Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal ______.

Orissa

The correct answer is Option 2- Orissa

Kalinga was an ancient Indian kingdom located along the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent, corresponding roughly to the present-day state of Odisha in India. It was known for its strategic location along the Bay of Bengal and its rich cultural and maritime heritage.

The history of Kalinga dates back to ancient times, with references to the region found in early Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and Buddhist scriptures. It flourished as an independent kingdom during various periods of ancient Indian history, contributing significantly to trade, commerce, and maritime activities in the Indian Ocean.

Kalinga is perhaps most famously known for the Kalinga War, which took place in 261 BCE when the Mauryan emperor Ashoka waged a military campaign to conquer the region. The brutalities and loss of life during this war deeply affected Ashoka, leading to his conversion to Buddhism and his subsequent advocacy for peace and non-violence.