Synopsis The present work is based on first hand literaray, archaeological materials and deals with all aspects of the history and culture of a part of Western Orissa. Three districts of Orissa, viz. Sambalpur, Balangir and Kalahandi formed the eastern part of South Kosala in ancient and medieval periods. Though many pre-historic findings and scattered antiquities have been explored, the history and civilization of this part of Orissa has hitherto not been studied critically The present work is a very successful attempt to fulfil this desideratum. The book shows new horizon to the study of Mahanadi valley, its civilization and hints that flowed down the Mahanadi river. The author has left no stone unturned in his approach. The value of the work is also very much enhanced by the plates that are appended at the end.