Odisha

Front

What is the capital city of Odisha?

Back

Bhubaneswar

Answer explanation

Bhubaneswar became the capital of Odisha in 1948, replacing Cuttack. It is known as the "Temple City" due to its numerous ancient temples and is a planned city designed by German architect Otto Konigsberg. Cuttack was the previous capital, Puri is a religious hub, and Rourkela is an industrial city.

Front

Odisha was historically known by what name? Options: Kalinga, Magadha, Kosala, Utkala

Back

Kalinga

Answer explanation

In ancient times, Odisha was known as Kalinga, a powerful kingdom mentioned in texts like the Mahabharata and historical events like the Kalinga War. Utkala is another historical name for parts of Odisha, but Kalinga is more widely recognized. Magadha and Kosala were neighboring regions.

Front

Which famous war led Emperor Ashoka to adopt Buddhism?

Back

Kalinga War

Answer explanation

The Kalinga War (261 BC) was fought between Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire and the Kalinga kingdom (modern-day Odisha). The immense bloodshed moved Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and promote peace. The other battles occurred in different regions and eras.

Front

Which temple in Odisha is dedicated to the Sun God and called the "Black Pagoda"?

Back

Konark Sun Temple

Answer explanation

The Konark Sun Temple, built in the 13th century by King Narasimha deva I, is dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and is called the "Black Pagoda" by European sailors due to its dark appearance. Jagannath Temple is for Lord Vishnu, Linga raj for Shiva, and Muktesh war is a smaller Shiva temple.

Front

What is the classical dance form of Odisha?

Back

Odissi

Answer explanation

Odissi is one of India’s eight classical dance forms, originating in Odisha’s temples. It is characterized by graceful movements and expressions linked to Odia culture. Kathak (North India), Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), and Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) are other classical dances.

Front

On which river is the Hirakud Dam located?

Back

Mahanadi River

Answer explanation

The Hirakud Dam, one of the longest man-made dams in the world, was built across the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur, Odisha, in 1957 for irrigation, flood control, and power generation. The other rivers flow through Odisha but do not host this dam.

Front

Which lake in Odisha is India’s largest brackish water lagoon?

Back

Chilika Lake

Answer explanation

Chilika Lake, located along Odisha’s coast, is India’s largest brackish water lagoon and a biodiversity hotspot, famous for migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins. The other lakes are smaller freshwater bodies in Odisha.

Front

Who was the first Chief Minister of Odisha after it became a separate state in 1936?

Back

Harekrushna Mahatab

Answer explanation

Odisha became a separate state on April 1, 1936, and Hare Krushna Mahatab served as its first Chief Minister from 1936 to 1946. Biju Patnaik and others served later. Mahatab was a key figure in Odisha’s statehood movement.

Front

Which festival in Odisha involves the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath?

Back

Rath Yatra

Answer explanation

Rath Yatra, held annually in Puri, involves pulling chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It’s a globally famous festival. Nuakhai is a harvest festival, while Diwali and Durga Puja are celebrated differently.

Front

Which district is the largest in Odisha by area?

Back

Mayurbhanj

Answer explanation

Mayurbhanj, in northern Odisha, is the largest district by area (10,418 sq km), known for Simlipal National Park. Sundargarh, Ganjam, and Koraput are large but smaller in comparison.