Utkala, Kalinga, Orissa - Some Names of Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha was constituted on April 1,1936, as Orissa.

April 1st is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa i.e. Odisha Day.

The word 'Utkala' means 'Utkarsha Kala' or 'the land of exquisite art & craft'.

History refers to Odisha in many names - Kalinga, Utkala, Odra, Kosala, Tosali, Kangoda, Udavisau, Odyadesa, ...

Kalinga is a famous and popular name of Odisha thanks to the Kalinga War. In fact, some refer to Odisha as Kalinga even today!
(At the venue of the Peace Run at Lumbini, Nepal in 2017, they introduced me and Budhia Singh as belonging to Kalinga!)

In the 2018 annual lecture of Sambad and Aama Odisha held on 28th April i.e. on Swabhiman Dibasa, researcher Shri R.Balakrishnan shared: "The word 'Kalinga' means 'a piece of cloth or garment'. This proves how ancient the handlooms are. Odisha has always been known for its weavers and artisans. Kalinga finds mention in the ancient Tamil literature too."

Between the 11th and 16th centuries, in place of the name Kalinga, the old tribal name 'Odra Desha'/'Udra' began to be used. 

Gradually, the name was transformed into Odisha (or Udisha, or Udisa), which in English was named 'Orissa'.

The spelling -'Orissa' was widely used.
An acrobatic foot archer named Orissa Kelly has been named after Orissa.

Many Geography books, Atlas, Maps and Tourism Guides still have 'Orissa' as the spelling of Odisha.
Even some newspapers  and Central Government Offices still have "Orissa" in their names.
(After I contacted @CCidOrissaIndia, they simply changed the place name to Odisha, but the office name still has "Orissa")

C CID Bureau Crime Control Investigation Department Officials C CID Intelligence Headquarters Bhubaneswar, Orissa India
All Crime Cases Investigation Department Of India
All Social Work Organisation Of India
Har Jurm Se Aage Har Jurm Ke Khilaaf C CID
9412314148, 9808919663 pic.twitter.com/AVJZrza4Hc

— C CID Orissa, Odisha India (@CCidOrissaIndia) May 2, 2018

Many are not aware that the spelling of 'Orissa' has been changed to 'Odisha' in 2011.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Orissa (the Alteration of Name) Bill and adopted the Constitution 113th Amendment Bill after a debate where members said the name-change was a "process of decolonisation as the Britishers had changed the Indian names of cities and states."

@arvindpadhee @odisha_tourism Videos & advertising pamphlets etc in d past & even present maps still hv Orissa.Identity crisis@rocking_amsa

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) October 12, 2014

The language of Odisha that was previously known as 'Oriya' (before the name-change of the state) is now 'Odia'.

Since Kalinga is linked to Odisha's maritime glory, and Utkala refers to the rich artistic excellence, the two names are still widely used and well-known.

There are many companies and brands that have Kalinga and Utkala in their names including some recent startups like our company's brand- Utkalamrita.

Post for my second #atozchallenge. U for Utkala.

My Theme is- "Odisha- The Soul of Incredible India".
Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India. Have you visited Odisha and India? 

I am sharing some glimpses from Odisha. Do keep reading and discovering!