Utkala Brahmins are the historical caretakers of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

[2][citation needed] During ancient period Utkala was centre of Buddhism and Jainism.

Shailodhava king Madhavaraja II in his inscriptions state that he performed the ashvamedha sacrifices to assert his independence from Gupta Empire which indicates presence of Brahmin in Odisha in 7th century.

They introduced a new style of architecture in Odisha and their rule saw a shift from Buddhism to Hinduism.

[4] According to legend Yayati Keshri brought 10,000 Brahmin from Kannauj to his kingdom for Ashvamedha ceremony in 10th century.