
 
Odisha has been divided into 30 districts. These 30 districts have been placed under three different revenue divisions to streamline their governance. The divisions are North, Central and South, with their headquarters at [[Sambalpur]], [[Cuttack]] and [[Berhampur]] respectively. Each division consists of ten districts and has as its administrative head a Revenue [[Divisional Commissioner]] (RDC).<ref name=RevenueDept>{{cite web|title=About Department |url=http://odisha.gov.in/ |publisher=Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Odisha |access-date=27 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206115854/http://odisha.gov.in//revenue/web/Aboutus.asp?GL=1&PL=1 |archive-date=6 December 2012 }}</ref> The position of the RDC in the administrative hierarchy is that between that of the district administration and the state secretariat.<ref name="Laxmikanth">{{cite book|author=Laxmikanth|title=Governance in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DY1CAQAAQBAJ&pg=SA6-PA17|access-date=27 March 2015|publisher=McGraw-Hill Education (India) Pvt Limited|isbn=978-0-07-107466-7|pages=6–17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=DY1CAQAAQBAJ&pg=SA6-PA17|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The RDCs report to the Board of Revenue, which is headed by a senior officer of the [[Indian Administrative Service]].<ref name=RevenueDept />
[[File:Orissa State map.svg|thumb|400px|Map of districts of Odisha]]
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|+Division-wise list of districts<ref name=AdminUnit>{{cite web |title=Administrative Unit |url=http://odisha.gov.in/ |publisher=Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Odisha |access-date=27 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821033240/http://www.odisha.gov.in/revenue/web/AdministrativeUnit.asp?GL=2 |archive-date=21 August 2013 }}</ref>
|-
!Northern Division (HQ – Sambalpur)
!Central Division (HQ – Cuttack)
!Southern Division (HQ – Berhampur)
|-
|
* [[Angul district|Angul]]
* [[Balangir district|Balangir]]
* [[Bargarh district|Bargarh]]
* [[Deogarh district|Deogarh]]
* [[Dhenkanal district|Dhenkanal]]
* [[Jharsuguda district|Jharsuguda]]
* [[Keonjhar district|Kendujhar]]
* [[Sambalpur district|Sambalpur]]
* [[Subarnapur district|Subarnapur]]
* [[Sundargarh district|Sundargarh]]
|
* [[Balasore district|Balasore]]
* [[Bhadrak district|Bhadrak]]
* [[Cuttack district|Cuttack]]
* [[Jagatsinghpur district|Jagatsinghpur]]
* [[Jajpur district|Jajpur]]
* [[Kendrapada district|Kendrapada]]
* [[Khordha District|Khordha]]
* [[Mayurbhanj district|Mayurbhanj]]
* [[Nayagarh district|Nayagarh]]
* [[Puri district|Puri]]
|
* [[Boudh district|Boudh]]
* [[Gajapati district|Gajapati]]
* [[Ganjam district|Ganjam]]
* [[Kalahandi district|Kalahandi]]
* [[Kandhamal district|Kandhamal]]
* [[Koraput district|Koraput]]
* [[Malkangiri district|Malkangiri]]
* [[Nabarangpur district|Nabarangpur]]
* [[Nuapada district|Nuapada]]
* [[Rayagada district|Rayagada]]
|}

Each district is administered by a [[District Collector|Collector]] and district magistrate, who is appointed from the [[Indian Administrative Service]] or a very senior officer from Odisha Administrative Service.<ref name="SARKAR2009">{{cite book|author=Siuli Sarkar|title=Public Administration in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=smahlYxg-8YC&pg=PA117|access-date=11 August 2015|date=9 November 2009|publisher=PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.|isbn=978-81-203-3979-8|page=117|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110846/https://books.google.com/books?id=smahlYxg-8YC&pg=PA117|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PublicAdminDict">{{cite book|title=Public Administration Dictionary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dg-7OFEp3E8C&pg=PA263|access-date=11 August 2015|year=2012|publisher=Tata McGraw Hill Education|isbn=978-1-259-00382-0|page=263|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105110847/https://books.google.com/books?id=Dg-7OFEp3E8C&pg=PA263|archive-date=5 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The collector and district magistrate is responsible for collecting the revenue and maintaining law and order in the district. Each district is separated into sub-divisions, each governed by a sub-collector and [[sub-divisional magistrate]]. The sub-divisions are further divided into tahasils. The tahasils are headed by [[Tehsildar|tahasildar]]. Odisha has 58 sub-divisions, 317 tahasils and 314 blocks.<ref name=AdminUnit /> Blocks consists of [[Panchayats]] (village councils) and town municipalities.

The capital of the state is [[Bhubaneswar]] and the largest city is [[Cuttack]], which also functions as the deputy capital of the state . The other major cities are, [[Rourkela]], [[Berhampur]] and [[Sambalpur]]. Municipal Corporations in Odisha include [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Cuttack]], [[Berhampur]], [[Puri]], [[Sambalpur]] and [[Rourkela]].

Other municipalities of Odisha include [[Angul]], [[Asika]], [[Balangir]], [[Balasore]], [[Barbil]], [[Bargarh]], [[Baripada]], [[Basudevpur]], [[Belpahar]], [[Bhadrak]], [[Bhanjanagar]], [[Bhawanipatna]], [[Biramitrapur]], [[Boudh]], [[Brajarajnagar]], [[Byasanagar]], [[Chhatrapur]], [[Debagarh|Deogarh]], [[Dhamra]], [[Dhenkanal district|Dhenkanal]], [[Gopalpur, Odisha|Gopalpur]], [[Gunupur]], [[Hinjilicut]], [[Jagatsinghpur]], [[Jajpur]], [[Jeypore]], [[Jharsuguda]], [[Joda]], [[Kendrapara]], [[Kendujhar]], [[Khordha]], [[Konark]], [[Koraput]], [[Malkangiri]], [[Nabarangpur]], [[Nayagarh]], [[Nuapada]], [[Paradeep]], [[Paralakhemundi]], [[Phulbani]], [[Rajgangpur]], [[Rayagada]], [[Sonepur, Odisha|Sonepur]], [[Sundargarh]], [[Talcher]], [[Titilagarh]], [[Karanjia]], [[Chatrapur]], [[Asika]], [[Kantabanji]], [[Nimapada]], [[Baudhgarh]], and [[Umerkote]].

