Cuttack facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cuttack Kataka
City
Cuttack railway station Bali Jatra Barabati Fort Barabati Stadium Cuttack Chandi Temple Orissa High Court Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu
Nickname(s):  Silver City / Millenium City / 52 bazar & 53 galee
Cuttack Location in Odisha Show map of Odisha Cuttack Location in India Show map of India
Country	India
State	Odisha
District	Cuttack
Established	989 CE
Founded by	Markat Keshari of Keshari Dynasty
Named for	Ancient military cantonment of Utkal
Government
• Type	Municipal Corporation
• Body	Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC)
Area
• City	192.5 km2 (74.3 sq mi)
Area rank	1st in Odisha .
Elevation	36 m (118 ft)
Population  (2011)
• City	610,189
• Rank	India 72nd, Odisha 2nd
• Density	3,169.8/km2 (8,209.8/sq mi)
• Metro	666,702
Demonym(s)	Katakia
Languages
• Official	Odia
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
ZIP code(s)	7530xx/754xxx
Telephone code	0671
Vehicle registration	OD-05
UN/LOCODE	IN CUT

Cuttack (also known as Kataka in Odia) is a large city in the Indian state of Odisha. It used to be the capital city. The name Cuttack comes from the word Kataka, which means The Fort. This refers to the old Barabati Fort where the city first grew.

Cuttack is often called the Millennium City because it is over 1000 years old. It is also known as the Silver City because of its beautiful silver artwork. The Orissa High Court is here, making Cuttack the judicial capital of Odisha. It is also a major business center. Cuttack is famous for its Durga Puja festival. Many poets and artists love this city, so it is also known as the cultural capital of Odisha.

The main part of Cuttack is located between the Kathajodi River and the Mahanadi River. The city is part of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation and has 59 areas called wards. Cuttack stretches from Phulnakhara in the south to Choudwar in the north. Four rivers flow through the city: Mahanadi, Kathajodi, Kuakhai, and Birupa.

Cuttack and Bhubaneswar are often called the Twin-Cities of Odisha. Together, they form a large city area with many people living there. Cuttack is known for its many streets and lanes, which gave it the nickname Bauna Bazaar, Tepana Galee (52 markets and 53 streets).

What's in a Name?

The name Cuttack comes from the Sanskrit word Kataka. This word means a capital city, a fort, or a military camp. In the past, the city was called Bidanasi Kataka. This meant "Bidanasi Military Base," named after the Barabati Fort. Bidanasi is now a part of the city.

A Look at Cuttack's History

Cuttack's history goes back to the Keshari dynasty. A historian named Andrew Stirling said that King Nrupa Keshari started Cuttack as a military camp in 989 CE. King Markata Keshari built stone walls in 1002 CE to protect the city from floods.

Later, in 1211 CE, Raja Anangabhimadeva III of the Ganga dynasty made Cuttack the capital of his kingdom. After the Ganga rule, the Suryavamsi Gajapati dynasty also kept Cuttack as their capital.

After the last Hindu king, Raja Mukunda deva, Cuttack came under Muslim rule. Then, the Mughals took over and made Cuttack the main city of their new province, Orissa Subah.

By 1750, Cuttack was ruled by the Maratha Empire. It quickly became a busy trading center. This was because it was a good meeting point between the Marathas and the English traders from Bengal. The phrase "Attock te Cuttack" was used to describe the large size of the Maratha Empire. The British took over Cuttack in 1803. It became the capital of the Odisha division in 1816. In 1948, the capital moved to Bhubaneswar, but Cuttack remained an important administrative center.

The tradition of celebrating Durga Puja in the city started in the 16th century. The old Barabati Fort still stands in the heart of Cuttack.

Cuttack's Location and Weather

Cuttack is located at an average height of 36 meters (118 feet) above sea level. The city covers an area of about 192.5 square kilometers (74.3 square miles). It is part of the Mahanadi River delta. Besides the Mahanadi, four other rivers flow through the city: Kathajodi, Kuakhai, and Birupa. The Kathajodi river creates an island called Bayalis Mouza.

A new area called Markat Nagar (also known as CDA) has grown across the Kathajodi River. It is spread over 2000 acres and has many homes. Mahanadi Vihar is another new township. People in Odisha say Cuttack is a city with "52 markets and 53 streets" because it is so large.

