Orissa

Situated on the Bay of Bengal, the state of Orissa was known throughout the ancient world as a strategic maritime empire. Its nearness to the sea, however, makes it vulnerable to natural disasters like the devastating cyclone of 1999 that killed at least 10,000 people and left one million homeless.

About the People

The people of Orissa are known to be friendly and hospitable. Around 83 percent speak Oriya, the state language, which has 29 dialects. Predominately Hindu (95%), Orissa is 2 percent Christian and 2 percent Muslim. A quarter of its 38 million people are Adivasis, or those belonging to tribal communities.

Seventy-six percent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Other industries include stone and woodcarving, filigree works and basketry. The state is also a main exporter of iron ore.

Economy

Orissa is one of India's poorest states, with 66 percent of the population living below the poverty line. The widespread crop destruction brought on by the cyclone in 1999 was followed by a year of drought and famine in 2000. As a result, there was a mass movement from the countryside to the cities to find food and employment. Half of the population cannot read and the quality of life is bleak.

In the 1990s, persecution against Christians began to increase, drawing world attention in 1999 with the martyrdom of missionary Graham Staines and his two sons.

History of Violence

Orissa has one of the worst records for violence against Christians, due in part to the activities of a religious fundamentalist group. Many churches have been destroyed and Christian workers continue to be attacked. There is a law prohibiting conversion and, since 2000, baptism requires the permission of the government. Despite all of this, the Body of Christ in Orissa continues to flourish. A new Oriya Bible was published in 1998.