{{Largest cities
| country     = Odisha
| stat_ref    = As of the [[List of cities in Odisha|2011 Census]]
| list_by_pop = List of cities in Odisha
| div_name    = District
| div_link    = List of districts of Odisha{{!}}District

| city_1 = Cuttack
| div_1  = Cuttack district{{!}}Cuttack
| pop_1  = 921,321
| img_1  = Cuttack Montage.png

| city_2 = Bhubaneswar 
| div_2  = Khordha district{{!}}Khordha
| pop_2  = 881,988
| img_2  = Bhubaneswar skyline.jpg

| city_3 = Rourkela
| div_3  = Sundargarh district{{!}}Sundargarh
| pop_3  = 552,970
| img_3  = Suraksha Path Bridge near IG Park Rourkela.jpg

| city_4 = Brahmapur, Odisha{{!}}Brahmapur
| div_4  = Ganjam district{{!}}Ganjam
| pop_4  = 355,823
| img_4  = Platform RainyDay.JPG

| city_5 = Sambalpur
| div_5  = Sambalpur district{{!}}Sambalpur
| pop_5  = 270,331

| city_6 = Puri
| div_6  = Puri district{{!}}Puri
| pop_6  = 201,026

| city_7 = Balasore
| div_7  = Balasore district{{!}}Balasore
| pop_7  = 144,373

| city_8 = Bhadrak
| div_8  = Bhadrak district{{!}}Bhadrak
| pop_8  = 121,338

| city_9 = Baripada
| div_9  = Mayurbhanj district{{!}}Mayurbhanj
| pop_9  = 116,874

| city_10 = Balangir
| div_10  = Balangir district{{!}}Balangir
| pop_10  = 98,238
}}

Auxiliary authorities known as [[Panchayati raj in India|panchayat]]s, for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs in rural areas.

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Odisha}}

=== Macro-economic trend ===
Odisha is experiencing a rapid economic growth post-Covid. The impressive growth in gross domestic product of the state has been reported by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Odisha's growth rate is above the national average.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/gdp-growth-most-states-grew-faster-than-national-rate-in-201213/1206770|title=GDP growth: Most states grew faster than national rate in 2012–13|work=The Financial Express|date=12 December 2013|access-date=23 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215183438/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/gdp-growth-most-states-grew-faster-than-national-rate-in-201213/1206770|archive-date=15 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The central Government's Urban Development Ministry has recently announced the names of 20 cities selected to be developed as [[smart cities]]. The state capital [[Bhubaneswar]] is the first city in the list of [[Smart Cities Mission|smart Cities]] released in January 2016, a pet project of the Indian Government. The announcement also marked with sanction of Rs 508.02&nbsp;billion over the five years for development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bhubaneswar-tops-first-list-of-smart-cities/|title=Bhubaneswar leads Govt's Smart City list, Rs 50,802 crore to be invested over five years|date=29 January 2016|website=The Indian Express|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318020954/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/bhubaneswar-tops-first-list-of-smart-cities/|archive-date=18 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Industrial development ===
[[File:One of the iron ore mines in Keonjhar district.jpg|thumb|left|One of the iron ore mines in [[Kendujhar district|Keonjhar district]]]]
[[File:ROURKELA STEEL PLANT.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Rourkela Steel Plant]]]]
Odisha has abundant natural resources and a large coastline. Odisha has emerged as the most preferred destination for overseas investors with investment proposals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-states-that-attracted-highest-fdi/20120829.htm|title=Indian states that attracted highest FDI|publisher=Rediff|date=29 August 2012|access-date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408212658/http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-states-that-attracted-highest-fdi/20120829.htm|archive-date=8 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It contains a fifth of India's coal, a quarter of its iron ore, a third of its [[bauxite]] reserves and most of the [[chromite]].

[[Rourkela Steel Plant]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=rourkela |title=Rourkela Steel Plant |publisher=Sail.co.in |access-date=23 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531085659/http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=rourkela |archive-date=31 May 2012 }}</ref> was the first integrated steel plant in the public sector in India, built with collaboration of [[Germany]].

Arcelor-Mittal has also announced plans to invest in another mega steel project amounting to $10&nbsp;billion. Russian major [[Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works|Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Company (MMK)]] plans to set up a 10 MT steel plant in Odisha, too. [[Nippon Steel Corporation]] has recently announced to set up their own plants, one of which will be the world's largest and most advanced steel plant in Odisha, with a production capacity of 30 MT annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nippon Steel Corporation to set up 30 MTPA plant in Odisha |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/apr/05/nippon-steel-corp-to-set-up-30-mtpa-plant-in-odisha-2562913.html |access-date=7 April 2023 |website=The New Indian Express |date=5 April 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407180128/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/apr/05/nippon-steel-corp-to-set-up-30-mtpa-plant-in-odisha-2562913.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  [[Bandhabahal]] is a major area of open cast coal mines in Odisha. The state is attracting an unprecedented amount of investment in aluminium, coal-based power plants, petrochemicals, and information technology as well. In power generation, [[Reliance Power]] (Anil Ambani Group) is putting up the world's largest power plant with an investment of US$13&nbsp;billion at Hirma in [[Jharsuguda district]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-reliance-to-invest-rs-60000-cr-for-orissa-power-plant-1042928|title=Reliance to invest Rs 60,000-cr for Orissa power plant|work=dna|date=21 July 2006|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903141606/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-reliance-to-invest-rs-60000-cr-for-orissa-power-plant-1042928|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009 Odisha was the second top domestic investment destination with [[Gujarat]] first and [[Andhra Pradesh]] in third place according to an analysis of [[ASSOCHAM]] Investment Meter (AIM) study on corporate investments. Odisha's share was 12.6 per cent in total investment in the country. It received an investment proposal worth {{INRConvert|2.01|t|year=2010}} in 2010. Steel and power were among the sectors which attracted maximum investments in the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.assocham.org/prels/shownews.php?id=2303 |title=Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra top 3 Domestic Investment Destinations of 2009 |publisher=Assocham |date=21 January 2010 |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723170222/http://www.assocham.org/prels/shownews.php?id=2303 |archive-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The recently concluded Make in Odisha Conclave 2022 saw the state generate investment proposals worth ₹10.5 trillion with an employment potential for 10,37,701 people. Out of the total investment proposals received, the metals, ancillary and downstream sectors fetched ₹5.50 lakhs crore (trillion), power, green energy, and renewable energy sector fetched ₹2.38 trillion, and chemicals-petrochemicals and logistics-infrastructure sector attracted ₹76,000 crores and ₹1.20 trillion, respectively. Odisha has the potential to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

