Odisha, also known as Orissa, is an Indian state, that is located in the eastern part of the country. It is the 8th largest state in India with respect to area, and the 11th largest with respect to population.The land where Odisha is situated today was occupied by King Ashoka of Mauryan dynasty in 261 BCE. Between 335 CE to 375 CE, the land was said to have been occupied and ruled by Samudragupta of Gupta empire, followed by some more dynasties in the medieval period.