261 BC

Odisha hazy past focuses with the war of Kalinga in which the people of Kalinga come into head on
consion with Ashoka, the powerful mouryan emperor from Magadha. A hundred thousand were
killed, another hundred and fifty thousand are taken captives while an equal number die as an
aftermath of the war. The bloody carnage leave Ashoka with such a better taste in his mouth that he
turns his back on violence forever and embrace the Budhism faith of peace and compassion. Budhism
spreads under his patronage and becomes the state religion.
232 BC
Ashoka dies. The Mauryan empire lasts upto 185 BC.

1st Century BC
Kalinga drifts out of the Mauryan rules under the first Chedi King Mahameghavahan in the early
port of the 1st Century BC .

49 BC
The third Chedi king Kharavela comes to power, and conducts extensive military campaigns. The
greatness of his power is felt from the eastern coast to western coast of India and from Mathura in
the North to the Pandya kingdom in the south. Jainism flourishes under him.
2nd Century AD
Early in the 2nd Century AD Kalinga is occupied by the Sata bahana King Goutamiputra Satakami from
the west (Nasik), and continues to remain under the Satabahanas probablu upto the rule of Yajansri
Satakami, (AD 174-202).

3rd century AD
After the death of .Yajansri Satakami (202 AD), the history of Kalinga sinks into obsecurity. Some
minor dynasties like the Kusanas of North India. The foreign Indo- scythian Murundas, and
thereafter the Nagas are believed to have ruled in the land until the time of SamudraGuptas south
India campaign.

350 AD
Samudragupta of Magadha sets out on his campaign of the south and conquers parts of Kalinga.
The claims of Samudragupta regarding his South Indian conquests are subject to
doubt.Brahminism starts reasserting itself.

350-498 AD
Soon after the invasion of Samudragupta to new ruling power called Marathas raises its hand (from modern

Parlakhemundi) and continues to rule over Kalinga till 498 AD. Kalinga under the Marathas enjoys a prosperous
economic life because of her flourishing trade and commerce. Brahminism consolidates.
500 AD
The reign of first group of the eastern Gangas begins.
6-7 Century BC
A new dynasty called Sailodbhava raises its hand in the coastal region of Odisha extedning from Mahanadi in t he
North to the Mahedragiri in the South.It is during the region of the Saillodhavas that Kalingas overseas trade
floarishes largly with the rulers bunching their colonial adventure in the Suvarnadweepa i,e, modern myanmar.
621 AD
Harshavardhana of Thaneswar (Modern Haryana)invades Utkal and occupies till Chilika Lake. Budhism gets a
remewal.
630 AD
Huen tsang vists Odisha.

647 AD
The last Hindu emperor of India Harshavardhana dies.
736 AD
Bhuama era begins with the region Unmattasimha alias sivakardeva who occupies the Saillodhava
kingdom. The Bhuamas give patronage to Budhism. The dynasty is marked by a few illustrious
women rulers like Tribhubana Mahadevi and Dandi Mahadevi, side side with the ruler Bhaumalaras
some semi independent principalities known as the Mandalas develop in between the kingdoms of
the Bhauma rulers.

MEDIVAL

931 AD
The reign of somavamsis begins. Somavamsis continue to raid till 1110 AD. Temple building activities
reach a considerable degree of perfection during the reign of the Somavamsls with Bhubaneswar as the
chief Center . Somavamsi king Mahasivagupta Yayat II comes to the thron, and with him begins the
most briliant epoch in the history of Odisha. Yayat II unites Kalinga, Kangoda, Utkal and Koshala in
the imperial tradition of Kharavela. He is believed to have constructed a 38 temple for Lord Jagannath
at Puri. He is also known to have laid the foundations of the famous Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar.
1038 AD
The eastern Ganga lying low since the end of 5th century AD come into prominence again with the rise of Vajrahasta
V who defeated Soma Vamsi ruler Kama Deva and establishes the Ganga Supremacy over Kalinga.
1050 AD
The construction of Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar is finished by Lalatendu Keshari of the Soma dynasty.

1078 AD
Chodaganga Dev of Ganga dynasty comes to the throne.
1112 AD
Chodaganga Dev invades Utkal and brings it under his rule. A great champion of Vaishnavism, he is
believed to have built the monument of Jagannath Temple at Puri. It is the during of Chodaganga Dev
that the facous mediaval saint Ramanujacharya is known to have visited Odisha.

1147 AD
Chodoganga Dev dies. About 15 kings rule the Ganga empire at him.
1211 AD
Anangabhima Dev III ascends to the throne. He is believed to have finished the construction work of
Jagannath Temple at Puri. Anangabhima DEv establishes a new city called Avinaba Baranasi Katak (
Modern Cuttack) at the bifurcation of the river Kathajodi and Mahanadi.

