Sambalpur finds mention in the works of Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.) as Sambalaka. Sambalpur  was also an ancient centre of diamond trade in India and hence the name of the world famous Hirakud Dam. [ Hira means  'diamond'. ]. Associated with the celebrated name of its ruler Indrabhuti, the teacher-propounder of the Vajrayana Buddhism, Sambalpur has earned a place in the cultural history of India. 

Sambalpuri Handloom
Sambalpur is the centre of internationally famous Handloom Textiles popularly known as "Sambalpuri Textiles". 

Language and Literature
Oriya is the principal language of the district. However, the language as spoken in Sambalpur (and other western districts)  differs from that spoken in the costal districts of Orissa. It is generally known as Sambalpuri ( or koshali). Some experts in linguistics have opined that Sambalpuri has the traits of a distinct language, although the script is Oriya. 

Many litterateurs of National / State eminence either hailed from Sambalpur district (undivided) or lived for a considerable period of their life at and around Sambalpur. Bhima Bhoi, Gangadhar Meher, Bijoy Chandra Majumdar, Nanda Kishore Bal, Baikunthhanath Patnaik, Mayadhar Mansinha, Binod Chandra Nayak, Sraddhakar Supakar, Satyanarayan Bohidar, Khageswar Seth, Rajendra Kishore Panda, Chintamani Behera, Uma Shankar Panda, Bhubaneswar Behera, Nilamadhab Panigrahi, Bharat Chandra Nayak, Sunil Misra, Nrusingh Kumar Rath, Prafulla Kumar Tripathy, Sarat Chandra Pradhan, Mangalu Charan Biswal, Sarat Narayan Behera and Abhaya Kumar Padhi and several others are among them. Lakshminath Bejbarua, one of the father-figures of Assamese literature, lived at Sambalpur for several years.

Other Indian languages spoken by various segments of the people of Sambalpur district are Hindi, Urdu, Marwari, Bengali, Telugu, Gujarati, Punjabi and Tamil. Tribal languages like Kisan, Kui, Oraon, Kharia etc. are  spoken by the tribal population of the district. 

Satyanarayan Bohidar
Known as the pioneer and father-figure of Sambalpuri language and grammer, Satya Narayan Bohidar was born  on 1 August, 1913. His formative and creative years were spent in Sambalpur that produced a good no. of literary translations and biographies. Fighting against all odds, Sri Bohidar was successful in preparing the dictionary and grammer specially in Sambalpuri Language which provided a significant identity to it. Satya Narayan Bohidar died on 31 December, 1980, leaving a great legacy behind him to influence the future generations.

Sites, Temples, Rituals, Fairs and Festivals
Sambalpur city is the headquarters of the district. Here, apart from the rock-terrained river-bed of Mahanadi, one may like to visit the temples of Samaleswari, Patneswari, Budha Raja, Brahmapura and the Gopaljee monastery. It is an important socio-cultural and commercial centre of Orissa. Sambalpur derives its name from its presiding deity "Samleshwari" enshrined in a temple called Samalai Gudi on the Mahanadi. Another important monument of this town is Budharaja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands on a hilltop from where the panoramic view of the town can be viewed. Among other monuments, the temples of  Brahmapura and Annata Sajya noteworthy. 

As regards the ceremonial rituals, fairs and festivals of the region, Nuakhai ( New Rice festival),Sitalasasthi , Maha Shivaratri, Nrusingha Chaturdashi , Viswakarma Puja, Bhai Jiuntia, Pua Jiuntia, Makara, Puspooni etc are noteworthy.

The Administration
Sambalpur is the headquarters of the Northern Division of Orissa comprising ten districts, viz : Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Bargarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Dhenkanal, Deogarh and Angul. A senior functionary of the Indian Administrative Service is stationed here as the Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Northern Division, Orissa. Besides, the District Magistrate and Collector is the Chief Revenue Officer of the district. As regards the police, Sambalpur is a Range headquarters, having a Deputy Inspector General of Police. As usual, the Superintentent of Police of the district is also stationed at Sambalpur.

