Odisha JT Exam: Odisha Geography and History

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- Odisha Junior Teacher (JT) Exam study notes

### Odisha Geography
- Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India.
- It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east.
- The state shares its borders with West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south.
- The state can be geographically divided into several zones: the coastal plains, the northern plateau, the central tableland, and the Eastern Ghats.
- The Mahanadi is the largest river in Odisha.
- Other significant rivers include the Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, and Rushikulya.
- Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a major biodiversity hotspot.
- The Simlipal National Park is a major tiger reserve and biosphere reserve.
- Other important wildlife sanctuaries include Bhitarkanika, Nandankanan, and Chandaka.

### Odisha History
- Ancient Odisha was known as Kalinga.
- The Kalinga War (c. 261 BCE) was a major event in its early history, leading to Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.
- Kharavela was a significant ruler of Kalinga in the ancient period.
- The Ganga dynasty ruled Odisha from the 11th to the 15th centuries, marked by the construction of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
- The Suryavamsi Gajapati dynasty rose to prominence in the 15th century under Kapilendra Deva.
- Odisha came under Mughal rule in the 16th century.
- Later, it was part of the Bengal Presidency under British rule.
- Odisha became a separate province on April 1, 1936.

### Odisha Culture
- The Jagannath Temple in Puri is central to Odisha's culture and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
- Rath Yatra is an important festival celebrated annually in Puri.
- Odissi is a classical dance form that originated in Odisha.
- The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate architecture.
- Various tribal communities have unique cultures, traditions, and art forms.
- Popular festivals include Durga Puja, Diwali, and Raja Parba (a festival celebrating womanhood and fertility).

### Odisha Economy
- Agriculture is the primary occupation in Odisha.
- Rice is the major crop.
- Other important crops include pulses, oilseeds, jute, and sugarcane.
- Odisha is rich in mineral resources such as iron ore, coal, bauxite, and chromite.
- The industrial sector includes steel, aluminum, and manufacturing.
- Paradip Port is a major port for trade.
- Fishing is an important economic activity along the coast.

### Odisha Polity
- The Governor is the constitutional head of the state.
- The Chief Minister is the head of the government and leads the executive branch.
- The Odisha Legislative Assembly is unicameral.
- The state sends representatives to the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- The Odisha High Court is located in Cuttack.
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Municipalities are responsible for local governance.

### Odisha Art and Literature
- Pattachitra is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting.
- Silver filigree work from Cuttack is renowned.
- Applique work from Pipili is famous for its vibrant colors and designs.
- Sarala Das was a 15th-century Odia poet known for his translation of the Mahabharata into Odia.
- Fakir Mohan Senapati is considered the father of modern Odia literature.
- Pratibha Ray is a contemporary Odia writer and Jnanpith Award winner.

### Education and Social Sector
- Odisha has made significant strides in education with numerous schools, colleges, and universities.
- Focus on improving literacy rates and access to education, especially in rural areas.
- Government schemes and programs address poverty, healthcare, and social welfare.
- Emphasis on inclusive development, including gender equality and empowerment of marginalized communities.
- Mid-day meal schemes in schools to improve nutrition and enrollment.

### Current Affairs related to Odisha
- Government policies and initiatives for economic development and social welfare.
- Infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and ports.
- Environmental issues and conservation efforts, including climate change adaptation.
- Recent events and developments in Odisha's political landscape.
- Social issues and movements in the state.

### Important Figures from Odisha
- Biju Patnaik: Former Chief Minister of Odisha and a prominent political figure.
- Naveen Patnaik: Current Chief Minister of Odisha, known for his long tenure and governance.
- Harekrushna Mahatab: Freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Odisha.
- Nandini Satpathy: Former Chief Minister and prominent woman leader.
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Although not born in Odisha, he contributed significantly to India's missile program from the test range in Chandipur.

Study notes for the Odisha Junior Teacher (JT) Exam, focusing on Odisha's geography, including its location, borders, rivers (Mahanadi, Brahmani), Chilika Lake, Simlipal National Park and a brief history of Kalinga and the Kalinga War.