History of Canal Irrigation in Coastal Orissa: 1866-1947 presents an authoritative description of the history of what was known as canal system in coastal colonial Orissa. The text is a strictly original work and primarily based on the author's research on economic history of Orissa. The main features of canal irrigation have been given in full detail for a clear-cut understanding of canal irrigation. Challenging earlier interpretations, the book moves away from a largely colonial or masterly narrative to a realistic history. The work provides a detailed account of the extension of canal irrigation system starting from its beginning. It also explains what led to the introduction of canal irrigation.