What was the ancient name of coastal Orissa?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b) Kalinga

Explanation:

• The ancient name of coastal Orissa (present-day Odisha) was Kalinga.
• It was a prominent maritime power known for overseas trade with Southeast Asia.
• The region is historically significant for the Kalinga War (261 BCE) fought between Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom.

Information Booster:

• Kalinga corresponded to the eastern coastal region covering parts of modern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.
• It had important ports such as Tamralipti which facilitated international trade.
• After the Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism and non-violence, marking a major turning point in Indian history.
• The Kalinga kingdom finds mention in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Puranas.

Additional Knowledge:

• Taxila : An ancient city in present-day Pakistan; a renowned center of learning.
• Kalsi : Known for Ashoka's rock edicts in Uttarakhand.
• Topra: Site of Ashokan pillar inscriptions in Haryana.