Destination India: Cuttack, Orissa

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Cuttack, Orissa

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Originally uploaded by amit_das007.

The warlike Keshari Dynasty founded a Kataka or "military camp" here in AD 989. In the 11th century, the Kesharis were again responsible for building the impressive granite embankment on the south bank of the island. Barabati Fort was added on the north bank in the 14th century. Two hundred years later, Orissa's last independent Hindu ruler, Mukunda Harichandan, built a much grander, nine-story palace on the same site. The Raja never had much of a chance to enjoy it however, as only eight years after his succession the Mughals and soon after, the Afghans of Bengal, annexed the city.

Cuttack is located in the eastern Indian state of Orissa around 30 km off Bhubaneswar. The former capital of Orissa and the oldest city in the region, Cuttack today is a bustling commercial center.

About Me

India has always fascinated me for different reasons. The vastness of its culture, the diversity of people’s opinions and the limitations of its vision. Despite our diversity, we need to have a collective vision. India is not a country of four metropolis or a couple of high-tech cities. This nation of a billion people has 29 states and 6 union territories. We have 35 state and territorial capitals. How much do we know about each of these important cities?

Professionally I am a graphic designer from Bombay, India. In 1987, I co-authored a book on Corporate India, but my desire to throw a wider net and pick up much more information remains intact. I want my people from every city and every state to write and photograph details and information that would be interesting to the viewers around the world. We have so much to talk about and so much to share - this medium and this technology can help fulfill our collective dreams.