About
Cuttack is an ancient city in Odisha and has played a key role in the state’s history for many hundreds of years. It is the headquarters of Cuttack district and also a primary center for education, business, trade and administration. The city is located between the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers which have seen it through to become one of Odisha’s preeminent urban centers.
Cuttack district is a very developed district in Odisha. It shares borders with Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh and Angul districts. The district has excellent road, rail and water connections which also make it a key transport and business center.
The city is home to many of the state’s premier educational and health institutions as well as to the high court which is based out of Cuttack that puts the city at the front in terms of legal structure.
Presently Cuttack district is a key player in the fields of education, health care, administration, business and tourism which at the same time preserves its rich history and culture. It is a mix of the past and present which positions it as a leading district in Odisha.
History & Culture
Cuttack has a past which extends over a thousand years. The city was founded by King Nrupa Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty in the 10th century. Due to its location between two rivers it became a strong military center and later grew into an important capital for many ruling dynasties. Also the name “Cuttack” is derived from a Sanskrit term which means military camp or fort which in turn presents us with the city’s early role in protecting the region.
During the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty Cuttack became the preeminent political center in Odisha. Later the Gajapati rulers enhanced the city’s role and had a hand in its growth to become a hub for trade, administration and culture. They built many temples and public structures which we see today.
Cuttack was a key city in India’s freedom struggle. It is the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who is a very respected freedom fighter of the country. His ancestral home has been turned into a museum which is a great source of information on his life and his role in the independence struggle.
Cuttack’s culture is a reflection of Odisha. We see people come out in great spirit to celebrate festivals like Durga Puja, Rath Yatra, Diwali, Holi and Makar Sankranti. Out of which Durga Puja is the grandest in the city. What makes Cuttack’s Durga Puja special is the beautiful silver decorations which it puts on the idols which in turn put the city on the map.
Cuttack is very much known for its traditional silver filigree craft that we call Tarakasi. Skilled artisans produce beautiful jewelry, decorative pieces and artistic designs with fine silver wires. This craft has been in practice for generations and is one of the district’s best known cultural symbols.
Odia is the primary language in the district. As for Hindi and English we see them very much in use which is also in school, at the office and in government settings. In Cuttack the people have a very warm nature and also are very much rooted in their local traditions.
Economy
In Cuttack district agriculture, trade, manufacturing, education, health care and various service sectors are the supports of the economy. Also due to its central position in Odisha that district has developed into a large business center which is a market for products from neighboring districts. Also we see that good road and rail connections play a role in the business’, which take the products to different parts of the state and the country.
Cuttack has a large legacy of small scale industries and craft. In the field of craft the district is known mostly for the silver filigree which is known as Tarakasi that is available all over in the country. Also we see that there are many small manufacturing units that produce textiles, food products, metal goods and furniture. These also employ many skilled labourers and artisans.
Trade is a very large component of the district’s economy. We have large wholesale markets which supply agricultural products, household goods, building materials and consumer products to nearby districts. Also with the growth in population shopping centers, retail markets and local businesses have expanded.
Education and health care are large components of the local economy. We see in schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and diagnostic centers which are creating for themselves a large work force of teachers, doctors, nurses and administrative personnel. Also tourism is a support to hotels, restaurants, transport services and local shops which do well all year round.
Government Sector
In Cuttack district government is the largest employer. In the district headquarters many state government offices and public institutions are present. These offices provide services which include education, health care, revenue, law enforcement, agriculture and rural development.
The Odisha High Court is present in Cuttack which is the base of the legal structure in that state. Also this is a large scale employer for legal professionals, court staff and government officers which in turn supports many related businesses.
Government schools, colleges, hospitals and welfare institutions serve the needs of urban and rural communities. In terms of public investment that is put in we see development of roads, bridges, drainage systems, which in turn improves the connectivity in the area and supports the economic growth of the district.
Public Sector
The public sector in the Cuttack district is very much a part of the economy. Public sector banks which are a part of that structure play a key role for farmers, students, small business men and local industries which they do through offering savings accounts, business loans, agricultural loans and a range of other financial products. Also these institutions play into the growth of business in urban as well as rural areas.