Cuttack's Climate

Cuttack has a tropical wet and dry climate. Summers are from March to June and are hot and humid. Temperatures can reach 35 to 40 °C (95 to 104 °F). Thunderstorms are common. The monsoon season is from July to October, bringing most of the rain. Temperatures are cooler then, around 30 °C (86 °F). Winters, from November to February, are mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 15 °C (59 °F).

Because it is close to the coast, Cuttack can be affected by cyclones from the Bay of Bengal. The city is in a seismic zone III, which means it has a moderate risk of earthquakes.

Culture and Celebrations

Cuttack is known for its rich culture and many festivals.

Places of Worship

Cuttack Chandi Temple

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who is believed to protect Cuttack. It is near the Mahanadi River. The temple is famous for its yearly Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The Durga Puja celebrations last for 16 days. The Goddess is also called Maa Kataka Chandi. The Gada Chandi Temple inside Barabati Fort is thought to be the older temple of Cuttack Chandi.

Dhabaleshwar Temple

This temple is for Lord Shiva and is on an island in the Mahanadi River. It has old stone carvings from the 10th and 11th centuries. A suspension bridge connects the island to the mainland.

Paramhansa Nath Temple

This temple was built in the 11th century and is about 4 km from the Cuttack - Paradeep Road. It stands 80 feet tall and has five rooms. The temple walls show carvings of war scenes, elephants, and horses. Inside, there is a special Shiva Linga.

Baba Ramdev Temple

This temple is next to the Cuttack – Bhubaneswar highway. It is made entirely of white marble. It is dedicated to Ramdev Pir, a Hindu folk god from Rajasthan.

Qadam e Rasool

This place is believed to have a footprint of Muhammad. It is a special shrine for many people.

Jama Masjid

This mosque was built during the Mughal period. It used to have a religious school, which has now moved.

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Daatan Sahib

This is a holy Sikh shrine. The first Sikh Guru, Shree Guru Nanak, stopped here on his way to Puri. It is believed that a tree branch he planted here still grows, giving the place its name, Daatan Sahib.

Bukhari Baba Dargah

The Bukhari Baba Dargah is a well-known shrine in Cuttack. Many people, from different religions, visit it to pray. It is the ancient shrine of the Sufi saint Sayeed Ali Saheed Bukhari. The building has a white dome and was built in 1468.

Digambar Jain Mandir

There are four Jain temples in Cuttack. They were built by Digambar and Swetambar Jain groups who moved to Cuttack. The Digambar Jain temple at Choudhury Bazar is known for its artistic design.

The Church of Epiphany

The oldest church in Cuttack is the Church of Epiphany on Cantonment Road. It was built in 1865 and shows British colonial architecture.

Other famous temples in Cuttack include Gada Chandi Temple and Khannagar Sai Mandir. Cuttack also has churches like Holy Rosary Church and Oriya Baptist Church.

Festivals and Celebrations

• Durga Puja: Cuttack is very famous for its Durga Puja. About 200 clay idols of Goddess Durga are made. The special thing about Cuttack's Durga Puja is the Suna Medha, where idols are decorated with lots of gold and silver. People from all over Odisha visit Cuttack during this time.
• Boita Bandana: This festival is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu month of Kartik. People float small model boats in the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers. This honors the old merchants of Kalinga Kingdom who traveled by sea. This day also marks the start of Bali Jatra.
• Bali Jatra: This is one of the biggest trade festivals in Asia. The name means A Voyage to Bali. Long ago, merchants traded with countries like Bali, Java, and Sumatra. The goods they brought back were sold in Cuttack. Today, the festival continues this tradition. It happens every November on the banks of the Mahanadi. Many stalls sell local and unique goods.
• Kali puja: This festival is for the Hindu Goddess Kali. It is celebrated on the new moon day of Kartik, at the same time as Diwali, with fireworks.

• Kartikeshwar Puja: This festival honors Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Cuttack.
• Bada Osha: This festival is special to Dhabaleswar Temple.
• Manabasa Gurubara: This is a festival unique to Cuttack and eastern Odisha, where people worship Goddess Laxmi.
• Kite flying: This is a popular activity, especially during Makar Sankranti. Cuttack was the first city in Eastern India to start kite-flying.

Other Indian festivals like Ratha Yatra, Raja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vasant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Eid, Good Friday, and Christmas are also celebrated here.

