GEOGRAPHY OF ODISHA

India is a land of diversities in the planet earth. The Geography of India is an essential subject to
be studied by every citizens of the country. As a nation, India occupies a significant position in
the world. It is country known for its unique culture, history, heritage, natural resources and
human capital. India is a union state. Each part of India is unique in its geography, culture
language and socio economic conditions.

Odisha is one of the prominent states in India. The main objective of learning this lesson is to
know about its geographic setting, people, governance and its contribution for country. In this
lesson, the following aspects of Odisha are highlighted:

1. The physiographic setting

2. The climate, rain fall and land cover
3. The administrative divisions and population
4. Economic resources and contributions
5. Culture, tourism and unique features of the state as whole

Location
Odisha earlier known as Orissa is a state located on the east coast of India. Odisha is
surrounded by Jharkhand in the north, Andhra Pradesh to the south and Chattisgarh to the
west. West Bengal lies north east to Odisha. Bay of Bengal lies on eastern coast. Odisha is
situated between the geographical coordinates of 81.27'E and 87.29' East longitude and
17.49'N and 22.34'North latitude. It occupies a total area of 1,55,707 sq km. It is bound on the
east by the 450 kilometer coastline of the Bay of Bengal.

Physiography
Following are the main geographic features of Odisha:
1. The coastal plains in the east is a combination of many deltas formed by major rivers
such as Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahmani, the Mahanadi,
and the Rushikulya. This region is also known as Hexdeltaic region.
2. The middle mountainous and highlands region mainly consists of hills and mountains of
Eastern ghats. These highlands are also known as Garhjat Hills. This region is also
marked by number of watersheds. The highest peak in this region is Deomali.
3. The central plateaus comprises of eroded plateaus lying on the western side of Eastern
Ghats. There are two broad regions (1) Panposh-Koenjhar- Pallahara Pleateau and (2)
the Nabrangpur- Jeypore plateau.
4. The western rolling uplands are plateaus in lower elevations with heights varying
between 153m to 305 m.
5. The major flood plains
Rivers and lakes:
River Mahanadi: It is sixth largest river in India. It is about 857 km Long and its catchment area
spreads over 141,600 sq km
The Brahmani: It is the second largest river in Odisha. It flows through the Eastern Ghats into
the Coastal Plains and enters into the Bay of Bengal along with a combined mouth with the
Mahanadi known as the Dhamara. The Brahmani is 799 km long
The Baitarani: It originates from the Gonasika hills of the Kendujhar district. It is 365 km long
and its catchment area spread over 12,790 sq km.
The Subarnarekha: It originates from the Chota nagpur plateau of Bihar. It is 433 km and has a
catchment area of 19,500 km.
The Budhabalanga: It originates from the eastern slopes of the Similipal. It is about 175 km long
having a total catchment area of 4840 sq km
The Rushikulya: It originates from the Rushimala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Kandhamal
district. It is 165 km long with 8900 sq km of catchment areas.
The Bahuda: It originates from the Ramgiri hills of the Eastern Ghats in Gajapati districts and
joins the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. Its length is 73 km having a catchment area of 1250
sq km.
The Vanshadhara: It originates from Durgakangar hills of the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi
districts. It is 230 km long. It enters into Bay of Bengalat Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It
has a catchment area of 11500 sq km.
The Nagavali: It originates from the Bijipur Hills of the Eastern Ghats. It is 210 km long. It has a
total catchment area of about 9410 sq km.
The Salandi: It originates from the Meghasani Hills of the Similipal in Keonjhar district. It is 144
km long with catchment area of 1793 sq km.
The Indravati: It originates from the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi districts. It is 530 km long with
a catchment area of 41700 sq km as a tributary it flows into the Godavari river.
The Kolab: It originates from the Sinkaran hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput districts. It has
catchment areas of 20,400 sq km.
Tel River: It is one of the largest rivers of Odisha originating in Nabaramgpur district and finally
falling in Mahanadi.

Lakes
The Chilika Lake is brackish water lagoon located in the coastal line on southern part of
the Odisha. During monsoon its salinity declines to a minimum. However in winter, its salinity
increases due to the overflow of the tidal water through the narrow opening from the Bay of
Bengal.
Anshupa is a fresh water lake located in Athagarh of Cuttack district.
KanjiaLake is a fresh water lake located in Nandankanan of Cuttack district near
Bhubaneswar.

