India’s External Debt Stood at US$ 297.5 Billion at End-December 2010
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has been compiling and releasing quarterly statistics on India’s External Debt for the quarters ending September and December every year.
At end-December 2010, India’s external debt stock stood at US$ 297.5 billion reflecting an increase of US$ 36.3 billion (13.9 per cent) over the level of US$ 261.2 billion at end-March 2010. The long-term debt increased by US$ 26.0 billion to US$ 234.9 billion i.e. an increase of 12.5 per cent. The short-term debt showed an increase of US$ 10.3 billion to US$ 62.6 billions i.e. an increase of 19.7 per cent.
Of the total increase of US$ 36.3 billion in India’s external debt at end-December, the valuation effect arising from depreciation of the US dollar against major international currencies accounted for US$ 5.3 billion (14.6 per cent). Excluding the valuation effect, the increase in external debt would have been US$ 31.0 billion.
Short-term debt (original maturity) accounted for 21.0 per cent of India’s total external debt while the remaining 79.0 per cent was long-term debt. Component-wise, the share of commercial borrowings stood highest at 28.5 per cent, followed by NRI deposits (17.0 per cent) and multilateral debt (16.0 per cent).
Government (Sovereign) external debt stood at US$ 74.5 billion, (25.0 per cent of total external debt) at end-December 2010 as against US$ 67.1 billion (25.7 per cent) at end-March 2010.
The share of US dollar denominated debt was the highest in external debt stock at 53.7 per cent at end-December 2010, followed by the Indian rupee (19.0 per cent), Japanese Yen (12.0 per cent), SDR (9.7 per cent) and Euro (3.5 per cent).
India’s external debt to GDP ratio and debt service ratios stood at 16.9 per cent and 3.9 per cent respectively, at end-December 2010.
The ratio of short-term external debt to foreign exchange reserves was 21.1 per cent at end-December 2010 as compared to 18.8 per cent at end-March 2010.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Setting up of National Mission for Electric Mobility
Setting up of National Mission for Electric Mobility
Setting up of National Mission for Electric Mobility
The Union Cabinet today approved a proposal to set up a National Mission for Electric Mobility (NCEM) to promote electric mobility and manufacturing of electric vehicles in India.
The Cabinet also approved the setting up of a National Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM) by the Department of Heavy Industry. The NCEM will be the apex body in the Government of India for making recommendations in these matters.
The National Automotive Board (NAB), after its formation will be the technical advisor and secretariat for both the NCEM and NBEM.
The present proposal does not involve any financial implication.
Setting up of National Mission for Electric Mobility
The Union Cabinet today approved a proposal to set up a National Mission for Electric Mobility (NCEM) to promote electric mobility and manufacturing of electric vehicles in India.
The Cabinet also approved the setting up of a National Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM) by the Department of Heavy Industry. The NCEM will be the apex body in the Government of India for making recommendations in these matters.
The National Automotive Board (NAB), after its formation will be the technical advisor and secretariat for both the NCEM and NBEM.
The present proposal does not involve any financial implication.
Wild Tiger Estimation of Tiger Census-2010
Wild Tiger Estimation of Tiger Census-2010
The latest Tiger Census in India puts estimated tiger population in the country at 1636. Announcing this here today, Shri Jairam Ramesh said that close to 30% of the estimated tiger population, it is outside the 39 Tiger Reserves. We do not have complete strategies to deal with this.” There is a considerable rise in southern states where Karnataka shows highest figures of 320 estimated tiger. The details of states is given in the table below at Annexure.
As per the release of India Tiger Estimate 2010, the population estimate of tiger in 2010 show the total range on lower limit as 1571 and the upper limit at 1875. The population estimate 1706 is a reliable statistical estimate of the tiger population number. The estimate of 2006 shows lower limit at 1165 and upper limit at 1675. The population estimate for Tiger Census 2006 was total 1411.
Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission said that the developmental activities are not always against conservation of wildlife. He said, “It is very important to conserve tigers. It is not just matter of money, it is matter of keeping human intervention sufficiently at bay. The unit data release will be very useful.”
Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Water Resources and Minority Affairs said, “There is modern, innovative as well as technological methodology available to make ecology of environment preserve .We came late on industrial revolution of our country unlike western parts. We have many challenges to ensure that balance is maintained between development and environmental ecology. Tiger has become a national symbol, so we need to save tiger. Development and environment has to go together.”
Giving details of the census process, Dr Y. V. Jhala from Wildlife Institution of India said, “The All India Tiger Estimation exercise is one of the most crucial components of our national tiger conservation efforts. Since 2006, this monitoring exercise is being undertaken every four years. This report presents the results of the 2010 National Tiger Assessment, undertaken through a best-in-class scientific process. This presents an estimate of India’s current tiger population and a broader assessment of our tiger landscapes. This monitoring exercise was carried out between December 2009 and December 2010. The three phases of the tiger estimation procedure included field data collected at the beat-level (i.e. the primary patrolling unit) by trained personnel using a standardised protocol in the first phase. The second phase was analysis of habitat status of tiger forests using satellite data and the third phase dealt with camera trapping. It was the primary method used, where individual tigers were identified from photographs based on their unique stripe patterns. This information was analysed using a well established scientific framework. Camera trapping was carried out by teams of wildlife biologists and local forest personnel.”
Based on the tiger numbers recorded in sampled sites, an estimate for other contiguous tiger-occupied landscapes was made. For this, additional information such as tiger signs, prey availability, habitat conditions and human disturbance was used. Thus, the final estimates provide a comprehensive and statistically robust result for the whole country.
Dr. Jhala added, “ More than 4,76,000 forest personnel were involved in data collection. In the first phase about 30,000 forest beats sampled were collected. They walked total distance of 6,25,000 km during Phase I. More than 27,300 man-days of researchers took part in this process. Total camera traps were 800 in area of 10,500 sq. km. During this census, 550 individual tigers were trapped in camera. Total cost of this census was Rs. 9.1 crore.
The same scientifically robust methods were consistently used in 2006 and 2010. This enabled comparison of results from both estimation exercises and in understanding the trend in tiger numbers. The results were collated for the larger landscapes within which individual tiger reserves fall. The Tables below provide detailed information of these landscape complexes.
The 2010 National Tiger Assessment has several innovations over previous assessments. These include partnerships with civil society organizations such as Wildlife Trust of India, Aaranyak, and World Wildlife Fund for Nature-India. Additional technical expertise from Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), local communities involved in data collection and analysis, genetic analysis to estimate tiger populations from faecal samples, assessment of co-predators, prey, and habitat quality with tigers, pioneering attempt to estimate tiger populations in Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal) using satellite telemetry and sign surveys and first estimation of tiger population in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra).
New findings of 2010 national tiger assessment suggest that most tiger source sites continue to maintain viable tiger populations. Evidence of new areas populated by tigers, e.g. Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Shivpuri National Park in Madhya Pradesh. New methodology for estimating population in Sunderbans was in place.
The latest Tiger Census in India puts estimated tiger population in the country at 1636. Announcing this here today, Shri Jairam Ramesh said that close to 30% of the estimated tiger population, it is outside the 39 Tiger Reserves. We do not have complete strategies to deal with this.” There is a considerable rise in southern states where Karnataka shows highest figures of 320 estimated tiger. The details of states is given in the table below at Annexure.
As per the release of India Tiger Estimate 2010, the population estimate of tiger in 2010 show the total range on lower limit as 1571 and the upper limit at 1875. The population estimate 1706 is a reliable statistical estimate of the tiger population number. The estimate of 2006 shows lower limit at 1165 and upper limit at 1675. The population estimate for Tiger Census 2006 was total 1411.
Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission said that the developmental activities are not always against conservation of wildlife. He said, “It is very important to conserve tigers. It is not just matter of money, it is matter of keeping human intervention sufficiently at bay. The unit data release will be very useful.”
Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Water Resources and Minority Affairs said, “There is modern, innovative as well as technological methodology available to make ecology of environment preserve .We came late on industrial revolution of our country unlike western parts. We have many challenges to ensure that balance is maintained between development and environmental ecology. Tiger has become a national symbol, so we need to save tiger. Development and environment has to go together.”
Giving details of the census process, Dr Y. V. Jhala from Wildlife Institution of India said, “The All India Tiger Estimation exercise is one of the most crucial components of our national tiger conservation efforts. Since 2006, this monitoring exercise is being undertaken every four years. This report presents the results of the 2010 National Tiger Assessment, undertaken through a best-in-class scientific process. This presents an estimate of India’s current tiger population and a broader assessment of our tiger landscapes. This monitoring exercise was carried out between December 2009 and December 2010. The three phases of the tiger estimation procedure included field data collected at the beat-level (i.e. the primary patrolling unit) by trained personnel using a standardised protocol in the first phase. The second phase was analysis of habitat status of tiger forests using satellite data and the third phase dealt with camera trapping. It was the primary method used, where individual tigers were identified from photographs based on their unique stripe patterns. This information was analysed using a well established scientific framework. Camera trapping was carried out by teams of wildlife biologists and local forest personnel.”
Based on the tiger numbers recorded in sampled sites, an estimate for other contiguous tiger-occupied landscapes was made. For this, additional information such as tiger signs, prey availability, habitat conditions and human disturbance was used. Thus, the final estimates provide a comprehensive and statistically robust result for the whole country.
Dr. Jhala added, “ More than 4,76,000 forest personnel were involved in data collection. In the first phase about 30,000 forest beats sampled were collected. They walked total distance of 6,25,000 km during Phase I. More than 27,300 man-days of researchers took part in this process. Total camera traps were 800 in area of 10,500 sq. km. During this census, 550 individual tigers were trapped in camera. Total cost of this census was Rs. 9.1 crore.
The same scientifically robust methods were consistently used in 2006 and 2010. This enabled comparison of results from both estimation exercises and in understanding the trend in tiger numbers. The results were collated for the larger landscapes within which individual tiger reserves fall. The Tables below provide detailed information of these landscape complexes.
The 2010 National Tiger Assessment has several innovations over previous assessments. These include partnerships with civil society organizations such as Wildlife Trust of India, Aaranyak, and World Wildlife Fund for Nature-India. Additional technical expertise from Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), local communities involved in data collection and analysis, genetic analysis to estimate tiger populations from faecal samples, assessment of co-predators, prey, and habitat quality with tigers, pioneering attempt to estimate tiger populations in Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal) using satellite telemetry and sign surveys and first estimation of tiger population in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra).
New findings of 2010 national tiger assessment suggest that most tiger source sites continue to maintain viable tiger populations. Evidence of new areas populated by tigers, e.g. Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Shivpuri National Park in Madhya Pradesh. New methodology for estimating population in Sunderbans was in place.
Government Grant-in-Aid for GAGAN Project
Government Grant-in-Aid for GAGAN Project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs. 378 crores from the Government Budgetary Support for implementation of GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) project over Indian airspace for seamless navigation, subject to conditions imposed by the EFC.
The total project cost approved by CCEA is Rs.774 crore, out of which Rs.148 crore has been spent in TDS Phase (AAI contribution Rs.108 crore and Rs.40 crore contributed by ISRO). The balance amount of Rs.626 crore has been earmarked for FOP out of which AAI is required to contribute Rs.496 crore and balance Rs.130 crore is to be contributed by ISRO. Out of its total commitment of Rs.604 crore to this project, AAI has already spent Rs.226 crore and is now seeking a one-time grant-in-aid from the GBS of Rs.378 crore to meet its balance commitment. This has been recommended by the EFC. GBS is to be provided in the current year for a sum of Rs. 171crores. For the next year appropriate provisions would be made for the balance amount.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs. 378 crores from the Government Budgetary Support for implementation of GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) project over Indian airspace for seamless navigation, subject to conditions imposed by the EFC.
The total project cost approved by CCEA is Rs.774 crore, out of which Rs.148 crore has been spent in TDS Phase (AAI contribution Rs.108 crore and Rs.40 crore contributed by ISRO). The balance amount of Rs.626 crore has been earmarked for FOP out of which AAI is required to contribute Rs.496 crore and balance Rs.130 crore is to be contributed by ISRO. Out of its total commitment of Rs.604 crore to this project, AAI has already spent Rs.226 crore and is now seeking a one-time grant-in-aid from the GBS of Rs.378 crore to meet its balance commitment. This has been recommended by the EFC. GBS is to be provided in the current year for a sum of Rs. 171crores. For the next year appropriate provisions would be made for the balance amount.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Uttar Pradesh Latest GK general knowledge Current general Awareness Free Download for exams
Uttar Pradesh Latest GK general knowledge Current general Awareness Free Download for exams
Uttar Pradesh
Particulars Description
Area 2,40,928 sq. km
Population 16,61,98,000
Capital Lucknow
Principal Languages Hindi and Urdu
History and Geography
The history of Uttar Pradesh is very ancient and interesting. It is recognised in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya Desha. Many great sages of the Vedic times like Bhardwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkaya, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra and Valmiki flourished in this state. Several sacred books of the Aryans were also composed here. Two great epics of India, Ramayana and Mahabharata, appear to have been inspired by Uttar Pradesh.
In the sixth century B.C., Uttar Pradesh was associated with two new religions - Jainism and Buddhism. It was at Sarnath that Buddha preached his first sermon and laid the foundations of his order, and it was in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha breathed his last. Several centres in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi and Mathura became reputed centres of learning. In the medieval period, Uttar Pradesh passed under Muslim rule and led the way to new synthesis of Hindu and Islamic cultures. Ramananda and his Muslim disciple Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and many other intellectuals contributed to the growth of Hindi and other languages.
Uttar Pradesh preserved its intellectual excellence even under the British administration. The British combined Agra and Oudh into one province and called it United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The name was shortened to the United Provinces in 1935. In January 1950 the United Provinces was renamed as Uttar Pradesh.
The State is bound by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the north, Haryana in the west, Madhya Pradesh in the South and Bihar in the east. Uttar Pradesh can be divided into two distinct regions (i) Southern Hills and (ii) Gangetic Plain.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation of 66 per cent of the population of the State. The net cultivated area in the state is 167.50 lakh hectares. In the year 2006-07 the State produced 260.27 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, 109.12 lakh metric tonnes of rice, 18.14 lakh metric tonnes of pulses and 7.54 lakh metric tonnes of oilseeds and 1309.22 lakh tonnes sugar cane. Total food grains production during 2006-2007 was 418.65 lakh metric tonnes.
Industry and Minerals
During the year 2006-07 there were 6, 12, 338 small-scale industrial units involving a total investment of Rs.7172 crore and employment opportunities for 2396 thousand persons. About 73.20 lakh tonnes of sugar was produced in the State during the year 2007-08. There were 68 textile units. Thirty-two automobile units with an investment of Rs.5,740 crore provided jobs to 20280 persons.
It is planned to develop 102 sectors of New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) by the year 2011. The Authority includes industrial sectors, housing sectors, group housing sectors, residential buildings, commercial assets and institutional sectors. Steps have been taken to develop other industrial areas in the state on the pattern of Noida and Greater Noida. A Software Technology Park has been set up in Kanpur while five more Software Parks are proposed to be set up.
Under the public sector, mining of limestone, magnetite, coal, rock phosphate, dolomite and silicon-sand is carried out. The bulk production of minor and some of the major minerals like limestone, silica-sand, magnetite, pyrophyllite and diaspore is mostly with the private sector. Important mineral based industries include large cement plants in Sonebhadra.
Irrigation and Power
UP Power Corporation, UP State Power Generation and UP Hydel Power Corporation had been formed by reorganising UP State Electricity Board on 14 January 2000.
During 2001-02 the total installation capacity was 4659 MW, in 2003-04 it was 4621 MW which has now been raised upto 4706 MW. During the year 2001-02 the total power production was 226330 lakh KW and in the year 2003-04 it was 228355.
Power is an important input to accelerate the process of economic growth. The installed capacity of re-organized Uttar Pradesh during Tenth Five Year Plan was 7821.82 MW. Only 56.6 per cent of 97135 villages were electrified and 7.88 lakh private tubewells were energised. At the time of inception the total installed capacity of UPSEB, including thermal and hydro, was 2,635 MW which has now been raised to 5414 MW (derated 5,885.75 MW).
An expenditure of Rs.2,094.5256 crore was made to raise the irrigation potential to a level of 267.99 lakh hectares. The irrigation potential created in U.P. was 319.12 lakh hectares till the end of 2004-05. Out of this only 231.61 lakh hectares could be utilised. Additional irrigation potential of 5.14 lakh hectares is expected to be created in the year 2005-06 and the target for 2006-07 is 7.41 lakh hectares.
Transport
Roads: The total road length of PWD in the State is 131969 km. This includes 3794 km of national highways, 8449 km of state highways, 119726 of other district roads and 72,931 km of rural roads.
Railways: Lucknow is the main junction of the northern network. Other important railway junctions are Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Mughalsarai, Jhansi, Moradabad, Varanasi, Tundla, Gorakhpur, Gonda, Faizabad, Bareilly and Sitapur.
Aviation: There are airports at Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Agra, Jhansi, Bareilly, Hindon (Ghaziabad), Gorakhpur, Sarsawa (Saharanpur) and Fursatganj (Rae-Barelli).
Festivals
Kumbh Mela, Allahabad
The biggest congregation, perhaps of the world, Kumbha Mela is held at Allahabad every twelfth year and Ardh kumbh Mela every sixth year. Magh Mela is also held at Allahabad in January when the people come in large number to have a dip in the holy Sangam.
Among other fairs is the fortnight long Jhoola fair of Mathura, Vrindavan and Ayodhya, when dolls are placed in gold and silver jhoolas or cradles. A dip in the Ganga on Kartik Poornamasi is supposed to be the holiest and there are big congregations at Garhmukteshwar, Soran, Rajghat, Kakora, Bithur, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Ayodhya. A famous cattle fair is held at Bateswar in Agra district.
Dewa in Barabanki district has became famous because of the Muslim saint Waris Ali Shah. Besides, important festivals of the Hindus, Muslims, etc., are widely celebrated in the State.
Tourist Centres
Uttar Pradesh has varied attractions for all kinds of tourists. Besides ancient places of pilgrimage like Varanasi, Vindhyachal, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Prayag, Naimisharanya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Dewa Sharief, Dargah of Sheikh Saleem Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kushinagar, Sankisa, Kampil, Piprahwa and Kaushambi, places like Agra, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, Kannauj, Mahoba, Devgarh, Bithur, and Vindhyachal have rich treasures of Hindu and Islamic architecture and culture.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Uttar Pradesh
Particulars Description
Area 2,40,928 sq. km
Population 16,61,98,000
Capital Lucknow
Principal Languages Hindi and Urdu
History and Geography
The history of Uttar Pradesh is very ancient and interesting. It is recognised in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya Desha. Many great sages of the Vedic times like Bhardwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkaya, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra and Valmiki flourished in this state. Several sacred books of the Aryans were also composed here. Two great epics of India, Ramayana and Mahabharata, appear to have been inspired by Uttar Pradesh.
In the sixth century B.C., Uttar Pradesh was associated with two new religions - Jainism and Buddhism. It was at Sarnath that Buddha preached his first sermon and laid the foundations of his order, and it was in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha breathed his last. Several centres in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi and Mathura became reputed centres of learning. In the medieval period, Uttar Pradesh passed under Muslim rule and led the way to new synthesis of Hindu and Islamic cultures. Ramananda and his Muslim disciple Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and many other intellectuals contributed to the growth of Hindi and other languages.
Uttar Pradesh preserved its intellectual excellence even under the British administration. The British combined Agra and Oudh into one province and called it United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The name was shortened to the United Provinces in 1935. In January 1950 the United Provinces was renamed as Uttar Pradesh.
The State is bound by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the north, Haryana in the west, Madhya Pradesh in the South and Bihar in the east. Uttar Pradesh can be divided into two distinct regions (i) Southern Hills and (ii) Gangetic Plain.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation of 66 per cent of the population of the State. The net cultivated area in the state is 167.50 lakh hectares. In the year 2006-07 the State produced 260.27 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, 109.12 lakh metric tonnes of rice, 18.14 lakh metric tonnes of pulses and 7.54 lakh metric tonnes of oilseeds and 1309.22 lakh tonnes sugar cane. Total food grains production during 2006-2007 was 418.65 lakh metric tonnes.
Industry and Minerals
During the year 2006-07 there were 6, 12, 338 small-scale industrial units involving a total investment of Rs.7172 crore and employment opportunities for 2396 thousand persons. About 73.20 lakh tonnes of sugar was produced in the State during the year 2007-08. There were 68 textile units. Thirty-two automobile units with an investment of Rs.5,740 crore provided jobs to 20280 persons.
It is planned to develop 102 sectors of New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) by the year 2011. The Authority includes industrial sectors, housing sectors, group housing sectors, residential buildings, commercial assets and institutional sectors. Steps have been taken to develop other industrial areas in the state on the pattern of Noida and Greater Noida. A Software Technology Park has been set up in Kanpur while five more Software Parks are proposed to be set up.
Under the public sector, mining of limestone, magnetite, coal, rock phosphate, dolomite and silicon-sand is carried out. The bulk production of minor and some of the major minerals like limestone, silica-sand, magnetite, pyrophyllite and diaspore is mostly with the private sector. Important mineral based industries include large cement plants in Sonebhadra.
Irrigation and Power
UP Power Corporation, UP State Power Generation and UP Hydel Power Corporation had been formed by reorganising UP State Electricity Board on 14 January 2000.
During 2001-02 the total installation capacity was 4659 MW, in 2003-04 it was 4621 MW which has now been raised upto 4706 MW. During the year 2001-02 the total power production was 226330 lakh KW and in the year 2003-04 it was 228355.
Power is an important input to accelerate the process of economic growth. The installed capacity of re-organized Uttar Pradesh during Tenth Five Year Plan was 7821.82 MW. Only 56.6 per cent of 97135 villages were electrified and 7.88 lakh private tubewells were energised. At the time of inception the total installed capacity of UPSEB, including thermal and hydro, was 2,635 MW which has now been raised to 5414 MW (derated 5,885.75 MW).
An expenditure of Rs.2,094.5256 crore was made to raise the irrigation potential to a level of 267.99 lakh hectares. The irrigation potential created in U.P. was 319.12 lakh hectares till the end of 2004-05. Out of this only 231.61 lakh hectares could be utilised. Additional irrigation potential of 5.14 lakh hectares is expected to be created in the year 2005-06 and the target for 2006-07 is 7.41 lakh hectares.
Transport
Roads: The total road length of PWD in the State is 131969 km. This includes 3794 km of national highways, 8449 km of state highways, 119726 of other district roads and 72,931 km of rural roads.
Railways: Lucknow is the main junction of the northern network. Other important railway junctions are Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Mughalsarai, Jhansi, Moradabad, Varanasi, Tundla, Gorakhpur, Gonda, Faizabad, Bareilly and Sitapur.
Aviation: There are airports at Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Agra, Jhansi, Bareilly, Hindon (Ghaziabad), Gorakhpur, Sarsawa (Saharanpur) and Fursatganj (Rae-Barelli).
Festivals
Kumbh Mela, Allahabad
The biggest congregation, perhaps of the world, Kumbha Mela is held at Allahabad every twelfth year and Ardh kumbh Mela every sixth year. Magh Mela is also held at Allahabad in January when the people come in large number to have a dip in the holy Sangam.
Among other fairs is the fortnight long Jhoola fair of Mathura, Vrindavan and Ayodhya, when dolls are placed in gold and silver jhoolas or cradles. A dip in the Ganga on Kartik Poornamasi is supposed to be the holiest and there are big congregations at Garhmukteshwar, Soran, Rajghat, Kakora, Bithur, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Ayodhya. A famous cattle fair is held at Bateswar in Agra district.
