Known as the Silk City, Brahmapur (“The Abode of Brahma or the Creator”), is one of the oldest cities of the Ganjam district of Odisha state. Today it is more commonly known as Berhampur. Located towards the south of Chilka Lake at 85 feet above the sea level, Berhampur is one of the most populous cities of the state having a population of 3,60,000. Odiya is the native and widely spoken language in the city and in the adjoining areas. As per the 2011 census, Ganjam district has a total population of 3.5 million out of which 43 percent are in the working age. Amongst them, about 57 percent are engaged in the agriculture sector, 3 percent in the household industry and 40 percent in manufacturing, services, trade and commerce. The city is famous for spices and textiles, especially for its silks and hand-woven Ikat saris.