=== Transportation ===
Odisha has a network of roads, railways, airports and seaports. [[Bhubaneswar]] is well connected by air, rail and road with the rest of India. Some highways are getting expanded to four lanes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.odishalinks.com/Odishagrowth/topics/tnc-all/roads-and-highways-infrastructure-in-Odisha/national-highways/nh-42 |title=NH 42 |publisher=Odishalinks.com |date=16 June 2004 |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125170225/http://www.orissalinks.com/orissagrowth/topics/tnc-all/roads-and-highways-infrastructure-in-orissa/national-highways/nh-42 |archive-date=25 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Odisha-plans-metro-signs-contract-for-detailed-project-report-preparation/articleshow/40781576.cms|title=Odisha plans metro, signs contract for detailed project report preparation|work=The Times of India|date=23 August 2014 |access-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831124032/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Odisha-plans-metro-signs-contract-for-detailed-project-report-preparation/articleshow/40781576.cms|archive-date=31 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Odisha Government Plans Mega Metro Rail Project to Connect Puri and Bhubaneswar <ref>{{cite web | url=https://enewsinsight.com/puri-bhubaneswar-mega-metro-rail-project-soon | title=Puri-Bhubaneswar Mega Metro Rail Project Soon? | date=8 February 2023 | access-date=12 February 2023 | archive-date=9 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209223025/https://enewsinsight.com/puri-bhubaneswar-mega-metro-rail-project-soon/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The metro rail proposal was given to connect trains between Puri- Bhubaneswar – Cuttack.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/odisha-approves-metro-train-project-between-cuttack-bhubaneswar-and-puri-200581 | title=Odisha Approves Metro Train Project Between Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri | access-date=1 April 2023 | archive-date=1 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401095109/https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/odisha-approves-metro-train-project-between-cuttack-bhubaneswar-and-puri-200581 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Odisha government has planned a new Expressway that will connect Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar with the proposed Shri Jagannath International Airport at Puri.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/Apr/05/odisha-plans-new-expressway-between-bhubaneswar-puri-2562919.html | title=Odisha plans new Expressway between Bhubaneswar & Puri – the New Indian Express | date=5 April 2023 | access-date=7 April 2023 | archive-date=7 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407051503/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/apr/05/odisha-plans-new-expressway-between-bhubaneswar-puri-2562919.amp | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Air ===
{{Main|List of airports in Odisha}}

[[File:Biju Patnaik International Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Biju Patnaik International Airport]], [[Bhubaneswar]]]]
Odisha has a total of three operational airports, 16 airstrips and 16 helipads.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/85381-ten-year-roadmap-for-states-civil-aviation.html|title=Ten-year roadmap for State's civil aviation|work=The Pioneer|location=India|date=4 August 2012 |quote=at present there are 17 airstrips and 16 helipads in Odisha |access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121060624/http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/85381-ten-year-roadmap-for-states-civil-aviation.html |archive-date=21 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odishanow.in/story.aspx?s_id=5551|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015115504/http://www.odishanow.in/story.aspx?s_id=5551|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 October 2014|title=10-year roadmap set up to boost Odisha civil aviation|work=Odisha Now.in|year=2012|quote=Odisha has 17 airstrips and 16 helipads.|access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20120803/2037069.html|title=Odisha initiate steps for intra and inter state aviation facilities|work=news.webindia123.com|date=3 August 2012 |quote=Odisha has 17 airstrips and 16 helipads|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113150837/http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20120803/2037069.html|archive-date=13 January 2015|url-status=dead }}</ref> The airport at Jharsuguda was upgraded to a full-fledged domestic airport in May 2018. Rourkela Airport became operational in December 2022.The Dhamra Port Company Limited plans to build [[Dhamra Airport]] 20&nbsp;km from [[Dhamra Port]].<ref name="TOI9">{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/adani-group-plans-airport-at-dhamra/articleshow/66603746.cms |author1=Sujit Kumar Bisoyi |title= Adani Group plans airport at Dhamra |work= [[Times of India]] |date= 13 November 2018 |access-date= 3 February 2020 |archive-date= 6 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191206015656/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/adani-group-plans-airport-at-dhamra/articleshow/66603746.cms |url-status= live }}</ref>

* [[Bhubaneswar]] – [[Biju Patnaik International Airport]]
* [[Jeypore]] – [[Jeypore Airport]]
* [[Jharsuguda]] – [[Jharsuguda Airport|Veer Surendra Sai Airport]]
* [[Rourkela]] – [[Rourkela Airport]]
* [[Berhampur]] – [[Rangeilunda Airport]]
* [[Bhawanipatna]] - [[Utkela Airport]]

=== Seaports ===
{{Main|Category:Ports and harbours of Odisha}}

[[File: Gopalpur Port.jpg|right|thumb|[[Gopalpur port|Gopalpur Port]]]]
[[File:Bbrailhq.jpg|right|thumb|[[East Coast Railway]] headquarters, Bhubaneswar]]
[[File:Dhamra Port.jpg|right|thumb|[[Dhamra Port]]]]

Odisha has a coastline of {{convert|485|km}}. It has one major port at Paradip and few minor ports. some of them are:<ref name="Division p. 701">{{cite book | last=Division | first=P. | title=India 2019: A Reference Annual | publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting | isbn=978-81-230-3026-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZaSDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT701 | access-date=16 July 2019 | page=701 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328174246/https://books.google.com/books?id=8ZaSDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT701 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="India. Parliament. Rajya Sabha 2012 p.">{{cite book | author=India. Parliament. Rajya Sabha | title=Parliamentary Debates: Official Report | publisher=Council of States Secretariat | issue=v. 227, nos. 18–20 | year=2012 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UFyjP-0VEc8C | access-date=16 July 2019 | archive-date=28 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328174112/https://books.google.com/books?id=UFyjP-0VEc8C | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Port of Dhamara]]
* [[Gopalpur port|Port of Gopalpur]]
* [[Port of Paradip]]
* [[Subarnarekha port|Port of Subarnarekha]]

=== Railways ===
Major cities of Odisha are well connected to all the major cities of India by direct daily trains and weekly trains. Most of the railway network in Odisha lies under the jurisdiction of the [[East Coast Railway]] (ECoR) with headquarters at [[Bhubaneswar]] and some parts under [[South Eastern Railway Zone (India)|South Eastern Railway]] and [[South East Central Railway]].

