The spelling of the word "Cuttack" is often a source of confusion. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /kʌtək/. The double 't' in Cuttack can make it seem like it should be pronounced with a hard 't' sound at the end, but this is not the case. Instead, the word ends in a schwa sound, which is a neutral or unstressed vowel sound. This is why the 't' in Cuttack is actually pronounced softly, making it sound more like 'Cut-uck' than 'Cut-tack'.
Cuttack is a noun that refers to a city located in the eastern state of Odisha, India. With a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants, it is the second-largest city in the state and serves as the administrative capital of the Cuttack district. It is situated at the apex of the Mahanadi Delta, close to the Bay of Bengal.
Known historically as an important center for trade and commerce, Cuttack is renowned for its textile and handloom industries, producing exquisite silk and cotton fabrics. The city is also recognized for its intricate silver filigree work, which showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of its artisans. Cuttack is home to several temples, including the famous Cuttack Chandi Temple and the Qadam-e-Rasool, a revered Islamic shrine. These landmarks attract a large number of pilgrims and visitors each year.
Furthermore, Cuttack has a rich cultural heritage, and the city celebrates various festivals and events with great zest. The most prominent among these is the world-famous Durga Puja, where the entire city comes alive with grand decorations, traditional rituals, and vibrant processions. Cuttack is also known for its traditional dance forms, such as Odissi and Chhau, which add to the city's artistic and cultural significance.
In summary, Cuttack is an ancient Indian city renowned for its handloom and textile industries, intricate silver filigree work, and its religious and cultural significance.
The word "Cuttack" is derived from the ancient Sanskrit words "Kataka" or "Kataka Nagari", which translates to "Fort on the bank of a river". The city of Cuttack, located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. Over time, the name "Kataka" evolved into "Cuttack" due to phonetic modifications.