Orissa becomes an arena for the battels between the Mughals and the Afghans when the already AFghans refuse to acknowledge the suzeraintly of the Mughals ruling over Delhi. The operation continues from 1590 to 1595 resulting in the complete defeat of Afghans.

Mughal rule in orissa begins with sthe arrival of Raja Manasingh, Akbars Raajput General , who destroys the Afghans resistants. On the instruiction of the Akbar Orissa is divided into five sarkars : Jaleswar (including madinipur), Bhadrak , Cuttack, Chika Khol, and Raja Mahendry Dandpat. Orissa is thus acquired for Mughal empire and ;is governed as a part of the bengal Subah for sometime. It is during the Mugha lrule that the marchants carry on their brisk overseas trade & commerce and attract the attention of Europe traders. The Portugees, the Dotch, The English and The FRench discover Orissas economic potential for markets outside.

During the rule of Akbars son & successor,Jahangir, Orissa is constitute into a separate provinces, with Cuttakc as capital and is placed inder a subahdar.

1670

Kavi Samrat Upendranath Bhanj is believed to have been bom around 1670.

1728

The Nizam of Hydrabad occupies the whole of Ganjam & Chikakol (Srikakulam) & declares them as the North sarkar.

1751 - 1803

Maratha Administration of Orissa begins with Raghuji Bhonsla-I as the new chief ofthe territory - Marathas continue to rule till 1803 the year in which Orissa possess on the hands of the British Marathas administration is said to have proven fatal to the welfare and prosperity of the land and presents a picture of misrule, anarchy and weakness, repacity and violence. Marathas rulers however patronise religion and religious institutions, thus making Orissa center of attration, Oriya literature also makes rapid progress.