 It's an emotional tie that will integrate the otherwise divided people.

Even though it's treated as a

second religion, the emotional force is usually stronger than the faith itself.
 Nationalism is additionally a political phenomenon of the recent society, supported by common
history, tradition, language, and culture. It creates a sense of homogeneity in a nation.
 Nations don't create nationalism, it's the opposite way round, and nationalism creates nations.
Nationalism revolves around the elements of culture.
Odia Nationalism
 The language controversy in Odisha which began in the 1840s became very firm during 1869-70s.
Gradually, the cultural revolution of Odisha gave birth to nationalism in the region and merged with
pan Indian nationalism.
 The basic nature of nationalism in Odisha was the imposition of the Bengali language in schools,
courts and offices by Bengali officers posted in Odisha.
 The territory of Odisha was fragmented into various parts by colonial rulers. Odisha had lost the
political geography and social existence under different administrative zones of British India.
 So, the territorial unification and language agitation went simultaneously along with the
decolonization process from the below in augmenting nationalism in Odisha.
Social Bases Of Odia Nationalism
 Odishan nationalism was started when Odia people realized that the colonial rule was the main reason
for Odisha‘s poor economic condition.
 The nineteenth century witnessed socio-cultural changes in Odisha. The 19th century witnessed the
growth of socio-political associations and public associations in Odisha. The educated middle class that
emerged in Odisha in the post-famine period, like its counterpart elsewhere, expressed its ideas, views
and aspirations through the press, meetings and associations.
 A number of socio-political associations and public associations, having different objectives such as the
development of Odia language and literature, protection of the
interests of Odias, social reform, promotion of education and intellectual and literary discussions were
formed in the post-famine period.
 The first such organization was the mutual improvement society established at Cuttack in 1859 and some
other important associations were formed like Cuttack Debating Club (1869), Utkalollasini Sabha
(1869), Utkal Uddipani Sabha (1873), Bhadrak DeshHitaisini Sabha (1874), Ganjam NishaNishadhini
Sabha (1875), Orissa Islam Association (1875), Balasore National Society (1878), Utkal Sabha (1882),
Orissa People‘s Association(1882), Orissa Graduate and under Graduate Association (1888) Orissa
Christian Association (1896), and Utkal Hitaisini Sabha were some of the important associations which
served a most useful purpose in the formative stage of the Oriya nationalism.
 There were some communal and caste-based associations, such as Karan Sabha, Odisha Islam
Association, 1875 and Odisha Christian, Association, Cuttack, 1896.
 The educated elite of Odisha like the elite elsewhere in India, sought to reform the social life through
such measures as promotion of education and uplift and emancipation of women.
 In the early part of the 20thcentury, Utkal Union Conference presented a very significant role in handling
the delicate political situation for the creation of the Orissa province.
Odia nationalism refers to the collective consciousness and identity of the people of Odisha, driven by a
shared sense of belonging and aspirations for socio-cultural and political self-determination. The social bases
of Odia nationalism can be understood through various factors that have shaped and influenced the growth of
this sentiment. Here are some key points describing the social bases of Odia nationalism:

