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The origin and early history of the
land, known as Kalinga in ancient times, is lost in dim past, though
it is mentioned in ancient Indian epics and other texts. In the
beginning Orissa formed a part of the might Kalinga Kingdom. In 260
B. C. Ashoka, the gradson of Chandragupta Maurya, defeated the King
of Kalinga. But soon the ashen taste of victory, following the
bloody battle, filled Asoka with remorse and he renounced war and
violence for ever and embraced Budddhism, the path of peace, picy,
compassion and non-violence. Some of the Ashokan edicts found at
Dhauli, near Bhubaneswar, reflect his change of heart and concern
for the suffering masses. Soon after Ashoks's death Buddhism in
Orissa declined and Jainism had the sway under the mighty arm of
Kharvela until Budhism again became a popular faith in 2nd
century B. C. Under Kharvela Orissa attained new heights in art,
culture trade and commerce.
The coming of the Kesari and Ganga
Kings marks the culmination of Orissa art and culture. These kings
were very powerful and ambitious builders and Shaivas and Vaishnavas
by faith. It was during their reign that the famous golden triangle
of Orissan temples of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark was created
(712-1200 A. D.). Till the middle of the 16th century
Orissa could somehow maintain its independence on spite of continued
Muslim incursions, but then in 1568 its last Hindus ruler was
over-thrown by a Muslim general and finally Orissa was annexed by
Akbar in 1592. The bogoted Muslim invaders destroyed hundreds of
Hindu and Jain temples. In 1803 Orissa came into the British
possession, Following India's independence, the 26 princely state
were merged into modern state of Orissa and a stage was set for its
speedy economic and industrial development.
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