1238 AD
Anangabhima Dev dies in 1238 AD. His son Narshimha Dev comes to throne. He is reputed to built the
Temple of the Sun God at Konark.

1244 AD
Narsimha Dev invades Bengal.
1361 AD
Sultan Firjuz Shah Tugluq invades the Ganga Kingdom and occupies Varanasi Katak

Medival-2
1567
Suleiman Karrani, the sultan of Bangal invades Odisha.
1568
Ramachandra Bhanja, the feudatory of saranga Garh rises in rebilion and proclaims himself as the king, Mukunda Dev
dies in a battel with Ramachandra Bhanj, Soon thereafter Ramachandra Bhanja also meets his defeat and death in the
hands Bayazid , the son of Suleiman Karrani. He succeeds in conquering Odisha there beginning Afgan rule in
Odisha.
1590-1595
Odisha becomes an arena for the battels between the Mughals and the Afghans when the already AFghans refuse to
acknowledge the suzeraintly of the Mughals ruling over Delhi. The operation continues from 1590 to 1595 resulting in
the complete defeat of Afghans.
1592 - 1751
Mughal rule in Odisha begins with sthe arrival of Raja Manasingh, Akbars Raajput General , who destroys the
Afghans resistants. On the instruiction of the Akbar Odisha is divided into five sarkars : Jaleswar (including
madinipur), Bhadrak , Cuttack, Chika Khol, and Raja Mahendry Dandpat. Odisha is thus acquired for Mughal empire
and ;is governed as a part of the bengal Subah for sometime. It is during the Mugha lrule that the marchants carry on
their brisk overseas trade & commerce and attract the attention of Europe traders. The Portugees, the Dotch, The
English and The French discover Odishas economic potential for markets outside.
1607
During the rule of Akbars son & successor,Jahangir, Odisha is constitute into a separate provinces, with Cuttakc as
capital and is placed inder a subahdar.
1670
Kavi Samrat Upendranath Bhanj is believed to have been bom around 1670.
1728
The Nizam of Hydrabad occupies the whole of Ganjam & Chikakol (Srikakulam) & declares them as the North sarkar.
1751 - 1803
Maratha Administration of Odisha begins with Raghuji Bhonsla-I as the new chief ofthe territory - Marathas continue
to rule till 1803 the year in which Odisha possess on the hands of the British Marathas administration is said to have
proven fatal to the welfare and prosperity of the land and presents a picture of misrule, anarchy and weakness, repacity
and violence. Marathas rulers however patronise religion and religious institutions, thus making Odisha center of
attration, Oriya literature also makes rapid progress.
1633
East India company set up trade Hariharpur and Balasore.
1757 - 1764
After the battel of plassey in 1757 & Buxar in 1764 the British empire builders look for acquiring more Indian
territories. Odisha being the neighbouring state of Bengal naturally comes to be include in their design

Modern India upto 1947

1803
British army under Col.Harcourt begins its March from Ganjam in the South, and occupies the mugalbandi districts of
Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, thereby completing the conquesting of Odisha.
1807
The first book to be printed in Odia "New Testament" published by the serampore Baptist Mission Press.
1817
Under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu Biddyadhar, the paikas of khurda rises up against the
British in what is known as the famous pikas revolt of 1817. It is primarily an agrarian revolt against
thef wrong policies of land settlement and revenew administration adpoted by the British.
1822
Missionaries arrive in Odisha.
1837
Missionaries esgtablish Cuttack Mission Press.
1839
Odia is adopted as the language of the court replacing persian.
1843
Fakir Mohan Senapati is born.

1848
Kulabrudha Madhusudan Das is born.

1849
Missionaries bring out the first Odia Magazine -"JNANARUNA"
1853
Bhaktakabi Madhusudan Rao is born.

1855
Appearance of saint poet Bhima Bhoi.
Surendra of Sambalpur, Chaki Khuntia of Puri, and ARjun Singh of Podahat join hands with sepoys in
what is known as the country-wide "sepoy Mutiny:.