Establishment
Odisha was established on April 1936 during British India. The state predominantly consists of
Oriya speaking people. Odisha is referred to as Utkala in India’s national anthem “Jana Gana
Mana”. This land was earlier conquered and ruled by Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
However prehistoric settlers are tribal groups identified as the Saora, Sahara and Sabar. In the
11thcentury Odisha was ruled by the Chola dynasty and in the 15th century the land was
conquered and ruled by the Mughals. The last Hindu emperor of Odisha was Gajapati Mukunda
Deva.

Climate, Rainfall
The climate of Odisha is primarily tropical monsoon weather. The summers are extremely hot
and the winters are cool and pleasant. Odisha experiences three seasons, namely summer,
monsoon and winter. However, very heavy downpours are recorded during monsoon. The
average rainfall recorded is 200cm. By early June south west monsoon sets in and supplies
enough water to the rain dependent agricultural practices.

Geology and Minerals

The state is bounteously blessed with large reserves of bauxite, china clay, chromite, coal,
dolomite, fire clay, graphite, gemstones, iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, mineral sand,
nickel ore, pyrophylite and quartz. Dharambandha area of Nuapada district has diamond mine.
The Archaean rocks in northern Odisha include the Supracrustal belts of metasedimentary rocks
including Iron Ore Super Group having deposits of iron, manganese, gold and base metals.

Soils
Red soil has highest coverage of all soil groups of the state. Presence of excess amounts of
oxides of iron imparts red colours to the soil. The soils are strongly to moderately acidic with
low to medium organic matter status and poor water retentive capacity. These soils are
deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus. Mixed red and Yellow Soil occupy most of the district
followed by red soil. The soils are moderately shallow in depth and coarse-textured. The upland
soils are moderately acidic whereas, low land soils are slightly acidic. There is no regular
occurrence of black soils in the state. These soils occur sporadically found in a few districts.

The black colour of the soil is due to presence of titaniferous, magnetite, humins, bitumins etc.
Lateritic soil is characterized by compact vesicular structure. It is rich in oxides of iron and
aluminium with small amounts of manganese, titanium and quartz. These soils are loamy sand
to sandy loam in the surface having hard clay pan in the subsoil. These soils are poorly fertile
with low organic matter.
Deltaic alluvial soil covers the deltaic regions of the rivers such as Mahanadi, Brahamani,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha and Rushikullya. Texture of the soil varies from coarse sand to clay and
is mostly dependent on geomorphology of the flood plain and the type of alluvial material
carried by river water. Alluvial soils occur along the coastal belt of the state in a narrow strip
extending 5-25 km inward. Saline soils are rich in soluble salts of chloride and sulphate in
conjunction with sodium and magnesium. Brown Forest soils are being associated with forest
areas. These soils are brown to gray brown in colour, light texture and acidic in reaction.
Organic matter and nitrogen content of the soils are medium to high. Mixed red and black soils
occur in patches within the predominant red soil. The soils are deep with medium fertility
status.
Natural vegetation
Coastline of Odisha is one of the nesting grounds for Olive Ridley sea turtles, one of the
endangered species of reptiles. Odisha houses a vast expanse of unspoiled green meadows and
forest covers. The Simlipal National Park is huge tiger reserve, protecting tigers, elephants and
other wild creatures. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary protects estuarine crocodiles.

Chilika Lake is a brackish water lake found at the mouth of Mahanadi River. This lake is
a breeding ground for a large number of migratory birds. Birds from Ladakh, Himalayas, Russia,
Central Asia, Lake Baikal, Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and Mongolia reach Chilika Lake during summer
and nest for a brief period. Chilika Lake is identified as one of the most important hot spots.
Satpada is a safe sanctuary for endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Administration
Odisha is the 9th largest state in the country, by area. Oriya is the official as well as the most
spoken language by the people. Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. The state is divided into
30 districts for administrative purpose. Cuttack, Brahmapur, Puri, Rourkela and Sambalpur are
the major cities in Odisha. The legislative assembly consists of 147 members.

Population
According to the 2011 census of India, the total population of Odisha is 4,19,47,358. The sex
ratio is 978 females per 1000 males. The population density is 269 per sq km. 94% of the
population are Hindus, rest are Christians and Islamic people. Apart from speaking Oriya,
people speak Bengali, Hindi, Telugu and Santali. The literacy rate is 73%.

Economy
Odisha receives large investments in power, steel, refineries and ports. Odisha is the first state
to have privatized electricity transmission and distribution. Bandhabahal has an open cast coal
mine. Bhubaneshwar and Paradip have been announced as special economic zone by central
government. Odisha’s share was 12.6 percent in total investment in the country. Flood and
cyclone are the major hurdles in Odisha's development.

