Cuttack, one of the oldest cities in India is the cultural and commercial capital of Orissa. It is the busiest city of Orissa and is the headquarter of the Cuttack district. Known as the “Millennium City”, Cuttack is more than a thousand years old and was the capital of Orissa for almost nine centuries, before Bhubaneswar was made the capital city in 1948. The actual pronunciation of Cuttack is ‘Katak’ which is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kataka’ signifying a military camp or a fort or a Government seat protected by an army. Cuttack is referred to as a city with Babaan Bazaar, Teppan Galee i.e. a city having 52 markets and 53 streets. Cuttack is world famous for its filigree works in silver for which it is called “Silver City”. It is also famous for works of ivory, textiles of woven silk and cotton - the famous Cuttacki or Katki sarees.
Geography:-Cuttack is 22 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. It, along with Bhubaneswar are collectively called as the “twin cities” of Orissa. Nestled at the tongue like land formed by the Mahanadi River in the North and Kathajodi in the South, Cuttack is a picturesque town. The city experiences a hot and humid climate in Summer, characterized by temperature going up as high as above 40°C and a dry and cold climate in Winter, with mercury dipping to as low as below 10°C. Summer starts at the end of March, the effect of which is felt till the middle of June when monsoon sets in. Monsoon rains lash the city during September to middle of October. Winter, between November and beginning of January is characterized by wind chill from north. Between middle of January to the middle of March, the climate is pleasant.
History:- Early history of Cuttack is associated with the Keshari dynasty. As stated by the distinguished historians, present-day Cuttack was established as a military cantonment by king Nrupa Keshari of Keshari dynasty in 989 A.D. They based their opinion on Madalapanji, the chronicle of lord Jagannath Temple of Puri. Inscriptions of Anangabhimadeva III refers the original city as Abhinab-Baranasi-Katak. Like the city of Baranasi situated in between rivers Baruna and Asi, Cuttack is situated between the rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi and was therefore named as Abhinab Baranasi (New type of Baranasi). Cuttack developed into a city out of five villages- Choudwar Katak, Saranasi Katak, Sarangagarh Katak, Viraja Katak and Amaravati Katak. The reign of Markata Keshari was distinguished for the stone embankment built to protect the new capital from flood in 1002 A.D. Historical evidence suggests Cuttack becoming capital of a Kingdom founded by Anangabhimadeva of Ganga dynasty in 1211 A.D. After the end of Ganga rule, Orissa passed to the hands of the Gajapati Kings (1435-1541 A.D.) under whom Cuttack continued to be the capital of Orissa. After the death of Mukunda deva, the last Hindu king of Orissa, Cuttack first came under Muslim rules and later under Mughals. By 1750, Cuttack came under Maratha rules. It was occupied by the British in 1803 and later became the capital of Orissa division in 1816.
Demographics:- As of 2001 India’s census, Cuttack has a population of 5,35,139: males constitute 53% and females 47%. Cuttack has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80% and, female literacy is 69%.
Culture:- Cuttack is famous as a city of ‘Bhaicharas’ or feeling of brotherhood. People of many religion, language and region reside here peacefully from time immemorial. The true concept of neighbourliness is perfectly reflected in Cuttack as neighbours don’t hesitate at all in borrowing any thing from their neighbours-it may be sugar, tea leaf and exchanging curry. Hence, the people of Cuttack called as Katkis or Katkias have a special belongingness irrespective of their religion, language, native place caste.
Majority of the population of the ancient city Cuttack are the Hindus. But a large number of Muslims also live in Cuttack particularly in some areas which are called Muslim Bastis or areas. Again, there are Christian Sahis having more Christians and Sikhs colonies. Along with the Oriyas, the native people of Orissa, a large number of Bengalis, Gujaratis, Punjabis, Marwadis and Telgus live in the city of cuttack making it their favourable destination. Surprisingly, there are Sahis or areas named according to these communities.
Fairs & Festivals:- Orissa has several festivals. All those festivals are celebrated in a grand way at Cuttack. But the Unique festivals of Cuttack are Dushera, Kali Puja, Ganesh and Saraswati Puja, Diwali, Holi, Id. Cuttack is famous for its Chandi Medha of Goddess Durga, which are basically silver filigree works. Cuttack Baliyatra is the largest fair of Orissa. Barabati Nrutoshav, Mahanadi Festival and Kathojodi Festival are also big festivals of the city.