Delicious Food

Cuttack is known as the street food capital of Odisha. It is famous for its Dahibara Aludam. This is a local dish made from black gram and potato curry. Chhena poda and Rasagulla are popular local desserts made from cheese. Besides Dahibara Aloodam, you can find Chaat, Gupchup (panipuri), and samosas on the streets.

Because many Muslim families live in the city, traditional Islamic and Mughlai foods like Biriyani and Tandoor are also popular. Fish curry is a favorite dish in Odia homes.

Art and Learning

Cuttack has been a center for art and literature. It is called the Cultural Capital of Odisha.

Drama and Theater

Annapurna Theatre was a very important theater company in Odisha. Kala Vikash Kendra in Cuttack is another place for dance, drama, and music. It holds international theater events every year.

Libraries and Art Spaces

Cuttack has many old libraries, like the Kanika Library at Ravenshaw University. The CMC Sahid Bhawan has a large art gallery for exhibitions. There are also many auditoriums for shows and events.

Odia Film Industry

The Odia Film Industry, also known as Ollywood, is based in Cuttack. In 1974, the Government of Odisha recognized filmmaking as an industry. In 1976, the Orissa Film Development Corporation was set up in Cuttack.

Movie Theaters

Cuttack has several cinemas that show movies in Odia, Hindi, and English. The city has five single-screen theaters and two multiplexes. Odisha's first cinema hall started in Cuttack in 1926.

People of Cuttack

Population and Literacy

In 2011, Cuttack City had a population of over 600,000 people. The city has a high literacy rate of 91.17%. This means most people can read and write.

Literacy in Cuttack
Literacy			Percent
Male			94.12%
Female			84.49%
All			91.17%

Religions and Languages

Most people in Cuttack are Hindus (about 89.65%). Muslims make up about 8.23% of the population. Cuttack has the largest number of Christians in the state.

Religions in Cuttack
Religion			Percent
Hinduism			89.65%
Islam			8.23%
Christianity			1.35%
Others			0.65%
Others include Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism

Odia is the main language spoken. English is also widely used for business. Other languages like Santali, Bengali, Marwari, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu are also spoken by different communities.

City Management

Police and Courts

The Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Police Commissionerate handles law and order in Cuttack. The headquarters of the state police are in Cuttack. Cuttack is also the judicial capital of Odisha because the High Court is located here.

City Services and Charities

Electricity is provided by CESU. Fire services are handled by the Odisha Fire Service. Drinking water comes from underground wells and the Mahanadi river. Cuttack has many non-profit groups, charities, orphanages, and homes for the elderly.

Cuttack's Economy

Cuttack is known as the business capital of Odisha. It has many large businesses and industries. These include steel, power, and traditional crafts like textiles. The Paradip Port, which is about 85 km away, helps with trade.

Traditional Industries

Cuttack is a big center for textiles in eastern India. The city is famous for its silver filigree work, which is why it's called the Silver City. Cuttack is also known for its handicrafts made from cow and buffalo horns. These unique crafts are only found in Cuttack.

Industries and Services

There are many large industries in and around Cuttack, including steel and power. The city is important for transport and logistics. Cuttack also has many medium and small industries.

The service sector is very large. Many government and company offices are in Cuttack. The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), the largest rice research institute in Asia, is here. The Odisha High Court and the SCB Medical & College, the biggest medical institution in the state, also contribute to the service sector. Education is a major industry with many universities and colleges. Cuttack also has the largest wholesale markets in the state.

Media

Cuttack has a Doordarshan center that broadcasts Odia programs. The All India Radio station in Cuttack started in 1948. There are also several private FM radio stations. Many Odia newspapers, like The Samaja and Prajatantra, are published here.

Healthcare in Cuttack

Cuttack is a major healthcare center for Odisha. Many people come here for medical treatment. Shri Ramachandra Bhanj Medical College (SCBMCH) is the largest medical college in the state. The Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) is the only one of its kind in Eastern India for cancer research and treatment. The Regional Spinal Injury Centre (RSIC) helps people with spinal injuries.

Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) is a top institute for rehabilitation. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel PG Institute of Paediatrics (SVPPIG), also known as Sishu Bhawan, is the largest children's hospital in eastern India.

Education in Cuttack

Schools and Colleges

Schools in Cuttack are run by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation or private groups. Most Odia medium schools follow the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha. English medium schools follow either ICSE or CBSE. There are also schools for Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Bengali, and Telugu speakers.

