Over 2000 years Orissa enjoys a glorious past and ancient history. The original inhabitants of Orissa were the native tribal groups, namely, the Bhuiyans and Gonds Orissa was the proud kingdom of Kalinga In ancient times. Kalinga was a major seafaring nation that controlled most of the sea routes in the Bay of Bengal. A major turning point in world history took place in Orissa. The famous Kalinga war that led emperor Asoka to embrace non-violence and the teachings of Buddha was fought here in 261 BC. Later on, Asoka was instrumental in spreading Buddhist philosophy all over Asia.

During the dark ages of Indian civilization, Orissa was ruled by a succession of Muslim kings. The Muslim ruler of Bengal, Suleiman Karrani succeeded in vanquishing the land of Orissa in 1568, ending thereby the independence of this powerful Hindu kingdom.It was later annexed by emperor Akbar and became part of the Mughal empire. After the fall of the Mughals, the Marathas under Shivaji invaded the land and continued to rule until 1803 AD when Orissa fell prey to the barbaric British. Modern Orissa was carved out of Bihar in 1936.

According to the Puranas Kalinga is known to be a powerful kingdom as early as the time of the Kurukshetra battle. Mahapadmananda conquered and instituted Kalinga to his extensive empire Contemporary Orissa  has a proud cultural heritage that arose due to the intermingling of three great religious traditions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It has been further enriched by Islam and Christianity. Adivasi culture is an integral part of modern Oriya culture.

The Indian National Congress was born in 1885, the Orissa was all ready for taking up a initiative in the advancing of the Congress beliefs and programs.Orissa marched on the path of freedom struggle with the rest of India for national independence. With the active participation of Oriya inhabitants, started the struggle of freedom movement in a daring spirit.
Know more about Medieval History of Orissa and Declining Phase and freedom struggle of Orissa.