Unraveling 'Utkal': The Hidden Gem in India's National Anthem

• The national anthem's line 'Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha, Dravida, Utkal, Bang' takes listeners on a geographical journey across India.
• 'Utkal' refers to the modern-day state of Odisha, historically known as Kalinga or Utkal on India's eastern coast.
• The Sanskrit origin of 'Utkal' means 'excellent art,' reflecting the region's rich artistic heritage, including the Sun Temple of Konark and Jagannath Temple of Puri.
• Utkal is historically significant as the site of the Kalinga War, which led Emperor Ashoka to embrace peace.
• Odisha celebrates April 1st as 'Utkal Divas,' commemorating its formation as India's first linguistic state in 1936.

Why It Matters: Utkal in the national anthem represents Odisha's rich history, art, and valor, a tribute to its cultural legacy.