Quick Facts
Cuttack, one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in India:
General Info:
- City Name: Cuttack
- Nickname: The Silver City of India
- State: Odisha
- Founded: Around 989 CE by King Nrupa Keshari
- Former Capital: It was the former capital of Odisha before Bhubaneswar.
Location & Geography:
- Situated at the confluence of the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers.
- Lies to the north of Bhubaneswar, just around 30 km away.
- An island city with natural water boundaries.
Climate:
- Tropical wet and dry climate
- Hot and humid summers, pleasant winters
- Receives moderate to heavy rainfall during monsoon
History & Culture:
- One of the oldest cities in Eastern India, over 1,000 years old.
- Known for silver filigree work (Tarakasi)—delicate jewelry and artifacts.
- Important center during British rule and Indian independence movement.
- Rich in theatre, literature, and music, often called the cultural capital of Odisha.
Attractions & Landmarks:
- Barabati Fort – A 14th-century fort near the Mahanadi river.
- Cuttack Chandi Temple – A popular Hindu temple.
- Netaji Birthplace Museum – Birthplace of Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Odisha High Court and SCB Medical College – Historic institutions.
- Dhabaleswar Temple – Located on an island in the Mahanadi River.
Festivals & Events:
- Famous for Bali Jatra – one of Asia’s biggest open-air trade fairs, held on the banks of the Mahanadi.
- Celebrates Durga Puja on a grand scale with artistic pandals and idols.
Connectivity:
- Well connected by road and rail.
- Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
- A major business and legal hub of Odisha.
Fun Facts:
- Home to some of the oldest educational institutions, including Ravenshaw University (established in 1868).
- Produces world-famous silver filigree craftsmanship.
- Known for its civic sense, cleanliness, and organized traffic, especially compared to other old Indian cities.
