Growth of trade and commerce in colonial orissa: A study of canals

In 1803, East India Company occupied Orissa. After itsconquest, the colonial government did not pay any attention for the development of transport and communication.. As a result of which, the economy of Orissa , did not flourish. In 1866. Bengal Orissa famine visited Orissa. One third of its population were perished in Orissa. The Bengal Orissa famine commission report, recommended for development of roads , navigable canals, ports and post and telegraph in Orissa. As a result of recommendation, several canals were constructed in Orissa for communication purposes. These canals were , Orissa Coast Canal, High Level Canal, Kenndrapara Cana, Pattamundaicanal, Jajpur Canal and Taldanda Canal. The net result of the growth of inland navigation was that , the isolation of Orissa came to end. People of Orissa went to outside Orissa for education and employment. The emergence of new trade, stimulated agriculture production and multiplied internal and external trade.