1862
Poet Gangadhar Mehar is born.
1866
A failure of reign in 1865 resulted in the loss of usual crops and brought about a catastropic famine in 1966-67 whioch

laid to the death of about one million people in Odisha. Gross negligence, indifferent administration, lack of
communication and in adequate attention caused atleast one man every three in Odisha die in famine. Cuttack printing
press, the second in the state is established by the initiative of the people of the province. The first news paper Utkal
Deipika is brought out by the Cuttack printing company.
1866-1900
It was during this late 19th century that a new conciousness began to take shape. The growth of modern
education rise of a middle class inteligetia advent of the printing press publication of the journals and
periodicals nationalistic literary activities of writers like Fakir Mohan Senapati and Radhanath Ray, rise of
numerous socio religious and cultural socities formation of the Indian National Congress all these took the
shape of a political movement to untile all the Odia-speaking areas under one administration.
Bagha Jatin : 1905-1910
Simultaneous with the movement for its territorial unity. Odisha marched the path of freedom struggle with the rest of
India for national independence. Right from the Swadeshi Movement of 1905-1910 the practice of the land felt
inspired for the cause of the country and developed anti- British feelings rapidly. By the side of the first World War,
anarchical philosophies had taken root in Odisha. In the town of Baleshwar and in the Kaptipada forest areas in
Mayurbhanj district, the Bengal territories with the active assistance of Odia inhibitants worked for anti-Government
activities in a daring spirit. The leading territories like Jatin Mukherji alias Bagha Jatin, Manoranjan Sengupta,
Narendra Dasgupta, Shasanka Sekhar Mukherji , Atal Bihari Acharya and Bairagi Tripathy aimed at bigger
Conspiracies which, however, could not succeed.

Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843-1918)

A Master in the art of writing short stories, he injected a new life in Odia literature in an environment of
gloom and despair. His sence of humour remains unsurpassed in Odia literature. Discarding romantic
themes, he wrote about the common man and his problems. Senapati could rightly be compared with the
20th Century great novelist like Premchand and Bibhutibhusan Banerjee. Eventhough he had no
formaleducation, he proved to be an enlightened teacher, painter and a great administrator. In his writings,
Odia Nationalism was the dominant theme. As a recognised literary poet, Senapati has made his place secure as a great
prose writer in Odia .
Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das (1848-1934)
First Odia to get the Degree of M.A. B.L. from Calcutta University. Took a valiant stand for unification
of scattered Odia tracts. Emerged on the Eastern horizon as a symbol of new hope and aspiration of all
Odias . Was the founder of Utkal Sammilani, architect of Odia movement and pioneer in the field of
industrial development. Acclaimed as a great Legislator and Journalist, he was the first Odia to be the
member of Legislative Council and Member of Central Legislative Assembly and was the first to sail
overseas. He had the distinction of being the first Indian Minister.
Pandit Gopabandhu Das ( 1876-1928)
Aptly described as the Gandhi of Odisha, Pandit Gopabandhu Das played a pivotal role in the formation
of a separate province of Odisha. Born and brought up in an atomsphere of Brahminical orthodoxy, he
shattered the shackles of narrow caste barriers. A Law Graduate from the Calcutta University. He was
an active sentinal of Odia Movement, Freedom Fighter and a great social reformer. As an educationist he
was responsible for establishment of Satyabadi School at Satyabadi in the Puri District. Imbued with
patriotic fervour the students of Satyabadi School were known as indefatigable fighters against British Imperialism.
Gopabandhu regarded politics as an instrument of service to the people. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi,
Gopabandhu was one of the Noblest Sons of Odisha. His spirit of service and sacrifice finds an apt echo in his

following lines.
Let my body mingle in the dust of my motherland and let my countrymen walk across it.
Nilakantha Das (1884-1969)
Secured M.A. Degree in Philosophy from Calcutta University. Spurned
an offer of a lucrative job by the British Govt. and preferred to serve as
the Mead Master of Satyabadi High School. Endowed with a profound
erudition he became a legendary figure in his life time. A powerful
speaker, his speaches in Central Legislative Assembly and Odisha
Legislative Assembly have left an indelible impression on Legislative
history. He was a rare amalgam of a Writer, Editor, Speaker and Author.
Author of an excellent commentary of Geeta. His epics are considered as
Master piece of Odia Language. A distinguished freedom fighter and a
revolutionary, he inspired the youth to fight against untouchability and
other social evils. Led the movement for amalgamation of outlying Odia
tracts and was a symbol of Odia culture.

Biswanath Das (1889-1984)

An eminent Freedom Fighter, able Statesman, remarkable
Administrator, astute 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. Continued to be a member of Madras Legislative
Assembly from 1921 to 1930. Gave up the membership of the
Madras Legislative Assembly in 1931 and joined Salt Satyagraha.
As a great Patriot led the peasant movement and fought for the
creation of a separate Odisha Province. He had the distinction of
being elected as Prime Minister of Odisha. Resigned from the
Prime Ministership on 4th November 1939 at the bidding of
Indian National congress. 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. A noble son
who has left an indelible impression on a resurgent Odisha.

