Early History of Orissa

Author(s): Amarchand Mittal
Publisher: Jain Cultural Research Society

Page 36

GEOGRAPHICAL FACTOR
season. The average depth is five to six feet and scarcely anywhere exceeds 12 feet, except in the south-west. The bed of the lake is only a few feet below the level of the sea high-water, although in some parts slightly below low-water mark. The neck, which joins it to the sea, is only 200 to 300 yards broad; but the narrow tidal stream, which rushes through it, suffices to keep the lake distinctly salt during the dry months. Once the rains have set in and the rivers come pouring down upon its northern extremity, the sea-water is gradually driven out, and the Chilka becomes a fresh-water lake.
The scenery of the Chilka is very varied and in parts exceedingly picturesque. In the south and the west, hill ranges bound its shores ; and in this part, it is dotted with a number of small rocky islands rising from deep water. Proceeding northwards, the lake expands into a majestic sheet of water. Half-way across is Nalabana (Lit: Reed Forest), an island about 5 miles in circumference, scarcely anywhere rising more than a few inches above water level. This island is altogether uninhabited, but is regularly visited by parties of thatchers from the main land, who cut the reeds and high grasses with which it is covered. On the eastern side of the lake lie the islands of Parikud with new silt formations behind, and now partially joined to the narrow ridge of land which separates the Chilka from the sea. At some places, they emerge almost imper. ceptibly from the water ; at others, they spread out into well-raised rice-fields. Their northern extremity slopes gracefully down to the lake, dotted with fine trees, and backed by noble mass of foliage. Beyond the northern end of Parikud, the lake gracefully shallows, until it becomes solid ground, for here the Puri streams empty them. selves into the lake. Water-fowl of all kinds, and in cold