Odisha GK: Odisha General Knowledge GK
Know about your State Odisha
Odisha GK: Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a state located in Eastern India, known for its rich history, culture, and natural resources. It ranks as the 9th largest state by area (155,707 km²) and 11th largest by population with around 46 million people. The state was formed on April 1, 1936, and its capital is Bhubaneswar. The official language is Odia. Odisha is blessed with significant natural resources including chromite, graphite, bauxite, manganese ore, and iron ore. Major industries in the state include steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizer production, and chemicals.
The state features diverse geography with four natural divisions and is traversed by important rivers such as the Mahanadi and Brahmani. Odisha has a tropical semi-evergreen vegetation region and is known for its biodiversity, including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks like Simlipal and Bhitarkanika, and Ramsar sites such as Chilka Lake.
Culturally, Odisha is famous for festivals like Durga Puja and Rath Yatra, and its classical dance form, Odissi. Major religious sites include the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Odisha also has a rich tradition of handicrafts and handloom fabrics, like Sambalpuri Sarees.
The literacy rate of Odisha is approximately 72.87% with a sex ratio of 979 females per 1000 males. The state has 30 districts, a legislative assembly with 147 seats, and sends 21 members to the Lok Sabha.
Odisha plays an important role in India’s energy sector with thermal, solar, and wind power plants. Prominent ports include Paradip Port. The state is also known for its diverse cultural heritage exemplified by art forms such as Chhau dance and crafts like Pattachitra painting.