Dewa in Barabanki district has became famous because of the Muslim saint Waris Ali Shah. Besides, important festivals of the Hindus, Muslims, etc., are widely celebrated in the State.
Tourist Centres
Uttar Pradesh has varied attractions for all kinds of tourists. Besides ancient places of pilgrimage like Varanasi, Vindhyachal, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Prayag, Naimisharanya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Dewa Sharief, Dargah of Sheikh Saleem Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kushinagar, Sankisa, Kampil, Piprahwa and Kaushambi, places like Agra, Ayodhya, Sarnath, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, Kannauj, Mahoba, Devgarh, Bithur, and Vindhyachal have rich treasures of Hindu and Islamic architecture and culture.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Uttarakhand latest GK
Uttarakhand latest GK
Uttarakhand
Particulars Description
Area 53,484 sq. km
Population 84,89,349
Capital Dehradun
Principal Languages Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni
History and Geography
Uttarakhand finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavant. The Kushanas, Kunindas, Kanishka, Samudra Gupta, the Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, the Chandras and Panwars and the British have ruled it in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines. The hilly regions of Uttarakhand offer pristine landscapes to the tourists.
The State of Uttarakhand was earlier a part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh, which came into existence in 1902. In 1935, the name of State was shortened to the United Province. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 09 November 2000. It is incepted as the 27th State of India.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the State has international boundaries with China (Tibet) in the north and Nepal in the east. On its North-West lies Himachal Pradesh, while on the south is Uttar Pradesh.
Agriculture
About 90 per cent of the population of Uttarakhand depends on agriculture. The total cultivated area in the State is 7, 67, 571 hectares.
Industry and Minerals
The State is rich in mineral deposits like limestone, marble, rock phosphate, dolomite, magnesite, copper graphite, gypsum, etc. The number of small-scale industries is 34,231 providing employment to 1,77,677 persons, with an investment of Rs.14,965,67 crore
Irrigation and Energy
Agricultural land under irrigation is 5, 49, 381 hectares. The State has excellent potential for hydropower generation. There are a number of hydro-electric projects on the rivers Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Bhilangana, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Saryu Gauri, Kosi and Kali generating electricity. Total hydropower potential approximately 25,450 MW. Projects allotted to various agencies 13,667 MW. Out of 15,761 villages, 15,241 villages have been electrified.
Transport
Roads: The total length of metalled roads in Uttarakhand is 29,939 km. The length of PWD roads is 22,623 km. The length of roads built by local bodies is 15,041 km.
Railways: The main railway stations are Dehradun, Hardwar, Roorkee, Kotdwar, Kashipur, Udhamsingh Nagar, Haldwani, Ramnagar and Kathgodam.
Aviation: There are air strips at Jolly Grant (Dehradun), and Pantnagar (Udham Singh Nagar). Air strips at Naini-Seni (Pithoragarh), Gauchar (Chamoli) and Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) are under construction. From this year Pawan Hans Ltd., has started helicopter service from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath for pilgrims.
Festivals
The world-famous Kumbh Mela/Ardh Kumbh Mela is held at Hardwar at every twelfth/sixth year interval. Other prominent fairs/festivals are : Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarkashi), Magha Mela (Uttarkashi), Uttaraini Mela (Bageshwar), Vishu Mela (Jaunsar Bhabar), Peerane-Kaliyar (Roorkee), and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra held every twelfth year.
Tourist Centres
Prominent places of pilgrimage/tourist interests are Gangotri, Yamunotri. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hardwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Nanakmatta, etc. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be performed through Kumaon region. The world-famous Valley of Flowers, Pindari Glacier, Roop Kund, Dayara Bugyal, Auli, and hill stations like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Chakrata, Nainital, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Bhimtal, Kausani, and Lansdowne etc. are the other tourist destinations.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Uttarakhand
Particulars Description
Area 53,484 sq. km
Population 84,89,349
Capital Dehradun
Principal Languages Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni
History and Geography
Uttarakhand finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavant. The Kushanas, Kunindas, Kanishka, Samudra Gupta, the Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, the Chandras and Panwars and the British have ruled it in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines. The hilly regions of Uttarakhand offer pristine landscapes to the tourists.
The State of Uttarakhand was earlier a part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh, which came into existence in 1902. In 1935, the name of State was shortened to the United Province. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 09 November 2000. It is incepted as the 27th State of India.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the State has international boundaries with China (Tibet) in the north and Nepal in the east. On its North-West lies Himachal Pradesh, while on the south is Uttar Pradesh.
Agriculture
About 90 per cent of the population of Uttarakhand depends on agriculture. The total cultivated area in the State is 7, 67, 571 hectares.
Industry and Minerals
The State is rich in mineral deposits like limestone, marble, rock phosphate, dolomite, magnesite, copper graphite, gypsum, etc. The number of small-scale industries is 34,231 providing employment to 1,77,677 persons, with an investment of Rs.14,965,67 crore
Irrigation and Energy
Agricultural land under irrigation is 5, 49, 381 hectares. The State has excellent potential for hydropower generation. There are a number of hydro-electric projects on the rivers Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Bhilangana, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Saryu Gauri, Kosi and Kali generating electricity. Total hydropower potential approximately 25,450 MW. Projects allotted to various agencies 13,667 MW. Out of 15,761 villages, 15,241 villages have been electrified.
Transport
Roads: The total length of metalled roads in Uttarakhand is 29,939 km. The length of PWD roads is 22,623 km. The length of roads built by local bodies is 15,041 km.
Railways: The main railway stations are Dehradun, Hardwar, Roorkee, Kotdwar, Kashipur, Udhamsingh Nagar, Haldwani, Ramnagar and Kathgodam.
Aviation: There are air strips at Jolly Grant (Dehradun), and Pantnagar (Udham Singh Nagar). Air strips at Naini-Seni (Pithoragarh), Gauchar (Chamoli) and Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) are under construction. From this year Pawan Hans Ltd., has started helicopter service from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath for pilgrims.
Festivals
The world-famous Kumbh Mela/Ardh Kumbh Mela is held at Hardwar at every twelfth/sixth year interval. Other prominent fairs/festivals are : Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarkashi), Magha Mela (Uttarkashi), Uttaraini Mela (Bageshwar), Vishu Mela (Jaunsar Bhabar), Peerane-Kaliyar (Roorkee), and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra held every twelfth year.
Tourist Centres
Prominent places of pilgrimage/tourist interests are Gangotri, Yamunotri. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hardwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Nanakmatta, etc. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be performed through Kumaon region. The world-famous Valley of Flowers, Pindari Glacier, Roop Kund, Dayara Bugyal, Auli, and hill stations like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Chakrata, Nainital, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Bhimtal, Kausani, and Lansdowne etc. are the other tourist destinations.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Tripura latest GK general Knowledge General Awareness for exams
Tripura latest GK general Knowledge General Awareness for exams
Tripura
Particulars Description
Area 10,491.69 km2
Population 31,91,168 (Census-2001)
Capital Agartala
Principal Languages Bengali and Kokborok
Tripura: At a Glance
Tripura is a state in North-East India which borders Bangladesh, Mizoram and Assam. It is surrounded by Bangladesh on its north, south and west: the length of its international border is 856 km (84 per cent of its total border). It shares a 53 km long border with Assam and a 109 km long border with Mizoram. The state is connected with the rest of India by only one road (NH-44) that runs through the hills to the border of Karimganj District in Assam and then winds through the states of Meghalaya, Assam and North Bengal to Calcutta.
Particulars Description
Other Languages English, Hindi, Manipuri, Chakma
Altitude 12.80 meters
Temperature Summer :20 to 36° C.
Winter :7 to 27° C. Winter 2°. C Min
Rainy Season June to August
Average rainfall 2500 mm per annum
International Border 856 Km.
Literacy rate 73.66% ( As recorded in 2001 Census)
At the time of Tripura's merger with effect from October 15 1949 with the Indian Union, the major mode of farming was shifting cultivation or 'jhum', which produced little surplus. A small proportion of the plain lands of the State were under settled agriculture undertaken by Bengalis, and the main crop was rice. Most of the plain lands of the State were not under cultivation and were covered with cane-brakes and marshes. Thus at the time of formation of the State, the economy was predominantly agricultural and forest-based, with no industrial base, a low level of urbanization and limited infrastructure.
For administrative convenience and decentralisation of power Tripura which had once been a single district only is now divided into altogether four districts, seventeen subdivisions and forty rural development blocks. Besides, a special feature of the state is the vibrant existence of an Autonomous District Council (ADC) for tribals based on 6th schedule of the Indian constitution. The ADC in Tripura encompasses 68.10% of the state's total geographical territory and is home to roughly one third of the state's population.
For further information navigate to: http://destripura.nic.in/tripuraGlance2009.pdf
Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on:19-11-2010
Tripura
Particulars Description
Area 10,491.69 km2
Population 31,91,168 (Census-2001)
Capital Agartala
Principal Languages Bengali and Kokborok
Tripura: At a Glance
Tripura is a state in North-East India which borders Bangladesh, Mizoram and Assam. It is surrounded by Bangladesh on its north, south and west: the length of its international border is 856 km (84 per cent of its total border). It shares a 53 km long border with Assam and a 109 km long border with Mizoram. The state is connected with the rest of India by only one road (NH-44) that runs through the hills to the border of Karimganj District in Assam and then winds through the states of Meghalaya, Assam and North Bengal to Calcutta.
Particulars Description
Other Languages English, Hindi, Manipuri, Chakma
Altitude 12.80 meters
Temperature Summer :20 to 36° C.
Winter :7 to 27° C. Winter 2°. C Min
Rainy Season June to August
Average rainfall 2500 mm per annum
International Border 856 Km.
Literacy rate 73.66% ( As recorded in 2001 Census)
At the time of Tripura's merger with effect from October 15 1949 with the Indian Union, the major mode of farming was shifting cultivation or 'jhum', which produced little surplus. A small proportion of the plain lands of the State were under settled agriculture undertaken by Bengalis, and the main crop was rice. Most of the plain lands of the State were not under cultivation and were covered with cane-brakes and marshes. Thus at the time of formation of the State, the economy was predominantly agricultural and forest-based, with no industrial base, a low level of urbanization and limited infrastructure.
For administrative convenience and decentralisation of power Tripura which had once been a single district only is now divided into altogether four districts, seventeen subdivisions and forty rural development blocks. Besides, a special feature of the state is the vibrant existence of an Autonomous District Council (ADC) for tribals based on 6th schedule of the Indian constitution. The ADC in Tripura encompasses 68.10% of the state's total geographical territory and is home to roughly one third of the state's population.
For further information navigate to: http://destripura.nic.in/tripuraGlance2009.pdf
Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on:19-11-2010
Tamil Nadu GK Current General knowledge Latest General Awareness
Tamil Nadu GK Current General knowledge Latest General Awareness
Tamil Nadu
Particulars Description
Area 1,30,058 sq. km
Population 6,24,05,679
Capital Chennai
Principal Languages Tamil
History and Geography
Tamil Nadu has a hoary antiquity. Though early sangam classics throw historical references, it is only from the Pallavas we pass to recorded history.
South India had remained under the hegemony of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas for centuries. The Pallavas held supremacy from about the second quarter of the fourth century AD. They were the originators of the famous Dravidian style of temple architecture. The last Pallava ruler was Aparajita in whose reign the later Cholas under Vijayalaya and Aditya asserted themselves by about the 10th century. At the end of the 11th century, Tamil Nadu was ruled by several dynasties like the Chalukyas, Cholas and Pandyas. In the two centuries that followed, the imperial Cholas gained paramountcy over South India.
Muslims gradually strengthened their position, which led to the establishment of the Bahamani Sultanate, by the middle of the 14th century. At the same time, the Vijayanagar Kingdom quickly consolidated itself and extended its sway over the whole of South India and at the close of the century and became the supreme power in South. However, it crumbled at the battle of Talikota in 1564 to the confederate forces of the Deccan Sultans.
Even during the period of the tumultuous confusion that followed the battle of Talikota, European commercial interest had appeared as rivals in the area of South India. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English came in quick succession and established trading centres known as 'Factories'. East India Company which had established their factory at Masulipatnam, now in Andhra Pradesh, in 1611 gradually annexed territories by encouraging enmity among the native rulers. Tamil Nadu was one of the first of British settlements in India. The State is the successor to the old Madras Presidency which in 1901 covered the bulk of the southern peninsula. The composite Madras State was later reorganised and the present Tamil Nadu was formed.
Tamil Nadu is bounded on north by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on west by Kerala, on east by the Bay of Bengal and on South by the Indian Ocean
Agriculture
Agriculture is the major occupation in Tamil Nadu. The total cultivated area in the State was 58.15 lakh hectares in 2007-08. The principal food crops include paddy, millets and pulses. Commercial crops include sugarcane, cotton, sunflower, coconut, cashew, chillies, gingelly and groundnut. Plantation crops are tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber. Major forest produces are timber, sandalwood, pulp wood and fuel wood. Tamil Nadu occupies a premier position in the production and extensive application of bio-fertilizers. Efforts are on to improve farming technologies so as to increase yields in the low rainfall areas of the State. Annual food grains production in the year 2007-08 was 65.81 lakh Mt.
Industry and Minerals
Major industries in the State are cotton, heavy commercial vehicles, auto components, railway coaches, power pumps, leather tanning industries, cement, sugar, paper, automobiles and safety matches.
Knowledge-based industries like I.T. and Biotechnology have become the thrust area in the industrial scene in Tamil Nadu. TIDEL, a software technology park, has been established in Tharamani, Chennai. The Software export from the State which was Rs.20,700 crore in 2006-07 is expected to cross Rs.25,000 crore in 2007-08. Top I.T. and Telecom companies such as Nokia, Motorola, Foxcon, Flextronic and Dell have commenced production.
Global auto majors Hyundai Motors, Ford, Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi have commenced production plants. Ashok Leyland and TAFE have set up expansion plants in Chennai.
Main mineral wealth of the state is granite, lignite and limestone. The State is an important exporter of tanned skin and leather goods, yarn, tea, coffee, spices, engineering goods, tobacco, handicrafts and black granite. Tamil Nadu contributes to 60 per cent of the tannery industry in India.
Irrigation
The State has rolled out important irrigation schemes. Modernisation of existing Periyar Vaigai System, Palar Basin System and Parambikulam-Aliyar System, besides the minor system in Vellar, Pennayar, Araniyar Amaravathi, Chithar basins totalling, an extent of six lakh acres of existing ayacut in Tamil Nadu, have been benefited by implementing the 'System Improvement and Farmers Turnover Projects' executed with assistance from World Bank. The World Bank has also approved Rs.2,547 crore for the Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration Management Project. The Project covers about 6,17lakh ha. in 63 selected sub-basins throughout the State. Nine irrigation projects, which were just started and going on a slow progress, have been speeded up with adequate fund and guidance for early completion. The major irrigation system covering one-third of irrigated extent in Tamil Nadu, namely tank irrigation system has been given due regard for development under WRCP and 620 tanks maintained by Public Works Department falling under Palar, Vaigai and Tamaraparani Basins have been taken up for rehabilitation and improvement. This project is nearing completion to the maximum satisfaction of the farmers. This State has become the pioneer State to implement the system of 'River basin management' by an individual body consisting of officials and farmers, besides various representatives of the basin.
Power
The total installed capacity for electricity in the State is 10,214 MW as on 31.03.2009. The installed capacity of State Sector is 5,690 MW and that of Private Sector is 1,180 MW. Apart from this 2825 MW is available as share from Central Sector, 305 MW is obtained from external assistance and 214 MW from Captive Power Plants. Apart from this wind mills from the private sector provide 4270 MW and 466.10 MW is received from co-generation plants and 109.55 MW from Bio-mass plants.
As on 31.03.2009, there are 1259 sub stations, 1.64 lakh Ckt. kms of Extra High Tension/High Tension lines, 5.26 lakh kms of low tension lines, 1.86 distribution transformers and 203.87 lakh service connections.
Transport
Roads: The length of roads network in Tamil Nadu is 61,641 km.
Railways: The total length of railways is 3,927 km and the main junctions stations are Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem, Erode and Arakkonam.
Aviation: Chennai, being the international airport in the southern region, is the main centre of airline routes. Besides, there are airports at Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Coimbatore and Salem.
Ports: Major ports in the State are Chennai, Egmore and Tuticorin. There are seven other minor ports including Cuddalore and Nagapattinam.
Festivals
Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated by the farmers in January to worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as thanks giving for a bounteous harvest. Pongal festival is followed by the Jallikattu-Bull fight, in some parts of southern Tamil Nadu. Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu is internationally famous for Jallikattu - Bull fight. Chithirai festival, Madurai brings a spectacular re-enactment of the marriage of the Pandiyan princess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. Adipperukku is a festival celebrated on the 18th day of Tamil month, Adi, on the banks of rivers. It marks the commencement of new farming operations. Dance Festival, Mamallapuram, which is set before an open air stage, created 13 centuries ago the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram. Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Odissi are some dance forms presented by the very best exponents of the art besides folk dances. At the Natyanjali Dance Festival, the temple city of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja the 'Cosmic Dancer'.
Kanthuri festival: is a truly secular festival, where devotees flock to the shrine of saint Quadirwali. One of the descendants of the Saint is chosen as a Peer or spiritual leader, and is honoured with offerings. On the tenth day of the festival, the Saint's tomb is anointed with sandalwood and later the holy sandal paste is distributed to everyone.
Velankanni festival: Wondrous legends surround the church, the most famous being that of the ship wrecked Portuguese sailors, who in the 16th century, vowed to build a great shrine for the Virgin Mary, for saving their lives in a terrible storm. The Velankanni festival attracts thousands, clad in orange robes to the sacred spot where the ship landed. Equally famous are the Virgin Mary's miraculous healing powers - earning for the church the name 'Lourdes of the East'.
Navarathiri festival: Literally, this means the festival of 'nine nights' taking unique and different forms in different states of India - all to propitiate the goddess Sakthi, for power, wealth and knowledge. Music Festival: In December Chennai celebrates her priceless heritage of carnatic music and dance to present a galaxy of star artistes, old and new.
Tourist Centres
Some of the places of tourist interest are: Chennai, Mamallapuram, Poompuhar, Kancheepuram, Kumbakonam, Dharasuram, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, Srirangam, Madurai, Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thanjavur, Velankanni, Nagoor, Chithannavasal, Kazhugumalai (monument centres), Courtallam, Hogenakkal, Papanasam, Suruli (water-falls), Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Elagiri Kolli Hills (hill stations), Guindy (Chennai), Mudumalai, Annamalai, Mundanthurai, Kalakad (wild life sanctuaries), Vedanthangal and Point Calimere (bird sanctuaries), Arignar Anna Zoological Park, near Chennai.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Tamil Nadu
Particulars Description
Area 1,30,058 sq. km
Population 6,24,05,679
Capital Chennai
Principal Languages Tamil
History and Geography
Tamil Nadu has a hoary antiquity. Though early sangam classics throw historical references, it is only from the Pallavas we pass to recorded history.
South India had remained under the hegemony of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas for centuries. The Pallavas held supremacy from about the second quarter of the fourth century AD. They were the originators of the famous Dravidian style of temple architecture. The last Pallava ruler was Aparajita in whose reign the later Cholas under Vijayalaya and Aditya asserted themselves by about the 10th century. At the end of the 11th century, Tamil Nadu was ruled by several dynasties like the Chalukyas, Cholas and Pandyas. In the two centuries that followed, the imperial Cholas gained paramountcy over South India.
Muslims gradually strengthened their position, which led to the establishment of the Bahamani Sultanate, by the middle of the 14th century. At the same time, the Vijayanagar Kingdom quickly consolidated itself and extended its sway over the whole of South India and at the close of the century and became the supreme power in South. However, it crumbled at the battle of Talikota in 1564 to the confederate forces of the Deccan Sultans.
Even during the period of the tumultuous confusion that followed the battle of Talikota, European commercial interest had appeared as rivals in the area of South India. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English came in quick succession and established trading centres known as 'Factories'. East India Company which had established their factory at Masulipatnam, now in Andhra Pradesh, in 1611 gradually annexed territories by encouraging enmity among the native rulers. Tamil Nadu was one of the first of British settlements in India. The State is the successor to the old Madras Presidency which in 1901 covered the bulk of the southern peninsula. The composite Madras State was later reorganised and the present Tamil Nadu was formed.
Tamil Nadu is bounded on north by Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on west by Kerala, on east by the Bay of Bengal and on South by the Indian Ocean
Agriculture
Agriculture is the major occupation in Tamil Nadu. The total cultivated area in the State was 58.15 lakh hectares in 2007-08. The principal food crops include paddy, millets and pulses. Commercial crops include sugarcane, cotton, sunflower, coconut, cashew, chillies, gingelly and groundnut. Plantation crops are tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber. Major forest produces are timber, sandalwood, pulp wood and fuel wood. Tamil Nadu occupies a premier position in the production and extensive application of bio-fertilizers. Efforts are on to improve farming technologies so as to increase yields in the low rainfall areas of the State. Annual food grains production in the year 2007-08 was 65.81 lakh Mt.
Industry and Minerals
Major industries in the State are cotton, heavy commercial vehicles, auto components, railway coaches, power pumps, leather tanning industries, cement, sugar, paper, automobiles and safety matches.
Knowledge-based industries like I.T. and Biotechnology have become the thrust area in the industrial scene in Tamil Nadu. TIDEL, a software technology park, has been established in Tharamani, Chennai. The Software export from the State which was Rs.20,700 crore in 2006-07 is expected to cross Rs.25,000 crore in 2007-08. Top I.T. and Telecom companies such as Nokia, Motorola, Foxcon, Flextronic and Dell have commenced production.
Global auto majors Hyundai Motors, Ford, Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi have commenced production plants. Ashok Leyland and TAFE have set up expansion plants in Chennai.
Main mineral wealth of the state is granite, lignite and limestone. The State is an important exporter of tanned skin and leather goods, yarn, tea, coffee, spices, engineering goods, tobacco, handicrafts and black granite. Tamil Nadu contributes to 60 per cent of the tannery industry in India.
Irrigation
The State has rolled out important irrigation schemes. Modernisation of existing Periyar Vaigai System, Palar Basin System and Parambikulam-Aliyar System, besides the minor system in Vellar, Pennayar, Araniyar Amaravathi, Chithar basins totalling, an extent of six lakh acres of existing ayacut in Tamil Nadu, have been benefited by implementing the 'System Improvement and Farmers Turnover Projects' executed with assistance from World Bank. The World Bank has also approved Rs.2,547 crore for the Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration Management Project. The Project covers about 6,17lakh ha. in 63 selected sub-basins throughout the State. Nine irrigation projects, which were just started and going on a slow progress, have been speeded up with adequate fund and guidance for early completion. The major irrigation system covering one-third of irrigated extent in Tamil Nadu, namely tank irrigation system has been given due regard for development under WRCP and 620 tanks maintained by Public Works Department falling under Palar, Vaigai and Tamaraparani Basins have been taken up for rehabilitation and improvement. This project is nearing completion to the maximum satisfaction of the farmers. This State has become the pioneer State to implement the system of 'River basin management' by an individual body consisting of officials and farmers, besides various representatives of the basin.
