East India facts for kids
East India is a special part of the country of India. It includes five states: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. These states share many interesting things like their culture and languages. For example, Odisha and West Bengal have a lot in common with Bangladesh and the state of Assam. Long ago, West Bengal and Bangladesh were part of one big area called Bengal before they were separated in 1947.
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Discovering East India
East India is a vibrant and diverse region. It is located in the eastern part of the Republic of India. This area is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique traditions.
The States of East India
Let's take a quick look at the states that make up East India:
- Bihar: This state is famous for its ancient history. It was once home to powerful empires and important learning centers.
- Chhattisgarh: Known for its beautiful forests and tribal cultures. It's a newer state, formed in 2000.
- Jharkhand: This state is rich in minerals and has many forests. It was also formed in 2000.
- Odisha: Odisha has a long coastline and is famous for its ancient temples and classical dance.
- West Bengal: Home to the large city of Kolkata. This state has a rich artistic and literary heritage.
A Glimpse into History
East India has a very old and important history.
Ancient Empires and Learning
Long ago, powerful empires ruled this region. The Maurya Empire, one of the biggest empires in ancient India, included much of East India. Later, the Delhi Sultanate also had a strong presence here.
This region was also a center for learning. For example, Nalanda University in Bihar was a famous Buddhist monastery and university. Scholars from all over the world came to study there! Places like Ratnagiri, Odisha and Udayagiri, Odisha were also part of ancient learning centers.
Famous Temples and Art
East India is home to many amazing historical buildings. The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is a stunning example of ancient architecture. It's so important that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site! These temples show the incredible skill of the builders and artists from long ago.
Culture and Traditions
The culture in East India is very rich and colorful.
Festivals and Celebrations
People in East India celebrate many festivals with great joy.
- Chhath Puja: This is a major festival celebrated especially in Bihar. People worship the Sun God during this time.
- Ratha Yatra: The famous chariot festival of Puri in Odisha is a huge event. Giant chariots carry the deities through the streets.
Dance and Music
East India has its own beautiful classical dance forms.
- Odissi: This is a classical dance from Odisha. It's known for its graceful movements and storytelling.
- Rabindra Sangeet: This is a type of song created by the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore from West Bengal. Dance performances often accompany these songs.
- Sambalpuri Dance: A folk dance from Odisha, known for its lively steps.
Delicious Food
The food in East India is very tasty and diverse!
- Macher Jhol: A popular fish curry from West Bengal. It's often eaten with rice.
- Rasgulla: A famous sweet made from cheese curds, popular in both Odisha and West Bengal. There are different kinds, like Kamalabhog from West Bengal and Bikali Kar Rasagola from Odisha.
- Chhena Poda: A delicious baked cheese dessert from Odisha.
- Other sweets include Ras malai, Chhena gaja, Khaja, and Chandrakanti.
Modern East India
East India is not just about history; it's also growing and developing.
Cities and Economy
- Kolkata in West Bengal is one of the largest cities in India. It's a major center for business, education, and culture. You can see modern skylines and busy roads there.
- Other important cities include Patna in Bihar, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in Odisha, and Rourkela in Odisha, which is known for its steel plant.
- There are many important industries here, like the Durgapur Steel Plant and the Rourkela Steel Plant.
- The region also has important ports like Kolkata Port and Paradip Port, which help with trade.
Education and Technology
East India has many excellent schools and universities. Places like IIT Patna and IIM Calcutta are top institutions. There are also technology parks, showing that the region is moving forward with modern advancements.
Sports and Recreation
People in East India love sports, especially cricket and football.
- Eden Gardens in Kolkata is one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world!
- Salt Lake Stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan) in Kolkata is a huge football stadium.
- Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha, is another important sports venue.
- Hockey is also popular, especially in areas like Sundergarh in Odisha.
East India is a fascinating region with a blend of ancient traditions and modern progress. It's a place full of history, culture, and exciting developments!
Images for kids
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The extent of the Maurya Empire
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The extent of the Delhi Sultanate
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Konark Sun Temple built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha
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Famed Buddhist Nalanda University & Monastery ruins in Bihar
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Ratnagiri, Odisha, Part of Puspagiri University
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Udayagiri, Odisha, Part of Puspagiri University
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Software Technology Park of India, IIT Patna
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Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata
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Auditorium of IIM Calcutta
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Skyline in Kolkata
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Chowringhee Road, one of the CBD in Kolkata
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New Town, Kolkata, West Bengal
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Howrah Bridge links Kolkata to Western bank of Ganges
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Kolkata skyline from Chowringhee
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Vidyasagar Setu over Hooghly River
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Durgapur Steel Plant
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Skyscrapers in Bhubaneswar city
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Puri sea beach
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Rourkela Steel Plant
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Bhubaneswar skyline
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Rourkela at night
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National Highway 31A winds along the banks of the Teesta River near Kalimpong, in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region in West Bengal.
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Puri rath yatra, Odisha
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Chhath Puja
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Performing Odissi, a classical dance from Odisha
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Dance accompanied by Rabindra Sangeet
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Sambalpuri Dance
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Black-and-white close-up photograph of a piece of wood boldly painted in unmixed solid strokes of black and white in a stylised semblance to "ro" and "tho" from the Bengali syllabary.
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Eden Gardens, the second largest cricket stadium in India
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Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
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Hockey turf in Sundergarh, Odisha
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A ship at Kolkata Port
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Paradip Port
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A traditional Bengali fish meal – Rice with Macher Jhol (Literally translated to "Fish's gravy")
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Green jackfruit and potato curry, Kolkata
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Kamalabhog Roshogolla from West Bengal
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Bikali Kar Rasagola from Odisha
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Chhena Poda from Odisha
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Rasmalai, a sweet dish popular in Odisha and West Bengal
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Chhena Gaja from Odisha
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Khaja, a sweet dish popular in Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal
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Chandrakanti sweet from Odisha
