The Forgotten Monuments Of Orissa, Vol. 3

392 Pages·1996·24 MB·English

by  Bijaya Kumar Rath

About the Editor...
Bijaya Kumar Rath (B.1949) did his M.A. in
History from the Berhampur University,
Ganjam in 1970. He joined the Berhampur
University, first as a University scholar and
later as a UGC Fellow from 1971 to 1974.
He joined the State Archaeological
Department, Bhubaneswar as a Curator in
1974.
He has spearheaded the Listing work of
unprotected monuments of Orissa with
singular devotion and this publication is a
culmination of his efforts.
He was associated with editing State
Government publications- "The Heritage of
Orissa" and "Archaeological Survey Report
of Prachi Valley." He is a co-editor of "The
Journal of Orissa Research Society",
Bhubaneswar. He has also authored
"Cultural History of Orissa", "Brick Temples
of Orissa" and "Vishnu Sculpture from
Orissa."
and the Associate Editor...
Kamala Ratnam is currently
Director, Documentation, INTACH.
Cover Photograph courtesy
P.C.Dhir
Cover Design
Asha Saxena

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THE
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ORISSA

THE
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ORISSA
VOLUME 3
Editor : Bijaya Kumar Rath
Associate Editor: Kamala Ratnam
PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
December 1996 ^Pausa 1918)
©, Data and Photographs Compilation by
I N T A C H
ISBN: 81-230-0500-8
Price Rs. 310.00
PUBLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR PUBLICATIONS DIVISION
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
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Foreword
Orissa has aptly been called the Land of Temples. In early historic times the area was referred to
as Odra from which the modern name derives. One can see monuments testifying to the growth of
many religions amongst which dominate Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. At a later date, the
names Kalinga, referring to the southern coastal part and Utkala, to the northern, more interior part,
came into vogue.
Historically, the area came into prominence when, attracted by the fame of its culture and wealth,
Emperor Asoka decided to add it to his empire. It was on the road between Bhubaneswar and Puri
on the banks of the river, symbolically named "Daya" that the Kalinga battle was fought. A victorious
Asoka was witness to the vast numbers of dead warriors along the river bank. In a unique perception
the emperor underwent a transformation and accepted the tenets of Buddhism. It was from the
coast of Orissa the Noble Truths spread world wide and the Indian traditions travelled all over the
South East Asia and Sri Lanka to establish a cultural empire, an event that is still celebrated in
Orissa as the festival of Bali-Jatra.
Orissa is unique in that ideas have been permanently transformed into stone. The symbols of that
age stand testimony in the monuments of Orissa. There are innumerable temples and monuments
in the whole state dating back to the first century BC. Vagaries of nature and vandalism of man
has led to degradation of such priceless architecture.
One of the aims and objectives of INTACH is to undertake measures for the preservation and
conservation of cultural property of the country that have a high archaeological and historic value
so far not protected by the Central and State Statues. Towards this objective INTACH has undertaken
this work of listing of unprotected monuments.
Commendable work has been done by Dr B.K. Rath and his team. Not only will this exercise be of
use to scholars and students of history and architecture, but I hope it will enable readers to bring
to the notice of the government, State and Central, the sites which are in desperate need of
conservation so that they move towards their restoration and protection expeditiously.
PUPUL JAYAKAR
Chairperson
INTACH
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