Odisha (formerly known as Orissa), a state located on the eastern coast of India, has a rich and diverse history of education that spans ancient to modern times. The state’s educational contributions are deeply tied to its historical, religious, and cultural development. The evolution of education in Odisha has witnessed a transition from ancient systems rooted in spiritual and philosophical teachings to modern schools, universities, and technical institutions. Here’s an overview of Odisha’s contribution to education through the ages:

Ancient Period

1. Ancient Educational Systems:

   • Education in ancient Odisha was largely influenced by the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with gurukuls and monasteries serving as educational centers. The region was known for its contributions to philosophy, mathematics, literature, art, and architecture.
   • Temples in Odisha, particularly the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, were centers of learning. They functioned as educational hubs where scholars were taught various disciplines, especially Sanskrit, religious texts, and the arts. The temple system played a key role in the transmission of religious knowledge and culture.
   • Odisha was a prominent center of Buddhism during the reign of King Kharavela in the 1st century BCE. His patronage of Buddhist learning and institutions is well-documented, particularly the Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves, which housed Buddhist monasteries and learning centers.
   • Nalanda, the renowned Buddhist university, also attracted scholars from Odisha, particularly in the ancient era. Scholars from Odisha contributed significantly to Indian philosophy and Buddhist literature.

2. Literary Contributions:

   • Odisha has a long-standing tradition of literary output in Odia (Oriya), one of the oldest languages in India. The Odisha region is known for its classical literature, and Odisha’s contribution to literature includes the ancient Mahabharata, the Sanskrit dramas of the Ganga dynasty, and the Odia literature of the medieval period.
   • Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, Radhanath Ray, and Jayadeva (author of Gita Govinda) are some of the famous figures from Odisha who contributed significantly to the classical arts and literature.

Medieval Period (8th - 18th Century)

1. Role of Temples and Monasteries:

   • The temple education system was robust during the medieval period. Religious and cultural education in Odisha was primarily disseminated through temples and mathas (monastic institutions). These institutions played a crucial role in the preservation of Sanskrit, Vedic studies, astrology, astrophysics, and medicine.
   • The Jagannath Temple in Puri became a significant center for learning, particularly in areas related to rituals, philosophy, and history.

2. Development of Odia Language and Script:

   • The Odia language evolved during this period, with the Odia script gaining prominence as a means of recording literary and philosophical works.
   • Odia literature flourished during this time, with significant contributions from poets, scholars, and saints. This period also witnessed the composition of important literary works, like Chandrika, Geeta Govinda, and Odiya religious texts.

3. Kingdoms and Patronage of Education:

   • Various rulers in Odisha, particularly during the reign of the Ganga Dynasty (11th-15th centuries), took steps to promote education. These rulers established learning centers in their courts, where Brahmin scholars and literati were encouraged to compose works on religious and philosophical topics.
   • King Kharavela’s rule also marked a period of advancement in education, particularly in terms of patronage for Buddhist education and cultural activities.

Colonial Period (19th Century - Early 20th Century)

1. Introduction of Modern Education:

   • The British colonial period saw significant changes in Odisha’s educational landscape. Western-style education was introduced, which began to gradually replace traditional systems.
   • Christian missionaries played an essential role in spreading education during the colonial period. Missionaries such as William Carey (the founder of the Bengal Education Society) and Jabez Thomas established schools and colleges, particularly in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, focusing on reading, writing, and mathematics, along with Christian teachings.

2. Establishment of Schools:

   • The first English medium school in Odisha, the Cuttack Mission School, was established by Christian missionaries in the early 19th century.
   • The first formal college in Odisha, Fakir Mohan College (established in 1944 in Balasore), became a prominent educational institution in the region.

3. Focus on Vernacular Education:

   • The British also encouraged the use of vernacular languages in schools. The development of Odia language education was encouraged, with textbooks written in Odia to facilitate education for the common people.
   • The first Odia language book was published in the 19th century, and it helped spread literacy among the masses, particularly in rural areas.

4. Introduction of Women’s Education:

   • During the British colonial era, Odisha also saw the beginning of women’s education. Schools for girls were set up in various regions of the state, and some progressive families and rulers promoted education for women.

Post-Independence Period (1947 - Present)

1. Educational Reforms and Government Initiatives:

   • After India gained independence in 1947, Odisha’s government made efforts to expand primary education and improve literacy rates. The focus shifted to creating a well-structured, formal educational system across the state.
   • The State Education Policy was formulated, and the government invested in establishing schools and colleges in both urban and rural areas.
   • The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme helped increase school enrollment and reduce dropout rates, especially among economically disadvantaged groups.

2. Growth of Higher Education:

   • Utkal University (founded in 1943 in Bhubaneswar) became one of the earliest universities in the region and contributed to the expansion of higher education in Odisha.
   • The establishment of other universities like the Berhampur University (1967), Sambalpur University (1967), and Fakir Mohan University (1999) furthered opportunities for higher learning.
   • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar, and National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, are prominent institutions that provide world-class education in engineering and technology.

3. Focus on Technical and Vocational Education:

   • The state has also focused on promoting vocational education and technical training to enhance employability among youth. Institutes such as Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET) focus on technical training and innovation.
   • Government and private initiatives have promoted IT education and skill development programs, preparing youth for industries such as information technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.

4. Promoting Odia Language and Literature:

   • The government of Odisha has focused on preserving the Odia language and promoting Odia literature. Odia was recognized as a Classical Language of India in 2000, which has helped maintain its cultural importance in education.
   • Odia literature continues to thrive in schools and universities, with a growing number of publications, poetry, and literary activities.

5. Improvement in Literacy Rates:

   • Over the years, Odisha has made significant progress in improving literacy rates. As of the 2011 Census, the literacy rate in Odisha stood at 73.45%, a substantial improvement from previous decades.
   • Government programs and educational reforms have helped reduce the gender gap in education, with more girls now enrolled in schools and colleges across the state.

6. Challenges and Future Directions:

   • Despite progress, challenges such as infrastructure deficits, rural-urban educational disparities, and teacher shortages persist.
   • The state government is working on enhancing the quality of education through reforms, improving school facilities, increasing digital literacy, and expanding higher education opportunities.

Key Educational Institutions in Odisha:

• Utkal University (established in 1943)
• Berhampur University (1967)
• Sambalpur University (1967)
• IIT Bhubaneswar
• NIT Rourkela
• Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
• Fakir Mohan University (1999)
• BJB College, Bhubaneswar
• Cuttack Mission School, the first formal school in Odisha

Conclusion:

Odisha’s contribution to education has evolved from ancient religious and philosophical teachings to modern systems of formal education. The state’s rich cultural and educational heritage, particularly through the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, combined with colonial missionary efforts, laid the groundwork for modern education

in Odisha. Today, the state continues to expand educational opportunities, with a strong focus on higher education, technical training, and the promotion of its indigenous language and culture. While there are challenges, Odisha’s educational landscape continues to grow and adapt to the demands of the modern world.