Ravenshaw Collegiate School is the oldest school in Odisha. Famous people like Netaji Subash Chandra Bose studied there. Other important schools include Secondary Board High School and Stewart School.

After ten years of schooling, students can join junior college for two years. They choose arts, commerce, or science. Then, they can go for a general degree or a professional degree like law, engineering, or medicine. Many colleges in Cuttack are linked to the Council of Higher Secondary Education. Some famous colleges are Ravenshaw College and Stewart Science College. Sailabala Women's College, started in 1913, is the oldest women's college in Odisha.

Universities and Higher Education

Cuttack has many technical schools. These include the Institute of Management and Information Technology (IMIT) and Dhaneshwar Rath Institute of Engineering & Management Studies (DRIEMS). The Biju Pattnaik Institute of Film and Television is also here. Madhusudan Law College has recently become a university.

National Law University Odisha (NLUO)

Cuttack is home to the National Law University Odisha, one of India's top law schools. It was started in 2008 and is funded by both the central and state governments.

Madhusudan Law University (MLU)

Madhusudan Law College, Odisha's oldest law college, is now Madhusudan Law University. It was named after the national leader Madhusudan Das.

Ravenshaw University

Ravenshaw University is one of India's oldest and largest colleges. It was founded in 1868 and became a university in 2006.

Sri Sri University

Sri Sri University, started by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Art of Living, is located in Naraj. It opened in 2012.

National Rice Research Institute (NRRI)

Asia's largest rice research institute, the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), is in Cuttack. It was set up in 1946 to research rice.

Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH)

Shri Ramachandra Bhanj Medical College (SCB) is the largest medical college in Odisha. It also has a dental school. The Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) and the Regional Spinal Injury Centre (RSIC) are part of this campus.

Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR)

SVNIRTAR is a leading institute for rehabilitation. It helps people with physical disabilities and offers courses in physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Sardar Vallabhbahai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (SVPPGIP)

Also known as Shishu Bhawan, this is the largest children's hospital in eastern India. This historic building was once a palace and then the Governor's residence.

Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha (BPFTIO)

The government of Odisha started this institute to train people for the film and television industry. It offers diploma courses in cinematography and film editing.

Getting Around Cuttack

By Air

Cuttack has an Air Base called Charbatia Air Base for the Indian Air Force. The closest public airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 28 km away.

By Road

National Highway 16 (formerly National Highway 5) runs through the city. It connects Chennai to Kolkata. National Highway 55 connects Cuttack to Sambalpur. Asian Highway 45 also passes through.

Within the city, people mostly use Auto rickshaws and DTS city buses. Cuttack is a major hub for buses, connecting to many parts of the state. The bus station at Badambadi is one of the largest in India. Two new bridges, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu and Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Setu, have improved connections to Bhubaneswar and Dhenkanal.

By Rail

Cuttack Junction is an important railway station on the Howrah-Chennai main line. It connects Cuttack to all parts of India. The Cuttack Railway station is being developed into a modern station with shops and food courts. The Mahanadi Rail bridge is the 5th longest rail bridge in India.

Public Transport Plans

The Government of Odisha is planning a rapid transit system for Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. They are also looking into a Monorail service for Cuttack.

Sports in Cuttack

Cuttack is a big sports center in Odisha. It has the famous Barabati Stadium and other sports facilities. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has a training center here.

Barabati Sports Complex

Cuttack is home to the Barabati Sports Complex. The Barabati Stadium hosts international cricket and football matches. The complex also has facilities for tennis, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. It has an indoor hall called Sachin Tendulkar Indoor Hall for cricketers to practice.

Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium

This is Odisha's only indoor stadium. It is used for gymnastics, martial arts, concerts, and award shows. It has hosted international sporting events.

Satyabrata Stadium

This stadium is inside the fort area and is used for athletics and soccer.

Jagatpur Water Sports Complex

Cuttack is the only place in Odisha for Water Sports. The Rowing & Sculling Association of Odisha is located in Jagatpur. Water sports events happen in the Birupa River.

Cuttack has hosted international cricket matches, including the 2013 Women's Cricket World Cup. It also hosted the 18th and 24th National Games.

Historical Places to Visit

Barabati Fort

The Barabati Fort is a 10th-century castle. Its ruins, including the moat and parts of the nine-storied palace, still stand.