== Demographics ==
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=1,03,02,917|13=1911|14=1,13,78,875|15=1921|16=1,11,58,586|17=1931|18=1,24,91,056|19=1941|20=1,37,67,988|21=1951|22=1,46,45,946|23=1961|24=1,75,48,846|25=1971|26=2,19,44,615|27=1981|28=2,63,70,271|29=1991|30=3,16,59,736|31=2001|32=3,68,04,660|33=2011|34=4,19,74,218|source= Census of India<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |title=Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901 |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010234955/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|align=right}}

=== Population ===
[[File:Lifestyle of tribal folks is visible.jpg|thumb|[[Scheduled Tribes in India|Tribal people]] of [[Koraput]], Odisha]]
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 Census of India]], Odisha accounted for approximately 3% of India's total population. The state had a population of 41,974,218, with 21,212,136 males (50.54%) and 20,762,082 females (49.46%), resulting in a [[sex ratio]] of 978 females per 1,000 males. This marked a [[Growth rate (group theory)|growth rate]] of 13.97% during the 2001-2011 period, a decline from 16.25% in the previous decade (1991-2001). The [[population density]] stood at 269 people per square kilometre, with [[Ganjam district]] having the highest population among all districts in Odisha. In contrast, [[Debagarh district]] has the lowest population. The population in the age group of 0–6 years comprised 12% of the total population, with a child sex ratio of 934 females for every 1,000 males in this age group. Additionally, [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes (SC)]] constituted a population of 7.2 million, making up 16.5% of the total population, while [[Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribes (ST)]] accounted for 9.6 million, representing 22.1% of the population.<ref name="CensusIndia2011PCA12018">{{cite web |date=2018 |title=Population, Size and Decadal Change |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019035341/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2019 |access-date=16 June 2020 |work=Primary Census Abstract Data Highlights, [[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

=== Literacy and Socioeconomic Indicators ===
According to the 2011 Census, Odisha's overall [[Literacy|literacy rate]] is 72.87%. Male literacy stands at 81.59%, while female literacy is recorded at 64.01%. Odisha's literacy rate is slightly below the national average of 74.04%. Literacy rates vary within the state, with [[Khordha district]] having the highest literacy rate at 86.88%, while [[Nabarangpur district|Nabarangpur]] has the lowest at 46.43%. In rural areas, the average literacy rate is 70.22%, compared to 85.57% in urban areas. Among the [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Tribe]] population, the literacy rate is 52.24%.

In terms of poverty, Odisha had a poverty rate of 57.15% in 2004–2005, nearly double the national average of 26.10% at the time. However, since 2005, the state has made significant progress, reducing the poverty rate by 24.6 percentage points, with the current estimate at 32.6%.<ref name="World Bank 2016">{{cite web |title=India States Briefs – Odisha |publisher=World Bank |date=31 May 2016 |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/india-states-briefs-odisha |access-date=12 July 2019 |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712104621/https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/india-states-briefs-odisha |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Pragativadi:NITI Aayog report 2017">{{cite web |title=NITI Aayog report: Odisha tops in poverty reduction rate among other states |website=Pragativadi: Leading Odia Dailly |date=30 July 2017 |url=http://www.pragativadi.com/niti-aayog-report-odisha-tops-poverty-reduction-rate-among-states/ |access-date=12 July 2019 |archive-date=12 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712104623/http://www.pragativadi.com/niti-aayog-report-odisha-tops-poverty-reduction-rate-among-states/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Health and Vital Statistics ===
Data from 1996–2001 indicated that the state’s life expectancy was 61.64 years, slightly above the national average. Odisha also records a [[birth rate]] of 23.2 per 1,000 people annually, a [[Mortality rate|death rate]] of 9.1 per 1,000, an [[Infant mortality|infant mortality rate]] of 65 per 1,000 live births.<ref name=":0" /> In 2011-2013, Odisha recorded a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 222 per 100,000 live births, according to a report by NITI Aayog. As of 2018, Odisha’s Human Development Index (HDI) stands at 0.606.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Sub-national HDI – Subnational HDI – Global Data Lab|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0|access-date=31 March 2021|website=globaldatalab.org|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426230954/https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1+4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Total fertility rate|Total Fertility Rate (TFR)]] in Odisha declined from 2.1 in 2015-16 to 1.8 in 2020-21, paralleling the national trend, which saw a decrease from 2.2 to 2.0 during the same period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFHS-5, Phase-2 |url=https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/NFHS-5_Phase-II_0.pdf |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=[[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]] }}</ref>

With a cumulative score of 67.8, Odisha tops the ranking in fiscal health index 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2025 |title=India's top 10 best-performing states in the Fiscal Health Index 2025 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/indias-top-10-best-performing-states-in-the-fiscal-health-index-2025-9801341/ |access-date=17 February 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{See also|Hinduism in Odisha|Christianity in Odisha|Odia Muslims}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Odisha (2011)<ref name="census2011-religion"/>
|label1 = [[Hinduism in Odisha|Hindu]]
|value1 = 93.63
|color1 = darkorange 
|label2 = [[Christianity in Odisha|Christian]] |value2 = 2.77 |color2 = Blue
|label3 = [[Odia Muslims|Muslim]] |value3 = 2.17 |color3 = green
|label4 = Other religion |value4 = 1.14 |color4 = black
|label5 = [[Sikhism in India|Sikh]] |value5 = 0.05 |color5 = darkkhaki
|label6 = [[Buddhism in India|Buddhist]] |value6 = 0.03 |color6 = yellow
|label7 = [[Jainism in India|Jain]] |value7 = 0.02 |color7 = brown
|label8 = [[Irreligion in India|No religion]] |value8 = 0.18 |color8 = white
}}

[[File:Westindischer Maler um 1550 001.jpg|250px|thumb|left|[[Gita Govinda]]]]
Based on the 2011 Census, Odisha has a predominantly Hindu population, with 93.63% adhering to [[Hinduism]].  The state is home to several prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites, including [[Jagannath Puri]], known for the [[Jagannath Temple]], and the [[Lingaraj Temple]] in [[Bhubaneswar]], which attract devotees from across India and beyond. [[Christianity]] is the second-largest religion at 2.77%, followed by [[Islam]] at 2.17%. Smaller communities include [[Sikhs]] (0.05%), [[Jainism|Jains]] (0.02%), and [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] (0.03%). Additionally, 1.14% of the population practices other religions, with [[Sarnaism|Sarna]] being one of the prominent indigenous faiths,<ref>{{Cite web |title=C-01 Appendix: Details of religious community shown under 'Other religions and persuasions' in main table C01 - 2011 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11398/download/14511/DDW00C-01%20Appendix%20MDDS.xlsx |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=Census of India |format=XLS}}</ref> particularly among tribal communities. A small segment, 0.18%, did not state their religious affiliation.<ref name="census2011-religion">{{cite web |title=Table C-01 Population by Religious Community: Odisha |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520044022/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=Census of India, 2011 |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

