What is the other names of Odisha – Vedic to Modern Era

Odisha or Orissa, historically referred to as Kalinga, was also known by the ancient name Utkal. This region is famously recognized as the abode of Lord Jagannath. The region of Odisha, historically referred to as Kalinga, has experienced numerous alterations in its territorial boundaries throughout ancient times. It has been identified by various names across different periods, including Odra Desha, Kalinga, Hirakhanda, Mahakantara, and Utkala.

What is the five other names of Odisha?

  • Odisha – 2011 to till date
  • Orissa – 1936 to 2011
  • Kalinga – According to some scriptures in Mahabharata and some Puranas.
  • Utkala – Utkala was a part of Kalinga in some parts of the Mahabharata.
  • Mahakantara – This name has been found in some Gupta-era inscriptions.
  • Odra Vishaya –
  • Oddiyana – Oddiyana, mentioned in some Buddhist texts.
  • Udra or Odra Desa –
  • Kamala Mandala – Literally “lotus region”, a c. 13th-century inscription found in Narla in Kalahandi refers to the region by this name.
  • Kosala – South Kosala
  • Kongoda –
  • Trikalinga –
  • Chedi – Chedi (also known as Chedirashtra).
  • Tosali – Tosali (also spelled Toshali)
  • Uranshin – The name has been used by some 10th century Arab geographers.
  • Jajnagar – The name used for Odisha in the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri (c. 1260), Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi (c. 1357)
  • Odivissa – A name used in some Buddhist texts.

The term Odisha originates from the Sanskrit phrases “Odra Vishaya” or “Odra Desa.” The historical region known as “Odra desa” or “Or-desa” was confined to the Mahanadi valley and the lower stretch of the Subarnarekha River. This area included the entirety of the current districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur, along with a section of Midnapore.

When Orissa Converted to Odisha

On November 1, 2011, the state of Orissa was officially renamed Odisha, following the enactment of the Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2011, which was approved by the Parliament of India.

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