Explanation: To understand the geographical boundaries of Odisha, it is essential to consider its location within the broader context of Indian geography. Odisha is a state in eastern India, and its boundaries are shared with several other states. The northeastern boundary of Odisha is particularly significant as it is shared with two states: Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Jharkhand, to the north of Odisha, is a state that was carved out of the southern part of Bihar in 2000. It shares a significant portion of the northeastern boundary with Odisha. The boundary between Jharkhand and Odisha is marked by the Subarnarekha River, which flows from west to east and forms a natural boundary between the two states.
West Bengal, to the northeast of Odisha, is a state that borders Odisha along the eastern part of its northeastern boundary. The boundary between West Bengal and Odisha is marked by the Mahanadi River, which flows from west to east and forms a significant part of the boundary between the two states. The city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is located to the north of this boundary.
It is important to note that while Kolkata is a significant city in West Bengal, it is not a state and thus cannot be listed as a boundary state. Similarly, Chandigarh, a union territory in the north, and Punjab, a state in the northwest, are geographically distant from Odisha and do not share any boundaries with it.
Understanding the boundaries of Odisha is crucial for comprehending its geographical position within India and its relationship with neighboring states. This knowledge is particularly important for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services and state PSC exams, where questions on Indian geography are common.