Power
The total installed capacity for electricity in the State is 10,214 MW as on 31.03.2009. The installed capacity of State Sector is 5,690 MW and that of Private Sector is 1,180 MW. Apart from this 2825 MW is available as share from Central Sector, 305 MW is obtained from external assistance and 214 MW from Captive Power Plants. Apart from this wind mills from the private sector provide 4270 MW and 466.10 MW is received from co-generation plants and 109.55 MW from Bio-mass plants.
As on 31.03.2009, there are 1259 sub stations, 1.64 lakh Ckt. kms of Extra High Tension/High Tension lines, 5.26 lakh kms of low tension lines, 1.86 distribution transformers and 203.87 lakh service connections.
Transport
Roads: The length of roads network in Tamil Nadu is 61,641 km.
Railways: The total length of railways is 3,927 km and the main junctions stations are Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem, Erode and Arakkonam.
Aviation: Chennai, being the international airport in the southern region, is the main centre of airline routes. Besides, there are airports at Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Coimbatore and Salem.
Ports: Major ports in the State are Chennai, Egmore and Tuticorin. There are seven other minor ports including Cuddalore and Nagapattinam.
Festivals
Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated by the farmers in January to worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as thanks giving for a bounteous harvest. Pongal festival is followed by the Jallikattu-Bull fight, in some parts of southern Tamil Nadu. Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu is internationally famous for Jallikattu - Bull fight. Chithirai festival, Madurai brings a spectacular re-enactment of the marriage of the Pandiyan princess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar. Adipperukku is a festival celebrated on the 18th day of Tamil month, Adi, on the banks of rivers. It marks the commencement of new farming operations. Dance Festival, Mamallapuram, which is set before an open air stage, created 13 centuries ago the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram. Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Odissi are some dance forms presented by the very best exponents of the art besides folk dances. At the Natyanjali Dance Festival, the temple city of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja the 'Cosmic Dancer'.
Kanthuri festival: is a truly secular festival, where devotees flock to the shrine of saint Quadirwali. One of the descendants of the Saint is chosen as a Peer or spiritual leader, and is honoured with offerings. On the tenth day of the festival, the Saint's tomb is anointed with sandalwood and later the holy sandal paste is distributed to everyone.
Velankanni festival: Wondrous legends surround the church, the most famous being that of the ship wrecked Portuguese sailors, who in the 16th century, vowed to build a great shrine for the Virgin Mary, for saving their lives in a terrible storm. The Velankanni festival attracts thousands, clad in orange robes to the sacred spot where the ship landed. Equally famous are the Virgin Mary's miraculous healing powers - earning for the church the name 'Lourdes of the East'.
Navarathiri festival: Literally, this means the festival of 'nine nights' taking unique and different forms in different states of India - all to propitiate the goddess Sakthi, for power, wealth and knowledge. Music Festival: In December Chennai celebrates her priceless heritage of carnatic music and dance to present a galaxy of star artistes, old and new.
Tourist Centres
Some of the places of tourist interest are: Chennai, Mamallapuram, Poompuhar, Kancheepuram, Kumbakonam, Dharasuram, Chidambaram, Tiruvannamalai, Srirangam, Madurai, Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thanjavur, Velankanni, Nagoor, Chithannavasal, Kazhugumalai (monument centres), Courtallam, Hogenakkal, Papanasam, Suruli (water-falls), Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Elagiri Kolli Hills (hill stations), Guindy (Chennai), Mudumalai, Annamalai, Mundanthurai, Kalakad (wild life sanctuaries), Vedanthangal and Point Calimere (bird sanctuaries), Arignar Anna Zoological Park, near Chennai.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Sikkim latest Free Online Current GK general Awareness GA
Sikkim latest Free Online Current GK general Awareness GA
Sikkim
Particulars Description
Area 7,096 sq. km
Population 540,493
Capital Gangtok
Principal Languages Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu and Nepali
History and Geography
The early history of Sikkim starts in the 13th century with the signing of a blood-brotherhood treaty between the Lepcha Chief Thekong Tek and Tibetan prince Khye-Bumsa at Kabi Lungtsok in North Sikkim. This follows the historical visit of three revered Lamas to Yuksam in 1641 in West Sikkim, where they consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal, a sixth generation descendent of Khye-Humsa as the first Chogyal of Sikkim, thus heralding the beginning of the Namgyal dynasty in Sikkim. With the march of history, events in Sikkim saw the state pass through the process of democratisation and became an integral part of the Indian Union in 1975. Guru Padmasambhava blessed Sikkim route to Tibet. Sikkim is a blessed land, where people from all communities live in harmony. Inspite of the fact that Sikkim comprises of different people and multi ethnic society, perhaps it is the most peaceful state of the Indian Union to promote communal harmony and human relations, a feat which is much expected in a plural society like India.
Sikkim is a small hilly state, bounded by vast stretches of Tibetan Plateaux in the North, the Chumbi Valley of Tibet and the Kingdom of Bhutan in the East, the Kingdom of Nepal in the West, and Darjeeling (West Bengal) in the South. The State has a total area of 7,096 sq km, and is stretched over 112 km from North to South, and 64 km from East to West. It lies in the North-Eastern Himalayas between 27 degree 00' 46" to 28 degree 07' 48" North Latitude, and 88 degree 00' 58" to 88 degree 55' 25" East Longitude.
The world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, regarded as the guardian deity of Sikkim, dominates the tiny Himalayan State with its awe-inspiring beauty and majesty. Sikkim is one of the 18 bio diversity hotspots in the world. The Sikkim Himalayas show tremendous biological diversity. More than 5000 species of angiosperms are found in the State, which is nearly one third of the total species of angiosperm found in the country. There are 4,000 species of flowering plants, 300 species of ferns and allies, 450 to 500 species of orchids, 36 species of Rhododendrons, 40 species of oaks, 30 to 40 species of Primulas and bamboos, 144 species of mammals, 500 to 600 species of birds, over 400 species of butterflies and moths, and many species of reptiles in the State. Rare Blue Sheep, Tibetan Mastiff, Yaks and Red Pandas are found here.
Agriculture
The State's economy is basically agrarian. More than 64 per cent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural land in Sikkim is estimated to be around 1,09,000 hectares, i.e., 15.36 per cent of the total geographical area. Farmers commonly follow mixed farming. Maize, rice, wheat, potato, large cardamom, ginger and orange are the principal crops. Sikkim has the largest area and highest production of large brown cardamom in India. Ginger, potato, orange and off-season vegetables are other cash crops.
Industry
Though Sikkim has been declared an industrially backward state, the existence of craftsmanship based traditional Sikkimese cottage industries dates back to several centuries. Lepcha's skill in bamboo-craft, woodwork, spinning of yarn and carpet weaving in traditional textures, Bhutia's excellence in ancient Tibetan practice of carpet and rug weaving and Nepali's celebrated craftsmanship of their metalwork, silverware and woodwork are very exclusive.
Sikkim Jewels Limited is one of the sophisticated and precision oriented industries for the manufacture of jewel bearings for electric meters, water meters and other measuring instruments like watches and clocks. Ten ancillary units have been set up to manufacture watch jewels. The SIDICO provides long-term loans for cottage, tiny, small and medium scale industrial units, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and taxis.
Irrigation and Power
Tenth Five Year Plan targets to irrigate 34,118 hectares of agricultural land. Total installed capacity of power in the State is 36 MW that is hydro based with transformation capacity of 123 MVA. Rangeet hydel project has installed capacity of 560 MW. The total power potential of the State is estimated at 8,000 MW. The Teesta Valley Project now under construction is a run of the river scheme located in the East District and the proposed installed capacity of this project is 510 MW.
Transport
Roads: Gangtok is connected by roads with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, and also with all the district headquarters within Sikkim. The total road length of the state is 2,383 km, including 41 km of National Highway.
Railways and Aviation: The closest railway stations are Siliguri (113) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) connecting Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities. There is no airport in Sikkim, although there is a helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra, heavily subsidised by the State Government. The State has also initiated construction of a number of helipads to connect the district and sub-divisional headquarters and important tourist places.
Information Technology
A new Information Technology Department has been created in the State, and has prepared extensive projects to give top priority to this department. The newly created department has already launched a number of Web sites on Sikkim, and is now aiming for e-governance through the use of information tools. The official Web site of Sikkim, hosted and maintained by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim, is www.sikkimgovt.org
Festivals
Sikkim's population comprises the three principal ethnic communities of the Bhutias, Lepchas and the Nepalese. Maghey Sankranti, Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja and Chaite Dassai/Ram Navami, Dassai, Tyohar, Sonam Losoong, Namsoog, Tendong Lho Rum Faat (Worship of Mt. Tendong), Lohsar (Tibetan New Year) are the major festivals. The other festivals include Sakewa (Rai), Sonam Lochar (Gurung), Barahimzong (Magor), etc.
Tourism
Sikkim is famous for its lush green vegetation, forest, scenic valleys and majestic mountains, and a range of rich and magnificent cultural heritage and peace loving people, which provide a safe haven for tourists. The State Government supports eco-friendly and pilgrim tourism and accordingly, has provided facilities to enable visitors to enjoy a first-hand experience of the rich heritage and lifestyle of Sikkim. Recognising the potential of adventure tourism, the State government is setting up a Himalayan Centre for Adventure Tourism at Chemchey Village in South Sikkim.
The premier monastery of Sikkim is Pemayantshe in Pelling. Apart from this, there is Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim, which is considered the holiest of all the monasteries in Sikkim. The most ancient monastery of Sikkim is in Yuksom, called the Drubdi monastery. It was the personal hermitage of Lhatsun Chenpo (Patron Saint of Sikkim), and was possibly built in 1700 A.D. Some of the other monasteries are Phodong, Phensang, Rumtek, Ngadak, Tolung, Ahlay, Tsuklakhand, Ralong, Lachen, Enchey and others. Of the Hindu temples, the best known is the Thakurbari, in the heart of Gangtok. There is also a holy cave in South district, which has a Shiva Lingam that irradiates the cave where no other light finds its way. There are some important Gurdwaras and Mosques, chief among them being in Gangtok and Ravangla.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Sikkim
Particulars Description
Area 7,096 sq. km
Population 540,493
Capital Gangtok
Principal Languages Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu and Nepali
History and Geography
The early history of Sikkim starts in the 13th century with the signing of a blood-brotherhood treaty between the Lepcha Chief Thekong Tek and Tibetan prince Khye-Bumsa at Kabi Lungtsok in North Sikkim. This follows the historical visit of three revered Lamas to Yuksam in 1641 in West Sikkim, where they consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal, a sixth generation descendent of Khye-Humsa as the first Chogyal of Sikkim, thus heralding the beginning of the Namgyal dynasty in Sikkim. With the march of history, events in Sikkim saw the state pass through the process of democratisation and became an integral part of the Indian Union in 1975. Guru Padmasambhava blessed Sikkim route to Tibet. Sikkim is a blessed land, where people from all communities live in harmony. Inspite of the fact that Sikkim comprises of different people and multi ethnic society, perhaps it is the most peaceful state of the Indian Union to promote communal harmony and human relations, a feat which is much expected in a plural society like India.
Sikkim is a small hilly state, bounded by vast stretches of Tibetan Plateaux in the North, the Chumbi Valley of Tibet and the Kingdom of Bhutan in the East, the Kingdom of Nepal in the West, and Darjeeling (West Bengal) in the South. The State has a total area of 7,096 sq km, and is stretched over 112 km from North to South, and 64 km from East to West. It lies in the North-Eastern Himalayas between 27 degree 00' 46" to 28 degree 07' 48" North Latitude, and 88 degree 00' 58" to 88 degree 55' 25" East Longitude.
The world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, regarded as the guardian deity of Sikkim, dominates the tiny Himalayan State with its awe-inspiring beauty and majesty. Sikkim is one of the 18 bio diversity hotspots in the world. The Sikkim Himalayas show tremendous biological diversity. More than 5000 species of angiosperms are found in the State, which is nearly one third of the total species of angiosperm found in the country. There are 4,000 species of flowering plants, 300 species of ferns and allies, 450 to 500 species of orchids, 36 species of Rhododendrons, 40 species of oaks, 30 to 40 species of Primulas and bamboos, 144 species of mammals, 500 to 600 species of birds, over 400 species of butterflies and moths, and many species of reptiles in the State. Rare Blue Sheep, Tibetan Mastiff, Yaks and Red Pandas are found here.
Agriculture
The State's economy is basically agrarian. More than 64 per cent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural land in Sikkim is estimated to be around 1,09,000 hectares, i.e., 15.36 per cent of the total geographical area. Farmers commonly follow mixed farming. Maize, rice, wheat, potato, large cardamom, ginger and orange are the principal crops. Sikkim has the largest area and highest production of large brown cardamom in India. Ginger, potato, orange and off-season vegetables are other cash crops.
Industry
Though Sikkim has been declared an industrially backward state, the existence of craftsmanship based traditional Sikkimese cottage industries dates back to several centuries. Lepcha's skill in bamboo-craft, woodwork, spinning of yarn and carpet weaving in traditional textures, Bhutia's excellence in ancient Tibetan practice of carpet and rug weaving and Nepali's celebrated craftsmanship of their metalwork, silverware and woodwork are very exclusive.
Sikkim Jewels Limited is one of the sophisticated and precision oriented industries for the manufacture of jewel bearings for electric meters, water meters and other measuring instruments like watches and clocks. Ten ancillary units have been set up to manufacture watch jewels. The SIDICO provides long-term loans for cottage, tiny, small and medium scale industrial units, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and taxis.
Irrigation and Power
Tenth Five Year Plan targets to irrigate 34,118 hectares of agricultural land. Total installed capacity of power in the State is 36 MW that is hydro based with transformation capacity of 123 MVA. Rangeet hydel project has installed capacity of 560 MW. The total power potential of the State is estimated at 8,000 MW. The Teesta Valley Project now under construction is a run of the river scheme located in the East District and the proposed installed capacity of this project is 510 MW.
Transport
Roads: Gangtok is connected by roads with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, and also with all the district headquarters within Sikkim. The total road length of the state is 2,383 km, including 41 km of National Highway.
Railways and Aviation: The closest railway stations are Siliguri (113) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) connecting Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities. There is no airport in Sikkim, although there is a helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra, heavily subsidised by the State Government. The State has also initiated construction of a number of helipads to connect the district and sub-divisional headquarters and important tourist places.
Information Technology
A new Information Technology Department has been created in the State, and has prepared extensive projects to give top priority to this department. The newly created department has already launched a number of Web sites on Sikkim, and is now aiming for e-governance through the use of information tools. The official Web site of Sikkim, hosted and maintained by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim, is www.sikkimgovt.org
Festivals
Sikkim's population comprises the three principal ethnic communities of the Bhutias, Lepchas and the Nepalese. Maghey Sankranti, Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja and Chaite Dassai/Ram Navami, Dassai, Tyohar, Sonam Losoong, Namsoog, Tendong Lho Rum Faat (Worship of Mt. Tendong), Lohsar (Tibetan New Year) are the major festivals. The other festivals include Sakewa (Rai), Sonam Lochar (Gurung), Barahimzong (Magor), etc.
Tourism
Sikkim is famous for its lush green vegetation, forest, scenic valleys and majestic mountains, and a range of rich and magnificent cultural heritage and peace loving people, which provide a safe haven for tourists. The State Government supports eco-friendly and pilgrim tourism and accordingly, has provided facilities to enable visitors to enjoy a first-hand experience of the rich heritage and lifestyle of Sikkim. Recognising the potential of adventure tourism, the State government is setting up a Himalayan Centre for Adventure Tourism at Chemchey Village in South Sikkim.
The premier monastery of Sikkim is Pemayantshe in Pelling. Apart from this, there is Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim, which is considered the holiest of all the monasteries in Sikkim. The most ancient monastery of Sikkim is in Yuksom, called the Drubdi monastery. It was the personal hermitage of Lhatsun Chenpo (Patron Saint of Sikkim), and was possibly built in 1700 A.D. Some of the other monasteries are Phodong, Phensang, Rumtek, Ngadak, Tolung, Ahlay, Tsuklakhand, Ralong, Lachen, Enchey and others. Of the Hindu temples, the best known is the Thakurbari, in the heart of Gangtok. There is also a holy cave in South district, which has a Shiva Lingam that irradiates the cave where no other light finds its way. There are some important Gurdwaras and Mosques, chief among them being in Gangtok and Ravangla.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Rajasthan Current latest GK Current GK article Free Online Coaching
Rajasthan Current latest GK Current GK article Free Online Coaching
Rajasthan
Particulars Description
Area 3,42,239 sq. km
Population 5,64,73,122
Capital Jaipur
Principal Languages Hindi and Rajasthani
History and Geography
Rajasthan, the largest State in India area-wise prior to Independence was known as Rajputana. The Rajputs, a martial community ruled over this area for centuries.
The history of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. Around 3,000 and 1,000 BC, it had a culture akin to that of the Indus Valley civilisation. The Chauhans who dominated Rajput affairs from seventh century and by 12th century they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans, the Guhilots of Mewar controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar, the other historically prominent states were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar. Other States were only offshoots of these. All these States accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818 protecting the interest of the princes. This naturally left the people discontented.
After the revolt of 1857, the people united themselves under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to contribute to the freedom movement. With the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1935 in British India, an agitation for civil liberties and political rights became stronger in Rajasthan. The process of uniting scattered States commenced from 1948 to 1956 when the States Reorganisation Act was promulgated. First came Matsya Union (1948) consisting of a fraction of states, then, slowly and gradually other states merged with this Union. By 1949, Major States like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer joined this Union making it the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately in 1958, the present State of Rajasthan formally came into being, with Ajmer state, the Abu Road Taluka and Sunel Tappa joining it.
The entire western flank of the State borders with Pakistan, while Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh bound Rajasthan in north-east, south-east and Gujarat in south-west.
Agriculture
Total cultivable area in the State is 225 lakh hectares (2008-2009). The estimated foodgrain production is 161.80 lakh tonnes (2008-09). Principal crops cultivated in the State are rice, barley, jowar, millet, maize, gram, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, cotton and tobacco. Cultivation of vegetable and citrus fruits such as orange and malta has also picked up over last few years. Other crops are red chillies, mustard, cumin seeds, fenugreek (methi) and asafoetida (hing).
Industry and Minerals
Endowed with a rich culture, Rajasthan is also rich in minerals and is fast emerging on the industrial scenario of the country. Some of the important Central undertakings are Zinc Smelter Plant at Devari (Udaipur), Copper Plant at Khetri Nagar (Jhunjhunu) and Precision Instrument Factory at Kota. Small-scale industrial units numbering 13,16,267 with a capital investment of Rs.8,88,820.70 crore provides employment potential to about 13,16,267 persons in the States as on March 2009. Major industries are textiles and woollens, sugar, cement, glass, sodium plants, oxygen, vegetable dyes, pesticides, zinc, fertilizers, railway wagons, ball bearings, water and electricity metres, sulphuric acid, television sets, synthetic yarn and insulting bricks. Besides, precious and semi-precious stones, caustic soda, calcium carbide, nylon and tyers, etc. are other important industrial units.
Rajasthan has rich deposits of zinc concentrates, emerald, granite, gypsum, silver ore, asbestos, feldspar and mica. Promotional Industrial Park of the country has been established and made operational at Sitapura (Jaipur).
Irrigation and Power
By the end of March 2009 irrigation potential of 36.46 lakh hectares was created in the State through various major, medium and minor irrigation projects and additional irrigation potential of 58,067 hectares (excluding IGNP & CAD) had been created. The installed power capacity in the State has become 7019.59Mw upto December 2009 of which 4375.30 Mw is produced from State-owned projects, 766.00 Mw from collaboration projects and 1879.29 Mw from the allocation from Central power generating stations.
Transport
Roads: The total length of roads was 1,86,806 km as on March 2009.
Railways: Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur are main rail junctions of State.
Aviation: : Regular air services connect Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur with Delhi and Mumbai.
Festivals
Rajasthan is a land of festivals and fairs, besides the national festivals of Holi, Deepawali, Vijayadashmi, Christmas, etc., birth anniversaries of gods and goddesses, saintly figures, folk heroes and heroines are celebrated. Important fairs are Teej, Gangaur (Jaipur), annual Urs of Ajmer Sharif and Galiakot, tribal Kumbh of Beneshwar (Dungarpur), Mahaveer fair at Shrimahavirji in Sawai Madhopur, Ramdeora (Jaisalmer), Janbheslwari fair(Mukam-Bikaner), Kartik Poornima and Cattle Fair (Pushkar-Ajmer) and Shyamji Fair(Sikar), etc.
Tourist Centres
Jaipur, Jodhpur,Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Sariska Tiger Sanctuary in Alwar, Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Pali and Chittorgarh are important places of tourist interest in the State.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Rajasthan
Particulars Description
Area 3,42,239 sq. km
Population 5,64,73,122
Capital Jaipur
Principal Languages Hindi and Rajasthani
History and Geography
Rajasthan, the largest State in India area-wise prior to Independence was known as Rajputana. The Rajputs, a martial community ruled over this area for centuries.
The history of Rajasthan dates back to the pre-historic times. Around 3,000 and 1,000 BC, it had a culture akin to that of the Indus Valley civilisation. The Chauhans who dominated Rajput affairs from seventh century and by 12th century they had become an imperial power. After the Chauhans, the Guhilots of Mewar controlled the destiny of the warring tribes. Besides Mewar, the other historically prominent states were Marwar, Jaipur, Bundi, Kota, Bharatpur and Alwar. Other States were only offshoots of these. All these States accepted the British Treaty of Subordinate Alliance in 1818 protecting the interest of the princes. This naturally left the people discontented.
After the revolt of 1857, the people united themselves under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to contribute to the freedom movement. With the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1935 in British India, an agitation for civil liberties and political rights became stronger in Rajasthan. The process of uniting scattered States commenced from 1948 to 1956 when the States Reorganisation Act was promulgated. First came Matsya Union (1948) consisting of a fraction of states, then, slowly and gradually other states merged with this Union. By 1949, Major States like Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer joined this Union making it the United State of Greater Rajasthan. Ultimately in 1958, the present State of Rajasthan formally came into being, with Ajmer state, the Abu Road Taluka and Sunel Tappa joining it.
The entire western flank of the State borders with Pakistan, while Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh bound Rajasthan in north-east, south-east and Gujarat in south-west.
Agriculture
Total cultivable area in the State is 225 lakh hectares (2008-2009). The estimated foodgrain production is 161.80 lakh tonnes (2008-09). Principal crops cultivated in the State are rice, barley, jowar, millet, maize, gram, wheat, oilseeds, pulses, cotton and tobacco. Cultivation of vegetable and citrus fruits such as orange and malta has also picked up over last few years. Other crops are red chillies, mustard, cumin seeds, fenugreek (methi) and asafoetida (hing).
Industry and Minerals
Endowed with a rich culture, Rajasthan is also rich in minerals and is fast emerging on the industrial scenario of the country. Some of the important Central undertakings are Zinc Smelter Plant at Devari (Udaipur), Copper Plant at Khetri Nagar (Jhunjhunu) and Precision Instrument Factory at Kota. Small-scale industrial units numbering 13,16,267 with a capital investment of Rs.8,88,820.70 crore provides employment potential to about 13,16,267 persons in the States as on March 2009. Major industries are textiles and woollens, sugar, cement, glass, sodium plants, oxygen, vegetable dyes, pesticides, zinc, fertilizers, railway wagons, ball bearings, water and electricity metres, sulphuric acid, television sets, synthetic yarn and insulting bricks. Besides, precious and semi-precious stones, caustic soda, calcium carbide, nylon and tyers, etc. are other important industrial units.