Chudangagarh Fort

This fort is near the Barang Junction railway station. It was important in the medieval history of Orissa. You can still see parts of its walls, wells, and old temples.

Netaji Birthplace Museum

Cuttack is the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a famous Indian freedom fighter. His birthplace, Janakinath Bhawan, is now a museum. It shows his original letters and things he used.

Madhusudan Sangrahalaya

Cuttack is also the birthplace of Utkala Gaurav Madhusudan Das. His old home, Madhusmruti, is now part of Sailabala Women's College. A small hall there is a museum with his works and memories.

Anand Bhavan Museum and Learning Centre

Anand Bhavan, the family home of Biju Patnaik, was turned into a museum in 2016. Biju Babu was born here. His famous Dakota DC-3 aircraft, used to rescue the Indonesian prime minister, will be shown near his home.

Odisha State Maritime Museum

This museum opened in 2013. It is located at the old Jobra workshop by the Mahanadi river. It has ten galleries and an aquarium.

Old Jail Complex and Freedom Fighter's Memorial

This memorial is at the old jail complex in Cuttack. Many famous freedom fighters were held here during the fight for independence.

Swaraj Ashram

The Swaraj Ashram was a key place during Mahatma Gandhi's visits to Odisha. Gandhi stayed here during the Non-Cooperation Movement in the 1920s. It is now a protected monument.

Maratha Barracks

These old buildings in Chauliaganj were used as an armory by the Marathas and later by the British. They are an example of old Maratha and Odishan architecture.

Salt House

The British built the Salt House in 1847-48. It was used as a government office. Now, it serves as courts.

Lal Bagh Palace

This palace by the Kathjodi has a long history. It was built by the Mughal ruler and later used by the Marathas and British. It is now the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Pediatrics (Shishu Bhavan).

Kanika Rajbati

This palace was built by Raja Bahadur Rajendra Narayan Bhanjdeo. It was once a grand home but is now in ruins.

Gora Kabar Cemetery

This old cemetery was set up by the East India Company in 1822. It was used for Christian burials.

Shree Gopal Krishna Goshala

This old complex was originally a guesthouse for pilgrims traveling on the old Jagannath Sadak. In 1905, it became a Goshala, a shelter for old and sick cattle.

Lalitgiri

Lalitgiri is a major Buddhist complex with stupas and monasteries. It is one of the oldest sites in the region. Along with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, it forms the "Diamond Triangle" of Buddhist sites.

Olasuni Hill

Olasuni hill is on the border of Cuttack and Jajpur district. Saint Arakhita Das meditated here. The hill has temples, including the temple of Goddess Olasuni.

Other attractions include the Odisha High Court Museum and the Mahanadi River Boating Jetty.

Parks and Gardens

Ocean World Water Park

Cuttack has the state's only water park, Ocean World. It is a popular spot for people from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

CMC Deer Park

A deer park is located by the Mahanadi Ring Road. It has about 200 deer and is maintained by the CMC.

Recreational Parks

The city has many parks, such as Biju Pattnaik Park and Kathajodi River View Park.

Nandankanan Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens

Nandankanan is a large zoo and botanical garden near Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. It is home to many animals and plants. It was the first zoo in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary

This wildlife reserve is near Bhubaneswar. It is a home for elephants and other wildlife.

Naraj Peacock Valley

This forest near Naraj is famous for its many peacocks. A local man, Panu Behera, started feeding them, and their numbers grew.

Mahanadi River Boating

You can enjoy boat rides on the Mahanadi River from the jetty near Jobra.

Lakes and Reservoirs

Deojhar Waterfalls

This is the only waterfall in the Cuttack district, about 100 km from the city.

Anshupa Lake

Anshupa lake is a horseshoe-shaped fresh water lake on the Mahanadi river. It is a home for migratory birds in winter. You can also enjoy boating here.

Jobra Barrage

Jobra Barrage is a major source of water for the Mahanadi delta. It helps with irrigation and flood control.

Naraj and Mundali Reservoirs

These dams are at the point where the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers split. They help control the water level in the Mahanadi and prevent floods.

Stone Revetment on Mahanadi

Long ago, the people of Cuttack helped King Markata Keshari build stone walls to protect the city from floods.

Famous People from Cuttack

Many notable people were born or lived in Cuttack, contributing to Odisha's culture and history.

See also

In Spanish: Cuttack para niños