Utkal Divas: 10 lesser-known facts about Odisha

Odisha: A land that truly celebrates diversity, it is rich in cultural heritage and hosts more festivals than months in the year. From its ancient roots in the Maurya Empire to its modern identity, Odisha has never lost the essence of its socio-cultural splendor. Odisha Tourism Guide

Originally part of Bihar, Odisha became an independent state on April 1, 1936. Since then, Odisha Foundation Day, also known as Utkal Day, is celebrated to honor the unity and spirit of the Odia people.

But how much do you know about the history of this vibrant land?

Lesser-known facts about Odisha:

1. The region was originally called Utkal, a Sanskrit word meaning land of great arts and crafts, home to some of the finest artisans.
2. More than 2,000 years ago, this region was home to highly civilized and urbanized tribes, with Asurgarh as their capital, long before it became the heart of Ashoka’s Kalinga Empire.
3. This land is mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata as Kantara, which included present-day Kalahandi, Koraput, and Bastar.
4. Historical records from the 4th century describe Odisha as Indravan, a major source of precious stones and gems for the Mauryan Empire.
5. Odisha, after being separated from Bihar, was the first state in India to be formed based on a language. Travel guides and travelogues
6. The newly formed Odisha initially had six districts: Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Koraput, and Ganjam.
7. The state was founded at the Kanika Palace in Cuttack. 8. John Austin Hubback was appointed the first governor of independent Odisha.
8. Cuttack was the original capital before Bhubaneswar was declared the state capital.
9. Utkal Day is also known as Bishuba Milan.