Hirakud Dam (16 km)
One of the longest Dams in the world, Hirakud stands in its  majesty across the great river Mahanadi which drains an area of 1,33,090 Sq. km more than twice the area of SriLanka. The bulk of this Dam contains earth, concrete and masonry materials, "sufficient to make a road 8 metres wide and pave it from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Amritsar to Dibrugarh in  Assam. From horizon to horizon the reservoir forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 Sq.km having a shore line over 640 km. A twenty-one kilometres drive on the dyke affords a unique experience of calm serenity and majesty of nature. One can enjoy the sight of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the fantastic expanse of water from the top of the revolving minaret called Gandhi Minar on the north end and comfortably stay at Ashok Nivas,a luxury Guest House adjoining the Nehru Minar at the other end of the Dam. As the largest multipurpose river valley project of the world, it is a real gift to the nation-"all for happiness and prosperity". However, divergent views have been expressed in some recent reports about the Hirakud water management.

Ushakothi (48 km)* 
The famed wildlife sanctuary at Badrama has already gained prominence among the international tourists as a place of destinational tour. Among various fauna of tropical forests, the sanctuary preserves elephant, tiger,sambar, black-panther,deer, wild boar and many other species. One could have a sight of these animals from the watch towers near the saline tank or the water/holes. One could as well drive along the forest roads and watch them. 
Ushakothi is on the N.H.No.6.A forest rest house at Badrama (3 Km) provides accommodation whose reservation authority is D.F.O.,Bamra,district Sambalpur. 

Chiplima (36 km)* 
The place has gained prominence as the second Hydro-Electric Project of the Hirakud Dam. A natural fall of 80 ft. (24.39 metres) high in the river Mahanadi is made use for generating electricity. The place is mostly inhabited by fishermen whose deity ‘Ghanteswari’ is very popular in the neighboring areas. The State Live Stock Breeding Farm and an Agricultural Farm are located here. 

Nrusimhanath (165 km)* 
The temple of Vidala-Nrusimha stands at the foot of the picturesque Gandhamardan hills. On the other slope of this hill are the famous Harisankar temple and the captivating waterfalls. It gained a place in history in the early part of Christian Era being famous as ‘Haranapapa’ (destroyer of Sins) among the ancient pilgrims. In his account Hiuen T’sang referred to this place as Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li or Parimalagiri which was a renowned seat of Buddhist culture. The ruins found on the plateau at the hill/top, about sixteen km long, speak volumes in mute voice. Local traditions ascribe that this is a part of Gandhamardan Hill which Hanuman carried on his shoulders from Himalayas to save the life of Laxmana. The hill is also rich in medicinal herbs and the entire surrounding is very pleasant in summer. This place is 100 Km from Bargarh. A Panthashala (Tel. No. 2436) here provides accommodation to the tourists. 

Huma (32 km)
Famous as the abode of Lord Siva, Huma contains the lone leaning temple of Orissa and also famous as a scenic spot of great excellence. The river Mahanadi flowing close by abounds in fish (Kudo fish) which are never caught. The popular belief is that they belong to Lord Vimaleswar. Facility for cruising in the river by country boat is available for a nominal price. Regular bus service is available up to Huma Chowk and the rest 2 Kms is to be covered on foot. 

Educational Institutions
The Sambalpur Universty is located at Jyoti Vihar, Burla and is a centre of excellence and learning. A Medical College and an Engineering College are also at Burla. Among the colleges, Gangadhar Meher Autonomous College is a premier college of Orissa. 

Chandra Sekhar Zila School
Chandra Sekhar Behera Zila School, one of the oldest educational institutions of India which is located at Sambalpur, has a legacy of excellence in education.Chandra Sekhar Behera was an eminent freedom-fighter. Chardra Sekhar Behera was born on 20th May, 1873 in Dhankauda Village near Sambalpur Town. He is remembered for his dedicated works for restoration of Oriya Language in Western Orissa, Chandra Sekhar was actively involveded in the freedom movement and was jailed for several times. He was involved in several socio – political and cultural organizations. He was instrumental in the activities of Utkal Sammilani in formation of the separate statehood for Orissa. Chandra Sekhar breathed his last on 23rd January, 1936. The School is named after him. Students  of this institution have made great contributions in the spheres of literature, culture, art, intellectual pursuits, technology, social work and politics. The lineage is long.