Industries
Odisha has excellent infrastructure for both national and international industries. The state
government has achieved success in inviting investments in the industrial sector. There are four
categories of industries:
 Medium industries
 Cottage industries
 Large scale heavy industries
 Large scale industries

 Cement industry
 Ceramic Glass plants
 Refractory units
  Ferro Manganese plants
 Aluminum industry
 Fertilizer plants
 Agro based industries
 Chemical industries
 Tyre factories
 Aeronautical industry
The forest resources in the state has initiated and promoted a good number of cottage
industries, such as:
 Sericulture industry
 Cotton textile mills
 Sugar mills
 Rice mills

 Brass industry
 Tobacco industry
 Beverage
 Molasses
 Aluminum utensil making plants

SAIL, POSCO, NINL and JINDAL steel are a few major steel industries in Odisha. Rourkela steel
plant is the best in the country.

Tourism
Odisha has many tourist spots, as the state is rich in natural vegetation and also ancient culture.
Temples in Odisha: A number of temples follow the Indo Aryan Nagara style of architechture.
The best known are Lingaraja temple at Bhubaneshwar, Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Sun
Temple at Konark.
Caves in Odisha: Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves contain the Buddhist relics and ruins. The
place is well known as Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage destination.

National Park:
BhitarKanika National Park is famous for its second largest mangrove ecosystem. Chilika Lake is
Asia’s largest brackish water lake, also a bird sanctuary for many migratory birds. Simlipal
National Park houses a beautiful waterfall and a tiger reserve. The Gharial Sanctuary at
Tikarpada and the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles in Gahirmatha turtle sanctuary is an essential feature
of Odisha’s ecotourism. The city wildlife sanctuaries of Chandaka and NandanKanan conserve
animal and bird species which are the verge of extinction.

Festivals in Odisha
Odisha has a mixed population consisting of Aryans, Dravidians and Adivasis. A string of
festivals in favour of the different sects of people are celebrated.
Major Hindu festivals are :
Durga Puja- is celebrated in the months September- October is celebrated in commemoration
of good over evil. Life size images of goddess Durga are worshipped and carried in magnificent
processions and immersed in river Kathajodi.
Saraswati Puja- is usually celebrated in January-February. Saraswati is the goddess of learning
and as such this festival is celebrated most ardently by the school and college students to pray
for success in their academic pursuits.
Ganesh Puja – is celebrated in the months August-September. Lord Ganesha is famed for his
intellectual brilliance and so students worship him to achieve similar powers.
Shiva Ratri- is celebrated in the month of February. It is also known as Jagarajatra which refers
to the night-long vigil kept by the devotees, especially women, to have their desires fulfilled.

Janmastami - is a festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. This is a

famous festival observed in the temple of Jagannath.
Dolapwnima or Holi - is the most famous spring festival of India. Usually celebrated in March It
has special properties in its celebration in Odisha where it is a five day affair, especially in the
rural areas.
ChandanYatra- This festival is generally famous in Puri but in other parts of Odisha this is also
observed related to Lord Jagannath or Krishna. This Takes place in the month of Vaisaksha and
continues for long 42 days.
SnanaYatra- This Festival takes places in the month of Jestha. it is popularly known as the
DebaSnanaPurnima. This is the first occasion in the course of a year when the deities
Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra along with Sudarsan and Madanmohan are brought out from
the Temple and taken in procession to Snana Bedi.

Culture
Odisha’s culture has evolved over the years as it has been ruled by different rulers in the past.
Art and Architecture have undeniably been a part of culture. Feudal landlords and kings have
patronized artists. Deva dasi culture flourished in Odisha. Deva dasi’s are women married to
Gods. They lived in temple quarters and performed Odissi dance as a part of temple rituals.
Three main types of creative art forms flourished in Odisha, they were Bhitichitra, Patachitra
and Pothichitra. These are painting done on murals, cloth and pal leaf respectively.

