Orissa
Orissa
Orissa has a chequered history which has successfully assimilated and
synthesised the best of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures. Orissa or Kalinga
as it was then called was a settlement of non-Aryan and Aryan settlers. It
was a formidable maritime empire with trading routes stretching up to Bali,
Sumatra, Indonesia and Java. The key to international trade and immense
wealth, it was coveted by many rulers. In fact, it was here that the famous
Battle of Kalinga was fought in 261 BC, which made the great Mauryan
Kshatriya (warrior caste) king Ashoka forsake war. He became a follower of
Buddhism and spread the spirit of ahimsa and peace, the message of Buddhism,
to Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) and the Far East, Exquisite remains of the
Buddhist past still remain in the areas of Udaygiri, Lalitagiri and
Ratnagiri.
Kharavela, who came to power in Kalinga, around 1st Century BC, was a
staunch follower of Jainism. It is to this period that Orissa owes its Jain
art and architectural tradition.
The sophisticated architectural style of the Jain Monastic caves at
Udaygiri and Khandagiri are a story unto themselves. During the 7th to the
13th Century AD, Orissa flourished. Trade and commerce increased and along
with it evolved its art and architecture. The style of Hindu temple
construction, so unique to Orissa also developed around this time.
To
understand all that a Hindu temple stands for one must realize that temples
in India are not merely abodes of deities but a shradhanjali (offering) to
the most sacred. Here a 'darshan' is a communion between man and his
creator. Hence, Orissan temples are characterised by profuse decorations,
exquisite carving and ornamentation covering the entire visible area with
Gods & Goddesses, kings and queens, animals and flower motifs ranged
against each other. They radiate the artist's inner love and dedication.
Orissa is probably the only state where one can study temple architecture in
all its successive stages of development.
Enchanting Odissi
Odissi, is the traditional dance form of Orissa and probably owes its
origin to the temple dances of the devadasis (temple dancers). Possibly the
oldest classical dance form, one must sit through a performance to
experience its sheer lyrical grace. Mentioned in inscriptions, it is
depicted on sculptures, in temples like the Brahmeswara and the dancing hall
of the Sun temple at Konark. In fact in the 1950's the entire Odissi dance
form was revitalized with the help of the Abhinaya Chandrika and sculpted
dance poses found in temples. Orissa enjoys a rich tradition of tribal and
folk dances as well. Chhau from Mayurbhanj District is a martial dance form
reminiscent of Orissa's earlier maritime tradition. Other folk and tribal
dances include Danda Nata, a daylong performance ending in acrobatic
sequences, Ranapa or dances in which dancers perform balancing acts on
bamboo stilts.
Rare Artistry
Land of dextrous artists and craftsmen, Orissa possesses a rich artistic
tradition which enjoyed liberal patronage from the temples as well as the
nobility. Diverse and varied, the craftsmen artists of Orissa still retain
their indigenousness, trying to refine it to suit a changing sensibility. Be
it the applique artists of Pipli or the stone carvers of Orissa, proud
descendants of sculptors whose hands chiseled the unsurpassable designs on
Orissa's famous temples, the essential conflict between the traditional and
the modern is gradually being resolved. The progressive attitudes of the
Orissan artists coupled with hereditary skills zealously perpetuated, has
given traditional Orissan arts and crafts like weaving of Ikat, Bomkai and
Sambalpuri Saris, stone carving, applique and embroidery, silver filigree
work, patta painting and palm leaf engraving, brass and bell metal work,
lacquered boxes and toys and basket weaving, a unique place in the
connoisseur's dictionary the world over. A visit to the Raghurajpur artists
village and Pipli, near Puri, to see the artists at work is quite a
rewarding experience.
Gourmet Delights
The green coconut with its pure water and the abundant sea food from
Chilika lake and the sea are as Orissan as pizzas are Italian. Delicious
prawns, crabs, sweet water fish, lamb, chicken and eggs cooked by Orissan
cooks are widely available gourmet fares, while specialty restaurants serve
almost everything. Milk preparations like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Khirmohan,
Rasabali, Kalakand are delicious. Pithas, sweet and savoury are served as
local snacks. This is a traditional preparation requiring skill and care.
Pithas like Mandas, Kakara, Chhunchipatra are usually domestic preparations
much loved by the Orissans.
