History Of Odisha

• Odisha has a history spanning over 5,000 years.
• Odisha was known by different names in ancient times, including Kalinga, Udra, Odra Desa, Utkala, Kosala, Toshala, and Kongoda.
• The name Odia originated from the Odra or Udra tribes, which inhabited the central coastal belt (Khurda and Nayagarh districts) of modern Odisha.
• Udra is the pre-historic name of Odisha, while Odisha is the modern name of the ancient Kalinga Empire.
• Odisha, also known as Odra Desa, Udra, and Kalinga, has a rich history with many strong dynasties.
• Human history in Odisha dates back to the Lower Paleolithic era, based on archaeological sources.
• The political history of Odisha begins with the rule of the Nandas, who ruled Magadha and integrated Kalinga into their empire in 350 BC.
• The Mauryan dynasty under Emperor Asoka fought the Kalinga War in 260 BC, transforming Ashoka.
• The Chedi dynasty followed around 100 BC, succeeded by the Muranda dynasty.
• The Gupta dynasty established control in 350 AD and divided Kalinga into four principalities.
• During the Gupta period, sub-regional kingdoms like the Matharas, Nalas, Parvatadvarkas, Mehas, Vindyatavis, and Sarbhapuriyas emerged.
• Kingdoms that emerged after the Gupta period included Virgrahas, Mudgalas, and Mandala states.
• The Sailodbhava Dynasty emerged in 553 AD and lasted for about 130 years.
• The Bhauma-Kara dynasty was established in the first half of the 8th century AD and had many women rulers.
• The Somavamsi dynasty was established in the middle of the 10th century AD and ruled for 300 years.
• The Somavamsi dynasty was the last dynasty formed in ancient Odisha, marking the start of the medieval era.

Historical Names of Odisha

• Odisha has been historically named Kalinga.
• According to Puranas and Mahabharata, Kalinga was named after Prince Kalinga, the son of King Bali and Queen Sudesna.