Old vs New Capital of Odisha: Timeline, Reasons & Exam Points
The capital of Odisha is a critical topic for students preparing for school exams, competitive tests, or general quizzes. Knowing the administrative center of Odisha helps build a strong foundation in Indian geography and current affairs. This fact is regularly asked in SSC, UPSC, State PSC, Railways, and school-level GK questions.
| State | Current Capital | Former Capital | Year of Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | Cuttack | 1948 |
What is the Capital of Odisha?
The capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar serves as the main administrative and political center of the state. This question is frequently included in competitive exams and general knowledge quizzes based on India’s state capitals.
Old Capital vs New Capital of Odisha
| Aspect | Old Capital (Cuttack) | New/Current Capital (Bhubaneswar) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Role | Capital until 1948 | Capital since 1948 |
| Location | On the Mahanadi delta | Central coastal Odisha |
| Key Reason for Change | Frequent floods, congestion | Planned city, safer location |
| Judicial Importance | Orissa High Court seat | Home to Secretariat, Assembly |
Historical Timeline of Odisha’s Capitals
- Khurda: Pre-colonial era, capital of local kings
- Cuttack: Colonial capital and administrative center until 1948
- Bhubaneswar: Declared new capital on 19th August 1949; administrative seat since 1948 (government functions shifted gradually)
Geographical and Cultural Profile of Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is located in the eastern part of India, near the coast. It is widely recognized as the "Temple City of India," famous for its ancient Kalingan architecture and over 600 historic temples. The city is a hub for administration, education, technology, and culture.
- Located in Khordha district
- Part of the Golden Triangle (with Puri and Konark), a major tourist circuit
- Well-planned city, designed by architect Otto Königsberger
- Important educational institutions and IT parks
Reasons for Shifting Capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar
- Cuttack faced regular severe flooding from the Mahanadi river
- Bhubaneswar offered a higher, safer, and easily accessible location
- The government wanted a modern, planned city for better administration
- Space was available for development and future growth
The capital relocation aimed at efficient governance, modern city planning, and better safety from natural calamities for administrative offices.
Capital of Odisha on Map
Bhubaneswar is centrally located in the coastal region of Odisha. On India’s map, it lies between Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, making it a key transportation and commercial hub in eastern India. This placement helps connect Odisha with other states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
Important Facts about Bhubaneswar, Capital of Odisha
- Became the capital in 1948, officially announced in 1949
- Odia is the main language spoken
- Major economy sectors: government, education, tourism, IT
- Home to famous sites like Lingaraja Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
- Known for the confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cultures
How this Knowledge Helps Students
Knowing the capital of Odisha supports competitive exam preparation, including UPSC, SSC, Railways, and state board exams. Map-based questions, one-liners, and quiz rounds often feature this fact. Understanding the historical shift also helps in writing descriptive answers in Social Science papers and essays.
At Vedantu, we make such factual topics simple and exam-ready for easy revision and strong general knowledge.
Other Indian State Capitals (For GK & Comparison)
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Punjab | Chandigarh |
| West Bengal | Kolkata |
| Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
- For more on Indian capital city formation, visit State Capitals of India
- Learn more about Indian governance: Chief Ministers and Governors
- Explore location context: Size and Location of India
- Study map questions: Physical Features of The India Map
- Discover Odisha’s role after independence: India After Independence
In summary, the capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar. It was shifted from Cuttack in 1948 for administrative efficiency and modern urban development. This fact is crucial for exams and quizzes. Bhubaneswar’s location, culture, and planning make it a standout Indian state capital—be sure to revise these points for better exam success with Vedantu.
FAQs on Capital of Odisha: Bhubaneswar, History & Key Facts
1. What is the capital of Odisha?
Bhubaneswar is the current capital of Odisha. It's a significant city known for its rich history and modern development. This makes it a key location for students of Indian geography and those preparing for competitive exams.
2. What was the capital of Odisha before Bhubaneswar?
Before Bhubaneswar, Cuttack served as the capital of Odisha. The shift to Bhubaneswar happened in 1948. Understanding this historical shift is crucial for many exams.
3. Why did Odisha change its capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar?
The capital shifted from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar primarily due to frequent flooding in Cuttack and the need for better urban planning and administrative efficiency. Bhubaneswar offered a more strategically advantageous location.
4. What are the two capitals of Odisha?
Currently, Bhubaneswar is the sole capital of Odisha. While Cuttack was a former capital, it now holds significant judicial importance. The idea of ‘two capitals’ is a common misconception.
5. Where is Bhubaneswar located on the map?
Bhubaneswar is located in the eastern part of India, in the central coastal region of Odisha. Its geographical location is significant to its role as the state capital.
6. What is the real capital of Odisha?
The ‘real’ capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar. Any other answer reflects outdated or inaccurate information. Bhubaneswar is the official and functioning capital.
7. What is the new capital of Odisha?
While Cuttack was the former capital, Bhubaneswar is the current and ‘new’ capital of Odisha since 1948. This is an important fact for competitive exams.
8. What is the old capital of Odisha?
The old capital of Odisha was Cuttack. Knowing this historical context helps in understanding the administrative and geographical development of the state. Cuttack served as the capital before 1948.
9. What cultural significance does Bhubaneswar hold besides being the capital?
Bhubaneswar is renowned as the "Temple City of India," famous for its ancient Kalingan architecture and numerous temples. This cultural richness adds to its significance beyond its administrative role.
10. How does the capital status impact Bhubaneswar’s economy?
Bhubaneswar's status as the capital has significantly boosted its economy. It attracts numerous government offices, IT companies, and related industries, leading to increased urban development and job opportunities.
11. What are some key landmarks near the capital of Odisha?
Key landmarks near Bhubaneswar include the Lingaraja Temple, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, and the Odisha State Museum. These sites are important for tourism and cultural understanding.
12. How does Bhubaneswar compare with other state capitals in eastern India?
Bhubaneswar is a planned city, making it comparable in infrastructure and connectivity to other eastern Indian state capitals like Ranchi and Kolkata, though it retains its unique cultural identity.
13. Which languages are predominantly spoken in the capital?
Odia is the primary language spoken in Bhubaneswar. English and Hindi are also commonly used, particularly in administration and education.
