The region of Orissa, from the point of view of studies in historical geography, has always remained a challenging area, not least owing to its vast and complicated history, varied geography and intriguing sources. Though the historical geography of this region has been considered for analysis in the past, it has only been featured as a chapter or in a section as part of a larger whole. Thus, this work is perhaps the first attempt to present a comprehensive research study of the historical geography of Orissa. The author, guided by long research experience, culls material from all available sources — literary, epigraphic, etc. — to subject the theme to a systematic analysis that leaves not a facet of the subject unexplored. He describes and delves into the ancient, medieval and modern periods of historical growth to underline the historico-geographical significance of various kingdoms and places of importance that emerged, flourished and disintegrated at different times — as Kalinga; South Koshala; Odri, Utkala or Toshala; Trikalinga; and the many Mandala states. He studies the physical features of the area, the mountain system of the Orissa state and its rivers, with a view to showing how they have shaped its history. The transport and communication routes in the region since ancient times are retraced to reveal the region’s strong cultural and economic foundations among other things. This book, from first to last, unfolds a wealth of interesting and useful information. Complete with an exhaustive bibliography, index and maps of Orissa, the book can immensely aid further research works on the subject. CONTENTS Preface Transliteration Table Abbreviations Maps The Prologue Naming of Orissa — A Historical Study The People Language Script (Lipi) Kalinga Origin of the Kingdom of Kalinga — Puranic Theory The Kalingas as a Tribe The Baudhayana Dharmasutra The Extent of Kalinga Kalinga under Nanda Rule Kalinga under the Mauryas The Atavika Country Kalinga under the Shungas and Kanvas The Mahameghavahanas The Satavahanas Kalinga on the Eve of Samudragupta’s Invasion Invasion of Samudragupta Kalinga under the Matharas The Vasishthas The Eastern Gangas Administrative Divisions of Kalinga under the Gangas Metropolises of Kalinga Important Villages South Koshala The Parvatadvarakas The Arang Copperplate Charter The Sharabhapuriyas The Panduvamshis (cir ad 700 to 800) The Somavamshis The Telugu-chodas The Kalacuris Utkala, Odra and Toshala Utkala Odra Toshala or Toshali Trikalinga Trilinga and Tilinga in Early Literature Trikalinga in Epigraphs Views of Scholars Historical Analysis Feudatory Mandala States Kongoda-Mandala Shvetaka-Mandala Khinjali-Mandala Khijjinga-Mandala Kodalaka-Mandala Airavatta-Mandala Yamagartta-Mandala Banai Mandala Cakrakota-Mandala Khindarishringa-Mandala Amvavadi-Mandala Mountains Kula-Parvata Mountains of Historical Importance Rivers The Mahanadi The Brahmani The Vaitarani Suvarnarekha The Burhabalanga The Rishikulya The Vamshadhara The Nagavali (Langulya) The Godavari The Indravati The Kolab or Savari The Macchakunda or the Matsya River Routes and Highways The Epilogue Dismemberment of South Orissa Disintegration of North Orissa Bibliography Index