Famous Places:- The remains of Barabati Fort, Barabati Stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Orissa High Court, Katak Chandi Mandir, Kali Mandir, Panchamukhi Hanuman Mandir, Sikh shrine ‘The Gurudwara Daatan Sahib’ at Sikharpur, Quadam-i-Rasool Mosque- a sacred shrine both for the Hindus and Muslims add glory to this Millennium City. The other famous places of Cuttack are Mahanadi River Bridge-the longest bridge of Orissa, Naraj-the meeting point of river Mahanadi and Kathojodi, Mahanadi Barrage at Jobra. The Swaraj Ashram of Sahebazada Bazaar was the center of all nationalist activities during freedom struggle. The Ashram is place of pilgrimage as Gandhiji indoctrinated the youths of Orissa with the mantra of truth and nonviolence.
The places with literary and cultural importance in Cuttack are Shri Ramachandra Bhawan, Sarala Bhawan, Kala Vikash Kendra, Saheed Bhawan etc. The leading socio-cultural and literary organizations of Cuttack are Utkal Sahitya Samaj-the ancient literary organization of Orissa, Sarala Sahitya Sansad, Utkal Sahitya Kala Parishad etc. ‘The Samaj’- the largest circulated Oriya daily and ‘Prajatantra’, another Oriya daily are published from Cuttack. ‘JYOTI-THE FLAME’ is also published from Cuttack.
Food:- Katakis enjoy the taste of the typical Oriya food rice, water rice, dal, curry ( veg & non-veg), roti etc. But Cuttack is famous for the mouth-watering plate of Dahi-Vada & Aludam. Katakis also like Bada, Alu Chop, Onion Bada, Samosa, Dosa, Gupchup, Chat etc. Now there is a vast craze for fast food in Cuttack.
Famous Institutions:- The national research laboratories like the Central Rice Research Institute, which is a premier institute of rice research in the whole of South Asia is situated at Cuttack. The Shri Ramachandra Bhanj Medical College and hospital of Cuttack, is the largest hospital in Orissa. The JRM Rotary Eye Hospital and Research Institute of Cuttack is a recognised institution by WHO and Govt. of India. The childrens’ hospital called ‘Sishu Bhawan’ is also at Cuttack. The Board of Secondary Education’s head office is also located in Cuttack. The other important offices of Cuttack are Orissa Police DG Head Office, All India Radio, O.S.A.P. 6th Battalion etc.
Famous Educational Institutions:- Ravenshaw University of Cuttack, the ancient and most prominent educational institution of Orissa is of national repute. The other educational institutions of Cuttack are IPSAR management college, ABIT engineering college, Bhubana- nanda Engineering School, Radha Nath Teachers Training Institute, Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute, Stewart Science College, S. B. Women’s College, J.K.B.K College, Christ College, Stewart School, St. Joseph’s School, Cambridge School, S.C.B. Medical Public School, Central School, D.A.V. Public Schools, Secondary Board School, Ravenshaw Collegiate School, P. M. Academy, Ranihat High school.
Industries:- There are also many big and small industries at Jagatpur and Khapuria industrial complex of Cuttack.
Shopping Centres:- Orissa’s largest Shopping Mall-Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Arcade is also located at Old Jail Road, Cuttack. Many other malls and leading retail chains like Salasar, Vishal Mega Mart, Bazaar Kolkata, Food Bazaar, Reliance Fresh etc have made their way into this millennium city.
Transport:- Cuttack lies on the national highway no. 5, connecting Kolkata and Chennai. Well connected by rail, it is an important hub for most trains. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is 28 km away. It also has the largest bus terminus of the state.
Where to Stay:- As the major destination of Orissa, after Bhubaneswar, Cuttack has a number of good hotels inside the city. Though extremely luxurious hotels with world class facilities might be hard to find here but most of the hotels are above average. Hotel Akbari Continental, Hotel Dwarika, Hotel Niladri, Hotel Sagarshree, Hotel Blue Lagoon, Hotel Bombay Inn, Hotel Ashoka, Bombay Hotel, Hotel Vijaya, Hotel Suryakiran, Panthanivas, Hotel Monalisa, Hotel Roxy, Hotel Manorama Plaza are the major hotels of the city.
Cuttack is noted for having been the birthplace Subhash Chandra Bose- the prominent Indian freedom-fighter. It is also the birthplace of Biju Patnaik. Eminent persons who had made Cuttack their habitat and work place are Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Harekrushna Mahatab, Sachi Routray, Binod Kanungo, Pranakrushna Parija, Artaballabh Mohanty, Gouri Shankar Ray, Radhanath Rath, Akshaya Mohanty etc.