====Decadal variations among religious groups ====
{{Table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable sortable defaultright col1left"
|+ Religious composition of Odisha
! rowspan="2" | Religion
! colspan="2" |1951
! colspan="2" |1961
! colspan="2" |1971
! colspan="2" |1981
! colspan="2" | 1991
! colspan="2" | 2001
! colspan="2" | 2011
|-
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
!Population
!%
|-
| '''[[Hinduism in Odisha|Hinduism]]'''
|14,368,411
|98.11
|17,123,194
|97.57
|21,121,056
|96.25
|25,161,725
|95.42|| 29,971,257||  94.67|| 34,726,129 || 94.35 || 39,300,341 || 93.63
|-
| '''[[Odia Muslims|Islam]]'''
|176,338
|1.20
|215,319
|1.23
|326,507
|1.49
|422,266
|1.60|| 577,775 || 1.82 || 761,985 || 2.07 || 911,670 || 2.17
|-
| '''[[Christianity in Odisha|Christianity]]'''
|141,934
|0.97
|201,017
|1.15
|378,888
|1.73
|480,426
|1.82|| 666,220 || 2.10 || 897,861 || 2.44 || 1,161,708 || 2.77
|-
|'''[[Sikhism]]'''
|4,163
|0.03
| 5,030
| 0.03
|10,204
|0.04
|14,270
|0.05
|17,296
|0.05
|17,492
|0.05
|21,991
|0.05
|-
| '''[[Jainism]]'''
|1,248
|0.01
|2,295
|0.01
|6,521
|0.03
|6,642
|0.03|| 6,302 || 0.02 || 9,154 || 0.02 || 9,420 || 0.02
|-
| '''[[Buddhism]]'''
|969
|0.01
|454
|0.00
|8,462
|0.04
|8,028
|0.03|| 9,153 || 0.03 || 9,863 || 0.03 || 13,852 || 0.03
|-
||'''{{abbr|ORP|Other Religions and Persuasions}}'''
|2,883
|0.02
| rowspan="2" |1,537
| rowspan="2" |0.01
|91,859
|0.42
|273,596
|1.04
|397,798
|1.26
|361,981
|0.98
|478,317
|1.14
|-
| '''Not Stated'''
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|1,118
|0.01
|3,318
|0.01|| 13,935 || 0.04 || 20,195 || 0.05 || 76,919 || 0.18
|- class="sortbottom"
|'''Total'''
|14,645,946
|100
|17,548,846
|100
|21,944,615
|100
|26,370,271
|100
|31,659,736
|100
|36,804,660
|100
|41,974,218
|100
|- class="sortbottom"
| colspan="17" style="text-align:center;font-size:0.9em" |Source: Census of India<ref>{{Cite web |title=C-01: Population by religious community (2011) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=Census India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=C-01: Population by religious community (2001) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/21483/download/24615/PC01_C01_21.xls |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=Census India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=C-9 Religion (1991) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/35737/download/39400/1991-C09T-0100.xlsx |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=Census India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Portrait of Population - Census 1981 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/31509/download/34690/52213_1981_POR.pdf |access-date=12 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Census Atlas, Vol-XII-Part IX-A, Orissa - Census 1961 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/28452/download/31634/21487_1961_CEN.pdf |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Census India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=General Population, Social and Cultural and Land Tables, Part II-A, Tables, Volume-XI, Orissa - Census 1951 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/30727/download/33908/45683_1971_GPS.pdf |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Census India}}</ref>
|}

=== Languages ===
{{Main|Odia language}}

[[File:Bilingual signboard for Registration at a Hospital in Bhubaneswar.jpg|thumb|Bilingual signboard in English and Odia]]
 
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Odisha (2011)<ref name="census2011-langreport"/>
| label1 = [[Odia language|Odia]]
| value1 = 82.70
| color1 = blue
| label2 = [[Kui language (India)|Kui]]
| value2 = 2.24
| color2 = chocolate
| label3 = [[Santali language|Santali]]
| value3 = 2.06
| color3 = deeppink
| label4 = [[Urdu]]
| value4 = 1.60
| color4 = green
| label5 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| value5 = 1.59
| color5 = yellowgreen
| label6 = [[Hindi]]
| value6 = 1.23
| color6 = orangered
| label7 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| value7 = 1.20
| color7 = lightsalmon
| label8 = [[Mundari language|Mundari]]
| value8 = 1.09
| color8 = violet
| label9 = Others
| value9 = 6.29
| color9 = grey
| style = align="left"
}}
[[File:Languages of Odisha.svg|thumb|Linguistic maps of Odisha]]
[[Odia language|Odia]] is the official language of Odisha<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lawodisha.gov.in/pages/viewYearActOrdinances/1954|title=:: Law Department (Government of Odisha) ::|website=lawodisha.gov.in|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302165024/http://lawodisha.gov.in/pages/viewYearActOrdinances/1954|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is spoken by 82.70% of the population according to the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census of India]].<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web|title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Odisha|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10217/download/13329/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX|website=Census of India 2011|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]|access-date=20 May 2022|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520044028/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10217/download/13329/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also one of the [[Languages of India#Classical languages of India|classical languages of India]]. English is the official language of correspondence between state and the union of India.  Spoken Odia is not homogeneous as one can find different dialects spoken across the state. Some of the major dialects found inside the state are [[Sambalpuri language|Sambalpuri]], Cuttacki, Sundargarhi, [[Baleswari Odia|Baleswari]], [[Ganjami Odia|Ganjami]], [[Desia language|Desiya]], [[Kalahandia Odia|Kalahandia]] and [[Phulbani Odia|Phulbani]]. The standard language is based on the Cuttacki dialect. In addition to Odia, significant populations of people speaking other major Indian languages like [[Hindi]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Urdu]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]] are also found in the state, mainly in cities.<ref name=LSI-Orissa>{{cite book|last=Mahapatra|first=B. P.|title=Linguistic Survey of India: Orissa|year=2002|publisher=Language Division, Office of the Registrar General|location=Kolkata, India|pages=13–14|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-documents/lsi/ling_Orissa.html|access-date=20 February 2014|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113153328/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-documents/lsi/ling_Orissa.html|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The different ''[[Adivasi|tribal (Adivasi) communities]]'' who mostly reside in western and southern Odisha have their own languages belonging to [[Munda languages|Munda]] and [[Dravidian languages|Dravidian]] family of languages. Some of these major tribal languages are [[Santali language|Santali]], [[Kui language (India)|Kui]], [[Mundari language|Mundari]] and [[Ho language|Ho]]. Due to increasing contact with outsiders, migration and socioeconomic reasons many of these indigenous languages are slowly getting extinct or are on the verge of getting extinct.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Atlas of languages in danger {{!}} United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/endangered-languages/atlas-of-languages-in-danger/|access-date=19 October 2019|publisher=UNESCO|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213064456/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/endangered-languages/atlas-of-languages-in-danger/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Odisha Sahitya Academy Award was established in 1957 to actively develop Odia language and literature. The Odisha government launched a portal in 2018 to promote Odia language and literature.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ova.gov.in/en |title=Odia vartual academy |access-date=25 October 2019 |archive-date=26 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226111037/https://ova.gov.in/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Education ==
{{Main|Education in Odisha}}
[[File:Utkal University Main Gate.jpg|thumb|[[Utkal University]] main gate]]
Entry to various institutes of higher education especially into engineering degrees is through a centralised [[Odisha Joint Entrance Examination]], conducted by the [[Biju Patnaik University of Technology]] (BPUT), [[Rourkela]], since 2003, where seats are provided according to order of merit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biju Patnaik University of Technology |publisher=Bput.org |url=http://www.bput.org/ |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205233536/http://www.bput.org/ |archive-date=5 December 2008 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Few of the engineering institutes enroll students by through [[Joint Entrance Examination]]. For medical courses, there is a corresponding [[National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate)|National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test]].

