 | About UsOdisha (Odia: ଓଡ଼ିଶା), also known as Orissa, is a state of India, located on the
east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient
nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. The
modern state of Odisha was established on 1 April 1936 at Kanika Palace,
Cuttack, as a province in India, and consists predominantly of Odia speakers. |
History of Odisha
A major turning point in world history took place in Odisha. The Kalinga War
that led emperor Ashoka to embrace non-violence and the teachings of Buddha was
fought here in 261 BC. Ashoka's military campaign against Kalinga was one of the
bloodiest in Mauryan history on account of the fearless and heroic resistance
offered by the Kalingas to the mighty armies of the expanding Mauryan empire.
Perhaps on account of their unexpected bravery, emperor Ashoka was compelled to
issue two edicts specifically calling for a just and benign administration in
Kalinga.
Later on, Ashoka was instrumental in spreading Buddhist philosophy all over Asia. However, Ativ Land (South Western Odisha) was unconquered by Ashoka. Tel river civilization put light towards a great civilization existing in Kalahandi, Balangir, Koraput (KBK) region in the past that is recently getting explored. The discovered archaeological wealth of Tel Valley suggest a well civilized, urbanized, cultured people inhabited on this land mass around 2000 years ago and Asurgarh was its capital. Kalahandi along with Koraput and Bastar was part of Kantara referred in Ramayana and Mahabharata. In 4th century B.C. this region was known as Indravana from where precious gem-stones and diamond were collected for the imperial Maurya treasury. During the period of Maurya emperor Ashoka, Kalahandi along with Koraput and Bastar region was called Atavi Land. This land was unconquered as per Ashokan record. In the beginning of Chrisitan era probably it was known as Mahavana.In 4th Century A.D. Vyaghraraja was ruling over Mahakantara comprising Kalahandi, undivided Koraput and Bastar region. Asurgarh was capital of Mahakantara. Hatigumpha Inscription of Emperor Kharavela, Udaygiri Konark Sun Temple built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site.