The Ethnic World of Orissa
Orissa is a modern state with an ethnic past that is still vibrant. Most of
her tribes are to be found in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar
Phulbani, Sambalpur, Kalahandi and Koraput. As many as 62 tribes exist in
Orissa - Kondhs, Koyas, Bondas, Gadabas, Santals, Juangs, Oraon, to name
only a few are some important tribes who have retained their individuality
and their close bond with nature. From the last week of January to early
February, the Tribal Fair at Bhubaneshwar brings together the ethnic world;
their art, craft and culture is on display. For those desirous of a closer
look trips are arranged by many tour operators from Bhubaneshwar and other
cities but it is a hardier trail and more time consuming.
The Tribal Museum (T.H.R.T.I.) at Bhubaneshwar (CRP Square) however is
quite comprehensive and provides adequate information on the art, craft,
housing and life-styles of the various tribal groups.
Bhubaneshwar
Temple City of The East
Visit
the ancient city of Bhubaneshwar (Bhuban being world and Iswar God) and it
is a walk down centuries of temple architecture, With 600 temples still
extant, temples are to this ancient city as forts are to Rajasthan. It is
probably the only city in the world that enables an authentic over-view of
the stages of development of Hindu religious architecture. In the fast
moving world of today these temples are a gentle reminder of the splendour,
the heritage that was once India, It is not hard to imagine what a temple
would have been at the time of its patron ruler. Regular dances by the
'Devadasis' or divine servant girls, rituals and rites, recital of hymns
were all an integral part of temple culture. Temples in Bhubaneshwar are
built on a common plan as prescribed by Hindu norms. The structure is
divided into four distinct parts connected to each other. The external part
or the outer chamber is the 'Jagamohana'. The Garbhagriha is the inner
sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity. There is also a conical beehive
shaped tower which forms the third part - the Nata Mandap and the fourth is
the Bhoga Mandap. All visible parts of a temple are sculpted with motifs of
priests, kings, courtiers, pilgrims, celestial dancers, couples in embrace,
birds, animals or scenes from religious epics and legends.
Excursions
Dhauligiri (8 km) has Ashokan edicts carved on rocks. These date back to
2nd century BC. Also has Buddhist temple built with Japanese collaboration.
Udaygiri, Khandagiri (8 km) have a series of cave temples belonging to the
Hindu and Jain faiths. Local guides required for the labyrinthine caves.
Nandan Kanan Zoo (25 km) for viewing the Royal Bengal Tiger and white
tigers. Chandipur (16 km) is a seaside resort with one of the finest beaches
in Orissa. Pipli (29 km) is a village famous for its appliqué work,
originally only made for the temple Gods. Atri Springs (42 km) has sulphur
springs and the famous Hatakeshwara Temple. Sun Temple, Konark (65 km) is a
magnificent 13th century temple visualized as the chariot of the Sun God, as
he glides through the firmament from dawn to dusk. The ruins have sculptures
detailing every aspect of human life. The city also has a beautiful beach.
General Information
Area : 65.03 sq km.
Altitude : 45 metres (146 ft.)
Temperature (deg C) : Summer - Max.38, Min.27.1; Winter -
Max.28.2, Min.15.2.
Rainfall : Mid June-September 60 inches (152 cms).
Languages Spoken : Oriya, Bengali, Hindi, English etc.
Best season : October to March.
Udaygiri Khandagiri
7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri. Built
by Kharavela around 1st - 2nd Century BC for Jain monks, they are excellent
examples of Jain Cave art. The famous caves of Hathigumpha (elephant cave)
in Udaygiri, RaniGumpha (Queen's cave) also in Udaygiri, with upper and
lower storeys, spacious courtyards and extremely delicately designed friezes
bear witness to the sophistication the architectural styles had attained as
early as the first Century BC.
Dhauli
Driving down the Puri-Konark Highway from
Bhubaneshwar one comes across Dhauli hill on the banks of the River Daya.
Surrounded by the soothing greenery of paddy fields, lies the 3rd Century BC
Ashokan Rock Edict, a memory of the gruesome war that transformed Ashoka,
the great Warrior into a Buddhist missionary. The Peace Pagoda built in
collaboration with the Kalinga - Japanese Buddhist Sangha, on the opposite
hill, is completely modern and is an excellent foil.
Puri
The seat of Lord Jagannath, Site of
Renowned Rathyatra Festival and one of the most popular sea side resorts on
the Bay of Bengal, Puri is an ideal travel destination all the year round.
