• The Battle of Kalinga began in 8th year of Ashoka’s rule. Before the battle started, Ashoka sent a letter to King of Kalinga or Kalingaraj where Ashoka asked for complete submission of Kalinga to the Mauryan Empire. This was refused by Kalingaraj.
• Ashoka’s grandfather, Emperor Chandragupta Maurya tried to conquer Kalinga once but was unsuccessful.
• Emperor Bindusara, father of Emperor Ashoka, was in a process of territorial expansion but the independent feudal republic of Kalinga was a major hindrance both politically and economically.
• Emperor Bindusara also made attempts to conquer Kalinga but was defeated.After death of Emperor Bindusara, Emperor Ashoka took a complete charge to annex the State of Kalinga.

Statehood: 1 April 1936 (Utkala Dibasa)
Areas: 155,707 km2 (60,119 sq mi)
Population: 45,989,232
coastline: 450 km

TEMPLE

1500

BUDDHIST SITES

15

LUXURY NATURE CAMPS

40

BIRDS & REPTILES

504

WATERFALLS

15

BEACHES

11

TURTLES

600,000

HILL

10

JAIN SITES

6

SANCTUARIES

27

ISLANDS

14

LAKE

17