Bhubaneswar is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is a city that perfectly blends rich ancient history with modern development.
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"Temple City of India": It is most famous for its vast collection of ancient temples, particularly those built in the distinctive Kalinga style of architecture. Key examples include the majestic Lingaraj Temple (11th century), the Mukteswara Temple, and the Rajarani Temple.
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Historical Significance: The city has a history dating back over two millennia. Nearby Dhauli Hill is the site of the ancient Kalinga War and features the rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are important rock-cut shelters of Jain significance from the 1st century BCE.
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Modern Capital: The modern city was one of the first planned cities of independent India, designed by German architect Otto Königsberger in 1946. It replaced Cuttack as the capital of Odisha in 1948.
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Contemporary Hub: Today, it is a rapidly developing metropolis, serving as a major hub for administration, education, IT, and commerce. It is often considered the gateway to the "Golden Tourist Triangle" of Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar.