Orissa

A state in modern India on the eastern
coast between the states of Andhra
Pradesh and West Bengal. Orissa traces
its roots to the kingdom of Kalinga and
the bloody conquest by the Mauryan
emperor Ashoka (r. 269–232 B.C.E.).
During the early medieval period the
Kesari and Ganga dynasties built stunning temples, many of which exist today.
Modern Orissa is largely undeveloped,
and a large percentage of its people are
indigenous tribal peoples (adivasis).
Historically, Hindu culture has been
manifest in the coastal regions, whereas
the interior has been tribal land. Orissa’s
sacred sites include the Ganga-era
temples in the state capital of
Bhubaneshvar, the sacred city of Puri,
and the temple to the Sun at Konarak.
For general information about Orissa
and all the regions of India, see Christine
Nivin et al., India. 8th ed., Lonely Planet,
\1998. See also Maurya dynasty.