Studies in the Geography of Ancient and Medieval India c11.1

c11.1

Orissa is spelt *Oḍiśā* in the language of the Oriyas. This name seems to be derived from an earlier form like *Auḍriya-viṣaya* through forms like *Oḍḍi-visaa* and *Oḍi-visā*. The Tibetan author Tāranātha mentions the name as *Oḍi-viśa*.¹ The tribal name Uḍra or Oḍra lies at the root of all these forms. But Uḍra, Oḍra or Auḍra cannot be regarded as the earliest name of Orissa.