Music and Dance

Odissi is one of the oldest dance forms in India. Ghumura, Chhau, Mahari and Gotipua are other
dance forms in Odisha. Odissi is patronized as a secular dance. Its history can be traced back to
ancient periods when dance was an essential part of temple culture. Inscription in caves prove
Odissi first originated as a court dance. Later, it was performed in all religious places of Jainism
as well as Buddhist monasteries. Padi, a kind of Oriyan music consists of singing words in fast
beat. Other than this there are five different forms of music, they are Tribal music, Folk music,
Light classical music, Light music and Classical music.
Cuisine
Rasgulla is known to have originated from Odisha. Traditional dishes such as rice puddings,
Kheer, Chhenapoda, ChhenaJheeli and malpua are relished sweets all over the country. One of
the most famous delicacies of Odisha is Kakara Peetha especially with coconut filling sauteed
with pepper, cardamom, sugar and ghee and sometimes cottage cheese. Mudhi (puffed rice) is
an integral part of every Oriya household. Mudhi serves the purpose of instant snacks.
Pakhala, a dish made of rice, water, and yoghurt, that is fermented overnight, is very popular in
summer, particularly in the rural areas. The main course also includes one or more curries,
vegetables and pickles. Dalma, one of the vegetarian dishes is made of lentils and vegetables
boiled together and then fried with other spices. Odisha also expertise in sea food cuisines like
Prawn and Crab. Dahibara-Aludum-Ghuguniis a best combination of North and South Indian
dishes, served in Oriyan cuisine.

Art and craft

The silver filigree ornamental works from Cuttack, Pattachitras (palm leaf paintings), stone
utensils of Nilgiri, Sambalpuri sarees, Rathas cultures on Puri Jagannatha temple, and erotic
sculptures on Sun temple at Konark are noteworthy art work in Odisha. Most of these art works
are always associated with rich tribal influenced culture.

Notable personalities:
FAKIR MOHAN SENAPATI-: A short story writer wrote about common man’s problems with a
sense of humor. He was an enlightening teacher, painter, and an administrator. He secured the
place of a great prose writer in Odisha.

PANDIT GOPABANDHU DAS: Adored as the Gandhi of Odisha, he played a pivotal role in the
formation of a separate province of Odisha. As an educationist he was responsible for
establishment of Satyabadi School at Satyabadi in the Puri District.In the words of Mahatma
Gandhi, Gopabandhu was one of the Noblest Sons of Odisha.

BISWANATH DAS: An eminent Freedom Fighter, able Statesman, remarkable Administrator,

politician and a Charismatic leader. He was elected as the president of the Ganjam District
Board in the year 1920 and joined the Non-cooperation movement in response to the call of
Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 after giving up his lucrative law practice. In 1950 got elected to Lok
Sabha and became the President of Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee. He was appointed as
the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

GAJAPATI MAHARAJA KRUSHNA CHANDRA DEV ( 1892-1974)

An Architect of modern Odisha. He attended the first Round Table Conference in London on
16th November 1930 wherein he made a fervent appeal for creating a separate province of
Odisha on the basis of Language and homogeneity. He was an Educationist, Freedom, Fighter,
Social Reformer and a champion of the poor. He established a permanent theatre at
Paralakhemundi for promoting cultural activities.
BIJU PATTANAIK: Biju Pattanaik was a trained pilot. Had special interest in Science and
Technology and was responsible for instituting the prestigious International Kalinga Prize. He
was honoured by the Indonesia Govt. as “BHUMIPUTRA”. He was elected to Odisha Legislative
Assembly from 1952. Chief Minister of Odisha from 1961-1963 and 1990-1995. Member, Rajya
Sabha 1980-1984 and 11th LokSabha from 1996-1997. He had the distinction of laying the basic
infrastructure for development of Odisha.

SRIMATI NANDINI SATAPATHY: The first lady Chief Minister of Odisha Srimati Nandini. She was
the author of many poems and short stories and the editor of Odia monthly “Kalana”. The
Founder cum Secretary of Odisha Women’s Relief Committee, Srimati Nandini was elected to
Rajya Sabha from Congress party twice.

Unique Features
Lying on the east coast of India, Odisha is considered as a verdant paradise. Odisha, with vast
expanding paddy fields, ancient temples, silver sandy beaches, waterfalls and tribal people has
etched a unique position in the memories of tourists all over the world. Nandankannan
zoological park is a habitat of the rare white tigers and Chilika lake Asia’s largest brackish water
lake is a migratory ground for many international species of birds. World famous Sun temple at
Konark is an asset to the state. The Dhauli Buddhist temple, Udaigiri-Khandgiri ancient caves,
Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri images and caves are ancient relics and remains of Buddhism and Jainism.
Tribal groups originating from Koraput, Rayagada, Sambalpur and Malkangiri form the bulk of
the population. The tribal belt is rich in mineral resources but the benefits rarely reach them;
illiteracy, unemployment and exploitation by local landlords and merchants are rife. The
majority of the rural population ekes out a subsistence living from agriculture.

So far we have seen some salient features of geography of this state. There are lot more things to
be studied about this state. We will see them in future modules. Thank u