Sambalpur district, Administrative district in Northern division, India
Sambalpur district is located in western Odisha and covers an area of about 6,700 square kilometers with dense forests covering more than half of its territory. This forested landscape shapes the region's geography and ecology significantly.
The area served as a major diamond trading center until the early 1600s and appears in writings by the ancient geographer Ptolemy from the 2nd century. This long presence in historical records shows the region's early importance.
The district is known for Sambalpuri sarees, traditional handwoven textiles with patterns that reflect the local artistic heritage of Odisha and continue to be made by weavers today.
The district is well connected by a network of railways and roads, with the city of Sambalpur serving as a hub to other major urban centers in Odisha. Visitors should check on local travel conditions before journeys, as rural areas may have varying infrastructure.
Archaeological excavations near Kuchinda have uncovered stone tools from the Paleolithic period, revealing that humans inhabited this area since ancient times. These findings provide insight into the region's deep settlement history.
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