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. As an eloquent spokesman of Odias , he was felicitated by Madhusudan
Das, the father of modern Odisha. As a scion of illustrious Ganga Ruler he espoused the cause of the
poor and downtrodden. Later played an important role in bringing together the vivisected parts of Odisha
and laid the foundation of United Odisha. He was a member of old Madras Legislative Council, a member of royal
commission of Agriculture and a member of Odisha Legislative Assembly. He was twice elected as Prime Minister
of Odisha. He was an Educationist, Freedp, Fighter, Social Reformer and a champion of the poor. He established a
permanent theatre at Paralakhemundi for promoting cultural activities.
Raja Artatran Deo ( 1900-1946)
Enthroned as Raja of Khariar, (present day Nuapada district), in 1921. A great patron of Art, Culture and Education.
Sportsman of distinction, member of many committees and Organisations. Sponsored Scholarships for deserving
students for higher education. Patronised Beer Bikram Theatre of Khariar, the first permanent Odia Stage in the
State. Nominated member of Odisha Advisory Council. Elected to Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1937 and 1946
from Khariar Assembly Constituency. Played a pivotal role in formation of Odisha as a separate province in the year
1936. It was at his instance and under his enlightened leadership that Khariar Zamindari merged with the State of
Odisha leading to full Statehood
Biju Pattanaik ( 1916-1997)
Biju Pattanaik was a trained pilot of acknowledged competence. Had special interest in Science and
Technology and was responsible for instituting the prestigious International Kalinga Prize. He was the
pioneer of Industrial movement in Odisha and was the head of Air Transport command during the war
(1940-42). An indefatigable freedom fighter, he led the underground movement for freedom of the
country along with Shri Jayaprakash Narayan, Dr. Ram Mohan Lohia and others. Landed first platoon of
troops in Srinagar during attack by Pakistani raiders. Suceeded in safely airlifting the Indonesia leaders during war. He
was honoured by the Indonesia Govt. as BHUMIPUTRA. Elected to Odisha Legislative Assembly from 1952. Chief
Minister of Odisha from 1961-1963 and 1990-1995. Member, Rajya Sabha 1980-1984 and 11th Lok Sabha from
1996-1997. Union Minister of Steel from July 1977 to January 1980. He had the distinction of laying the basic
infrastructure for development of Odisha. Special mention could be made of Paradeep Port, MIG Factory at
Sunabeda, Ferro Silicon Complex at Theruvali, Hydro Electric Power Project Balimela. Thermal Power Station,
Talcher, Engineering College, Rourkela, Engineering College and Medical College at Burla, Express High Way
linking Dairari with Paradeep, Sainik School, Regional College of Education, Bhubaneswar, Regional Research
Laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and
many others.
He was a great visionary who worked relentlessly for the uplift of the people of Odisha.
Chandra Sekhar Behera ( 1873-1936)
Chandra Sekhar Behera of Sambalpur was a leading freedom fighter and an active participant in the
Non-Cooperation Movement. He consolidated the National freedom movement in Sambalpur region
and merged his activities with the Indian National Congress. He was a founding member of the
National School of Sambalpur started on lines of Satyabadi Vana-Vidyalaya founded by Gopabandhu
Das. As the chairman of Sambalpur Municipality, he received Gandhijee in Sambalpur in 1928.
Organised a mass movement against illiteracy and untouchability.
Nandini Satapathy ( 1931-2006)
The first lady Chief Minister of Odisha Srimati Nandini Satapathy was born in Cuttack and did her degree from Ravenshaw
College. She was the author of many poems and short stories and the editor of Odia monthly Kalana. She was also
conferred with Sahitya Bharati Sammana for the Odia translation of famous novel Lajja. The Founder cum Secretary of
Odisha Womens Relief Committee, Srimati Nandini was elected to Rajya Sabha from Congress party twice. During her
illustrious career she led Indian Film Delegations thrice, i.e. to Moscow & Tashkent and also accompanied the then Prime
Minister as a member of Indias delegation to Commemorative Session of United Nations in New York. She was in the
Chairmanship of Childrens Film Society of India twice. In Odishas political scenario she was elected as the leader of
Odisha Congress Legislature Party twice & was the Chief Minister.

Kalindi Charana Panigrahi ( 1901-1991)

Kalindi Charana Panigrahi belongs to Sabuja Gosthi (Green Community of Odisha Poets) of 20th century was born at
Khurda. He is regarded as a superb poet, story writer, novelist, dramatist, editor and essayist. This great mans pen never
stopped till his death. His Auto-Biography Jaha Ange Nivaichi is an unforgettable contribution to the literary treasure of
Odisha. This Padma Bhusan award winner was also honoured the fellowship from Kendra Sahitya Academy.A D.Litt
Degree from Sambalpur University was awarded by IMFA CHARITABLE TRUST for his life long contribution to Odia
literature. The doyen whose creation Matira Manisa was made a film has left this eternal world but his creations are still
immortal.