Between the states of
Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal on India's eastern coast is the state of Andhra
Pradesh.
Orissa dates its origins to the kingdom of Kalinga and the Mauryan emperor Ashoka's (r. 269–232 B.C.E.) violent conquest.
The Kesari and Ganga empires erected magnificent temples
throughout the early medieval era, many of which still stand today.
Orissa is a mainly underdeveloped state with a huge
population of indigenous tribal peoples (adivasis).
Historically, Hindu culture has flourished along the coasts,
while the interior has been dominated by indigenous people.
The Ganga-era temples at Bhubaneshvar, the holy city of
Puri, and the temple to the Sun in Konarak are among Orissa's hallowed
monuments.
Christine Nivin et al., India. 8th ed., Lonely Planet, 1998.
For general information on Orissa and all of India, read
Christine Nivin & al., India. 8th ed., Lonely Planet, 1998.
