Odia is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the official language of the state and is recognized as one of the classical languages of India. With over 40 million speakers, Odia has a rich literary tradition that dates back to the 10th century, showcasing a variety of poetry, prose, and drama. The language has its own script, also called Odia, which is derived from the Brahmi script. Odia is known for its unique phonetic structure and vocabulary, influenced by languages such as Sanskrit and Persian. It plays a significant role in the cultural identity of the people of Odisha.