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1. Linguistic Identity:
 The Odia language forms the foundation of Odia nationalism. The language acts as a unifying factor
among the people of Odisha, fostering a sense of linguistic pride and identity.
 The recognition and promotion of Odia as a distinct language contributed to the formation of a
linguistic community that played a crucial role in shaping Odia nationalism.
2. Cultural Heritage:
 The rich cultural heritage of Odisha, including its art, literature, music, dance, and architecture, has
played a significant role in nurturing a sense of pride and belonging among the people.
 The preservation and promotion of Odia cultural traditions, such as the Odissi dance and Odia
literature, have strengthened the social bases of Odia nationalism.
3. Historical Legacy:
 The glorious history of Odisha, marked by the ancient Kalinga empire, the spread of Buddhism, and
its contributions to art and architecture, has influenced the growth of Odia nationalism.
 The memory of Kalinga's resistance against foreign invasions, as well as historical figures like Buxi
Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai, has instilled a sense of pride and resilience among the people.
4. Regional Identity:
 The geographical and ecological distinctiveness of Odisha, including its coastline, forests, and
natural resources, has contributed to the formation of a strong regional identity.
 The sense of belonging to the land of Odisha and the pride associated with its unique features have
fostered a sense of unity and solidarity among the people.
5. Socio-cultural Movements:
 Socio-cultural movements advocating for social reform, women's rights, and the promotion of Odia
language and literature have played a crucial role in shaping Odia nationalism.
 Movements led by prominent personalities like Fakir Mohan Senapati, Utkal Gourav Madhusudan
Das, and Gopabandhu Das sought to awaken a sense of pride, self-respect, and cultural resurgence
among the people.
6. Tribal and Indigenous Communities:
 The tribal and indigenous communities of Odisha, with their distinct cultural practices and traditions,
have contributed to the social bases of Odia nationalism.
 Efforts to preserve and protect the rights and interests of these communities, such as the recognition
of their languages and promotion of their cultural heritage, have fostered a sense of inclusivity and
unity within the broader Odia identity.
7. Intellectuals and Literary Figures:
 Intellectuals, writers, and literary figures have played a significant role in shaping Odia nationalism.
 Through their writings, poems, and literary works, they have articulated the aspirations, struggles,
and cultural ethos of the people, strengthening the social bases of Odia nationalism.
8. Political Leadership:
 Political leaders who championed the cause of Odia identity and regional development have also
contributed to the growth of Odia nationalism.
 Leaders like Hare Krushna Mahtab, Nandini Satpathy, Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik, who
emphasized the rights and interests of the people of Odisha, have mobilized support and shaped the
political discourse around Odia nationalism.
9. Folk Traditions and Festivals:
 The vibrant folk traditions, festivals, and rituals of Odisha, such as the Ratha Yatra of Puri and the
Durga Puja celebrations, have played a role in nurturing a collective sense of belonging and cultural
identity.
 These traditions and festivals act as a binding force, bringing people together and reinforcing the
social bases of Odia nationalism.

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 10. Regional Socio-economic Issues:
 Socio-economic issues specific to Odisha, such as poverty, underdevelopment, and unequal
distribution of resources, have also influenced the growth of Odia nationalism.
 The collective aspirations for equitable development, access to basic amenities, and improvement in
living standards have become integral to the social bases of Odia nationalism.
The social bases of Odia nationalism can be attributed to factors such as linguistic identity, cultural heritage,
historical legacy, regional identity, socio-cultural movements, tribal and indigenous communities,
intellectuals and literary figures, political leadership, folk traditions and festivals, and regional socio-
economic issues. These factors have shaped and influenced the growth of a collective consciousness and
identity among the people of Odisha, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and aspirations for socio-cultural and
political self-determination.
Modern History of Odisha
British Occupation of Odisha
 The British were inspired to spread throughout India after their first success at Plassey was
confirmed by successive victories at Buxar.
 The proximity of Bengal to Odisha inside India made it an attractive target for British colonization.
Because of the Maratha ruler‘s mismanagement, abuses, and exploitation, the Odias could no longer
tolerate living under Maratha control.
 The British have always wanted to cement their dominance in Odisha, ever since they were handed
Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha by the East India Company.
 However, the Maratha government's weakness and incompetence presented the British with a golden
opportunity to consolidate their dominance in Odisha. Efforts were made in this direction, and in
1803 the British invaded Odisha.
Causes of British Occupation
The following factors contributed to the British occupation of Odisha:
The Maratha rulers' weakness
 After Januji Bhonsle‘s death, the internal conflict among the Bhonsles of Nagpur weakened the
Marathas, which influenced the Maratha rulers of Odisha.
 As the decline began among the Marathas, their powers gradually dwindled, for which they received
insufficient assistance from Nagpur. Even for the purpose of subduing the unruly land lords, they
needed British assistance.
Land lords' oppression
 Taking advantage of the Marathas' incompetence in Odisha, regional land lords became irresponsible
and oppressive.
 They engaged in a variety of illegal activities, and their oppression of the subjects knew no bounds.
Establishment of British factories
 When the British established factories in Hariharpur, Pipli, and Balasore, they recognised the
province's commercial importance.
 Additionally, the British obtained permission from the Marathas to maintain their monopoly on salt
manufacturing in Odisha.
 The trade routes connecting Cuttack to Bengal, Madras, and Nagpur significantly facilitated their
business.

Odisha's military significance

 The British authorities recognised Odisha's military significance. Warren Hastings was required to
give Chauth and advance loans to the Maratha governors to facilitate the passage of the British army
from Calcutta to Madras via Odisha.

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