Cuttack

Cuttack, city in eastern India, in Orissa State, on the Mahānadī River. Cuttack is the center of the Orissa canal system, which is used for transport and irrigation. Nearby are the delta of the Mahānadī and Brahmani rivers; a hilly inland region; and the Baitarani, a third river, which also traverses the area. Entrance to the rivers is impeded by silt banks and sandbars. The principal agricultural product of the district is rice. The chief industrial products of the city are silver filigree work and leather. Many educational institutions are here; notable are a medical school, a school of engineering, and Ravenshaw College. Cuttack was formerly the capital of Orissa Province, British India, and was the capital of Orissa state until 1948. Population (2001) 587,637.