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Odisha}}

Odisha is home to several Hindu figures. [[Bhima Bhoi|Sant Bhima Bhoi]] was a leader of the [[Mahima Dharma|Mahima sect]]. [[Sarala Das]], a Hindu [[Khandayat]], was the translator of the epic [[Mahabharata]] into Odia. Chaitanya Das was a [[Vaishnavism|Buddhistic-Vaishnava]] and writer of the ''Nirguna Mahatmya''. [[Jayadeva]] was the author of the ''[[Gita Govinda]]''.

The ''Odisha Temple Authorisation Act'' of 1948 empowered the government of Odisha to open temples for all Hindus, including Dalits.<ref name="ReferenceA">P. 63 ''Case studies on human rights and fundamental freedoms: a world survey, Volume 4'' By Willem Adriaan Veenhoven</ref>

Perhaps the oldest scripture of Odisha is the ''[[Madala Panji]]'' from the Puri Temple believed from 1042&nbsp;AD. Famous Hindu Odia scripture includes the 16th-century ''Bhagabata'' of [[Jagannatha Dasa (Odia poet)|Jagannatha Dasa]].<ref>P. 77 ''Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 30'' By Scholastic Library Publishing</ref> In the modern times [[Madhusudan Rao]] was a major Odia writer, who was a [[Brahmo Samaj]]ist and shaped modern Odia literature at the start of the 20th century.<ref>''Madhusudan Rao'' By Jatindra Mohan Mohanty, Sahitya Akademi</ref>
[[File:Mayurbhanj Chhau.jpg|thumb|Mayurbhanj Chhau]]

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Cuisine of Odisha}}

Odisha has a culinary tradition spanning centuries. The kitchen of the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri]] is reputed to be the largest in the world, with 1,000 chefs, working around 752 wood-burning clay hearths called ''chulas'', to feed over 10,000 people each day.<ref name="AffairsAffairs1949">{{cite book |author1=National Association on Indian Affairs |author2=American Association on Indian Affairs |year=1949 |title=Indian Affairs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QcMVAQAAIAAJ |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606204607/http://books.google.com/books?id=QcMVAQAAIAAJ |archive-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="SharmaGupta2006">{{cite book |author1=S.P. Sharma |author2=Seema Gupta |date=3 October 2006 |title=Fairs & Festivals of India |publisher=Pustak Mahal |isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 |pages=103– |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54MSg3a63WgC&pg=PA103 |access-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608212537/http://books.google.com/books?id=54MSg3a63WgC&pg=PA103 |archive-date=8 June 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

The syrupy dessert [[rasagola|Pahala rasagola]] made in Odisha is known throughout the world.<ref name="ToI_Bishwa_2015">{{cite news |author=Mitra Bishwabijoy |date=6 July 2015 |title=Who invented the rasgulla? |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-features/Who-invented-the-rasgulla/articleshow/47909754.cms |access-date=2 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709071914/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Life-Style/Food/Food-Features/Who-invented-the-rasgulla/articleshow/47909754.cms |archive-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> [[Chhenapoda]] is another major Odisha sweet cuisine, which originated in [[Nayagarh]].<ref name=chenapodaorigin>{{cite web |title=Chhenapoda |date=15 April 2012 |publisher=Simply TADKA |url=http://www.simplytadka.com/2012/04/chhena-poda-cottage-cheese-cake.html |access-date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109232431/http://www.simplytadka.com/2012/04/chhena-poda-cottage-cheese-cake.html |archive-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Dalma (a mix of dal and selected vegetables) is widely known cuisine, better served with ghee.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}
[[File:Odisha ra Rasagola.jpg|thumb|Rasagola, Odisha's special culinary delight made from cottage cheese, which has received GI tag in Geographical Indication Registry.]]
The "Odisha [[Rasgulla|Rasagola]]" was awarded a geographical indication (GI) tag in 2019 after a long battle about the origin of the famous sweet with West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/odisha-rasagola-receives-gi-tag-two-years-after-west-bengal/story/368775.html|title=Odisha Rasagola receives geographical indication tag; here's what it means|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=29 July 2019|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020192714/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/odisha-rasagola-receives-gi-tag-two-years-after-west-bengal/story/368775.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

This decision involved a broader interpretation of the law established under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Section 2(e) of the Act stipulates that a geographical indication can be provided to a product if its quality, characteristics, or reputation are attributable to its geographical origin and are unique. The uniqueness of Odisha’s Rasagola lies in its color, texture, and taste, distinguishing it from the West Bengal variant. Historical references in Odisha’s texts support the geographical origin of the dish.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://advocatetanwar.com/rasgulla-vs-rosogolla-a-bitter-battle-of-sweet/|title=RASGULLA VS. ROSOGOLLA – A BITTER BATTLE OF SWEET|website=www.advocatetanwar.com/|date=25 October 2023 }}</ref>

=== Dance ===
{{Main|Odissi}}

[[File:Abhinaya.jpg|thumb|"Odissi" A scene from the abhinaya 'Tolagi Gopa Danda' choreographed by Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. The dance was performed under the guidance of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.]]
{{Multiple image
| image1            = Mahari Dance festival, 2012.jpg
| caption1          = Mahari Dance, gave birth to the modern classical dance forms of Odissi
| image2            = Gotipua Dance3.JPG
| caption2          = Gotipua Dance
| image3            = Ghumura folk dance.JPG
| caption3          = Ghumura folk dance
| image4            = DHEMSA DANCE.jpg
| caption4          = Dhemsa Dance
}}

[[Odissi]] dance and music are classical art forms. Odissi is the oldest surviving dance form in India on the basis of archaeological evidence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Odissi Kala Kendra |publisher=odissi.itgo.com |url=http://odissi.itgo.com/ |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512041730/http://odissi.itgo.com/ |archive-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Odissi has a long, unbroken tradition of 2,000 years, and finds mention in the ''[[Natya Shastra|Natyashastra]]'' of [[Bharata Muni|Bharatamuni]], possibly written c. 200&nbsp;BC. However, the dance form nearly became extinct during the British period, only to be revived after India's independence by a few gurus.

The variety of dances includes [[Ghumura dance]], [[Chhau dance]], [[Jhumair]], [[Mahari dance]], [[Dalkhai]], [[Dhemsa]] and [[Gotipua]].

Odissi is not only a dance form but also a spiritual expression deeply rooted in Odisha’s temple traditions. Characterized by graceful movements, intricate footwork, and sculpturesque poses, it draws inspiration from the carvings of the Konark Sun Temple and other ancient shrines of the region. The dance is traditionally performed as an act of devotion to Lord Jagannath and often depicts stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Geeta Govinda. The unique tribhangi posture, which divides the body into three bends (head, torso, and hips), and the fluid chauka stance, give Odissi its distinctive identity among classical dances of India.

Over centuries, Odissi has evolved from being a temple ritual to a respected performing art practiced worldwide. It blends lyrical music with expressive gestures (mudras) that communicate emotions and narratives with precision. Gurus like Kelucharan Mohapatra, Pankaj Charan Das, and others played a pivotal role in reviving and popularizing the form in the 20th century, ensuring its survival and global recognition. Today, Odissi is celebrated on prestigious stages across the world, symbolizing Odisha’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

The traditional performance of Odissi usually begins with Mangalacharan, an invocation to the deities, followed by Batu Nritya that highlights pure dance techniques. Pallavi showcases the dancer’s mastery through elaborate rhythmic patterns, while Abhinaya brings mythological stories to life through expressive storytelling. The recital often concludes with Moksha, symbolizing spiritual liberation, where the dancer blends technical skill with a deep sense of devotion. This structured presentation makes Odissi both aesthetically rich and spiritually profound.

Costumes and music also play an important role in Odissi. Dancers typically wear brightly colored saris made of Sambalpuri or Bomkai silk, adorned with silver jewelry crafted in Odisha’s traditional style. The music is based on Odissi classical ragas and talas, blending elements of both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions, and is performed with instruments like the mardala (a traditional percussion instrument), flute, sitar, and violin. Together, the visual elegance and the melodic accompaniment create an atmosphere that connects performers and audiences to the deep cultural and devotional roots of Odisha.

== Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Odisha}}

[[File:The Juggernauts - Odisha FC Supporters.jpg|thumb|[[Kalinga Stadium]] in [[Bhubaneswar]]]]
[[File:Barabati Stadium IPL Match Pune Warriors India vs. Deccan Chargers.jpg|thumb|[[Barabati Stadium]] in [[Cuttack]]]]
The state of Odisha has hosted several international sporting events, including the [[2018 Men's Hockey World Cup]],  [[2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup]] and [[2023 Men's Hockey World Cup]].

Sports stadiums in Odisha include:

# [[Kalinga Stadium]]
# [[Barabati Stadium]]
# Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium
# [[East Coast Railway Stadium]]
# [[Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium]]
# [[KIIT Stadium]]
# [[Veer Surendra Sai Stadium]]
#[[Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium]]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Suffian|first=Mohammad|date=16 February 2021|title=Odisha CM Lays Foundation of India's Largest Hockey Stadium named after 'Birsa Munda' In Rourkela|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/hockey/story/odisha-cm-lays-foundation-of-india-s-largest-hockey-stadium-named-after-birsa-munda-in-rourkela-1769860-2021-02-16|access-date=3 June 2021|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603040034/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/hockey/story/odisha-cm-lays-foundation-of-india-s-largest-hockey-stadium-named-after-birsa-munda-in-rourkela-1769860-2021-02-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are some High Performance Centres in the state as well which have been set up at Kalinga Stadium for the development of respective sports in Odisha. Some of the HPCs are as follows:

* [[Abhinav Bindra]] Targeting Performance (ABTP)
* [[Dalmia Group|Dalmia Bharat]] Gopichand Badminton Academy
* [[JSW Steel Ltd|JSW]] Swimming HPC
* [[Khelo India]] State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) for Athletics, Hockey, and Weightlifting
* KJS Ahluwalia and Tenvic Sports HPC for Weightlifting
* [[Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre]] (ONTHHPC) <ref>{{cite web |url=https://kalingatv.com/state/naval-tata-hockey-academy-inaugurated-in-odisha-capital/ |title=Naval Tata Hockey Academy Inaugurated In Odisha Capital |website=Kalinga TV |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=13 August 2019 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921054009/https://kalingatv.com/state/naval-tata-hockey-academy-inaugurated-in-odisha-capital/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Odisha [[Aditya Vikram Birla|Aditya Birla]] and [[Gagan Narang]] Shooting HPC
* [[Reliance Industries|Reliance]] Foundation Odisha Athletics HPC
*[[Sports Authority of India|SAI]] Regional Badminton Academy<ref>{{Cite web|author=Minati Singha|date=15 May 2017|title=Odisha-SAI Regional Badminton Academy inaugurated in Bhubaneswar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/odisha-sai-regional-badminton-academy-inaugurated-in-bhubaneswar/articleshow/58686446.cms|access-date=30 May 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602225427/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/odisha-sai-regional-badminton-academy-inaugurated-in-bhubaneswar/articleshow/58686446.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Udaan Badminton Academy<ref>{{Cite web|title=Udaan Badminton Academy-HOME|url=https://www.theudaan.net/|access-date=30 May 2021|website=www.theudaan.net|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226021003/https://www.theudaan.net/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[All India Football Federation|AIFF]] High Performance Centre<ref>{{Cite web|title=High Performance Centre deal a big boost for Odisha and AIFF {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/odisha-aiff-high-performance-centre-big-boost/1cwe57j3pqvvu14c7f7q7a8r0d|access-date=7 June 2021|website=www.goal.com|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607034811/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/odisha-aiff-high-performance-centre-big-boost/1cwe57j3pqvvu14c7f7q7a8r0d|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Odisha}}