Places of Interest
Shri Jagannath Temple, Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple, Gundicha
Char, Indradyumma Tank, Narendra/Chandan Tank, Loknath Temple, Swarga Dwar,
Sea Beach at Puri.
Konark
Renowned for its magnificent sun temple, which was constructed by Narasimha
Deva of Ganga dynasty of Orissa in mid 13th century, Konark is also a lovely
beach resort. It is easily approachable from BhubanesHwar-64 kms &
Puri-32 kms by coaches and tourist cars. Regular bus services including
conducted sigthtseeing tours are available for Konark from BhubanesHwar and
Puri.
In Konark, the "Natya Mandir", the dance hall of the Sun Temple
probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an
extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the
13th Century, here a collossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by
seven horses and 24 wheels symbolises the divisions of time. The main tower
of Konark stood as high as 227 feet, superceding both Lingaraja and
Jagannath Temples. The Jagmohana (Porch) structure and the tower are both
situated atop the stone platform supporting the 24 wheels. The Konark Sun
Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary
temples out of the 22, that were also situated inside the temple precincts,
exist today. The VaishnadeviMayadevi Temple stand to the West of the towers.
The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those
times - royal, social, religious and military. The intricate carvings on the
walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history. The fine
sculptures depicting Court life, hunting, scenes, celestial deities are
epitomes of precision and grace. Graceful sculptures from the world of the
Kamasutra, epic of eroticism also adorn the structures. The Sun Temple
standing in solitary splendour is the relic of a great past. The history
lovers can regale themselves at the Archaeological Museum at the site of the
Konark Sun Temple. The majestic Sun Temple silhouetted against the setting
sun remains indelibly etched in the spectator's memory.
General Information
Area : 2.5 sq.km.
Altitude : Sea level.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max. 43, Min. 32.2; Winter-
26.7, Min. 10.6.
Rainfall : 152.4 cms (July to September).
Clothings : Summer- Light tropical & cottons, Winter-
light woollens.
Languages spoken : Oriya, Bengali, Hindi, English.
Best season : Throughout the year, but preferaby October
to March.
STD Code : 067581.
Chilka Lake
Chilika
Lake, spreading over an area of 1100 sq. kms is the largest brackish water
lake in the country and attracts large number of migratory birds besides
resident ones. Barkul and Rambha are two places on the lake which serve as
the base. Though the lake can be visited throughout the year, October to
March is the best season.
Flora : The lake harbours the "aquatic vegetation"
of its own and is typically represents by Algal forms (e.g. Chaetomorpha and
Enteromorpha widely distributed algae followed by Lyngbya, Ulva, Cladophora
and others like Gloeocapsa, Nostoc, Sprigyra, Oedogonium, Chara, Nitella,
Gracilaria etc.), a number of Diatoms/Phytoplanktons and a few species of
brackish water submerged phanerogams like Potamogeton pectinatus, Halophila
ovalis, Ruppia maritima, Naja faveolata, Hydrilla verticellata and
Ceratophyllum demersum etc. Some floating plants like Eichhornia crassipes,
Pistia stratiotes and Azolla pinnata etc. enter the lake with flood water
but disappear after a few months. The communities of Schoenoplectus
littoralis in association with Eleocharis dulce, Phragmites karka,
Myrostachya wightii & many other grasses and hedges also exist in
shallow muddy areas. Species like Salicornia brachiata, Suaeda maritima,
Sesuvium portulacastrum, Phyla nodiflora, Heliotropium curassavicum &
some others occur in marshes and salt fields along the edges and other
shallow areas. The present scanty littoral and scrub jungles on lake margin,
islands and rocky faces are represented by the species like Salvadora
presica, Pongamia pinnata, Colubrina asiatica, Cassipourea ceylonica,
Aegiceras corniculatum, Azima tetracantha, Pisonia aculeata, Clerodendron
inerme, Carmona retusa, Carissa spinarumm, Crateva spinarumm, Meytinus
emarginatus, Opuntia dillenii, Ficus sps., Crateva adansonii spp.,
Lepisanthes tetraphylla, Streblus asper etc. and a number of
climbers/twinners and herbaceous ground flora. The dunes & sandy areas
of the beaches near lake have the floral composition of their own, favoured
in the conditions they offer. The land lying between Sea and Lagoon exhibits
rich growth of casuarina equisetifolia, planted by Forest Dept.