Rajasthan has rich deposits of zinc concentrates, emerald, granite, gypsum, silver ore, asbestos, feldspar and mica. Promotional Industrial Park of the country has been established and made operational at Sitapura (Jaipur).
Irrigation and Power
By the end of March 2009 irrigation potential of 36.46 lakh hectares was created in the State through various major, medium and minor irrigation projects and additional irrigation potential of 58,067 hectares (excluding IGNP & CAD) had been created. The installed power capacity in the State has become 7019.59Mw upto December 2009 of which 4375.30 Mw is produced from State-owned projects, 766.00 Mw from collaboration projects and 1879.29 Mw from the allocation from Central power generating stations.
Transport
Roads: The total length of roads was 1,86,806 km as on March 2009.
Railways: Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur are main rail junctions of State.
Aviation: : Regular air services connect Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur with Delhi and Mumbai.
Festivals
Rajasthan is a land of festivals and fairs, besides the national festivals of Holi, Deepawali, Vijayadashmi, Christmas, etc., birth anniversaries of gods and goddesses, saintly figures, folk heroes and heroines are celebrated. Important fairs are Teej, Gangaur (Jaipur), annual Urs of Ajmer Sharif and Galiakot, tribal Kumbh of Beneshwar (Dungarpur), Mahaveer fair at Shrimahavirji in Sawai Madhopur, Ramdeora (Jaisalmer), Janbheslwari fair(Mukam-Bikaner), Kartik Poornima and Cattle Fair (Pushkar-Ajmer) and Shyamji Fair(Sikar), etc.
Tourist Centres
Jaipur, Jodhpur,Udaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Sariska Tiger Sanctuary in Alwar, Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Pali and Chittorgarh are important places of tourist interest in the State.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Punjab Latest Current GK General knowledge general Awareness Free online Article
Punjab Latest Current GK General knowledge general Awareness Free online Article
PunjabParticulars Description
Area 50,362 sq. km
Population 2,43,58,999
Capital Chandigarh
Principal Languages Punjabi
History and Geography
Ancient Punjab formed part of the vast Indo-Iranian region. In later years it saw the rise and fall of the Mauryas, Bactrians, Greeks, Sakas, Kushans and Guptas. Medieval Punjab saw supremacy of the Muslims. Ghaznavi was followed by the Ghoris, the slaves, the Khiljis, the Tughlaks, the Lodhis and the Mughals. Fifteenth and sixteenth centuries marked a period of watershed in the history of Punjab. Through teachings of Guru Nanak, Bhakti movement received a great impetus. Sikhism began as a socio-religious movement, which was more interested in fighting evils in religion and society. It was Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, who transformed the Sikhs into the Khalsa. They rose to challenge tyranny and after centuries of servitude, established a humane Punjabi Raj based on secularism and patriotism. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the works of a Persian writer, changed Punjab from Madam Kada to Bagh-Bahist (from the abode of sorrow to the garden of paradise). But soon after his death the entire edifice collapsed due to internal intrigues and British machinations. After two abortive Anglo-Sikh wars, Punjab was finally annexed to the British Empire in 1849.
The fight against the British rule had begun long before Mahatma Gandhi's arrival on the scene. The revolt found expression through the movement of a revivalist or reformist character. First, it was the Namdhari sect, which believed in self-discipline and self-rule. Later, it was Lala Lajpat Rai who played a leading role in the Freedom Movement. Punjab was in the vanguard of India's freedom struggle on all fronts in India and abroad. Punjab's hardships did not end with Independence. It had to face the misery of Partition with large-scale bloodshed and migration. Besides their rehabilitation, there was the task of reorganization of the State.
Eight princely states of East Punjab were grouped together to form a single State called PEPSU (Patiala and the East Punjab States Union) with Patiala as its capital. PEPSU state was merged with Punjab in 1956. Later in 1966, Haryana was carved out of Punjab and during the same year the erstwhile capital of Punjab was shifted from Shimla to Chandigarh.
Situated in the north-western corner of the country, Punjab is bound on the west by Pakistan, on the north by Jammu and Kashmir, on the north-east by Himachal Pradesh and on the south by Haryana and Rajasthan. There are 13 Members of Parliament from Punjab and 117 Members of Legislature are elected to form the State Government.
Agriculture
The State has 84% of its total geographical area (50.33 lakh hectares) under cultivation. The cropping intensity is around 189% with over 97% of the cultivable area being under assured irrigation. The State produces 20% of the country's wheat, 11% rice, 13% cotton and contributes significantly to the Central Pool with about 50% wheat and 40% rice. The paddy and wheat productivity in the State is 4022 kg/ha and 4450 kg/ha against the national average of 2173 kg/ha and 2868 kg/ha respectively. Fertilizer consumption at 225 kg/ha is almost two times higher than the national average of 113 kg/ha. The State's farm economy is highly mechanized owing 18% of the country's tractors. During 2008-09 the production of Paddy was 167 lakh mt against which 132.18 lakh mt was procured and production of wheat was 157 lakh mt against which a record 109.84 lakh mt was procured.
Industry
There are 1.54 lakh small-scale and 375 large and medium units in the state of Punjab as on 31/3/2009. These units produce bicycle parts, sewing machines, hand tools, machine tools, auto parts, electric good items, sports goods, surgical instruments, leather goods, hosiery, knitwear, nuts and bolts, textile goods, textile, sugar, vegetable oil, etc., giving employment to about 11.69 lakh persons. S.A.S Nagar, (Mohali) in the vicinity of Chandigarh has emerged as an attractive destination for IT and IT enabled industries. Under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS), Government of India has approved Machine Tools Cluster at Batala. Government of India is yet to approve the proposals for setting up of Hand Tool Cluster at Jalandhar and Common Facility Centre for Knitwear and Apparel Exporters Organization, at Ludhiana. State Government proposes to set up three more clusters namely steel Rolling Mills Cluster, Mandi Gobindgarh, Information Technology Park and Development of Spinning Industry, for these project reports are being prepared. Besides, above mentioned clusters, 22 clusters of Micro, Small & Medium industries have been identified for development in the state and have been sent to Micro Small& Medium Enterprises, Government of India, New Delhi. Out of these, 13 proposals have been approved by Government of India for conducting Diagnostic Study Report.
Development of Industry has been adversely affected in the State as a result of withdrawal of Freight Equalization on coal and Iron & Steel by Government of India. This has been further compounded with grant of tax exemption to the neighbouring States of Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir. As a result a large number of Industrial Units from Punjab have expanded their capacities by making investments in the State of Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir.
Irrigation
The total Geographical area of the State is 50.36 lakh hectares, out of which about 41.74 lakh hectares area is under cultivation. After partition of the country in 1947, Indus water treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan restricted India's right to usage to only three eastern rivers Satluj, Beas and Ravi. The State has three dams namely Bhakra Dam with storage capacity of 5.60 MAF constructed on River Satluj, Pong Dam with storage capacity 1.90 MAF constructed on River Ravi. At present the area under irrigation is 40.77 lakh hectares, which is 97.68% of the area under cultivation. The canal surface water distribution System consists of 14500 km of Canals/ Distributaries covering six major systems in the state namely: Sirhind Canal system, Bhakra Main Line, Bist Doab Canal, Upper Bari Doab Canal, Sirhind feeder and Eastern canal. 27% area is irrigated by canal surface water and 73% area by 12.82 lakh tubewells. The total length of watercourses is 1,20,000 km in the State, out of which 41,294 km watercourses has been lined so far. The canal water and electricity is being provided free of cost to the farmers in the State.
Project for remodeling of UBDC System to utilise additional water available on completion of Ranjit Sagar Dam has been completed under AIBP at a cost of Rs.177.80 crore and benefited the 118 thousand hectares area of Amritsar and Gurdaspur district. The problem of adequate water discharge in Kasur Branch Lower and Sabraon Branch Canal System has been removed by undertaking the remodeling of their parent channel i.e., Kasur Branch Upper, thereby restoring adequate canal water supplies to the vast agricultural area of UBDC System.
It is proposed to convert Banur Canal System from non-perennial to perennial under the Project costing Rs.58.15 crore. A consolidated Project costing Rs.299.22 crore for increasing capacity of various channels of BML Canal System, Sirhind Feeder System, Bist Doab Canal System and Eastern Canal System has been proposed for funding by NABARD under which an additional irrigation potential of 33,000 hectares will be created.
The backward Kandi Area in Punjab has been developed by constructing 12 Low Dams with estimate cost of Rs.420.00 crore which will further provide irrigation facilities to 12000 hectares. Similarly with the completion of Kandi canal from Talwara to Balachaur an additional area of 29640 hectares will be brought under irrigation. Besides, 1800 deep tubewells are being energized in the Kandi area for irrigation purposes.
84800 hectare area is affected by water logging out of total area of 263929 Ha of three districts Ferozepur, Mukatsar and Faridkot. The impact of high water table in the southern part of state has been reduced with the construction of new drains and the maintenance of existing 8000 km of drains. Besides 1800 km of flood protection embankments and about 3800 river training works have also been completed. Installation of shallow tubewell along Sirhind Feeder in the most critical area also helped arresting the seepage from the canal. In order to arrest the menace of water logging in Ferozepur, Faridkot and Mukatsar districts by relining of Rajasthan Canal and Sirhind Feeder with an approximate cost of Rs.1440 crore under AIBP. The central Punjab faces water depletion in 112 blocks (70%) out of 141 blocks declared dark in thee central Punjab.
Power
The present generation capacity of Punjab is 6841 MW, whereas peak unrestricted demand is about 9000 MW. There is a shortfall of 30% of peak demand. The construction of Bhakra Nangal Complex including Bhakra Dam, Bhakra Main line, Nangal Hydel Channel, Ganguwal and Kotla Power House, Harike Barrage, Sirhind Feeder, remodelling of Madhopur Headwork into barrage, etc., and Beas Dam at Pong have been some of the major Irrigation and Hydroelectric Projects which have played a significant role in enhancing the irrigation and power potential of the State. Madhopur Beas Link was constructed to transfer surplus water of Ravi to Beas. A similar Beas-Satluj Link Project envisages the utilisation of the Beas water for the production of electricity at slapper and then transferring this water to Gobind Sagar lake. The Mukerian and Anandpur Sahib Hydroelectric projects are two important irrigation and power projects.
All the four units of Ranjit Sagar Dam (4 x 150 MW) have been commissioned successfully. Annual generation from this project shall be 2,100 MUs' out of which 4.6 per cent of energy generated shall be supplied to Himachal Pradesh and 20 per cent energy generated shall be supplied to J&K at genuine cost. By the completion of this dam, water of all three rivers allocated to Punjab under Indus Water Treaty will be harnessed. About Rs.500 crore per annum has started accruing. Moreover this project is likely to cover its own cost by the next four or five years. Four new thermal Power Plant are being setup in the State namely Talwandi Sabho (1980 MW) in Bathinda district, Rajpura (1320 MW) in Patiala district, Gidderbaha (2640 MW) in Mukatsar district and Goindwal Sahib (540 MW) in Tarn Taran district.
Peda
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has installed about 200, 2HP Solar Photovoltaic Water Pump Sets for irrigation purposes in the state. 16 Mini Hydel (15.85 MW) and 28 Micro Hydel (35 MW) Projects have been commissioned on BOO basis. PEDA has also commissioned Rs.4.5 crore, 200 kwp Solar Photovoltaic Grid Interactive Power Plant at village Khatkar, Kalan, Distt. Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar 218.65 MW Biomass/Baggasse based cogeneration power projects have been commissioned in the State.
Punjab Energy Development Agency being the State designated agency for implementation of Energy Conservation Act 2001 in the state of Punjab, has initiated activities such as publicity and awareness of Energy Conservation/energy efficiency through print/electronic media, energy audit of building and industries, demo projects of energy efficiency in Municipal street lighting and water pumping, mandatory measure announcements, promotion of CFL/energy efficient lighting in domestic sector.
Transport
Roads: Public Works Department (Building and Roads) has been responsible for roads, bridges and buildings. The total road network length is 63833 kms., consisting of 1739 kms National Highways. 1462 kms State Highways, 5968 kms Major and other District Roads, 45000 kms Rural Link Roads, 8130 kms Urban Roads, 1534 kms Project Roads. Out of total 3400.02 kms rural roads, new construction of 815.16 kms and upgradation of 2584.86 kms under PMGSY has been completed.
Aviation: : There are three Civil Aviation Clubs at Ludhiana, Patiala and Amritsar. There is a domestic Airport at Chandigarh an International Airport at Rajasansi (Amritsar and two Aerodromes at Patiala and Ludhiana (Sahnewal). Two Aviation Clubs are coming up at Faridkot and Talwandi Sabo.
Fairs and Festivals
Besides festivals of Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, other important festivals/fairs/melas are Maghi Mela at Mukatsar, Rural Sports at Kila Raipur, Basant at Patiala, Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, Baisakhi at Talwandi Saboo, Urs at Rauza Sharif at Sirhind, Chappar Mela at Chappar, Skeikh Farid Agam Purb at Faridkot, Ram Tirath at Village Ram Tirath, Shaheedi Jor Mela at Sirhind, Harballah Sangeet Sammelan Baba Sodal at Jalandhar. In addition to above Fairs and Festivals three heritage festivals at Amritsar, Patiala, Kapurthala are also celebrated every year and are very popular among the tourists.
Tourism
The State has a large number of places of tourist interest some of which include Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah Border in Amritsar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Khalsa Heritage Complex at Anandpur Sahib, Bhakra Dam, Qila Androon, Moti Bagh Palace and Chattbir Zoo at Patiala, Wetland at Harike Pattan, Sanghol (district Fatehgarh Sahib) and Rupnagar archeological Musem at Rupnagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial at Village Khatkar Kalan, SBS Nagar for archeological importance, Mughal Complex at Aam Khas Bagh, Rauza Sharif of Sheikh Ahmed at Graves of Afghan Rulers at Sirhind and Sodal Temple at Jalandhar, commemorative of Maharishi Balmiki Heritage.
To meet the requirement of trained manpower in tourism Industry and enhancement of employment generation the State Government has introduced the Hospitality courses in Schools, Colleges. LT.Is and Polytechnics.
In Rural areas, the scheme of Farm Tourism has been launched to provide better opportunities of employment with the assistance of District Administration. Until now 23 farm houses have been registered under Diamond/Gold/Silver category. Besides this, to explore the resources of the State, the project of Heritage Village is being set up at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar with an estimated cost of Rs.22.00 crore. Quila Gobind Garh Fort, Amritsar which has been handed over to the State Government by the Army, is being renovated and conserved to be opened for general public. The Department of Tourism, Punjab has got prepared Tourism Master Plan from the UNWTO.
Pensions
Punjab Government is paying monthly pension of Rs.250/- to 12.30 lakh old persons (60 and above for women and 65 and above for men), 84,568 destitute children, 1,10,967 disabled persons and 2.14 lakh widows Rs.468.00 crore has been allocated for 2009-10 for payment of pensions to these 16.40 lakh persons.
Under "Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension" scheme, Rs.200 p.m. over and above the pension paid by the State Government is given to disabled, issueless persons, widows and destitute old persons of 65 years and above belonging to below poverty line families. 100% ACA is provided for this purpose by GOI under National Social Assistance Programme. 1,59,292 beneficiaries are covered in Punjab under this scheme.
Source: India 2010 - A Reference Annual
Orissa GK Free resources General knowledge General Awareness
Orissa GK Free resources General knowledge General Awareness
Orissa
Particulars Description
Area 1,55,707 sq. km
Population 36,804,660
Capital Bhubaneshwar
Principal Languages Oriya
Orissa: At a Glance
The name Orissa is derived from Sanskrit word "Odra Vishaya" or "Odra Desa". The ancient province of "Odra desa" or "Or-desa" was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.
The Orissa state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travellers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.
About Orissa
The name Orissa is derived from Sanskrit word 'Odra Vishaya' or 'Odra Desa'. The ancient province of 'Odra desa' or 'Or-desa' was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.
The Orissa state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travellers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.
Orissa History: In a Nutshell
The Territory of Orissa formed a part of the ancient Kalinga of Mahabharata fame. Ashoka, the Mauryan King of Magadh, invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and this event has gone down in history as the Great Kalinga war. Even with lot of resistance from the people of Kalinga and King Priyadarshan, Ashoka won the battle and noted down the descriptions of this Great War in his thirteenth Rock Edict. This bloodshed converted Ashoka's heart and he took up Buddhism. This became the last war of his life.
Kalinga came into prominence with Kharavela, a great conqueror and patron of Jainism, in the second half of the 1st century B.C. The other great rulers belonged to the Keshari dynasty and the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Flourishing maritime trade with South-East Asian countries i.e. Java, Bornio had brought in a golden era of affluence and opulence and the kingdom spanned from Ganga to Godavari. The Kalinga School of architecture flourished from the 7th to 13th century A.D. The Mukteswar Temple, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Lingaraj Temple and the Jagannath Temple of Puri are known all over the world for their architecture.
There were a number of heroes who were born in Kalinga before and during the British rule like Buxi Jagabandhu, Samudra Gupta and Harsha Siladitya. Budhism reached new heights with Prajna and Hieuen-Tsang, the famous Chinese pilgrim came to the University of Puspagiri and Buddhist complex at Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri can now be seen speaking about the bygone era. Prophets like Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Sri Chaitanya made Puri the religious center. Jayadev composed his world famous lilting treatise 'Gita Govinda'. The Bhakti Cult came to Orissa in 16th century and Pancha Sakha i.e. Sri Jagannath Das, Sri Achyutananda Das, Sri Balaram Das, Ananta & Yasobanta were spiritual stalwarts and literary luminaries of the time. Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja , Kabi Surya Baladev Ratha, Radhanath Ray, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandit Gopabandhu Dash, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Godabaris Mishra, Kalandi Charan Panigrahi, Sachidananda Routray & many others have contributed substantially to the language & literature of Orissa. Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Sri Ram Chandra Bhnjadeo, Sri Biswanath Das, Sri Nabakrushna Chowdhury, Dr. Harekrishna Mahatab, Sri Bijayananda Patnaik were the creators of modern Orissa.
Origin of the name of the State
The name of Orissa is derived from the Sanskrit Odra Vishaya or 'Odra Desa'. Greek writers like Pliny and Ptolemy described the Odra people as Oretes. The Greek Oretes is probably the Sanskrit Odra and the Mount Maleus has been identified with Malayagiri near Pala Lahara. The ancient province of 'Odra desa' or 'Or-desa' was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.
History of the State as an Administrative Unit and changes in its Component Parts
The Gajapati Kings of Orissa ruled over a kingdom in the 15th century AD but the Oriya-speaking central region began a downfall with Vijaynagar coming to prominence in 16th century and Ganjam was conquered. In the early 17th century, the districts north to the river Subarnarekha were annexed to the Bengal Subah of the Mughal Empire and the Marathas. The East India Company had no intention of unifying the Oriya-speaking territories which it had conquered piece by piece. The Oriyas were administered by five separate political authorities, i.e. Bengal and its Orissa Division, Chota Nagpur, the Central Provinces, Madras and the Garhjat Mahals of feudatory states of Orissa.
The formation of the linguistic province of Orissa in 1936 may be regarded as one of the landmarks in the history of the evolution of the Indian Union and after the 'Na Anka' famine of 1866. Raja Baikunthanath Dey of Baleshwar and Bichitrananda Das and the 'Ganjam Utkal Hitabadini Sabha' with the Raja of Kalinga, Venkates Beu greatly advocated the amalgamation of united Orissa. On the 28th November, 1874, there was a vast congregation of all the Rajas, Zamindars, met and finally in July 1877 'Utkal Sabha' was formed under the leadership of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, Biswanath Kar, Nanda Kishore Bal and Gopal Chandra Praharaj met the eminent British officers and submitted memorandums to unite Orissa. The Utkal Union Conference at Cuttack on the 30th December, 1903 under the leadership of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das played the most significant role for the amalgamation of the Oriya-speaking areas. Besides the Utkal Union Conference, the Oriya Peoples' Association, the Balasore National Conference, the Udit Club of Singhbhum, the Utkal Milan Samaja and the Utkal Hitaisini Samaja of Ganjam also played leading roles for the union of the Oriya-speaking areas. A counter movement called the Ganjam Defence League was organized by the Telugus in Ganjam to oppose the Oriya movement.
In 1917 the Montagu-Chelmsford Commission visited India on the subject of self-Government and its report recognized the need for an administrative union of the Oriya-speaking people and recommended for a sub-province for the Oriyas. On the 20th February, 1920 Satchidananda Sinha and A.B. Latthe, supported by Brajasundar Das, moved a resolution in the imperial Council for the amalgamation of the Oriya-speaking tracts. On the 25th November, 1921, Viswanath Kar and Sasibhusan Rath moved resolutions of separate Orissa province. C.L. Philip and A.C. Duff Commission made positive remarks about Orissa. The report of the Simon Commission, under the Chairmanship of the Sir John Simon, led to the summoning of the Round Table Conference. Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev, the Maharaja of Paralakhemundi represented Orissa in the Conference. The Orissa Boundary Commission was appointed with D'Donnell as the Chairman. The Committee examined the claims of the Oriyas and finally recommended for inclusion of the plains in Orissa and the agency areas excluding Paralakhemundi, in the Ganjam district; and Khariar and Padmapur, excluding Phuljhar in the Central Provinces.
The 'white paper' was published on the 17th March, 1933, containing the draft proposals for the reforms in the Indian Constitution. It proposed to create two new provinces, viz., Sind and Orissa. The Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, authorized Utkal Union Conference Committee, by his powerful arguments, convinced the Parliamentary Committee for the transfer of Jaypur (Jeypore) agency and a portion of Paralakhemundi to Orissa. The union also recommended that a portion of the Jaypur estate which the O'Donnell Committee proposed to transfer to Orissa, the Paralakhemundi and Jalantar Maliahs and a small portion of the Paralakhemundi estate including Paralakhemundi town would also be added to the Orissa Province. But no step was taken for the transfer of Oriya-speaking areas from Bengal and Bihar. By this recommendation the total area was raised from 55,799 to 84,677 sq. km. (21,545 to 32,695 sq. miles). The Government of India Bill 1935 was passed by the Parliament and the new province of Orissa as an administrative unit came into being on the 1st April, 1936 with the following areas as per the Government of India (Constitution of Orissa ) Order,1936.
Areas from Madras / the Ganjam Agency Tracts
Non-agency portion of Ganjam district such as the Talukas of Ghumusur, Chatrapur, Aska, Sorada, Kodala and a portion of the Talukas of Ichhapur and Brahmapur as laid to the north and west of the line described in Part-II of the Schedule. So much of the Paralakhemundi estate as laid to the north and east of the said line. From Vizagapatnam district to the Jaypur estate and so much of Patangi Taluka as was not included in that estate.
Areas from Central Provinces / The Kharial Zamindari in Raipur district The Padmapur tract consisting of the 54 villages of the Chandrapur-Padmapur estate, seven villages, namely Kuakunda, Badima, Soda, Brahmapur, Palosoda, Jagni and Thakurpali were included.
During the pre-independence days, Orissa has suffered a lot and it was not possible to put together all the Oriya-speaking areas under a single administration. There were only six districts, viz., Cuttack, Puri, Baleshwar, Sambalpur, Ganjam and Koraput. The old district of Angul was split up into two statutory districts, viz. Anugul and the Khondmals under the Angul Laws Regulations, 1936 and the Khondamals Laws Regulations, 1936 respectively. But for administrative purposes Angul was tagged to Cuttack district and Khondamals to Ganjam district. The Collectors of Cuttack and Ganjam became respectively the ex-officio Deputy Commissioners of those two areas. The rest of the province constituted 26 princely states, governed by the Rajas and Maharajas who had the last word of law within the jurisdiction of their respective princely states. They were loosely knit and administered under Political Agent of the British Government who was mostly satisfied after the collection of a predetermined part of the total revenue collection known as tribute or Nazarana from the rulers of those states. The process continued till the country got independence in 1947.
Education
The state of Orissa has become a centre of learning in the eastern India after it became a separate state on 1st April 1936. After Independence a lot of reforms have been made in the education system of Orissa to make it appreciated. Because of the reforms the standard of education in Orissa is qualitative. Subsequent Governments have taken a lot of initiatives to make the standard of education more attractive. The education system of Orissa has given base to a lot of Engineering and professional institutes. The students of various faculties of Orissa are earning reputation globally because of a sound infrastructure of education in Orissa. In recent years students from different part of India are coming to Orissa for higher education. It can be said that a revolution in the sphere of education has been started in Orissa after 90s. Orissa now a day is providing best infrastructure for general education, technical education, professional education and vocational education. So many institutes of national and international reputation are eagerly choosing Orissa as their destinations because education in this soil has a bright and prosperous future.
The education system in Orissa is very much well designed.
1. Department of Higher Education controls the following institutes:
* Universities
* General Colleges of Intermediate and Graduation
* Technical Institutes
* Professional Institutes
* Autonomous Colleges
* Deemed Universities
* Council for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE)
2. Department of Mass Education controls and administers the following organs:
* Board of Secondary Education(High Schools, Secondary schools)
* Middle English schools
* Upper primary schools
* Lower primary schools
Education system in Orissa can be summarized as follows:
1. LP. Schools
2. U.P Schools
3. M.E Schools
4. High schools
5. Intermediate level
6. Graduation level
7. Post Graduation level
Universities in Orissa: (As on 2005)
1. Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
2. Berhampur university, Bhanja Vihar,Berhampur
3. Sambalpur University, Jyoti vihar, Sambalpur
4. Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore
5. North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada
6. Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar
7. Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University, Shree Vihar, puri
8. Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) BBSR
9. Biju Pattanaik University of Technology(BPUT)Rourkela
10. Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
Deemed Universities in Orissa: (As on 2005)
1. Kalinga Institute of Engineering and Technology (KIIT) BBSR
2. National Institute of technology, (NIT)Rourkela
3. Sikhsa O Anusandhan University (SOA) Bhubaneswar
Medical Education: (As on 2005)
* No. of Govt. Medical Colleges (SCB Medical colleges, Cuttack, MKCG Medical college, Berhampur, VSS Medical college, Burla): 3
* No. of Private medical colleges - Hi-tech Medical College
* No. of Govt. Dental college: 1
* No. of Pharmacy colleges: 1 (Govt), 13(pvt)
* No. of Ayurvedic colleges: 3 (Govt), 2(pvt)
* No. of Homeopathic colleges: 4 (Govt), 2 (pvt)
Science and technology institutes: (As on 2005)
* No of ITIs: 133 (24 Govt/109 pvt)
* Students: 22,504
* No. of engineering colleges: 36(5 Govt/31 pvt)
* Student capacity: 10,385
* No of polytechnic and Engineering schools: 26 (13 Govt/13 Pvt)
* Student capacity: 5,415
* MCA Institutes: 47(11 Govt/36 Pvt)
* Students' capacity: 2,667
Informations regarding other educational institutions in Orissa: (As on 2005)
* Colleges: 1679
* Higher Secondary: 1112
* Secondary schools: 6811
* Number of students: 12, 88,000
* Middle schools (UP schools):11,510
* Formal primary schools: 42,824lakh
* Govt. Sanskrit tools: 10
* Aided Sanskrit tools under non-planned scheme: 151
* Aided Sanskrit tools under planned scheme: 74
* Total No. of Madrasas in State: 167
* No of Govt. Madrasa: 1
* Grant -in -aid Madrasas: 78
* Un aided recognized Madrasas: 88
Other vital statistics on education Orissa
* Total Literacy Rate (2001 census): 64%
* Literacy Rate male (2001 census): 75.95%
* Literacy Rate Female (2001 census): 50.97%
* Literacy Rate S.C(2001 census): 36.8%
* Literacy Rate S.T(2001 census): 22.3%
* No. of enrollment of children (class i to viii): 7,018,304
* Access to alternative schooling- 754 (Primary Schools) and Upper primary schools-4097-under Sarva Shikshya Yojana.
* Residential Hostels under "Kasturaba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme": 49
* Computer aided education in: 600 schools
* No. of teachers engaged under SSA: 29341
* No. of Teachers engaged under DPEP: 3321
* Total No. of girls of classes viii of all communities under SSA (2006-2007): 2,17,214
* Total No. of boys of classes viii of ST/SC (2006-2007): 80,983
* Total unemployed: 10.04 lakh person's years
* Educated unemployed: 6.18 lakh
* Number of employment exchanges /bureau : 80
Art & Craft Colleges
* Govt. Arts and craft college, Khalikot(Ganjam)
* Bibhuti Kanungo Art & Craft College, Bhubaneswar
Music & Dance Colleges
* Utkal Music & Dance College, Bhubaneswar
* Berhampur Govt. Ayurvedic College, Berhampur
* Gopalbandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
* Government Ayurveda college, Balangir: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
* Nrusingh Nath Govt. Ayurvedic College, Paikmal, Sambalpur
Agriculture colleges
* College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar: One of the best Agricultural institution in India, imparts up to master degree programme in Agriculture, under the Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar
* College of Agriculture, Chipilima: offers B.Sc (Ag.) courses under the Orissa
* University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar
Some Ayurvedic Colleges
* Berhampur Govt. Ayuvedic colleges, Berhampur
* Gopalbandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
* Government Ayurveda College, Balamgir: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
Govt. Engineering Colleges
* College of Engineering and technology, Bhubaneswar: One of the known Engineering colleges in Orissa
* College of Engineering & poly technique, Sarang, Angul
* College of Textile Engineering, choudwar: affiliated to Utkal University, provides four year course in Textile Engineering
* Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Talcher: established in 1982
* Orissa School Mining Engineering, Keonjhar
* National institute of technology, (NIT)Rourkela
* University college of Engineering, Burla. Sambalpur
Some Private Engineering colleges
* Ajaya Binaya Institute of Technology (ABIT) Cuttack
* Barapada school of Engineering and Technology, Bhadrak
* KIIT, Bhubaneswar
* Orissa engineering college (OEC) Bhubaneswar
* NIST, Berhampur
* ITER, Bhubaneswar
* C.VRaman Engineering College, Bhubaneswar
* Krupajal Engineering College, Bhubaneswar
* DRIEMS, Bhubaneswar
* Gandhi institute of Engineering & Technology, Gunpur
Some of Management Institute
* Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
* Asian School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar (ASBM)
* International School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar (ISBM)
* Kalinga School of Management (KIIT), Bhubaneswar
* Indian institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Bhubaneswar (IITTM)
* Madhusudan Institute of cooperative Management, Bhubaneswar
* Rourkela Institute of Management Studies. (RIMS)Rourkela
Govt. (MCA) Institutes
* CET, (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
* Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, Dhenkanal
* University College of Engineering (UCE)Burla, Sambalpur
* National Institute of Technology (NIT)Rourkela
* Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
* Sambalpur University, Jyotivihar, Sambalpur
* Berhampur University, Bhanjavihar, Berhampur
* Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
* Gangadhar Meher College (Auto.) Sambalpur
* Khalikote College, Berhampur
Some of the Law Colleges
* M.S Law College, Cuttack
* University Law college,vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
* Dhenkanal Law College, Dhenkanal
* G.M Law College, Puri
* Capital Law College, Bhubaneswar
* Kalinga Law School (KIIT) Bhubaneswar
Oilseed cultivation is concentrated in districts like Cuttack, Koraput, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal and Ganjam. All these are located in a less hospitable terrain.
Coconut is highly cultivated in Orissa especially in the coastal districts. In the coastal district of Orissa like Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam a large number of coconut trees are seen. Dhenkanal is the leading til producing district, Balasore leads in mustard and Cuttack in groundnut production.
A considerable amount of Roselle is also cultivated in Orissa. It dominates in the districts of Cuttack, Ganjam, Bolangir and Koraput districts.
Sugarcane is the second most important cash crop in Orissa in area as well as production. It is grown in irrigated areas. Orissa stands eight in sugarcane production in India. A considerable amount of sugarcane is cultivated in Cuttack, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Puri districts. Orissa also produces a small quantity of tobacco. In cash crop production, Cuttack district tops the list.
Irrigation is the main input of Agriculture without which Agriculture can not sustain its full growth. Irrigation Development not only correlates to Agriculture but also to other Socio-Economic aspects like industry, navigation, hydropower, pisiculture,water supply etc. With this objective, top priority has all along been given in Five-Year Plans for irrigation development. During pre-plan period, 1.83lakh hectare of irrigation potential was created. Attempts have been made to achieve irrigation development in planned manner by implementing different schemes such as AIBP, RIDE, BKVY, RR&R, Bharat Nirman & RLTAP etc. By the end of March-2006, 21.59lakh hectare of irrigation potential has been created using surface & ground water.
To provide irrigation facilities, at least to 35% of the cultivable land in every block in nest five years, master plan in under process.
Communication
Communication in the era of Globalization is a significant aspect through which many complicated activities are solved within a fraction of second. Communication network in recent years is developing with a proper pace in the land of Orissa. Even the remote areas of Orissa have been connected through telecommunication, postal network, mobile coverage, etc. The communication infrastructure which is a basic necessity for rapid industrialization has been given utmost importance in the land of Orissa.
* Telecommunication
* Postal Network
Telecommunication
Considerable improvement has taken place in the telecom coverage as well as in quality of services in recent years and the state Govt. is providing all the support for its development. Almost 95% of the state (with the exception of Cuttack and Sambalpur) is covered by electronic exchange.
Public call offices having STD and ISD facilities are plentiful in Orissa and the state has 120 STD Codes linking various regions on the telecom map. ISD and fax facilities provide automatic dialled access to national and international subscribers. Orissa along with the rest of India has recently received access to internet for global connectivity and for a host of services like E-mail, database access, etc.
Private sector investment in value added telecom services like paging, cellular services, mobile radio trunking, tele-banking, etc making its entry in to the state in a line with recent central Govt. policy changes.
Facts and Figures about Telecommunication in Orissa
1. Orissa has 680 telephone stations of which 613 have STD facilities
2. STD coverage- 30 districts networking 58 subdivisions, 147 tehsils, 314 block head quarters.
3. Trunk call efficiency - 83% against targeted 80%
4. Total no. of telephone connections - 11,26,192(2004-2005)
5. Land line connections - 7,67,953
6. Mobile connections - 2,93,085
7. WLL connections - 65,154
8. Local PTS - 8,698
9. STD service stations - 22402
10. Highway PTS - 633
11. Total no of STD lines in the state - 4,14,109(2004-2005)
12. Telephone exchanges - 1136(2004-2005)
13. Number of villages covered - 40,753(2004-2005)
14. Total area covered under telecommunication - 86.72%
Postal Network
Orissa is part of India's wide network of 1, 50,000 post offices. The government run postal department has a vast network of 7,947 post offices (1991-92 census), providing services to both important towns and remote rural areas with the rest of the country.
The postal department is also planning to introduce new value added service like hybrid mail for faster delivery through dedicated computer and satellite links. Domestic and international courier services also operate in the state.
Ansupa is a sweet water lake located in Banki of Cuttack district. It is 3 kms. in length and 1.5 kms. in breadth. Sara in another sweet water lake located near puri. It is 5 kms. in length and 3 kms. in breadth. Kanjia is another sweet water lake with about 134 acres of area located in Nandankanan of Cuttack district near Bhubaneswar.
Famous for its white tiger population, Nandanakanan or the Garden of Gods has become a hot favourite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory-in an environment conductive to their growth. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexist in this deeply forested boundaries.
The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, for successfully breeding back panthers, Gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.
In 1980 on a day full of excitement and jubilation the first litter of white tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga, two normal tawny tigers.
Subsequent litters of white tigers have been distributed to zoos both at home and aboard. Currently Nandanakanan is home to over 34 white tigers.
Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, 3 Indian crocodiles, Shanghai lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, India Panogolin, mouse, deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan.
Some of the other attractions of Nandankanan are the 34 aquaria which are home to large variety of fresh water fishes. The reptile parks cave-like entrance is guarded by a lifesize dinosaur, inside, numerous species of crocodiles, lizard's turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease.
The rope way connecting the zoo with the botanical garden over the lake, the boating facilities and the toy train for children have added new features.
The lion safari offers an adventurous zing to the trip to Nadankana.
The music of streams flowing from mud flats after the tide, as one navigates through the creeks, particularly in summer months is indeed breath taking. Unlike many protected areas one can visit this park round the year, except for short periods, when it is closed to visitors for census operation or for nesting etc. The fauna includes estuarine crocodile, fishing cat, Cheetah, Sambar, water monitor lizard, python, king cobra, dolphin and many species of resident and migratory birds, like white bellied sea eagle, Brhaminy and Pariah kites, vulture, cormorant , darter, king fishers, open billed stork, white ibis, painted stork, whistling teals, Brahamini duck, pochards, bar headed geese, herons, and egrets.
Based on the relief, rainfall and vegetation types, the forest of Orissa are divided in to the following types:
The main exported minerals of the state are Chromite, Coal, Dolomite, Iron-ore, Manganese and Bauxite. The value of mineral production of Orissa 2000-2001 (provisional) was 2 ,776.15 crore rupees and 5.23% share to all India value. The total production of minerals and ores in the state during 2000 -2001 registering an increase of 8.79% in quantity and 4.84% in value.
Historically it was a part of the ancient Kalinga of Mahabharata fame. It was a home of many powerful kings and kingdoms. It has rich history of art, architecture, culture and religion that has drawn attention from all over the world.
177 BC: Coronation of king Kharavela.
232 BC: Ashoka dies. The Mauryan Empire lasts up to 185 BC.
1st Century BC: Kalinga drifts out of the Mauryan rules under the first Chedi King Mahameghavahan in the early part 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.
3rd century AD: After the death of Yajansri Satakami (202 AD), 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 Samudragupta's south India campaign.
350 AD: Samudragupta of Magadha sets out on his campaign of the south and conquers parts of Kalinga.
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.
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 Orissa extending from Mahanadi in the North to the Mahedragiri in the South. It is during the region of the Saillodhavas that Kalingas overseas trade flourishes largely with the rulers bunching their colonial adventure in the Suvarnadweepa i.e., modern Myanmar.
621 AD
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.
1038 AD: The eastern Ganga which was lying low since the end of 5th century AD came into prominence again with the rise of Vajrahasta V who defeated Somavamsi 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 was during the rule of Chodaganga Dev that the famous medieval saint Ramanujacharya is known to have visited Orissa
1115 AD: Construction of Lord Jagannath Temple started.
1147 AD: King Chodoganga Dev dies. About 15 kings rule the Ganga Empire after him.
1211 AD: Anangabhima Dev III ascends to the throne. He is believed to have finished the construction work of Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri. Anangabhima Dev establishes a new city called Avinaba Bidanasi Katak (Modern Cuttack) at the bifurcation of the river Kathajodi and Mahanadi.
1234 AD-1245 AD: Langula Narasingh Dev built Sun Temple at Konark.
1238 AD: Anangabhima Dev dies in 1238 AD. His son Narshimha Dev comes to throne. He is reputed to have built the Temple for the Sun God at Konark.
1244 AD: King Narasimha Dev invades Bengal.
1361 AD: Sultan Firuz Shah Tugluq invades the Ganga Kingdom and occupies Avinaba Bidanasi Katak.
1435 AD -1467 AD
1568: Ramachandra Bhanja, the feudatory of Saranga Garh rises in rebellion and proclaims himself as the king. Mukunda Dev dies in a battle with Ramachandra Bhanj, Soon thereafter Ramachandra Bhanja also meets his defeat and died in the hands Bayazid, the son of Suleiman Karrani. He succeeded in conquering Orissa thereafter Afghan rule in Orissa began.
1590-1595: Orissa becomes an arena for the battles between the Mughals and the Afghans when the Afghans refuse to acknowledge the supremacy of the Mughals ruling over Delhi. The operation continues from 1590 to 1595 resulting to the complete defeat of Afghans.
1592 - 1751: Mughals rule in Orissa begins with the arrival of Raja Manasingh, Akbar's Rajput General, who destroyed the Afghans resistant. On the instruction of the Akbar, Orissa is divided into five sarkars: Jaleswar (including Medinapur), Bhadrak , Cuttack, Chika Khol, and Raj Mahendry Dandpat. Orissa is thus acquired for Mughal Empire and is governed as a part of the Bengal Subah for sometime. It is during the Mughal rule that the merchants carry on their brisk overseas trade & commerce and attract the attention of European traders.
1607: During the rule of Akbar's son & successor, Jahangir, Orissa constituted into a separate province, with Cuttack as capital and is placed under a subhedar.
1670: Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanj is believed to have been born around 1670.
1728: The Nizam of Hyderabad occupies the whole of Ganjam & Chikakol (Srikakulam) & declares them as the North Sarkar.
1751 - 1803: Maratha Administration of Orissa begins with Raghuji Bhonsla-I as the new chief of the territory. Marathas continue to rule till 1803, the year in which Orissa passes to the hands of the Maratha administration. Marathas rulers however patronized religion and religious institutions, thus making Orissa centre of attraction. Oriya literature also makes a rapid progress during the period.
1633: East India Company set up its trade centre at Hariharpur and Balasore.
1757 - 1764: After the battle of Plassey in 1757 & Buxar in 1764, the British Empire looks for acquiring more Indian territories. Orissa being the neighboring state of Bengal naturally comes to be included in their planning.
1807: The first book to be printed in Oriya is "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 rule what is known as the famous Paikas Revolt of 1817. It is primarily an agrarian revolt against the wrong policies of land settlement and revenue administration adopted by the British.
1822: Missionaries arrive in Orissa.
1837: Missionaries established Cuttack Mission Press.
1839: Oriya is adopted as the language of the court replacing Persian language.
1843: Fakir Mohan Senapati is born.
1848: Kulabrudha Madhusudan Das is born.
1849: Missionaries bring out the first Oriya Magazine -"JNANARUNA"
1853: Bhaktakabi Madhusudan Rao is born.
1855
1866: A failure of rain in 1865 resulted in the loss of usual crops and brought about a catastrophic famine in 1865-66 which laid to the death of about one million people in Orissa. Gross negligence, indifferent administration, lack of communication and inadequate attention caused massive deaths in Orissa.. Cuttack printing press, the second in the state is established by the initiative of the people of the province. The first news paper "Utkal Dipika" is brought out by the Cuttack printing company. This tragic famine is known as "Naonkandurvikshya".
1866-1900: It was during this late 19th century that a new consciousness began to take shape. The growth of modern education gave birth to middle class intelligentsia. The publication of nationalistic periodicals and journals came into existence. Nationalistic literary activities of writers like Fakir Mohan Senapati and Radhanath Ray, gets prominence. Rise of numerous socio religious and cultural societies for creating consciousness. Formation of the Indian National Congress took shape of a political movement to unite all the Oriya-speaking areas under one administration.
1882 AD: Utkal Sabha under the secretary Gouri Sankar Ray formed.
1895 AD: Meeting held at Cuttack under the leadership of Utkal Gourava Madhusudan Das and the resolution passed for unification of Oriya speaking tracks.
1898 AD: Madhusudana Das elected to Bengal Legislative Assembly.
1909 AD: Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya established at Sakhigopala (Puri) district.
1912 AD: Sitting of Jatiya Sameelan was held at Balasore for discussion about creation of a separate state.
1918 AD: Satyabadi press established at Sakhigopala.
1927 AD: Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das passed away.
1930 AD: Salt Satyagraha (Labana Satygraha) at Inchudi, Balasore.
1936 AD: 1ST April Orissa became separate state.
1938 AD: Baji Rout died in police firing.
1939 AD
1943 AD
1950 AD: With the coming of independence, the princely states in and around Orissa surrender their sovereignty to the Government of India. By the states merger (Governors provinces) order, the princely states of Orissa are completely merged with the Orissa on 19th August 1949, and the new Orissa becomes nearly twice its size by the addition of more people to its population.
1952 AD
1950-56: The second (post-independence) ministry under the leadership of Nabakrushna Choudhury formed.
1956-59: The third (post-independence) ministry headed by Dr.H.K.Mahatab assumes office.
1956
1959-61: The fourth (post-independence) ministry formed under the leadership of Dr.H.K.Mahatab.
1960: The Orissa Land Reforms Act of 1960 introduced.
1961
1963-65
1971
1973: Imposition of president rule on 3rd March, 1973.
1974 -76: Mrs Nandini Satpathy forms eleventh ministry.
1977: Mr.Binayak Acharya is sworn in as the Chief Minister of the twelfth ministry. The ministry remains in office only for 123 days. In a mid term poll, the Janta Party laid by Shri Biju Pattnaik secures 110 seats out of 147 seats. Mr.Nilamani Routray is made the Chief Minister. The ministry remains in office till 1980.
1980: Shri Biju Pattnaik conferred the title of "Bhumiputra" by Indonesian Government.
1981
1984
1990
1995: Indonesian Government awarded their highest national title "Bintan Jasuttam" to Shri Biju Pattnaik.
Government of Orissa aims at creating and industry-enabling and investor friendly climate in the state with a view to accelerate industrial developments, employment opportunities and economic growth. IPR-2001 and Orissa Industries (facilitation) Act 2004 embodies the above objectives of Govt. Orissa has already emerged as a major investment destination for national as well as transborder national investors, especially in steel, aluminum, petrochemicals, power, IT and ITES, food processing industries, tourism and other such sectors.
The port handles up to 12mtrs. draught and has a mechanized iron ore berth in addition to other cargo berths, 4 wharf cranes of 13.2mt capacity is 500 tone slip way and requisite cargo handling and storage facilities. The port has its own railway system and connected to East Coast Railways. It is also connected to NH5 A and State Highway 42.
The Gopalpur Port of Ganjam district is a fair weather sea port with a current handling capacity of 2000-2500 tone per day. The port is ear marked for conversion to an on weather deep water port with augmented and fully mechanized. Cargo handling capacity and additional services for which a MOU has bee signed and the project is slated to be fully operational soon.
Development of small ports and satellite ports will be the thrust area in the state. Some of the developmental possibilities have been identified as below:
Reputed hospitals of India have started their operation and providing best medical support. Orissa has become a good medical service provider in the eastern region. There are three Government medical colleges and one private medical college in Orissa which provide best medical facilities. L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Ayush Hospital, Care Hospital, Hemalata Hospital, Panda Medical Centre for Cancer, Kalinga Hospital, Appolo Clinic, are some of the renowned names in the medical sector operating in Orissa.
Source: IT Department, Government of Orissa
Orissa
Particulars Description
Area 1,55,707 sq. km
Population 36,804,660
Capital Bhubaneshwar
Principal Languages Oriya
Orissa: At a Glance
The name Orissa is derived from Sanskrit word "Odra Vishaya" or "Odra Desa". The ancient province of "Odra desa" or "Or-desa" was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.
The Orissa state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travellers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.
About Orissa
The name Orissa is derived from Sanskrit word 'Odra Vishaya' or 'Odra Desa'. The ancient province of 'Odra desa' or 'Or-desa' was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.
