History of Odisha records its eventful days of yore with ineffaceable footprints on the sand of the fleeting time. Ancient Odisha, which attained enduring fame and indelible glory under its past names (Kalinga, Udra, Toshali, Dakshina Kosala, Mahakantara (great forest) and Utkal), dates back to hoary days of human civilization. The littoral State was noted, far and wide, for the heroic deeds, flourishing maritime trade and over-sea expansion of its inhabitants. They were pioneer founders of Indian colonies across the oceans. Gorgeous glimpses of its uncommon past are found in many epics including Mahabharat. Buddhist and Jain literature also have rich descriptions of bravery, patriotism and generosity of the people of ancient Kalinga. It is the soil of Odisha and supremely gallant sacrifices of its people that turned an inexorable barbaric Chandasoka to Dharmasoka amid the Kalinga war in 261 B.C. It is here in this soil; Asoka relinquished his expansionism and war adventures, took asylum in Buddhism and ultimately became its great patron. According to the Puranas 32 Kshetriya kings ruled over Kalinga after the Mahabharata War up to the time of Mahapadmananda who ascended the throne of Magadha in 362 B. C.