Fauna : There is a wide variety of animal life forms
representing various groups of Animal Kingdom (ranging from Protozoa,
Porifera, Polyzoa, Brachiopoda, Coelenterata, Ctenophora, Isopoda, Echiura,
Sipuncula, Chaetognatha, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Crustacea, Arachinida,
Insecta, Mollusca to Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mamals). The
more details of some of these fauna arefurnished here.
Around 158 species of fishes and prawns have so far been recorded.Crabs
like Scylla serrata & Neptunus pelagicus are the predominent types
available here.
Oyster (e.g. Ostrea talpur, Arca, Meretix etc.) occurs in small patches.
Nearabout countless types of Amphibians Reptiles viz. Snakes, Lizards,
Turtles & Crocodiles. Discovery of Limbless skink (Barakudia insularis),
a rare reptile which was reported first time from loose soil of Barakudia
island by Annandale (1917), attaches much significance to this place. The
Dolphins have been reported mostly near Satapada-Magarmukha area and
occasionally between Kalijai and Balugaon. Other mammals reported from small
pockets in the surrounding hlls/forests/scattered islands & amidst the
vegetation of sandy ridge facing Chilika and Sea include Black bucks
(Antilope cervicara), Spotted deer, Fox, Jackal, Hyaena, Jungle Cat, Hare,
Rat, Pachyura (an insectivora), Common bat, Otter, Common mongoose, Monkey,
Squirrel, Porcupine etc.
Places of Interest
The lake with several of its islands, main among them being, kalijai,
Nalabana, Honeymoon, Breakfast islands etc. Satpada towards the South
Eastern stretch of the lake is closer to puri and is fast developing as a
tourist spot on the shore of Chilika.
Cruise on the Lake : To visit various islands,
particularly, Kalijai & Nalabana as well as to cruise on the Chilika
Lake, motorised Yatch and speed boat services are available at fixed rates
from the Manager, O.T.D.C., Panthniwas, Barkul.
General Information
Area : 1100 sq. kms. ( Wildlife Sanctuary area- 15.53
sq. kms.)
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max. 37, Min. 30; Winter-
Max. 24, Min. 17.
Rainfall : 1160 mms. (Mainly July to September).
Clothings : Tropical.
Languages Spoken : Oriya, Bengali, Hindi, English.
Best Season : Throughout the year.
Gopalpur - on -sea
Gopalpur-on-Sea
is a quiet and charming sea resort along the Bay of Bengal, in the district
of Ganjam, Orissa. It offers secluded environment and magnificent sun, surf
and sand for most of the year.
Places of Interest
Gopalpur is situated right on the Bay of Bengal with a beautiful sea-beach.
General Information
Altitude : Sea level.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max. 35, Min. 23; Winter-
Max. 27, Min. 16.
Rainfall : 118.7 cms (46.7 inches).
Languages Spoken : Oriya, Hindi, English.
Best Season : Throught the year, but preferably October
to April.
Simplipal
Nestled
in the centre of Mayurbhanj, the northernmost district of Orissa is the
similipal National Park one of India's better known wild life sanctuaries,
covering a large forested area of 2750 sq.kms. The variation in topography,
climate and vegetation has supported large varieties of animals, birds and
reptiles. Similipal is one of the earliest and finest of India's fifteen
Tiger reserves under Project Tiger.
Places of Interest
Fauna found at the Park include the tiger, leopard, elephants, bison,
sambar, porcupine, pangolin, flying-squirrel, hill myna, hornbill, python
etc.
General Information :
Area : 2750 sq.km.
Altitude : 559.31 metres above sea level.
Temperature (Deg C) : Summer- Max.40, Min.20; Winter-
Max.20, Min.4.4.
Rainfall : 1648 mm ( Mid. June to Mid. September ).
Best Season : 1st November to 15th June. December to
February is extremely cold. (The reserve remains open from 15th Oct. to 15th
June).
STD Code : 06792.
Chandipur
Chandipur (16 kms) away from Balasore
Railway Station on Howrah-Madras line of South Eastern ( S.E.) Railways is a
unique beach where the sea water recedes about 5 kms during low-tide and
advances to the shore line again during high-tides each day. An ideal beach
resort of Orissa.
