Odisha ( ଓଡିଶା ). Orissa was originally inhabited by the aboriginal tribes, the Buiyas and Gonds. They confined themselves to the forest and hills when the Dravidian race settled here. Orissa was known as Kalinga in the early period. Kalinga is related with the greatest Mauryan empire ruler Ashoka who on seeing the horrors of war in his battle with the Kalingan army abandoned warfare and, embraced Buddhism. In the second century AD Kharavela established a strong rule . The Guptas dominated over this region in about the 4th century AD. Till the 10th century Orissa witnessed the rule of the Bhaumakara dynasty, followed by the Soma dynasty. From the 11th to 12th century. The Gangas became prominent. The Muslims Sultanate their influence on Orissa during the 13th and 14th centuries. This continued till 1568. This was followed by the rule of the Mughals which lasted till the death of Aurangzeb. After his death the Mughal power which declined bringing in the influence of the Nawab off Bengal who ruled it till he ceded this territory over Orissa began in about 1803 AD when the Marathas were suppressed by the diplomatic treaty's of the East India Company. It was only in 1949 that the state of Orissa attained its present status. Location.-- 17°.49' and 22°.34' North latitude,81°.29' and 87°.29' Eastlongitude on Eastern cost India. Area:-155,707 sq km; Capital:-Bhubaneswar; Population:-36,906,920; Male:-18,712,550;female:-18,194580;Growth Rate(percent):-1991-2001:15.94;Density(person/sqkm):-236;Sex Ratio(female/1000 male):-972; Urban Population:-14.97%; Literacy:-63.61%; male:-75.95%; Female:-50.97%. There are 30 districts which are part of the administrative unit of the State , with Collecter as head. Physiographic.--- Orissa lies on the east cost of India .It is surrounded by Jharkhanda on the north,Andhrapradesh on south-east, Madhya Pradesh on the west and Bay of Bengal on the east.The state is drained by three grate rivers,the Mahanadi,the Brahmani and the Baitarani. The biggest and most famous lake in the Orissa is Chilka lake .It is about 64 km long and 16-20 km wide. There are three beautiful islands in the lake named Parikuda, Maluda and Kalijai. Language.---- Native language is Oriya,a Regional language of India.But the travel trade and hotel Industry people can understand and fluently speak English,Hindi and Bengali as well. Currency.--- Here currancy is Indian Rupee(100 Paise equivalent to One Rupee). Climate.--- Tropical:-Max.Temperature=43 Degree C(Summer) ,Min Temperature= 7Degree C(Winter) || Average Rainfall = 155cm. Season.---- Summer:-March to June || Rain:-July to Septmber || Winter:-October to February. Every season has it own charm in Orissa and the state is suitable to visit round the year. But best season is from Septmber to March. Edited and uploaded by Deepak Basti ,Automobile Engg. www.deepakbasti.blogspot.com www.deepakbasti.webs.com