The main language spoken is Oriya. Some of the population speak Hindi. The main occupation is agriculture. Other than agriculture Orissa is important for minerals. Tribal Orissa offers many variations in the types of metals used, the techniques and form of production, combining both the functional and the aesthetic.

Ancient Orissa had many important ports such as Paloura, Tamralipti and Dharmra along Orissa's 482 km long open coastline. Maritime trade was flourishing between Paloura (now Puri) and the Indonesian islands. Influence of the Pali language spread Buddhism in south east region. The past Buddhist connection with these region is visible in the 'Peace Tower' built by the Japanese Buddhists in this century and the Dhavateswar temple on the Dhauli hill-top near Bhubaneswar.

The first Aryan immigration from India into Sri-lanka also took place from the shores of Kalinga. The first history of the state comes into light with the King Ashoka's victory over the independent ruler of this place, which led to mass killings and devastation of the region. The extent of violence perpetrated by his men and its effect on the victims led to a change in the monarch and he accepted Buddhism as his way of life.

In the first century BC, under King Kharvel, the most famous of Kalinga rulers, Buddhism declined as the major religion and Jainism was restored. The cave inscriptions of Khandgiri and Udayagiri give plenty of information about the rule of King Kharvel and other information about the society at that point of time.
Later, Jainism gave way to Hinduism in around 7th century AD. This was the time when the ruling dynasties were the Ganga and Kesari, who constructed some of the most magnificent temples in India. After the decline of these dynasties, the local kingdoms fought hard to keep the Muslims away, but by the end in 16th century, the Mughals defeated them and won over this region. After the decline of the Mughals, Orissa was ruled by the Marathas and the British. Orissa became a separate province under the British Government in 1936.

sight seeing:

Bhubaneswar-the state capital, with its over a hundred temples highlights the rich culture of the state of Orissa. The following provide an ideal introduction:

• Lingaraja Temple
  
• Rajarani Temples (These temples constructed in the
  11th century AD are architectural marvels)
  
• Laxmaneswar temple
  
• Satrughaneswar temple
  
• Bharateswar temple (built in 6th century AD)
  
• Parasurameswar temple
  
• Swarna-jaleswar temple( built in 7th century AD)
  
• Vaital Deul (built in 8th century AD)
  
• Brahmeswar temple (built in11th century AD)
  
• Ananta Vasudeva temple (counstructed in 13th century AD)
  
• Lord Sakshigopal temple in satyabadi about 15 kms from Puri
  
• Puri in Orissa is famous for its Jagannath Temple.
  
• Konark is the high point of a visit to the Golden Triangle of Orissa.
  
• Famous Sun Temple
  

• Bhubaneswar Museum
  
• Tribal Research Museum
  
• Handicrafts House
  
• Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves ( 8 km from Bhubaneswar )
  
• Buddhist Peace Tower (built in first and second century BC)
  
• Zoo and Botanical Gardens at Nandan Kanan (120 km)
  
• Sweta Ganga and indradyumna
  
• Puri, a popular beach resort is of special attraction for swimming in the sea.
  
• Balighai is a picnic spot 8 km from Puri
  

For further details contact:
Tourism-of-India.com Govt tourism in Orissa.