The Orissa state, which was once a land of Kings and Kingdoms, now boasts of being rich source of natural resources. Its people, temple architecture, classical dance, religions, fairs and festivals, unique handlooms and handicrafts, green woodlands, rock caves, charming blue hills have always attracted historians, tourists and travellers from all over the world. Its rich history, revolutionary freedom movement, fascinatingly sculptured temples and monuments, tribal life characterized by dance, music, rituals, hunting, gaiety and wild ways have become important topics of research for great historians and scholars.
Orissa History: In a Nutshell
The Territory of Orissa formed a part of the ancient Kalinga of Mahabharata fame. Ashoka, the Mauryan King of Magadh, invaded Kalinga in 261 BC and this event has gone down in history as the Great Kalinga war. Even with lot of resistance from the people of Kalinga and King Priyadarshan, Ashoka won the battle and noted down the descriptions of this Great War in his thirteenth Rock Edict. This bloodshed converted Ashoka's heart and he took up Buddhism. This became the last war of his life.
Kalinga came into prominence with Kharavela, a great conqueror and patron of Jainism, in the second half of the 1st century B.C. The other great rulers belonged to the Keshari dynasty and the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Flourishing maritime trade with South-East Asian countries i.e. Java, Bornio had brought in a golden era of affluence and opulence and the kingdom spanned from Ganga to Godavari. The Kalinga School of architecture flourished from the 7th to 13th century A.D. The Mukteswar Temple, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Lingaraj Temple and the Jagannath Temple of Puri are known all over the world for their architecture.
There were a number of heroes who were born in Kalinga before and during the British rule like Buxi Jagabandhu, Samudra Gupta and Harsha Siladitya. Budhism reached new heights with Prajna and Hieuen-Tsang, the famous Chinese pilgrim came to the University of Puspagiri and Buddhist complex at Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri can now be seen speaking about the bygone era. Prophets like Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya and Sri Chaitanya made Puri the religious center. Jayadev composed his world famous lilting treatise 'Gita Govinda'. The Bhakti Cult came to Orissa in 16th century and Pancha Sakha i.e. Sri Jagannath Das, Sri Achyutananda Das, Sri Balaram Das, Ananta & Yasobanta were spiritual stalwarts and literary luminaries of the time. Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja , Kabi Surya Baladev Ratha, Radhanath Ray, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandit Gopabandhu Dash, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Godabaris Mishra, Kalandi Charan Panigrahi, Sachidananda Routray & many others have contributed substantially to the language & literature of Orissa. Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Sri Ram Chandra Bhnjadeo, Sri Biswanath Das, Sri Nabakrushna Chowdhury, Dr. Harekrishna Mahatab, Sri Bijayananda Patnaik were the creators of modern Orissa.
Origin of the name of the State
The name of Orissa is derived from the Sanskrit Odra Vishaya or 'Odra Desa'. Greek writers like Pliny and Ptolemy described the Odra people as Oretes. The Greek Oretes is probably the Sanskrit Odra and the Mount Maleus has been identified with Malayagiri near Pala Lahara. The ancient province of 'Odra desa' or 'Or-desa' was limited to the valley of the Mahanadi and to the lower course of the Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapore. It was bounded on the West by Gondwana, on the North by the wild hill states of Jashpur and Singhbhum, on the East by the sea and on the South by Ganjam.
History of the State as an Administrative Unit and changes in its Component Parts
The Gajapati Kings of Orissa ruled over a kingdom in the 15th century AD but the Oriya-speaking central region began a downfall with Vijaynagar coming to prominence in 16th century and Ganjam was conquered. In the early 17th century, the districts north to the river Subarnarekha were annexed to the Bengal Subah of the Mughal Empire and the Marathas. The East India Company had no intention of unifying the Oriya-speaking territories which it had conquered piece by piece. The Oriyas were administered by five separate political authorities, i.e. Bengal and its Orissa Division, Chota Nagpur, the Central Provinces, Madras and the Garhjat Mahals of feudatory states of Orissa.
The formation of the linguistic province of Orissa in 1936 may be regarded as one of the landmarks in the history of the evolution of the Indian Union and after the 'Na Anka' famine of 1866. Raja Baikunthanath Dey of Baleshwar and Bichitrananda Das and the 'Ganjam Utkal Hitabadini Sabha' with the Raja of Kalinga, Venkates Beu greatly advocated the amalgamation of united Orissa. On the 28th November, 1874, there was a vast congregation of all the Rajas, Zamindars, met and finally in July 1877 'Utkal Sabha' was formed under the leadership of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, Biswanath Kar, Nanda Kishore Bal and Gopal Chandra Praharaj met the eminent British officers and submitted memorandums to unite Orissa. The Utkal Union Conference at Cuttack on the 30th December, 1903 under the leadership of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das played the most significant role for the amalgamation of the Oriya-speaking areas. Besides the Utkal Union Conference, the Oriya Peoples' Association, the Balasore National Conference, the Udit Club of Singhbhum, the Utkal Milan Samaja and the Utkal Hitaisini Samaja of Ganjam also played leading roles for the union of the Oriya-speaking areas. A counter movement called the Ganjam Defence League was organized by the Telugus in Ganjam to oppose the Oriya movement.
In 1917 the Montagu-Chelmsford Commission visited India on the subject of self-Government and its report recognized the need for an administrative union of the Oriya-speaking people and recommended for a sub-province for the Oriyas. On the 20th February, 1920 Satchidananda Sinha and A.B. Latthe, supported by Brajasundar Das, moved a resolution in the imperial Council for the amalgamation of the Oriya-speaking tracts. On the 25th November, 1921, Viswanath Kar and Sasibhusan Rath moved resolutions of separate Orissa province. C.L. Philip and A.C. Duff Commission made positive remarks about Orissa. The report of the Simon Commission, under the Chairmanship of the Sir John Simon, led to the summoning of the Round Table Conference. Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev, the Maharaja of Paralakhemundi represented Orissa in the Conference. The Orissa Boundary Commission was appointed with D'Donnell as the Chairman. The Committee examined the claims of the Oriyas and finally recommended for inclusion of the plains in Orissa and the agency areas excluding Paralakhemundi, in the Ganjam district; and Khariar and Padmapur, excluding Phuljhar in the Central Provinces.
The 'white paper' was published on the 17th March, 1933, containing the draft proposals for the reforms in the Indian Constitution. It proposed to create two new provinces, viz., Sind and Orissa. The Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, authorized Utkal Union Conference Committee, by his powerful arguments, convinced the Parliamentary Committee for the transfer of Jaypur (Jeypore) agency and a portion of Paralakhemundi to Orissa. The union also recommended that a portion of the Jaypur estate which the O'Donnell Committee proposed to transfer to Orissa, the Paralakhemundi and Jalantar Maliahs and a small portion of the Paralakhemundi estate including Paralakhemundi town would also be added to the Orissa Province. But no step was taken for the transfer of Oriya-speaking areas from Bengal and Bihar. By this recommendation the total area was raised from 55,799 to 84,677 sq. km. (21,545 to 32,695 sq. miles). The Government of India Bill 1935 was passed by the Parliament and the new province of Orissa as an administrative unit came into being on the 1st April, 1936 with the following areas as per the Government of India (Constitution of Orissa ) Order,1936.
Areas from Madras / the Ganjam Agency Tracts
Non-agency portion of Ganjam district such as the Talukas of Ghumusur, Chatrapur, Aska, Sorada, Kodala and a portion of the Talukas of Ichhapur and Brahmapur as laid to the north and west of the line described in Part-II of the Schedule. So much of the Paralakhemundi estate as laid to the north and east of the said line. From Vizagapatnam district to the Jaypur estate and so much of Patangi Taluka as was not included in that estate.
Areas from Central Provinces / The Kharial Zamindari in Raipur district The Padmapur tract consisting of the 54 villages of the Chandrapur-Padmapur estate, seven villages, namely Kuakunda, Badima, Soda, Brahmapur, Palosoda, Jagni and Thakurpali were included.
During the pre-independence days, Orissa has suffered a lot and it was not possible to put together all the Oriya-speaking areas under a single administration. There were only six districts, viz., Cuttack, Puri, Baleshwar, Sambalpur, Ganjam and Koraput. The old district of Angul was split up into two statutory districts, viz. Anugul and the Khondmals under the Angul Laws Regulations, 1936 and the Khondamals Laws Regulations, 1936 respectively. But for administrative purposes Angul was tagged to Cuttack district and Khondamals to Ganjam district. The Collectors of Cuttack and Ganjam became respectively the ex-officio Deputy Commissioners of those two areas. The rest of the province constituted 26 princely states, governed by the Rajas and Maharajas who had the last word of law within the jurisdiction of their respective princely states. They were loosely knit and administered under Political Agent of the British Government who was mostly satisfied after the collection of a predetermined part of the total revenue collection known as tribute or Nazarana from the rulers of those states. The process continued till the country got independence in 1947.
Education
The state of Orissa has become a centre of learning in the eastern India after it became a separate state on 1st April 1936. After Independence a lot of reforms have been made in the education system of Orissa to make it appreciated. Because of the reforms the standard of education in Orissa is qualitative. Subsequent Governments have taken a lot of initiatives to make the standard of education more attractive. The education system of Orissa has given base to a lot of Engineering and professional institutes. The students of various faculties of Orissa are earning reputation globally because of a sound infrastructure of education in Orissa. In recent years students from different part of India are coming to Orissa for higher education. It can be said that a revolution in the sphere of education has been started in Orissa after 90s. Orissa now a day is providing best infrastructure for general education, technical education, professional education and vocational education. So many institutes of national and international reputation are eagerly choosing Orissa as their destinations because education in this soil has a bright and prosperous future.
The education system in Orissa is very much well designed.
1. Department of Higher Education controls the following institutes:
* Universities
* General Colleges of Intermediate and Graduation
* Technical Institutes
* Professional Institutes
* Autonomous Colleges
* Deemed Universities
* Council for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE)
2. Department of Mass Education controls and administers the following organs:
* Board of Secondary Education(High Schools, Secondary schools)
* Middle English schools
* Upper primary schools
* Lower primary schools
Education system in Orissa can be summarized as follows:
1. LP. Schools
2. U.P Schools
3. M.E Schools
4. High schools
5. Intermediate level
6. Graduation level
7. Post Graduation level
Universities in Orissa: (As on 2005)
1. Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
2. Berhampur university, Bhanja Vihar,Berhampur
3. Sambalpur University, Jyoti vihar, Sambalpur
4. Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore
5. North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada
6. Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar
7. Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University, Shree Vihar, puri
8. Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) BBSR
9. Biju Pattanaik University of Technology(BPUT)Rourkela
10. Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
Deemed Universities in Orissa: (As on 2005)
1. Kalinga Institute of Engineering and Technology (KIIT) BBSR
2. National Institute of technology, (NIT)Rourkela
3. Sikhsa O Anusandhan University (SOA) Bhubaneswar
Medical Education: (As on 2005)
* No. of Govt. Medical Colleges (SCB Medical colleges, Cuttack, MKCG Medical college, Berhampur, VSS Medical college, Burla): 3
* No. of Private medical colleges - Hi-tech Medical College
* No. of Govt. Dental college: 1
* No. of Pharmacy colleges: 1 (Govt), 13(pvt)
* No. of Ayurvedic colleges: 3 (Govt), 2(pvt)
* No. of Homeopathic colleges: 4 (Govt), 2 (pvt)
Science and technology institutes: (As on 2005)
* No of ITIs: 133 (24 Govt/109 pvt)
* Students: 22,504
* No. of engineering colleges: 36(5 Govt/31 pvt)
* Student capacity: 10,385
* No of polytechnic and Engineering schools: 26 (13 Govt/13 Pvt)
* Student capacity: 5,415
* MCA Institutes: 47(11 Govt/36 Pvt)
* Students' capacity: 2,667
Informations regarding other educational institutions in Orissa: (As on 2005)
* Colleges: 1679
* Higher Secondary: 1112
* Secondary schools: 6811
* Number of students: 12, 88,000
* Middle schools (UP schools):11,510
* Formal primary schools: 42,824lakh
* Govt. Sanskrit tools: 10
* Aided Sanskrit tools under non-planned scheme: 151
* Aided Sanskrit tools under planned scheme: 74
* Total No. of Madrasas in State: 167
* No of Govt. Madrasa: 1
* Grant -in -aid Madrasas: 78
* Un aided recognized Madrasas: 88
Other vital statistics on education Orissa
* Total Literacy Rate (2001 census): 64%
* Literacy Rate male (2001 census): 75.95%
* Literacy Rate Female (2001 census): 50.97%
* Literacy Rate S.C(2001 census): 36.8%
* Literacy Rate S.T(2001 census): 22.3%
* No. of enrollment of children (class i to viii): 7,018,304
* Access to alternative schooling- 754 (Primary Schools) and Upper primary schools-4097-under Sarva Shikshya Yojana.
* Residential Hostels under "Kasturaba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme": 49
* Computer aided education in: 600 schools
* No. of teachers engaged under SSA: 29341
* No. of Teachers engaged under DPEP: 3321
* Total No. of girls of classes viii of all communities under SSA (2006-2007): 2,17,214
* Total No. of boys of classes viii of ST/SC (2006-2007): 80,983
* Total unemployed: 10.04 lakh person's years
* Educated unemployed: 6.18 lakh
* Number of employment exchanges /bureau : 80
Art & Craft Colleges
* Govt. Arts and craft college, Khalikot(Ganjam)
* Bibhuti Kanungo Art & Craft College, Bhubaneswar
Music & Dance Colleges
* Utkal Music & Dance College, Bhubaneswar
* Berhampur Govt. Ayurvedic College, Berhampur
* Gopalbandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
* Government Ayurveda college, Balangir: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
* Nrusingh Nath Govt. Ayurvedic College, Paikmal, Sambalpur
Agriculture colleges
* College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar: One of the best Agricultural institution in India, imparts up to master degree programme in Agriculture, under the Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar
* College of Agriculture, Chipilima: offers B.Sc (Ag.) courses under the Orissa
* University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar
Some Ayurvedic Colleges
* Berhampur Govt. Ayuvedic colleges, Berhampur
* Gopalbandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
* Government Ayurveda College, Balamgir: offers Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery degree courses
Govt. Engineering Colleges
* College of Engineering and technology, Bhubaneswar: One of the known Engineering colleges in Orissa
* College of Engineering & poly technique, Sarang, Angul
* College of Textile Engineering, choudwar: affiliated to Utkal University, provides four year course in Textile Engineering
* Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Talcher: established in 1982
* Orissa School Mining Engineering, Keonjhar
* National institute of technology, (NIT)Rourkela
* University college of Engineering, Burla. Sambalpur
Some Private Engineering colleges
* Ajaya Binaya Institute of Technology (ABIT) Cuttack
* Barapada school of Engineering and Technology, Bhadrak
* KIIT, Bhubaneswar
* Orissa engineering college (OEC) Bhubaneswar
* NIST, Berhampur
* ITER, Bhubaneswar
* C.VRaman Engineering College, Bhubaneswar
* Krupajal Engineering College, Bhubaneswar
* DRIEMS, Bhubaneswar
* Gandhi institute of Engineering & Technology, Gunpur
Some of Management Institute
* Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
* Asian School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar (ASBM)
* International School of Business Management, Bhubaneswar (ISBM)
* Kalinga School of Management (KIIT), Bhubaneswar
* Indian institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Bhubaneswar (IITTM)
* Madhusudan Institute of cooperative Management, Bhubaneswar
* Rourkela Institute of Management Studies. (RIMS)Rourkela
Govt. (MCA) Institutes
* CET, (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
* Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, Dhenkanal
* University College of Engineering (UCE)Burla, Sambalpur
* National Institute of Technology (NIT)Rourkela
* Utkal University, Vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
* Sambalpur University, Jyotivihar, Sambalpur
* Berhampur University, Bhanjavihar, Berhampur
* Ravenshaw University, Cuttack
* Gangadhar Meher College (Auto.) Sambalpur
* Khalikote College, Berhampur
Some of the Law Colleges
* M.S Law College, Cuttack
* University Law college,vanivihar, Bhubaneswar
* Dhenkanal Law College, Dhenkanal
* G.M Law College, Puri
* Capital Law College, Bhubaneswar
* Kalinga Law School (KIIT) Bhubaneswar
Agriculture & Irrigation
Orissa is primarily an agrarian economy having nearly 30% contribution to the Net State Domestic product (NSDP) with 73 percent of the work force engaged in this sector. The cropped area is about 87.46 lakh hectares out of which 18.79 lakh hectares are irrigated. Climate and soil play a vital role in Orissa's agriculture economy. The total cultivable land exploited for cropping is about 40% of the total geographical area and the exploitation is comparatively more in the coastal districts of Orissa i.e. Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jajpur, Jagatasinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Puri etc.Facts and Figures Related to Agriculture in Orissa
- At the time of independence food grain production of Orissa was 2393 MTs.
- 1995-1996 Orissa produced 7923 MTs of food grains.
- Per hectare production of rice today is 1.4 MTs as against 1.8 MTs for the country as a whole.
- The yield per hectare has been 1080 kg in comparison to the national average of 1620 kg.
- In 1998 the cropping area utilized for food grain production was 89.4 % of the total cultivable land.
- Extent of rain-fed cultivable land: 62%
- Fertilizer consumption: 290.56%
Covered by Area of Total Gross Crops
| Crops | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| 1. Paddy | 77.7% |
| 2. Pulses | 10.9% |
| 3. Oil seeds | 4.9% |
| 4. Fibre crop | 1.3% |
| 5. Other cash crops | 2.1% |
| 6. Food crops | 289.66 thousand .ha |
| 7. Vegetables | 621.98 thousand .ha |
| 8. Total production | 7604.36 MT |
| 9. Oil seeds (2002-2003) | 1.15 lakh MT |
| 10. Rice (2002-2003) | 32.44 lakh MT |
| 11. Total cereal (2002-2003) | 33.50 lakh MT |
| 12. Pulses | 2.05lakh MT |
| 13. Total area of Degraded land | 61.21 lakh ha |
| 14. Watershed project in operation | 1860 nos |
| 15. No of KVKs ( Krishi Vigyana Kendra) in OUAT | 11 |
| 16. No of Agro Climatic Zones | 10 |
| 17. Classification of land | 25.6% (Low ) 33.6 %( Medium) 40.8 %( Upper) |
Land under Horticulture
| Plantation | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| 1. Mango plantation: (2006-2007) | 14,045 hact |
| 2. Cashew plantation: (2006-2007) | 4703 hact |
| 3. Banana cultivation: (2006-2007) | 1340 hact |
| 4. Land under commercial floriculture | 1865 hact |
| 5. Land under cultivation of spices | 520 hact |
| 6. Cultivation of organic ginger and turmeric | 100 hact |
Types of Crops
The weather of Orissa favours a lot of crops for cultivation, among these crops rice, pulses, oil seeds, jute, roselle, sugarcane, coconut and turmeric are important crops. There are also cash crops like tea, cotton and rubber. The sate contributes one- tenth of the rice production in India. Apart from irrigation, floods, droughts, low yield per hectare and division and fragmentation of holidays are the most important agriculture problem of the state. Jute, gram sesame ragi, mustard, and maize are second- ranking crops in different districts. District- wise, Cuttack and Balasore rank second in jute production, Puri and Phulbani ranks high for gram and Mayurbhanja for maize product.Food Grains
Food grains include cereals, millets and pulses. Among cereals the most important crop is rice. It is followed by ragi, maize, wheat, small millets and bajra. All these, except wheat are coarse cereals and belong to hardier crops which are mostly cultivated in the middle mountainous, rolling uplands and plateaus of Orissa. Where as rice is confined to the coastal plains, the river valleys and Hirakud command areas where alluvial soil is found. Coarse cereals are of major importance in Orissa both in production and productivity. Among the cereals, rice is the most dominant crop. It is concentrated in the areas of Cuttack Sambalpur, Puri, Ganjam, Balasore, Koraput, Keonjhar and Kalahandi. Rice cultivation is mostly confined to the alluvial coastal plains and river valleys below the 305 meter contour line because of ideal topographical and soil conditions.Pulses
The most important pulses grown in Orissa are gram, tuar, arhar. According to the classification the pulses of Orissa can be broadly divided in to Kharif and Rabi crops. The Mahanadi delta, the Rushikulya plains and the Hirakud and Badimula regions are favourable to the cultivation of pulses. Production of pulses is basically concentrated in districts like Cuttack, Puri, Kalahandi, Dhenkanal, Bolangir and Sambalpur.Oil Seeds
Sesame, groundnut, mustard, castor and linseed are the principal oilseeds grown in Orissa. Oilseeds are categorized as Kharif and Rabi crops. Rabi oilseeds grown as a second crop after the cereals are harvested. Among the oilseeds, groundnut and castor are the hardier crops and are grown in marginal and sub- marginal lands.Oilseed cultivation is concentrated in districts like Cuttack, Koraput, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal and Ganjam. All these are located in a less hospitable terrain.
Coconut is highly cultivated in Orissa especially in the coastal districts. In the coastal district of Orissa like Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam a large number of coconut trees are seen. Dhenkanal is the leading til producing district, Balasore leads in mustard and Cuttack in groundnut production.
Cash Crops
Among cash crops, fibre crops are especially important. Jute accounts for the maximum areas. Orissa is the fourth largest producer of jute after west Bengal, Bihar and Assam. Rice and jute, compete with each other as they require almost similar soil and climatic conditions. Cultivation of jute is primarily confined to the coastal plains of Cuttack, Balasore and Puri districts.A considerable amount of Roselle is also cultivated in Orissa. It dominates in the districts of Cuttack, Ganjam, Bolangir and Koraput districts.
Sugarcane is the second most important cash crop in Orissa in area as well as production. It is grown in irrigated areas. Orissa stands eight in sugarcane production in India. A considerable amount of sugarcane is cultivated in Cuttack, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Puri districts. Orissa also produces a small quantity of tobacco. In cash crop production, Cuttack district tops the list.
