Odisha: A Comprehensive Overview

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain an understanding of Odisha’s basic facts and geographic positioning.
2. Learn demographic details, literacy rates, and population distribution.
3. Explore Odisha’s administrative structure and historical “firsts.”
4. Discover notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural aspects of the state.

Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. The following sections will provide an in-depth view of Odisha’s general information, demography, administrative details, historical firsts, and its unique flora and fauna.

General Information and Geography

Established on 1st April 1936, Odisha’s capital is Bhubaneswar. Positioned between 17°49’N to 22°34’N latitude and 81°29’E to 87°29’E longitude, it shares its borders with West Bengal (north-east), Jharkhand (north), Andhra Pradesh (south), and Madhya Pradesh (west). The state covers a geographical area of 155,707 sq km, making it the 9th largest in India. The official languages are Oriya and English. Odisha’s land is blessed with a forest cover of 37.34% and is known for its classical dance form, Odissi.

Neighboring States and Cultural Landscape

1. West Bengal: North-east boundary.
2. Jharkhand: North boundary.
3. Andhra Pradesh: Southern border.
4. Madhya Pradesh: Western limit.

Demography

According to the 2011 Census, Odisha’s population stands at 41,947,358, ranking 11th in the country. It has a rural population of 34,951,234 and an urban population of 6,999,124. The sex ratio is 978 females per 1000 males. The state has a decadal growth rate of 13.97% (2001-2011) and a population density of 269 persons per square kilometer.

Population Distribution and Literacy

1. Total Population: 41,947,358.
2. Male Population: 21,201,678.
3. Female Population: 20,745,680.
4. Literacy Rate: 73.45%, with male literacy at 82.40% and female literacy at 64.36%.
5. Infant Mortality Rate: 40 per 1000 live births.
6. Maternal Mortality Rate: 2.22 per 1000 live births.
7. Religion Distribution: Hindus dominate with 94.35%, followed by Muslims at 2.07%, Christians at 2.44%, and others at 1.14%.

Important Note: Odisha has achieved significant progress in literacy, but there remains a noticeable gap between male and female literacy rates, indicative of potential areas for educational development.

Administrative Structure

Odisha’s state administration is divided into three divisions: Cuttack, Berhampur, and Sambhalpur, with a total of 30 districts. The state operates under a unicameral legislature with 147 Vidhan Sabha seats. It sends 21 members to the Lok Sabha and 10 members to the Rajya Sabha. The Orissa High Court is located in Cuttack.

Administrative Highlights

1. Languages: Oriya (administrative), Oriya & English (official).
2. Divisions: Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambhalpur.
3. Districts: 30.
4. Lok Sabha Seats: 21.
5. Rajya Sabha Seats: 10.
6. Vidhan Sabha Seats: 147.

Famous Universities

Odisha is home to a plethora of prestigious educational institutions, including both general and specialized universities. Some of the renowned ones are:

1. North Odisha University: Located in Mayurbhanj.
2. Berhampur University: Situated in Ganjam.
3. Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology: Based in Bhubaneswar.
4. Ravenshaw University: Situated in Cuttack.
5. Biju Patnaik University of Technology: Located in Rourkela.
6. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology: Found in Bhubaneswar.
7. National Institute of Technology: Located in Rourkela.
8. Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya: Situated in Puri.
9. Utkal University: Based in Bhubaneswar.
10. Sambalpur University: Found in Sambalpur.
11. Utkal University of Culture: Located in Bhubaneswar.

Historical Firsts in Odisha

Odisha has several notable “firsts” in its historical timeline, showcasing the state’s rich legacy and pioneering spirit.

1. First Chief Minister: Krushna Chandra Gajapati.
2. First Woman Chief Minister: Smt. Nandini Satapathy.
3. First Governor: Sir Chandula Madhav Lal Trivedi.
4. First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: Ranganath Mishra.
5. First Cinema Hall: Sitaram Vilas Talkies, Berhampur.
6. First Odia Poet: Mahakabi Sarala Das.
7. First Air Marshal: Saroj Jena.
8. First Newspaper: Utkal Deepika.
9. First Printing Press: Utkal Printing Press.
10. First Odia Everest Mountaineer: Chetana Sahu.

Largest and Longest in Odisha

Odisha is known for its vast natural and cultural landmarks. The following table provides a comprehensive comparison:

State Symbols of Odisha

Odisha’s rich biodiversity is encapsulated in its state symbols, each holding cultural and ecological significance.

1. State Animal: Sambar Deer: Found abundantly in Odisha’s forests and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It was historically hunted by royalty and is now bred in science centers in Bhubaneswar and Dhenkanal.
2. State Bird: Indian Roller: Known for its striking blue color, found commonly in grasslands and scrub forests.
3. State Flower: Ashoka: A rainforest tree native to the Deccan plateau, blooming in clusters of bright orange-yellow flowers from February to April.
4. State Tree: Ashvattha (Sacred Fig): A large, semi-evergreen tree also known as Peepal. Revered in Hinduism and Buddhism, it has medicinal properties and bears small round fruits.

Important Concept: The Ashvattha tree holds great cultural and religious value, as it is believed to be the tree under which Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana.

Quick Facts: Notable Personalities and Institutions

1. First Odia Lok Sabha Speaker: Rabi Ray.
2. First Odia Bharat Ratna Awardee: VV Giri.
3. Largest Temple: Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri.
4. Largest Stadium: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
5. First Medical College: Sreeram Chandra Bhanja Medical College, Cuttack (1944).

Important Note: Odisha’s heritage is reflected in the architecture of Sri Jagannath Temple, one of the largest pilgrimage centers in India.

Multiple-Choice Question

Which of the following is the largest lake in Odisha?

1. Hirakud
2. Chilika
3. Atri
4. Duduma
   Correct Answer: 2. Chilika