Early Human Settlements in Odisha
Archaeologists have found Acheulian tools from the Lower Paleolithic era in many parts of Odisha. These discoveries suggest that humans settled in the region very early. Ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Vayu Purana, and Mahagovinda Suttanta also mention the Kalinga region, showing its early cultural significance
Kalinga and Its Tribal Roots
According to political scientist Sudama Misra, the ancient Kalinga janapada covered areas of present-day Puri and Ganjam. The Mahabharata also refers to the Sabar tribe of Odisha. Texts like Baudhayana mention that Vedic traditions hadn’t yet reached Kalinga, implying that tribal customs dominated the region during that time.
The Impact of the Kalinga War
In 261 BCE, Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty invaded Kalinga in a brutal war. According to Ashoka’s inscriptions, the war killed around 100,000 people and captured 150,000 more. Deeply moved by the destruction, Ashoka turned to Buddhism and embraced non-violence. The Shanti Stupa at Dhauli stands as a reminder of this historic change.
Rise of Kharavela and Jain Influence
Around 150 BCE, Emperor Kharavela emerged as a powerful Jain ruler and expanded his kingdom across much of India. He built significant monuments like the Udayagiri caves. Kharavela likely ruled during the time of Demetrius I of Bactria, a fact that links Odisha’s history with larger world events.
Medieval Kingdoms and Temple Architecture
Odisha saw several powerful rulers, including Samudragupta and Harsha. The Somavamsi kings began to unify the region, and by the rule of Yayati II (c. 1025 CE), Odisha became a consolidated kingdom. Yayati II built the iconic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. Later, the Eastern Ganga dynasty constructed the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the famous Konark Sun Temple.
Struggles Against Outside Invasion
The Gajapati Kingdom resisted Mughal invasions until 1568, when the Bengal Sultanate conquered the region. Mukunda Deva, the last independent king of Kalinga, died in battle. Eventually, Man Singh I of the Mughal Empire subdued the region after conflicts with the Bengal rulers.
Colonial Period and Formation of Odisha State
In 1751 Odisha History, the Marathas took control of Odisha from the Bengal Nawab. The British later defeated the Marathas in 1803 and included Odisha in the Madras and Bengal Presidencies. The devastating Orissa famine of 1866 led to the deaths of a million people, prompting major irrigation projects.
In 1903 Odisha History, leaders formed Utkal Sammilani to demand a separate province for Odia speakers. The British established Orissa as a separate province on 1 April 1936. After independence in 1947, Odisha officially became part of India, with many princely states merging into the new state.