New Cash Crops
Among the new cash crops, the most important is cashew, which has been planted extensively in the low level latiritic plateaus at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats. The Cashew Plantation Board is responsible for the development of cashew cultivation in the state. Cashew is also being planted on the sand-dunes on the entire coastal belt. This is because of the suitable edaphic and climatic conditions in these areas. On the degraded and deforested hills of the Eastern Ghats, cashew is planted to check soil erosion. As a result, Orissa is earning a lot of foreign exchange by exporting cashew through Paradeep.Rubber Plantations
To protect the degraded hill slopes of Eastern Ghats, rubber plantation have been taken up by Rubber Board. Bright prospect for the growth and development of natural Rubber exists in the northern Orissa Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Balasore due to favourable agro-climatic conditions. Orissa is a non traditional area for rubber plantations. Inland hill areas of Cuttack, Puri Ganjam and Dhenkanal districts have agro-climatic conditions suitable for rubber cultivation.Cotton
Cotton cultivation has been taken up extensively in Koraput, Bolangir and Kalahandi districts where suitable soil and climate conditions are found. Sea Island cotton can be grown in the Ballipal region of Balasore district.Tea
It is concentrated in the areas of Eastern Ghats, Keonjhar mountainous region of Phulbani and Koraput.Coffee
It is concentrated in forest lands of Eastern Ghats, Koraput, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Rayagada, G. Udayagiri and Balliguda areas of Kandhamal district.Agricultural Zones on the Basis of Distribution of Crops
| Agricultural Zones | Area and Crop Distribution |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Baripada plain to the east of Budhabalanga. It is dominated by the sugarcane cultivation. |
| 2 | The south Balasore plain. It works as wonders for cereals. |
| 3 | The southern valley of the Baitarani. This area suits to sugarcane cultivation. |
| 4 | The Panposh plateau is dominated by pulses. |
| 5,6 | These zones cover the entire Mahanadi, Brahmani and southern portion of the Baitarani deltas. Throughout the zone, pulses are extensively cultivated. In the core sugarcane, jute oilseeds and other cereals are widely grown. |
| 7 | This region is solely dominated by oilseeds and is located on the eastern bank of the Brahmani River. |
| 8,9 | These zones are found in the middle and lower Brahmani valley. They are dominated by pulses. In the core of this region, cotton and sugarcane are extensively cultivated. Pulses, sugarcane and cotton are the principal crops. |
| 10 | This zone dominated by sugarcane is located in the Mahanadi valley and is confined to the Dhenkanal plains. |
| 11 | In the Nayagarh region oilseeds are the principal crop. |
| 12 | The upper Mahanadi valley is dominated by pulses. |
| 13, 14 | These zones located in the hilly terrain of the Udayagiri and Phulbani regions, almost overlap each other and are dominated by pulses and oilseeds. |
| 15, 16 | The Rushikulya Plain is the most important agricultural region in Orissa. It is dominated by pulses. |
| 17, 18 | The Vansadhara valley is a region dominated by sugarcane cultivation. Rayagada stands at the centre of this zone. Oilseeds are also widely cultivated to the east of the Vansadhara and thus a separate region is formed. |
| 19 | This small region in the upper reaches of the Nagabali is dominated by sugarcane cultivation. |
| 20 | This is a hilly region almost the same size as the former, but is principally a cereal area. |
| 21, 22 | The Nawrangpur plateau is mainly a region of pulses. Towards the southern part of this area, however, sugarcane dominates. So a separate region is worked out with pulses and sugarcane. |
| 23, 24, 25, 26 | The rolling uplands of Bolangir- Titlagarh- Patnagarh and Bhawanipatna are dominated by cereals. |
| 27 | The Sonepur plain is dominated by sugarcane cultivation. |
| 28, 29, 30 | The Sambalpur and Baragarh rolling uplands are dominated by pulses. In the northern part of this region sugarcane and in the south oilseeds dominate. |
| 31 | This region covers the rolling uplands of the basin and the Panposh rolling uplands of the Brahmani. Pulses are the principal crops here. |
Irrigation
The state is blessed with abundant water resources & extensive network of rivers & streams. For effective utilization & management of water resources, river basin plans for all the eleven river basins of the state have been prepared and steps are being taken to set up River Basin Organization.Irrigation is the main input of Agriculture without which Agriculture can not sustain its full growth. Irrigation Development not only correlates to Agriculture but also to other Socio-Economic aspects like industry, navigation, hydropower, pisiculture,water supply etc. With this objective, top priority has all along been given in Five-Year Plans for irrigation development. During pre-plan period, 1.83lakh hectare of irrigation potential was created. Attempts have been made to achieve irrigation development in planned manner by implementing different schemes such as AIBP, RIDE, BKVY, RR&R, Bharat Nirman & RLTAP etc. By the end of March-2006, 21.59lakh hectare of irrigation potential has been created using surface & ground water.
- Total private irrigation projects: 7465(2006 December)
- Irrigation potential created is about 1.45 lakh.hact with 61,799PLIPs.
Water Resources at a Glance
| 1. Net irrigation potential | 2603.06 thou.ha (44.12% of total irrigable area) |
| 2. Ground water resources | 2101128 hectare.mtr |
| 3. Utilized | 14.79% |
| 4. Major/ medium flow irrigation | 122071thou.ha |
| 5. Lift irrigation (minor) | 347.39thou. ha |
| 6. Flow irrigation (Minor) | 454.49 thou.ha |
| 7. Others | 570.47 thou.ha |
Initiatives by Govt. of Orissa
Biju Krushka Vikash Yojana (BKVY)
The scheme was launched by the State Government in the year 2001 with an objective to revive derelict projects and construction of new minor & irrigation projects through people's participation. As per the scheme, the beneficiaries will contribute 10% of the capital cost of the project in schedule area & 20% of the capital cost in non- schedule areas. After completion of the project, the operation & maintenance will be entirely controlled by the beneficiaries and are exempted from payment of water tax to Government.Pani Panchayat
Adopting reform measures in irrigation sectors, participatory irrigation management (Pani Panchayat) programme has been taken up in mission mode approach and extended to all command area under major, medium and minor (Flow & lift) irrigation sector. Legal status has been provided to Pani Panchayat by enacting Pani Panchayat Act, 2002 & Pani Panchayat Rule, 2003.New Initiatives
For better utilization of water resources, multi-sectoral development approach (flood control, drainage, irrigation) in river basin has planned. Two project proposals namely Mahanadi Basin Development Plan (MBDP) for Mahanadi Basin and Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture & Water Management Project (OIWMP) for Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subernarekha basins have been prepared & submitted to MOW for clearance.To provide irrigation facilities, at least to 35% of the cultivable land in every block in nest five years, master plan in under process.
Irrigitation Status
Orissa share of irrigation land in 1995-96 was 23%. The ratio was 21% in 1990-91.| Irrigation | Area |
|---|---|
| 1. Canals | 7,65,086 hectares |
| 2. Tanks | 81,413 hectares |
| 3. Tube wells | 63,084 hectares |
| 4. Other means | 1,60,142 hectares |
Communication
Communication in the era of Globalization is a significant aspect through which many complicated activities are solved within a fraction of second. Communication network in recent years is developing with a proper pace in the land of Orissa. Even the remote areas of Orissa have been connected through telecommunication, postal network, mobile coverage, etc. The communication infrastructure which is a basic necessity for rapid industrialization has been given utmost importance in the land of Orissa.
* Telecommunication
* Postal Network
Telecommunication
Considerable improvement has taken place in the telecom coverage as well as in quality of services in recent years and the state Govt. is providing all the support for its development. Almost 95% of the state (with the exception of Cuttack and Sambalpur) is covered by electronic exchange.
Public call offices having STD and ISD facilities are plentiful in Orissa and the state has 120 STD Codes linking various regions on the telecom map. ISD and fax facilities provide automatic dialled access to national and international subscribers. Orissa along with the rest of India has recently received access to internet for global connectivity and for a host of services like E-mail, database access, etc.
Private sector investment in value added telecom services like paging, cellular services, mobile radio trunking, tele-banking, etc making its entry in to the state in a line with recent central Govt. policy changes.
Facts and Figures about Telecommunication in Orissa
1. Orissa has 680 telephone stations of which 613 have STD facilities
2. STD coverage- 30 districts networking 58 subdivisions, 147 tehsils, 314 block head quarters.
3. Trunk call efficiency - 83% against targeted 80%
4. Total no. of telephone connections - 11,26,192(2004-2005)
5. Land line connections - 7,67,953
6. Mobile connections - 2,93,085
7. WLL connections - 65,154
8. Local PTS - 8,698
9. STD service stations - 22402
10. Highway PTS - 633
11. Total no of STD lines in the state - 4,14,109(2004-2005)
12. Telephone exchanges - 1136(2004-2005)
13. Number of villages covered - 40,753(2004-2005)
14. Total area covered under telecommunication - 86.72%
Postal Network
Orissa is part of India's wide network of 1, 50,000 post offices. The government run postal department has a vast network of 7,947 post offices (1991-92 census), providing services to both important towns and remote rural areas with the rest of the country.
The postal department is also planning to introduce new value added service like hybrid mail for faster delivery through dedicated computer and satellite links. Domestic and international courier services also operate in the state.
Geography of Orissa
The state of Orissa lies within the latitudes 17.780 & 22.730 and longitudes 81.37 E and 87.53E.Geographically the state is bounded by the states of West Bengal on the North East, Jharkhand, on the North, Chhatisgarh on the west, and the Andhra Pradesh on the South, the Bay of Bengal on the east. The state has costal line of about 450kms the state extends over an area of 155,707 sq. kms. which accounts about 4.87% of total area of India. According to 2001 census, the state has total population of 36,706,920 out of which 18,612,340 are male and 18,094,580 are female.Meteorolgy
There are four meteorological seasons are felt in Orissa namely:- Winter season (January-February)
- Pre-monsoon season (March-May)
- South west monsoon season (June-September)
- Post monsoon or north east monsoon season (October-December)
Morphology of Orissa
Morphologically the state of Orissa can be divided into five parts:- The coastal plains
- The middle mountainous country
- The rolling upland
- River valleys
- Subdued plateaus
The coastal plains
The coastal plains of Orissa stretch from Subarnarekha in the North to Rusikulya in the South. They are narrow in the north, widest in the middle, narrowest in the lake Chilika coast and broad in the south. The coastal plains are the gift of six major rivers, which bring silt from their catchments, has reclaimed this area from the depths of the Bay of Bengal. The rivers from north to south are the Subarnarekha, the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the Brahamani, the Mahanadi and the Rushikulya. The coastal plains can be termed as a land of "Six deltas". These deltas include the Subernarekha, the Budha Balanga, the middle coastal plain, the combine deltas of the Baitarani, the Brahamani, the Mahanadi and the south coastal plains (The Rusikulya plains).The mountainous region
The mountainous region of Orissa covers about ¾ of the area of the state. The region is a part of Indian peninsula. Here deep and broad valleys are cut by the Baitarani, the Brahamani, the Mohanadi, the Rusikulya, the Bansadhara and the Nagavali rivers. They are fertile, well drained and thickly populated. Morphologically this region can be divided in to the following units.- The Simulia and meghasana mountains
- The Baitarani and the Brahamani interfluous
- The water shed between the Brahmani and the Mahanadi
- The water shed of Rusikulya and Vansadhara. The elevation ranges from 6102-1068 meters
The rolling uplands
The rolling uplands are lower in elevation than the plateaus. They vary from 153m-305m. They are the products of continued river action, are rich in soil nutrients, and are situated in the koelsankh basin of the upper Brahamani in the IB, the Suktel and the tell of the middle Mohanadi and the Sabari basins. The rolling uplands may be grouped as follows: the Rajgangpur uplands, the Jharsuguda uplands, the Bhawani pattna uplands, the Bargarh uplands, the Balangir–Titlagarh uplands-the Patnagarh uplands, the Malkanigir uplands and the Rairangapur uplands.The river valleys
The river valleys are net product of the action of rivers. They are fertile and times present and undulating topography. The major river valleys of Orissa are associated with the Brahamani, the Mahanadi and the Vansadhara rivers.The subdued plateaus
The subdued plateaus (305-601m) revel all the peculiarities of peninsular tablelands. They are almost flat and the monotony of geography is interrupted by the river valleys. These features are commonly met with in the upper Baitarani and the Sabari basins of the Keonjhar and Koraput Districts, respectively. In these uplands sheet erosion is most common while gullying is confined to the river valleys. These plateaus can be divided in to the Panposh–Keonjhar–Pallahara plateaus and the Nawrangpur- Jeypore plateaus.Natural Resource of Orissa
Rivers
There are four groups of rivers which flow through Orissa into the Bay of Bengal. They are:- Rivers that have a source outside the state (the Subarnarekha, the Brahmani and the Mahanadi)
- Rivers having a source inside the state (the Budhabalanga, the Baitarani, the salandi, and the Rusikulya)
- Rivers having a source inside the Orissa flow through other states (the Bahudu the Vansadhara, and the Nagavali)
- Rivers having a source inside Orissa, but tributary to rivers which flow through other states (the Machkund, the sileru, the Kolab and the Indravati)
River Mahanadi
It is the major river of Orissa and sixth largest river in India. It originates from the Amarkantak hills of the Bastar plateau in Raipur district of Chhatisgarh. It is about 857 kms. Long (494 kms in Orissa) and its catchment area spreads over 141,600 sq.km (65,580 sq.kms) in Orissa. The river carries average about 92,600 million m. of water.The Brahmani
It is the second largest river in Orissa. It originates two major rivers like the Sankh and the Koel from the Chhotangpur Plateau of Bihar and both join at Veda Vyasa near Rourkela of Sundergarh district of Orissa forming the major River Brahmani. It flows through the Eastern Ghats in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Jajpur districts in to the coastal plains and enters into the Bay of Bengal along with a combined mouth with the Mahanadi known as the Dhamra. The Brahmani is 799 kms. Long (541kms In Orissa) and its catchment area spreads over 39,033 sq. kms in Orissa).The Baitarani
It originates from the Gonasika hills of the keonjhar district. It is 365 kms. long and its catchment area spreads over 12,790 sq. kms. It enters into the Bay of Bengal after joining of the Brahmani at Dhamra mouth near chandabali Subarnrekha.Subarnarekha
It originates from Chhotnagpur plateau of Bihar. It is 433 kms. (70 kms. in Orissa) and has a catchment area of 19,500 kms. (3,200 kms. in Orissa) with a mean annual flow of 7,900 million.The Budhabalanga
It originates from the eastern sloops of the Similipala massif. It is about 175 kms. long having a total catchment area of 4840 sq. kms with an annual flow of 2177 million m. Its major tributaries are the Sone, the Gangadhar, the Catra etc.The Rushikulya
It originates from Rushikulya hills of the Eastern Ghats in Phulbani district. It is 165 kms. long with 8900 sq.kms of catchment areas. Its tributaries are the Baghua the Dhanei Badanadi etc. It has no delta at its mouth.The Bahuda
It originates from the Ramgiri hills of the Eastern Ghats in Gajapati district and joins the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. Its length 73 kms. having a catchment area of 1250 kms.The Bansadhara
It originates from the flanks of the Durgakangar hills (Lingaraj hills) of the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi districts. It is 230 kms. out of which only 150 kms. in Orissa. It enters in to Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It has a catchment area of 1150 sq. kms.The Nagabali
It originates from the Bijipur hills of the Eastern Ghats near Lnjigarh. It is 210 kms. long out of which 100kms is in Orissa. It has a total catchment area of about 9410sq.kms.The Salandi
It originates from the Meghasan hills of the Similipala massif in Keonjhar district. It is 144kms long with catchment areas of 1793 sq.kms.The Indrabati
It originates from the Eastern Ghats in Kalahandi district. It is 530 kms. long with a catchment area of 4170 sq. kms. as a tributary it flows into the Godabari River.The Kolab
It originates from the Sinkarn hills of the Eastern Ghats in Koraput district. It has catchment areas of 20400 sq. kms.Waterfalls
Most of the rivers, either at the point of origin or over the mountainous bed, have waterfalls. The Barehipani and Joranda (Similipal) in Myurbhanja district Sanaghagara and Badaghagara in Keonjhar district. Padhanpuri in Deogarh district khandadhar (Banei) in Sundargarh district Phurliharan, Khandabaladhar, and Rabandhar in kalahandi district Kentamari and putudi in Boudh and Phulbani district DumDuma in Malkangiri district and Bogra in Koraput district are some of the major waterfalls of Orissa.Lakes
The Chillika Lake is blackish water lagon located in the southern part of the Orissa coastal plane. It salinity decleans to a minimum during the monsoon. But in winter due to the overflow of the tidal water through the narrow opening from the Bay of Bengal, it is maximum.Ansupa is a sweet water lake located in Banki of Cuttack district. It is 3 kms. in length and 1.5 kms. in breadth. Sara in another sweet water lake located near puri. It is 5 kms. in length and 3 kms. in breadth. Kanjia is another sweet water lake with about 134 acres of area located in Nandankanan of Cuttack district near Bhubaneswar.
| Name of the springs | Rivers /tributary etc. | Location /District |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bada Ghagra | Ghagaras, a tributary to the Baitarani | Kendujhar district |
| 2. San Ghagra | San Ghagaras a tributary to Baitarani | Ditto |
| 3. Kapilas | A tributary to the Brahmani | Dhenkanal District |
| 4. Chandikhol | A tributary to Mahanadi | Cuttack District |
| 5. Mahavinayak | - | - |
| 6. Barunei | Tributary to the Daya | Near Khurda of khurda district |
| 7. Narayani | Draining to lake Chilika | Puri district |
| 8. Nirmal Jhar | Draining to lake Chilika | Near Khalikot in Ganjam District |
| 9. Pradhanpat | A tributary to the Brahamani | Near Deogarh of Deogarh district |
| 10. Phurligharan | A tributary to the Indravati | Near Bhawanipatna of Kalahandi district |
| 11. Khandadhar | A tributary to the Brahamani | Near Bonei of Sundargarh district |
| 12. Nurshingh Nath | A tributary to the Tel | Balangir district |
| 13. Harishankar | Jira river, a tributary to Tel | Balangir district |
| 14. Gosinga Jhar | Kuaria Nala, a tributary to the Mahanadi | Near Kantilo of puri district |
| 15. Koiliharan | A tributary to the Mahanadi | Near Jharsuguda of Jharsuguda district. |
| 16. Jharbada | Mankada river a tributary to the Brahamani | Near Malaygiri in Dhenkanal district. |
Hot Springs
There are only three hot springs which drain out mineral water, containing a very high percentage of sulphur. One of them is at Deulijhara near Athamallik on the flood plains of the Mahanadi. The second one is at Atri near Khurda. The third is located on the eastern slopes of the Eastern Ghats at Taptapani of Ganjam district.Tidal Rivers
The tidal sections of the rivers and their distributaries are confined to the lower reaches of the rivers in the Orissa coastal plain. They vary as per the shape of the mouth, depth of the channel, and extension of the sand bars in the river mouths. The tidal channels vary from a maximum of 90 km. in Brahmani to a minimum of 5km in case of Baghuni from their respective mouths. The mahanadi is tidal for about 35km whereas the Devi, a distributary of the Mahanadi, is tidal 45km. following table gives a picture of the tidal channels in Orissa.Scenic Wild Life
One of the greatest benefits of Orissa's vast expanses of unspoilt natural landscape has been its ability to offer a protected yet natural habitat to the state's incredible wildlife.Nandankanan
A short distance from the capital city, Bhubaneswar. The Nandanakanan zoo lies in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia lake. It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared as sanctuary.Famous for its white tiger population, Nandanakanan or the Garden of Gods has become a hot favourite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory-in an environment conductive to their growth. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexist in this deeply forested boundaries.
The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, for successfully breeding back panthers, Gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.
White Tiger Breeding
One of the rarest creatures in the world the regal white tiger received a new lease of life with the important research and concentrated efforts initiated to try and breed them in the natural environs of Nandankanan.In 1980 on a day full of excitement and jubilation the first litter of white tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga, two normal tawny tigers.
Subsequent litters of white tigers have been distributed to zoos both at home and aboard. Currently Nandanakanan is home to over 34 white tigers.
Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, 3 Indian crocodiles, Shanghai lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, India Panogolin, mouse, deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan.
Some of the other attractions of Nandankanan are the 34 aquaria which are home to large variety of fresh water fishes. The reptile parks cave-like entrance is guarded by a lifesize dinosaur, inside, numerous species of crocodiles, lizard's turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease.
The rope way connecting the zoo with the botanical garden over the lake, the boating facilities and the toy train for children have added new features.
Similipal
Apart from Nandankana Similipala is a national park of national reputation, which belongs to Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. In this sanctuary the visitors have liberty to have glanced the movements of wild animals from a safety distance, arranged by the authority. During winter a number of visitors visit this park. This park is well connected with road ways. The guest houses of OTDC make smooth arrangements for staying of visitors.Gharial Breeding
For the first time ever, a captive breeding centre was created for Gharial crocodiles. This important task was also facilitated by the gift of an adult male from the Frankfurt zoo.Safaris
The white tiger Safari established in 1991 offers visitors the heady excitement of viewing the rare white tigers from specially designed protected buses.The lion safari offers an adventurous zing to the trip to Nadankana.
The Chandaka Elephant Reserve
Only one of its kind. It is perfect for eco-tourism activities. Apart from the fabulous Elephants, Cheetah, Bear, Peafowl, Sambar and numerous other animals roam around doing their business unhampered.Bhitarakanika
Bhitarakanika wild life sanctuary is in north eastern coastal plain of newly found Kendrapada district. It covers on the area of about 650sq.kms (anonymous, 1986) of which approximately 380 sq.kms is under forest cover (map No.2). However, the core area of Bhitarakanika is 141.44 sq. which includes 115.5 sq.kms of mangrove forest. It is bounded by the river Dhamra (Confluence of Brahamni and Baitarani), Brahmani and about 35 kms long stretch of sea shore. It is indeed a treat to visit Bhitarakanika either through Chandbali or through Rajnagar/ Gupti, from where one has to take a motor launch ride to visit this many splendoured estuary.The music of streams flowing from mud flats after the tide, as one navigates through the creeks, particularly in summer months is indeed breath taking. Unlike many protected areas one can visit this park round the year, except for short periods, when it is closed to visitors for census operation or for nesting etc. The fauna includes estuarine crocodile, fishing cat, Cheetah, Sambar, water monitor lizard, python, king cobra, dolphin and many species of resident and migratory birds, like white bellied sea eagle, Brhaminy and Pariah kites, vulture, cormorant , darter, king fishers, open billed stork, white ibis, painted stork, whistling teals, Brahamini duck, pochards, bar headed geese, herons, and egrets.
Gahiramatha
It is close to Bhitarkanika. The list shall remain incomplete if mention is not made of Gahirmatha rookery of olive Ridley sea turtles which have made this the largest nesting ground of the species in the world where up to 6, 00,000 female turtle nest. It is fascinating experience to cruise through the estuarine rivers flanked by dense mangrove vegetation and stay in a forest Rest Houses at Dangmal, Ekaula, Habelikhati or Gupti.Satakosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary
Satakosia Gorge wildlife in heart of Orissa has the potential of becoming one of the finest protected areas in the country but so far not much support has been given to this. This sanctuary alongwith Baisipalli spread on either side of Mahanadi boasts of Tiger, Leopard, Elephant gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Gharial, Mugger, Python, King cobra, Pea fowl, Red jungle fowl, Hornbills, hill myna migratory birds in the rivers etc. A gharial research center and interpretation centre are located close to the forest Rest House at Tikarapada. A cruise through the Satakosia Gorge is an unforgettable experience.Large Forest Coverage
The total forest in the state in 1981 was 59,963sq.km constituting about 38% of the total geographical area. In 1989, it stood at about 30%; but according to 2001 census, the coverage of forest area is 37% of the total land area.Based on the relief, rainfall and vegetation types, the forest of Orissa are divided in to the following types:
- Northern Tropical Semi-evergreen forests: These occur in the lower hills and valleys above 600m elevation in the forest divisions of Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Athagarh, Puri, Nayagarh Parlakhemundi, Koraput nd Kalahandi. While the top storey trees are deciduous and remain leafless for a short lime, the second storey is evergreen. The important tree species are: Arjun, Mango, Makar kendu (Diospyros embryopteris), champak, Rai, manda and Nageswa.
- Tropical moist deciduous forests also known as Monsoon forests: These occur in the lower elevations in Mayurabhanj and Keonjhar districts and the districts bordering of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The top canopy is formed by sal (Shorea robust) and its allies Asan, piasal, Kurum, Kangra and Dhawra and daba bamboo (Bamboosa arundinacea)
- Tropical Dry Deciduous forests: They occur in the drier central and western areas in parts of Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Khariar, Deogarh and Gobindpur divisions. Teak instead of sal, and salia bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) instead of Daba bamboo predominate in these forests.
