District Profile of Odisha

Odisha comprises 3 Administrative Divisions, 30 Districts, and 58 Sub-Divisions. Each district is managed by a Collector and District Magistrate appointed from the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), while law and order are maintained by a Superintendent of Police (SP), an IPS officer. The three administrative divisions include Central Division (Cuttack), Northern Division (Sambalpur), and Southern Division (Berhampur).

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the administrative structure of Odisha, including divisions and districts.
2. Recognize the unique cultural and geographical features of each district.
3. Understand the historical origins and statistical data relevant to each district.
4. Gain knowledge about the socio-economic significance of each district.

Divisions of Odisha

Central Division (Cuttack)

Includes the following districts:

1. Cuttack
2. Jagatsinghpur
3. Kendrapara
4. Jajpur
5. Puri
6. Khordha
7. Nayagarh
8. Balasore
9. Bhadrak
10. Mayurbhanj

Northern Revenue Division (Sambalpur)

Includes the following districts:

1. Sambalpur
2. Bargarh
3. Jharsuguda
4. Deogarh
5. Balangir
6. Subarnapur (Sonepur)
7. Dhenkanal
8. Angul
9. Keonjhar
10. Sundergarh

Southern Revenue Division (Berhampur)

Includes the following districts:

1. Ganjam
2. Gajapati
3. Kandhamal
4. Boudh
5. Kalahandi
6. Nuapada
7. Koraput
8. Rayagada
9. Nabarangpur
10. Malkangiri

Note: Mayurbhanj is the largest district in terms of area, while Jagatsinghpur is the smallest. Ganjam holds the title of the most populous district, whereas Deogarh has the least population.

Districts Overview (Central Division, Cuttack)

Cuttack District

• Origin: One of India’s oldest cities, built over 1,000 years ago by King Anangabhima Dev III. Derived from the Sanskrit ‘Kataka,’ meaning ‘fort.’
• Location: Bounded by the Mahanadi River to the north and Kathajodi River to the south.
• Famous For: The ruins of Barabati Fort, Katak Chandi shrine, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, and renowned filigree works.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 3,932 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 85.5%
3. Sex Ratio: 940
4. Population: 2,624,470
5. Density: 667
6. Headquarters: Cuttack

Kendrapara District

• Origin: Established on 1st April 1993. Known for the mythological association with Lord Balram and Kandrasur.
• Location: In the central coastal plain, bounded by Bhadrak (North), Jajpur (North-West), and Bay of Bengal (East).
• Famous For: Bhitarkanika National Park, Buddhist Shrines, and Sri Baladevjew Temple.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 2,644 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 85.15%
3. Sex Ratio: 1007
4. Population: 1,440,361
5. Density: 544.8
6. Headquarters: Kendrapara

Puri District

• Origin: Known as the abode of Lord Jagannath, derived from the sacred city of Puri.
• Location: Coastal district, bounded by Bhubaneswar (North) and Chilika Lake (South).
• Famous For: Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple at Konark, and world-famous handicrafts.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 3,479 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 84.67%
3. Sex Ratio: 963
4. Population: 1,698,730
5. Density: 488
6. Headquarters: Puri

Statistical Comparison of Central Division Districts

Districts Overview (Northern Division, Sambalpur)

Sambalpur District

• Origin: Existed since medieval times; named after Somvanshi rulers and captured by the British.
• Location: Western Odisha, bounded by Deogarh (East), Bargarh (West).
• Famous For: Sambalpuri textiles, Hirakud Dam, Samaleswari Temple.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 6,702 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 76.22%
3. Sex Ratio: 976
4. Population: 1,041,099
5. Density: 157.2
6. Headquarters: Sambalpur

Jharsuguda District

• Origin: Established on 1st January 1994, previously part of Sambalpur.
• Location: Bounded by Sundergarh (North), Sambalpur (East).
• Famous For: Industrial hub with companies like Vedanta Alumina, Koilighughar Waterfall.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 2,081 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 78.86%
3. Sex Ratio: 953
4. Population: 579,505
5. Density: 274.1
6. Headquarters: Jharsuguda

Statistical Comparison of Northern Division Districts

Districts Overview (Southern Division, Berhampur)

Ganjam District

• Origin: Part of Madras Presidency, became part of Odisha in 1936.
• Location: Bounded by Nayagarh (North), Bay of Bengal (East).
• Famous For: Gopalapur Beach, Chilika Lake, Taratarini Temple.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 8,090.60 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 71.09%
3. Sex Ratio: 983
4. Population: 3,529,031
5. Density: 430.1
6. Headquarters: Chhatarpur

Kandhamal District

• Origin: Established on 1st January 1994 after dividing Phulbani district.
• Location: Central Odisha, bounded by Boudh (North) and Rayagada (South).
• Famous For: Dense forests, **Pine jungles**, *Daringbadi Waterfall*.
• Statistical Data:

1. Area: 8,021 sq. km
2. Literacy Rate: 64.13%
3. Sex Ratio: 1037
4. Population: 733,110
5. Density: 91.4
6. Headquarters: Phulbani

Statistical Comparison of Southern Division Districts

Concept: Ganjam is known for its tourism hotspots, while Kandhamal stands out for its natural beauty and tribal heritage.

Important Notes

• Mayurbhanj district has the highest forest cover, while Jagatsinghpur has the smallest area.
• The Central Division boasts significant cultural heritage with districts like Puri and Cuttack.
• The Northern Division is rich in mineral resources, with Keonjhar being a key mining district.
• The Southern Division holds diverse ecosystems, including Chilika Lake in Ganjam.

Multiple Choice Question

Which district is known as the “Silver City” due to its finest filigree works?

1. Kendrapara
2. Cuttack
3. Puri
4. Balasore

Correct Answer: 2. Cuttack