📝 Odisha History MCQs (With Explanation)
🔹 Section 1: Ancient Odisha
Q1. What was the ancient name of Odisha?
A. Magadha
B. Kalinga
C. Kosala
D. Avanti
Answer: B
Explanation: Odisha was known as Kalinga in ancient times and was a powerful kingdom on the eastern coast of India.
Q2. Who was the famous ruler of Kalinga mentioned in Hathigumpha inscription?
A. Ashoka
B. Chandragupta Maurya
C. Kharavela
D. Bindusara
Answer: C
Explanation: Kharavela was a powerful ruler of Kalinga, known for his military campaigns and patronage of art and culture.
Q3. The Hathigumpha inscription is located at?
A. Puri
B. Cuttack
C. Udayagiri
D. Konark
Answer: C
Explanation: The Hathigumpha inscription is located in Udayagiri caves near Bhubaneswar and provides details about Kharavela.
Q4. Kalinga War was fought by Ashoka in which year?
A. 261 BCE
B. 273 BCE
C. 250 BCE
D. 300 BCE
Answer: A
Explanation: The Kalinga War was fought in 261 BCE, after which Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
Q5. After Kalinga War, Ashoka adopted which religion?
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Hinduism
D. Sikhism
Answer: B
Explanation: Deeply affected by the destruction of war, Ashoka converted to Buddhism and promoted peace.
👉 Exam Tip: Questions on Kalinga War and Kharavela are very frequently asked.
🔹 Section 2: Medieval Odisha
Q6. Who built the Sun Temple at Konark?
A. Anantavarman Chodaganga
B. Narasimhadeva I
C. Kapilendra Deva
D. Prataprudra Deva
Answer: B
Explanation: Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the famous Sun Temple at Konark.
Q7. Jagannath Temple is located at?
A. Bhubaneswar
B. Konark
C. Puri
D. Cuttack
Answer: C
Explanation: The Jagannath Temple is located in Puri and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Q8. Which dynasty built Jagannath Temple?
A. Maurya
B. Ganga
C. Mughal
D. Gupta
Answer: B
Explanation: The Eastern Ganga dynasty, especially Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, built the temple.
Q9. Who was the founder of Gajapati dynasty?
A. Kapilendra Deva
B. Narasimhadeva
C. Kharavela
D. Ashoka
Answer: A
Explanation: Kapilendra Deva founded the Gajapati dynasty and expanded Odisha’s territory.
Q10. Capital of medieval Odisha under Gajapati rule was?
A. Puri
B. Cuttack
C. Bhubaneswar
D. Sambalpur
Answer: B
Explanation: Cuttack served as the capital during the Gajapati rule.
👉 Quick Revision Tip: Temples and dynasties are key scoring areas.
🔹 Section 3: Modern Odisha
Q11. Odisha became a separate province in which year?
A. 1947
B. 1936
C. 1950
D. 1920
Answer: B
Explanation: Odisha was formed as a separate province on 1st April 1936.
Q12. Who is known as the “Utkal Gourav”?
A. Madhusudan Das
B. Gopabandhu Das
C. Biju Patnaik
D. Harekrushna Mahatab
Answer: A
Explanation: Madhusudan Das is called Utkal Gourav for his contribution to Odisha’s formation.
Q13. Who founded Utkal Sammilani?
A. Gopabandhu Das
B. Madhusudan Das
C. Biju Patnaik
D. Gandhi
Answer: B
Explanation: Utkal Sammilani was founded to unite Odia-speaking regions.
Q14. Who is known as “Father of Odisha”?
A. Madhusudan Das
B. Gopabandhu Das
C. Biju Patnaik
D. Ashoka
Answer: A
Explanation: Madhusudan Das played a major role in the formation of Odisha.
Q15. First Governor of Odisha was?
A. John Austen Hubback
B. Biju Patnaik
C. Gandhi
D. Nehru
Answer: A
Explanation: John Austen Hubback was the first Governor after formation.
👉 Exam Tip: Formation year (1936) is very important for exams.
