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History of Cuttack

Founded in the year 989 A.D. by the Keshari Dynasty, Cuttack is one of the oldest cities of India. Anglicized from a Sanskrit word, ‘KATAK’ which means the military camp or seat or fort of a kingdom, upon which the city has being named as Cuttack. Inscriptions of Anangabhimadeva lll refer the orginal city as Abhinab-Baranasi–Katak. Like the city of Baranasi, situated in between Baruna and Asi, Cuttack is situated between the rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi and was therefore named as Abhinab Baranasi (a new type of Baranasi). Cuttack developed into a city out of five villages’ viz. Choudwar Katak, Saranasi Katak, Sarangagarh Katak, Viraja Katak and Amaravati Katak. In the remote past, Cuttack was connected both by land routes and waterways with the renowned medieval ports like Chelitalo, Palur and Tarmalipti.

Cuttack

Cuttack – The Former Capital of Odisha

Cuttack has been the capital of the state for centuries and has been the home for the armed forces of the kingdoms that ruled the state. After the Keshari dynasty Cuttack was under the rulings of Ganga dynasty under the rulings of Emperor Anangabhima Deva. Later on Gajaptati kings ruled the City of Cuttack which then came under the rulings of Mughals and Muslim Emperors after death of the last Hindu king who ruled, Raja Mukunda Deva. Kalinga was the name of Odisha in past and Katak was its capital which was then shifted to Bhubaneswar after India got the freedom in 1947. Bhubaneswar being a planned city but was the most favored option for the capital of the state but the administrative capital of the state is still Cuttack as the High Court is situated here.

Legends Related to Cuttack

There are several evidences of the ancient time culture of the state still present in form of remaining of several historic monuments still there in the City of Cuttack. Barabati fort is among such historical monuments which were built in the ancient times in order to safeguard the province and provide home to the army of the kingdom ruling the state. It is believed that the first Guru of Sikh religion Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj visited Odisha while his journey to West Bengal. In the memory of his visit to the city Gurudwara Dataan Sahab is being built near the banks of River Mahanadi.

Cuttack – Birthplace of Great Leaders of the Country

Cuttack – Birthplace of Many Great Leaders of CountryThe city of Cuttack is known worldwide due to many great personalities who were born here. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was among a few leaders of India who fought for the independence of the country from the British rulers. Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das was born in 1848 at Satyabhamapur village of Cuttack district. He was a renowned poet, freedom fighter. Later on he was a part of Indian politics and his contribution towards the welfare of people got him the title of ‘Utkal Gourav’ which means the pride of Utkal (Odisha). Akshaya Mohanty was a singer, songwriter, writer and musician born at Kendrapada but his home town was Cuttack to which he returned at the age of 22. Also known as Khokha bhai, Akshaya Mohanty has contributed to Oriya Bhajanas, Odissi, folk songs, non-film modern light songs in Orissa on contemporary themes.


Today, Cuttack is one of the developed and literate cities of Odisha with most of the people employed. Growth in textile industries and markets of the city, the complete face of Cuttack has changed. Due to the historical connections it has been one of the most favored tourist places of Odisha attracting thousands of tourists every year.

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