Odisha was previously called Kalinga.
Odisha played host to the 4th Kalinga International Buddhist Conclave held from April 10-12, 2017.
The event was organized by Odisha Tourism, Govt. of Odisha. The Day-1 of the Conclave began at Udayagiri on April 10, 2017.
The Kalinga War was won by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. Odisha was the land that transformed the blood thirsty king to a benevolent human, who embraced Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka sent his children, Mahendra and Sanghamitra along with Buddhist missionaries as peace ambassadors to different nations like Sri Lanka etc. to propagate Buddhism.