🔑 Key Points Summary
- Ancient Odisha = Kalinga
- Kharavela = powerful ruler
- Kalinga War = 261 BCE
- Konark Temple = Narasimhadeva I
- Odisha formed = 1936
- Madhusudan Das = Utkal Gourav
📌 Conclusion
Odisha history is a scoring topic if prepared properly. Focus on important rulers, dynasties, temples, and modern history events. Instead of memorizing blindly, try to understand the concepts and revise regularly. Practicing MCQs with explanations will help you improve both accuracy and speed. Keep practicing consistently to achieve better results in your exams.
History of Odisha – 100 MCQs (My Real Study Notes)
So, I recently started preparing Odisha History for OSSSC exams (RI, ARI, Amin, Forest Guard, CGL)… and honestly, I thought it will be easy because it’s my own state.
But when I solved MCQs, I realized — names, kings, dynasties, movements… everything gets mixed up 😅
Like sometimes I confused which king built which temple or which movement happened when.
Then I changed my approach. Instead of mugging everything, I started connecting things. And trust me, it helped a lot.
I’m sharing the same way I studied — simple and real.
1. Ancient Odisha History
When I first studied this, the most important topic I found was the
Kalinga War
Why it is important?
Because it changed the life of Ashoka
My understanding:
After this war, Ashoka saw destruction and then followed peace (Buddhism).
My trick:
- Kalinga War → Ashoka → Buddhism
This chain helps me remember.
One relatable thought:
When I first read about this war, I felt how one event can change a king’s mindset completely.
2. Dynasties of Odisha
This part confused me a lot 😅
Too many names like:
- Chedi dynasty
- Eastern Ganga dynasty
- Gajapati rulers
What I did:
I didn’t try to remember everything.
I focused on important ones.
Example:
Eastern Ganga dynasty is important because of
Konark Sun Temple
Built by:
Narasimhadeva I
My trick:
- Temple → King → Dynasty
3. Famous Temples & Architecture
This is very important for MCQs.
Important temples:
- Jagannath Temple
- Lingaraj Temple
- Konark Sun Temple
My trick:
Connect temple with place.
Example:
Jagannath Temple → Puri (easy to remember)
One insight:
Many questions come directly from temples, so don’t ignore this part.
4. Medieval Odisha
This part includes Gajapati rulers.
Important king:
Kapilendra Deva
My understanding:
He expanded Odisha’s power.
My trick:
Just remember 1–2 key rulers, not all.
5. Modern Odisha History
This part is very important.
Key topic:
Freedom movement in Odisha.
Important personality:
Madhusudan Das
My understanding:
He worked for Odisha’s identity.
Formation of Odisha state:
Formation of Odisha state
My trick:
- 1936 → Odisha became separate state
How I Practice MCQs
Earlier I was just reading notes.
But I forgot everything.
Now I do:
- Study topic
- Solve MCQs
- Check mistakes
- Revise
This improved my memory.
Sample MCQs
1. Kalinga War was fought by?
Answer: Ashoka
2. Konark Sun Temple built by?
Answer: Narasimhadeva I
3. Jagannath Temple is in?
Answer: Puri
4. Odisha became separate state in?
Answer: 1936
5. Who is called Utkal Gourav?
Answer: Madhusudan Das
Mistakes I Made
1. Trying to remember everything
Got confused.
2. Not revising
Forgot names.
3. Mixing facts
Wrong answers.
One Small Insight
History is not difficult.
We make it difficult by mugging blindly.
One Relatable Example
Sometimes I remembered temple but forgot the king.
So now I link both.
My Personal Tips
1. Focus on important topics
Don’t go too deep.
2. Use tricks
Helps in exam.
3. Revise regularly
Very important.
4. Practice MCQs
Best way to learn.
Final Thoughts
Odisha History is scoring if you prepare smartly.
Just remember:
- Learn key events
- Connect facts
- Revise regularly
Even 1 hour daily is enough.
MCQ Practice Rules
- Read question carefully
- Don’t confuse similar names
- Eliminate wrong options
- Revise mistakes
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