The Lingaraja Temple at [[Bhubaneswar]] has a {{convert|150|ft|m|adj=on}} high deula while the [[Jagannath Temple]], [[Puri]] is about {{convert|200|ft|m}} high and dominates the skyline. Only a portion of the [[Konark Sun Temple]] at [[Konark]] in [[Puri district]], the largest of the temples of the "Holy Golden Triangle" exists today, and it is still staggering in size. It stands out as a masterpiece in Odisha architecture. [[Sarala Temple]], regarded as one of the most spiritually elevated expressions of Shaktism is in [[Jagatsinghpur district]]. It is also one of the holiest places in Odisha and a major tourist attraction. [[Maa Tarini Temple]] situated in [[Kendujhar district]] is also a famous pilgrimage destination. Every day thousands of coconuts are given to Maa Tarini by devotees for fulfilling their wishes.<ref>{{cite book |last=Norenzayan |first=Ara |date=25 August 2013 |title=Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-1-4008-4832-4 |pages=55–56 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2VMtfYiQCXEC&pg=PA55 |access-date=24 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208052058/https://books.google.com/books?id=2VMtfYiQCXEC&pg=PA55 |archive-date=8 February 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Odisha's varying topography&nbsp;– from the wooded Eastern Ghats to the fertile river basin&nbsp;– has proven ideal for evolution of compact and unique ecosystems. This creates treasure troves of flora and fauna that are inviting to many migratory species of birds and reptiles. [[Bhitarkanika National Park]] in [[Kendrapada district]] is famous for its second largest mangrove ecosystem. The bird sanctuary in [[Chilika Lake]] (Asia's largest brackish water lake). The tiger reserve and waterfalls in [[Simlipal National Park]], [[Mayurbhanj district]] are integral parts of eco-[[tourism in Odisha]], arranged by Odisha Tourism.<ref>{{cite web |title=MTN 82:9–10 Olive ridley tagged in Odisha recovered in the coastal waters of eastern Sri Lanka |publisher=Seaturtle.org |url=http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn82/mtn82p9b.shtml |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207034709/http://www.seaturtle.org/mtn/archives/mtn82/mtn82p9b.shtml |archive-date=7 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Daringbadi]] is a hill station in the [[Kandhamal district]]. It is known as "Kashmir of Odisha", for its climatic similarity. Chandipur, in [[Baleswar district]] is a calm and serene site, is mostly unexplored by tourists. The unique speciality of this beach is the ebb tides that recede up to 4&nbsp;km and tend to disappear rhythmically.

In the western part of Odisha, [[Hirakud Dam]] in [[Sambalpur district]] is the longest earthen dam in the World. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in Asia. The [[Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary]] is situated near Hirakud Dam. [[Samaleswari Temple]] is a Hindu temple in [[Sambalpur]] city, dedicated to the goddess known as 'Samaleswari', the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is a strong religious force in western part of Odisha and [[Chhattisgarh]] state. The [[Leaning Temple of Huma]] is located near Sambalpur. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Bimaleshwar. Sri Sri [[Harishankar]] Devasthana, is a temple on the slopes of [[Gandhamardhan hills]], [[Balangir district]]. It is popular for its scenes of nature and connection to two Hindu lords, [[Vishnu]] and [[Shiva]]. On the opposite side of the Gandhamardhan hills is the temple of Sri [[Nrusinghanath]], is situated at the foothills of Gandhamardhan Hill near [[Paikmal]], [[Bargarh district]].

In the southern part of Odisha, The [[Taratarini Temple]] on the Kumari hills at the bank of the Rushikulya River near [[Berhampur]] city in [[Ganjam district]]. Here worshiped as the Breast Shrine (Sthana Peetha) and manifestations of Adi Shakti. The Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of the Mother Goddess and is one of four major ancient Tantra Peetha and [[Shakti Peethas]] in India. [[Deomali]] is a mountain peak of the [[Eastern Ghats]]. It is located in [[Koraput district]]. This peak with an elevation of about 1,672 m, is the highest peak in Odisha.

The share of foreign tourists' arrival in the state is below one per cent of total foreign tourist arrivals at all India level.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.odisha.gov.in/pc/Download/Economic_Survey_2014-15.pdf |title=Odisha – Economic Survey 2014–15  |access-date=14 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215005858/http://www.odisha.gov.in/pc/Download/Economic_Survey_2014-15.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Rath Yatra Puri 07-11027.jpg|The [[Rath Yatra]] in [[Jagannath Temple, Puri]]
File:Tarni temple Gate view.JPG|[[Maa Tarini Temple, Ghatgaon]]
File:Gundichaghagi Waterfall, Keonjhar During monsoons.png|[[Keonjhar|Gundichaghagi waterfall Keonjhar]] during monsoons
</gallery>

== See also ==
*[[Outline of Odisha]]
*[[East India]]
*[[Odia people]]
*

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
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{{Sister project links|voy=Odisha}}
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* {{official website}} 
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{{Geographic location
|Centre=Odisha
|North=[[Jharkhand]]
|Northeast=[[West Bengal]]
|East=[[Bay of Bengal]]
|Southeast=[[Andhra Pradesh]] & Bay of Bengal
|South=[[Andhra Pradesh]]
|Southwest=[[Chhattisgarh]]
|West=[[Chhattisgarh]]
|Northwest=[[Chhattisgarh]]
}}
{{Odisha|ଓଡ଼ିଶା}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Languages spoken in Odisha}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Odisha| ]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1936]]
[[Category:1936 establishments in India]]