Public infrastructure like power, potable water, sanitation and public transport is a part of everyday life for which people rely on; also they support the operation of businesses, schools, hospitals and commercial centers.
The government runs health, education and public transport institutions in which thousands of people have stable employment. At the same time they improve the quality of life for residents and also support the overall growth of Cuttack district.
Services Sector
In Cuttack’s economy the services sector has grown to become the largest. In that area we see development of banking, education, health care, retail trade, information technology, transport and tourism which also creates the most jobs.
Retail trade is seeing growth which includes shopping centers, supermarkets, local markets and small businesses that are meeting the day to day requirements of the residents. Also we see that hotels, restaurants and transport companies profit from the tourist and business visitors who come for vacation, study, health care and official work.
The district which has a mix of government and private businesses along with a growing service sector is home to some of the top economic centers in Odisha which includes Cuttack.
Tourism
Tourism forms a large part of the identity in Cuttack district. The district which has a past of many years’ history, religious sites, river front areas, cultural festivals and famous crafts that is what attracts visitors. All through the year people visit Cuttack to see historical places, enjoy the local food and also take part in festivals which in turn reflect the culture of Odisha.
One of the most known sites is Barabati Fort which at one time was a very important military fort during the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. While what remains of the fort today is but a shadow of its former self, it still does see a great many visitors that are into history. Also in the area is Barabati Stadium which is a preeminent sports venue in Odisha and which hosts cricket matches and other sports events.
The Netaji Birthplace Museum is a major attraction in Cuttack. That is the birth home of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose which also puts on display his personal effects, photographs and historical records. From all over the country visitors come here to study about one of our greatest freedom fighters.
The district is home to many temples, parks and riverside areas which provide a beautiful setting for visitors. Also we see that what it does for Cuttack is that it has very good road and rail connectivity from the rest of Odisha and neighboring states.
Demographics
In the 2011 Census of India report Cuttack district was reported to have a population of over 2.6 million which also includes very large rural and urban populations. Also according to that same census it is one of the more populated districts in Odisha.
Odia is the primary language in the district. As for Hindi and English, they are very much used in our schools, government offices and business.
Cuttack district reports a high literacy rate as compared to many other districts in Odisha. What we have seen is an improvement in educational standards which has been brought about by the presence of schools, colleges and universities over the years. Also from neighboring districts students come to Cuttack for higher studies.
Administration
Cuttack district is run by the District Collector who also implements government schemes and sees to the development of the area which also includes the maintenance of law and order.
For ease of administration which is the primary goal the district is split into tehsils and blocks. That which we see is these administrative units’ role in the management of land records, revenue collection, public welfare programs and local development.
In Cuttack city municipal authorities are in charge of civic services. They are responsible for road maintenance, sanitation, drainage, water supply, street lighting and waste management. We see the continuous improvement of urban infrastructure which supports the growing population and business activities.
Various governments’ agencies team up to improve roads, health care, education, public transport, drinking water infrastructure and rural development. We see this as an ongoing effort which supports the district’s social and economic growth.
| Facts of Cuttack District | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Cuttack |
| Location | Odisha |
| Area | 3,932 sq. km |
| Population | 2,624,470 |
| Language | Odia |
FAQs
Q1: Where is Cuttack district located?
Cuttack district is in the east of Odisha. It is between the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers and also has many adjacent districts which border it.
Q2: What is Barabati Fort known for?
Barabati Fort which is a great example of the ancient architecture in Cuttack. It is a home to the mediaeval history of the district and also a very popular place which visitors enjoy.
Q3: Which rivers flow through Cuttack district?
The Mahanadi and Kathajodi which are the primary rivers for Cuttack district. They play a key role in agriculture, water supply and the district’s geography.
Q4: What is Tarakasi in Cuttack?
Tarakasi which is the silver filigree craft of Cuttack. We see in it very fine detailed designs made out of thin silver wires and this is what makes it the district’s most famous handicraft.
Q5: What is Cuttack famous for?
Cuttack is known for its great history, Bali Jatra fair, silver filigree work, Barabati Fort, Netaji Birth Place Museum and Durga Puja celebrations.