- Tidal Mangrove forests: These are limited in extent scattered and confined to the seacoast, especially in Bhitarkanika (Balasore) and the mahanadi delta. The characteristic tree species are karika (Bruquiera), Sundari (Heritiera) , Bani (Avicennia) , Rai (Rhizophora),Guan (Expcaria, etc. As Hental (Phoenix Paludosa) grows here abundantly in clusters, the mangrove forests are locally called Mental van or Hental forests.
Abundant Mineral Resources
The state is endowed with vast mineral deposits like Coal, iron-ore, Manganese-ore, Bauxite, Chromite, Dolomite, Limestone, graphite, etc. Besides that other important mineral resources are also available abundantly in Orissa.The main exported minerals of the state are Chromite, Coal, Dolomite, Iron-ore, Manganese and Bauxite. The value of mineral production of Orissa 2000-2001 (provisional) was 2 ,776.15 crore rupees and 5.23% share to all India value. The total production of minerals and ores in the state during 2000 -2001 registering an increase of 8.79% in quantity and 4.84% in value.
Vast Coast Line
India has a long coastline of 6200kms. The state of Orissa apart from other states of India is endowed with a long coast line of 480kms along the Bay of Bengal, interspersed with numerous ports like Paradeep, Gopalpur, Dhamra, (Chandbali), Bahabalapur, etc. The coast line of Orissa covers the distance of Chandaneswar to Gopalpur.Beautiful Beaches
All the sea beaches of Orissa are rated best in the country among all other beaches. All the beaches are spotlessly clean, absolutely quiet, with hardly any crowd. The beaches give a lot of opportunity to the visitors for swimming, bathing, strolling etc. All the sea beaches of Orissa are attractive round the year. The beautiful beaches of Orissa include Puri, Chandrabhaga near Konark, Balighai and Ramachandi (8 kms. from puri), Gopalpur near (Berhampur of Ganjam District) Chandipur (Bhadrak district) Chandaneswara (88 kms. from Balasore) etc.History of Orissa
The name of Orissa is derived from Sanskrit Odra Vishaya or "Odra Desa. The Ancient Odra desa or Ordesa was limited to the valley of Mahanadi and to the lower course of Subarnarekha River. It comprised the whole of the present districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and a portion of Midnapur. Bounded on the west by Gondwana, on the north by the wild hill states of Jaspur and Singhbhum, on the east by the sea and on the South by Ganjam, Orissa has a legendary history.Historically it was a part of the ancient Kalinga of Mahabharata fame. It was a home of many powerful kings and kingdoms. It has rich history of art, architecture, culture and religion that has drawn attention from all over the world.
Stages of Historical Developments in Orissa
261 BC to 49 BC
261 BC: Orissa's past focuses with the war of Kalinga in which the people of Kalinga had a bloodshed war with Ashoka, the powerful Mouryan emperor from Magadha. The bloody carnage left Ashoka with such a bitter taste in his mouth that he turned his back on violence forever and embraced the Budhism. Budhism spreads under his patronage and becomes one of the major religions.177 BC: Coronation of king Kharavela.
232 BC: Ashoka dies. The Mauryan Empire lasts up to 185 BC.
1st Century BC: Kalinga drifts out of the Mauryan rules under the first Chedi King Mahameghavahan in the early part 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.
1st Century AD to 736 AD
2nd Century AD: Early in the 2nd Century AD Kalinga is occupied by the Satabahana King Goutamiputra Satakarni from the west (Nasik), and continues to remain under the Satabahanas probably upto the rule of Yajansri Satakarni (AD 174-202).3rd century AD: After the death of Yajansri Satakami (202 AD), 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 Samudragupta's south India campaign.
350 AD: Samudragupta of Magadha sets out on his campaign of the south and conquers parts of Kalinga.
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.
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 Orissa extending from Mahanadi in the North to the Mahedragiri in the South. It is during the region of the Saillodhavas that Kalingas overseas trade flourishes largely 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 renewal in 630 AD.
- Huen Tsang visited Orissa
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.
Medieval I (931 AD to 1467 AD)
931 AD: The reign of Somavamsis begins. Somavamsi continue to raid till 1110 AD. Temple building activities reach a considerable degree of perfection during the reign of the Somavamsi with Bhubaneswar as the chief center. Somavamsi King Mahasivagupta Yayat II comes to the throne, and with him begins the most brilliant epoch in the history of Orissa. Yayat II unites Kalinga, Kangoda, Utkal and Koshala in the imperial tradition of Kharavela. He is believed to have constructed 38 temples for Lord Jagannath at Puri. He is also known to have laid the foundation of the famous Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar.1038 AD: The eastern Ganga which was lying low since the end of 5th century AD came into prominence again with the rise of Vajrahasta V who defeated Somavamsi 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 was during the rule of Chodaganga Dev that the famous medieval saint Ramanujacharya is known to have visited Orissa
1115 AD: Construction of Lord Jagannath Temple started.
1147 AD: King Chodoganga Dev dies. About 15 kings rule the Ganga Empire after him.
1211 AD: Anangabhima Dev III ascends to the throne. He is believed to have finished the construction work of Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri. Anangabhima Dev establishes a new city called Avinaba Bidanasi Katak (Modern Cuttack) at the bifurcation of the river Kathajodi and Mahanadi.
1234 AD-1245 AD: Langula Narasingh Dev built Sun Temple at Konark.
1238 AD: Anangabhima Dev dies in 1238 AD. His son Narshimha Dev comes to throne. He is reputed to have built the Temple for the Sun God at Konark.
1244 AD: King Narasimha Dev invades Bengal.
1361 AD: Sultan Firuz Shah Tugluq invades the Ganga Kingdom and occupies Avinaba Bidanasi Katak.
1435 AD -1467 AD
- Kapilendra Dev founded Orissa Empire.
- Oriya Mahabharat was written during this period.
Medieval II (1567 to 1764)
1567: Suleiman Karrani, the sultan of Bengal invades Orissa.1568: Ramachandra Bhanja, the feudatory of Saranga Garh rises in rebellion and proclaims himself as the king. Mukunda Dev dies in a battle with Ramachandra Bhanj, Soon thereafter Ramachandra Bhanja also meets his defeat and died in the hands Bayazid, the son of Suleiman Karrani. He succeeded in conquering Orissa thereafter Afghan rule in Orissa began.
1590-1595: Orissa becomes an arena for the battles between the Mughals and the Afghans when the Afghans refuse to acknowledge the supremacy of the Mughals ruling over Delhi. The operation continues from 1590 to 1595 resulting to the complete defeat of Afghans.
1592 - 1751: Mughals rule in Orissa begins with the arrival of Raja Manasingh, Akbar's Rajput General, who destroyed the Afghans resistant. On the instruction of the Akbar, Orissa is divided into five sarkars: Jaleswar (including Medinapur), Bhadrak , Cuttack, Chika Khol, and Raj Mahendry Dandpat. Orissa is thus acquired for Mughal Empire and is governed as a part of the Bengal Subah for sometime. It is during the Mughal rule that the merchants carry on their brisk overseas trade & commerce and attract the attention of European traders.
1607: During the rule of Akbar's son & successor, Jahangir, Orissa constituted into a separate province, with Cuttack as capital and is placed under a subhedar.
1670: Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanj is believed to have been born around 1670.
1728: The Nizam of Hyderabad occupies the whole of Ganjam & Chikakol (Srikakulam) & declares them as the North Sarkar.
1751 - 1803: Maratha Administration of Orissa begins with Raghuji Bhonsla-I as the new chief of the territory. Marathas continue to rule till 1803, the year in which Orissa passes to the hands of the Maratha administration. Marathas rulers however patronized religion and religious institutions, thus making Orissa centre of attraction. Oriya literature also makes a rapid progress during the period.
1633: East India Company set up its trade centre at Hariharpur and Balasore.
1757 - 1764: After the battle of Plassey in 1757 & Buxar in 1764, the British Empire looks for acquiring more Indian territories. Orissa being the neighboring state of Bengal naturally comes to be included in their planning.
Modern Up To 1948
1803: British army under Col. Harcourt begins its march from Ganjam in the South, and occupies the Mugalbandi districts of Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, and thereby completed conquering Orissa.1807: The first book to be printed in Oriya is "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 rule what is known as the famous Paikas Revolt of 1817. It is primarily an agrarian revolt against the wrong policies of land settlement and revenue administration adopted by the British.
1822: Missionaries arrive in Orissa.
1837: Missionaries established Cuttack Mission Press.
1839: Oriya is adopted as the language of the court replacing Persian language.
1843: Fakir Mohan Senapati is born.
1848: Kulabrudha Madhusudan Das is born.
1849: Missionaries bring out the first Oriya Magazine -"JNANARUNA"
1853: Bhaktakabi Madhusudan Rao is born.
1855
- Appearance of saint poet Bhima Bhoi.
- Surendra Sai of Sambalpur, Chaki Khuntia of Puri, and Arjun Singh of Podahat join hands with sepoys that is known as the "Sepoy Mutiny"
1866: A failure of rain in 1865 resulted in the loss of usual crops and brought about a catastrophic famine in 1865-66 which laid to the death of about one million people in Orissa. Gross negligence, indifferent administration, lack of communication and inadequate attention caused massive deaths in Orissa.. Cuttack printing press, the second in the state is established by the initiative of the people of the province. The first news paper "Utkal Dipika" is brought out by the Cuttack printing company. This tragic famine is known as "Naonkandurvikshya".
1866-1900: It was during this late 19th century that a new consciousness began to take shape. The growth of modern education gave birth to middle class intelligentsia. The publication of nationalistic periodicals and journals came into existence. Nationalistic literary activities of writers like Fakir Mohan Senapati and Radhanath Ray, gets prominence. Rise of numerous socio religious and cultural societies for creating consciousness. Formation of the Indian National Congress took shape of a political movement to unite all the Oriya-speaking areas under one administration.
1882 AD: Utkal Sabha under the secretary Gouri Sankar Ray formed.
1895 AD: Meeting held at Cuttack under the leadership of Utkal Gourava Madhusudan Das and the resolution passed for unification of Oriya speaking tracks.
1898 AD: Madhusudana Das elected to Bengal Legislative Assembly.
1909 AD: Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya established at Sakhigopala (Puri) district.
1912 AD: Sitting of Jatiya Sameelan was held at Balasore for discussion about creation of a separate state.
1918 AD: Satyabadi press established at Sakhigopala.
1927 AD: Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das passed away.
1930 AD: Salt Satyagraha (Labana Satygraha) at Inchudi, Balasore.
1936 AD: 1ST April Orissa became separate state.
1938 AD: Baji Rout died in police firing.
1939 AD
- (5TH August) Subash Chandra Bose visited Cuttack.
- Jaya Prakash Narayan visited Cuttack.
- Major general Bezel Gate was attacked and killed at Ranapur of Puri district.
1943 AD
- Oriya song transmitted for the first time from Calcutta radio station.
- Utkal University started functioning.
- Foundation stone of Hirakuda Dam laid by Sir.Hawthrone Lewis, Governor of Orissa.
- Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) established at Cuttack.
- Sri Biju Pattanaik made a daring flight to Indonesia to bring the hostage Indonesian leaders.
- Merger of princely state with Orissa.
History After 1948
Capital from Cuttack shifted to Bhubaneswar.1950 AD: With the coming of independence, the princely states in and around Orissa surrender their sovereignty to the Government of India. By the states merger (Governors provinces) order, the princely states of Orissa are completely merged with the Orissa on 19th August 1949, and the new Orissa becomes nearly twice its size by the addition of more people to its population.
1952 AD
- To institute Kalinga prize Sri Biju Pattanaik donated an amount of one thousand pound to UNESCO.
- In Govt. transaction both Oriya and English language were introduced.
1950-56: The second (post-independence) ministry under the leadership of Nabakrushna Choudhury formed.
1956-59: The third (post-independence) ministry headed by Dr.H.K.Mahatab assumes office.
1956
- Orissa Board of Secondary Education (BSE) is formed.
- Establishment of Burla Engineering College at Sambalpur.
- Orissa Sahitya Academy is formed.
- Completion of Hirakud Dam.
- To introduce Oriya in official language, official language act was passed in Orissa Assembly.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India inaugurated Hirakuda Dam.
- Establishment of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
- Mihir Sen crossed English Channel.
1959-61: The fourth (post-independence) ministry formed under the leadership of Dr.H.K.Mahatab.
1960: The Orissa Land Reforms Act of 1960 introduced.
1961
- Inauguration of Orissa State Assembly Building.
- Regional Engineering College (REC) started at Rourkela.
- Orissa State Electricity Board (OSEB) is set up.
- Congress forms the fifth (post-independence) ministry under the great leadership of Shri Biju Pattnaik. Shri Pattnaik initiates several industrial projects for rapid industrialization of Orissa. Most important and ambitious of the projects are Paradeep Port and the Express Highway connecting the port with the mining areas.
- Bali Mela and Talcher Projects, MIG Factory at Sunabeda.
- Orissa Industrial Development Corporation (IDCO) and Orissa Small Scale Industries Corporation are set up.
1963-65
- Congress forms the sixth (post-independence) ministry under the leadership of Shri Biren Mitra of Congress.
- Nehru laid foundation stone of NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) at Talcher, in 1964.
- Congress forms the seventh (post-independence) ministry under the leadership of Sadasiva Tripathy.
- Completion of Paradeep port (1966).
- Establishment of two new universities at Berhampur and Sambalpur.
- A new party called Jana Congress is formed under the leadership of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.
- Pt. Nilakantha Dash passed away.
1971
- Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati passed away.
- Acharya Harihara passed away.
1973: Imposition of president rule on 3rd March, 1973.
1974 -76: Mrs Nandini Satpathy forms eleventh ministry.
1977: Mr.Binayak Acharya is sworn in as the Chief Minister of the twelfth ministry. The ministry remains in office only for 123 days. In a mid term poll, the Janta Party laid by Shri Biju Pattnaik secures 110 seats out of 147 seats. Mr.Nilamani Routray is made the Chief Minister. The ministry remains in office till 1980.
1980: Shri Biju Pattnaik conferred the title of "Bhumiputra" by Indonesian Government.
1981
- Sri Jagannath Sanskrit University is established at Puri.
- National Aluminium Company (NALCO) established at Angul.
1984
- Mrs. Indira Gandhi addressed last meeting of her life at Bhubaneswar.
- Television Transmission Centre was established at Cuttack.
- Congress party wins an impressive victory in the elections to the 9th Orissa Legislative Assembly.
- Mr. Janaki Ballab Pattnaik becomes the Chief of the fifteenth ministry.
- Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab passed away.
- Shri Sachidananda Routray, renowned poet of Orissa received "Gyanapitha" award.
- Shri Rabi Ray was elected as Speaker of Loksabha.
- Agni Ballistic Missile was test fired for first time at Chandipur on sea.
1990
- Under the dynamic leadership of Shri Biju Pattnaik, the Janta Dal wins an astounding victory in the elections to the Tenth Orissa Legislative Assembly.
- Justice Ranganath Mishra sworn in as the Chief Justice of India.
1995: Indonesian Government awarded their highest national title "Bintan Jasuttam" to Shri Biju Pattnaik.
Industries
Orissa is one of the important states of India which is endowed with varieties of mineral resources. The mineral resources of Orissa have reputation for being qualitative for industries. The mineral resources of Orissa include Iron ore, Manganese, Coal, Bauxite, Dolomite, Tin, etc. Mineral resources have played an important role to make Orissa hot destinations for industries. Because of mineral resources big industries, like Rourkela Steel Plant, National Aluminum Company, National Thermal Power Corporation, have established their positions not only in India but also in world market. Besides those, reforms in infrastructure in recent years have created an atmosphere conducive for major industries of the world to look forward to Orissa as an epi-centre for industrial growth. In Eastern India, Orissa is really growing in real sense to become an industrial hub in the coming years.Government of Orissa aims at creating and industry-enabling and investor friendly climate in the state with a view to accelerate industrial developments, employment opportunities and economic growth. IPR-2001 and Orissa Industries (facilitation) Act 2004 embodies the above objectives of Govt. Orissa has already emerged as a major investment destination for national as well as transborder national investors, especially in steel, aluminum, petrochemicals, power, IT and ITES, food processing industries, tourism and other such sectors.
Infrastructure Development
Government is in the process of formulating a robust public- private-partnership (PPP) policy to promote private investments in infrastructure development. Some successful efforts to initiate PPP projects include Paradeep Haridaspur Railway Link, Dhamra Port and Gopalpur Port etc. The state has already taken the initiative of promoting Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for attracting exports oriented industries and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).Types of Industries Existing in Orissa
With the passing of times journey of industrial growth has taken a momentum within the Geographical periphery of Orissa. On the basis of investment the industries of Orissa are classified into following categories:- Large Scale Heavy Industries
- Large Scale Industries
- Small and Medium Industries
- Handicraft and Cottage Industries
- Khadi and Village Industries
Infrastructure
For economic development of any state, industrialization plays a vital role. But for creating a viable atmosphere for industries and corporate houses a sound and smooth infrastructure becomes top priority for the government. Keeping that sentiment in view the government of Orissa since few years has consistently tried to provide a fine tuned industry and investment friendly infrastructure. In that direction the government is becoming successful which is seen through a lot of major changes and improvements occurred in the fields of infrastructure. The most important agenda of government of Orissa has become providing the state best connectivity through roads, rail, sea, and air.Roads
Roads are considered the most important component of infrastructure, to which nations economy either directly or indirectly connected. Constructing high quality roads of international standard has come to reality in the soil of Orissa because of the potential will of the Government of Orissa. The State is connected to other neighboring states like west Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, through all weather high standard roads. Major roads of the state are covered by Pradhan Mantri Bharat Jodo Pari Yojana (PMBJP). The approaching roads to the main roads have qualitatively improved. In recent years the internal roads connecting villages, hamlets have become R.C.C roads. The roads connecting to Gram Panchayat Road and Taluka (Block) Road have also been constructed through R.C.C. In recent days attempts have been made for constructing roads through Public Private Partnership (PPP).Facts And Figures About Roads Of Orissa
- Total road length (As on 31.03.03): 238034 kms.
- National Highway: 12nos (3193 kms.)
- State Highway: 5014 kms.
- State Express Highway: 30 kms.
- Major District Roads (MDR): 3288 kms.
- Other District Roads (ODR): 6138 kms.
- Classified Village Roads (CVR): 3338 kms.
- Village Roads: 25072 kms.
- Panchayat Samiti Roads: 20324 kms.
- G.P Roads: 139942 kms.
- Forest Roads: 7242 kms.
- Urban Roads: 18132 kms.
- Railway Route (as on 31.03.03): 2401 kms.
- Broad Gauge 2311 km: Coastline proposed 574 kms.
- Irrigation Roads: 6277 kms.
- GRIDCO Roads: 88 kms.
- Railway length per thousand sq.km: 15.04 kms.
- Goods Vehicle (as on 31. 03.03): 84268
- Public, Private Buses: 4946
- Car, Jeep, Taxi: 66691
- Auto Rickshaws: 11310
- Scooters & Mopeds: 943178
- Others: 10667
- No. of Post Offices: 8159 (Rural 7556, Urban 603)
Rails
Orissa is well-connected with the national rail network. It has rail lines of 2287km, including 91km of narrow gauge. The Orissa railway network is a part of the East Coast Railway, which is the largest carrier of commercial load in both freight as well as passenger traffic in the country.- Orissa is a link between Eastern and Western India through the railway network of South- Eastern and East-Coast Railways.
- With the commissioning of the Talcher-Sambalpur railway line, a vital link has been established between Coastal and Western Orissa.
- While construction of the Koraput-Rayagada line has been completed, work on the Daitari-Banspani (expected completion is by 2006) and Khurda Road- Bolangir railway links are in progress
- Development of Haridaspur - Paradeep and Angul-Duburi- Sukinda Road rail links, currently being planned, will connect the resource base to the industries.
Ports
Orissa is endowed with a long coast line of 480 kms. along the Bay of Bengal interspersed with numerous ports like Dhamra (Chand Bali), Bahabalpur etc. Pradeep is the deepest port in India and is the main entry/ exit point for sea borne trade in Eastern India, catering particularly to Orissa, Bihar, Chhatisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. It is emerging as a primer port of the country. The cargo profile of the port includes iron ore, coal, other minerals, food grains, petroleum products etc. A Modern fishing harbour has recently been commissioned at Paradeep.The port handles up to 12mtrs. draught and has a mechanized iron ore berth in addition to other cargo berths, 4 wharf cranes of 13.2mt capacity is 500 tone slip way and requisite cargo handling and storage facilities. The port has its own railway system and connected to East Coast Railways. It is also connected to NH5 A and State Highway 42.
The Gopalpur Port of Ganjam district is a fair weather sea port with a current handling capacity of 2000-2500 tone per day. The port is ear marked for conversion to an on weather deep water port with augmented and fully mechanized. Cargo handling capacity and additional services for which a MOU has bee signed and the project is slated to be fully operational soon.
Development of small ports and satellite ports will be the thrust area in the state. Some of the developmental possibilities have been identified as below:
| Name of the Port Locations | Districts |
|---|---|
| 1. Gopalpur | Ganjam |
| 2. Bahuda Muhan (Sonepur) | Ganjam |
| 3. Palur | Ganjam |
| 4. Baliharchandi | Puri |
| 5. Astarang | Puri |
| 6. Nuanai | Puri |
| 7. Mangala Ghat | Puri |
| 8. Jatadhar Muhan | Jagatsinghpur |
| 9. Barunei Muhan | Kendrapada |
| 10. Dhamra | Bhadrak |
| 11. Chudamani | Bhadrak |
| 12. Inchuri | Balasore |
| 13. Chandipur | Balasore |
| 14. Bahabalpur | Balasore |
| 15. Subarnarekha mouth (Kirtania) | Balasore |
Inland Waterways
Historically the river-ways of the state have a long tradition of cargo traffic. In fact, the building materials for the famous temples at Puri and Konark had been transported by the inland waterways. The Brahmani and Mahandi rivers were used for coal barges in the past. A study has been commissioned to examine the commercial viability of reviving this traditional mode of inland transportation and this may throw up many possibilities in the future.Social Infrastructure
Housing
The last two year have witnessed construction of large number of apartments by the private real estate builders in the major cities of Orissa i.e. Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela, Angul, Sambalpur etc. Many luxurious bunglows and offices of renowned corporate houses have come up in Orissa.Medical Facilities
Medical facilities have improved tremendously in recent years. The health system in the state is primarily run by state owned hospital. Apart from that, initiatives of private parties have helped for opening of modernized clinics, nursing homes, and diagnostic centers.Reputed hospitals of India have started their operation and providing best medical support. Orissa has become a good medical service provider in the eastern region. There are three Government medical colleges and one private medical college in Orissa which provide best medical facilities. L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Ayush Hospital, Care Hospital, Hemalata Hospital, Panda Medical Centre for Cancer, Kalinga Hospital, Appolo Clinic, are some of the renowned names in the medical sector operating in Orissa.
Financial Infrastructure
- Commercial Banks (Government, Private, Foreign Bank)
Government Banks
SBI, UBI, UCO Bank,Canara Bank, Andhra Bank, Bank of Maharashtra,
Punjab National Bank etc
Private Banks
ICICI Bank , HDFC , Axix Bank etc
- Financial Institutions (both Central and State)
Central Financial Institutions
IDBI, SIDBI, IFCI, RBI, NABARD
State Financial Institutions
OSFC, IPICOL, OIDC
Insurance Institutions
LIC, GIC, (Government )
Bajaj Alianz, Kotak Mahindra, Aviva Life Insurance, ICICI Prudential etc. (Private)
Source: IT Department, Government of Orissa
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