Orissa: History, Culture and Archaeology: 16 (Reconstructing Indian History and Culture)

Book Detail:

• Author: Sadasiba Pradham
• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 487
• Release Date: 03-05-2000
• EAN: 9788124601174
• Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 1.7 inches
• Languages: English

Description: This felicitation volume, compiled in honor of Professor P.K. Mishra's retirement from the University of Sambalpur in 1997, offers an in-depth exploration of the vibrant history, culture, and art of Orissa (modern-day Odisha), a state with a profound legacy in India's heritage. The volume features 29 essays by area specialists, each shedding light on different aspects of Orissa's evolution—from its prehistoric painted rock shelters to its archaeological sites, religious developments, and cultural achievements.

The essays cover diverse topics, such as Orissa's ancient maritime activities, the significance of its Vaisnavite sculptures, and the development of education. A particular focus is placed on its architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Sun Temple at Konark, the Jagannath Temple at Puri, and the Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneshwar, as well as the Buddhist and Jain rock-cut caves at Khandagiri, Udayagiri, and Dhauli. The volume also explores tribal movements, revolutionary efforts, and socio-religious reforms during the colonial era, highlighting the state's rich history and its contributions to Indian civilization.

Professor P.K. Mishra, a distinguished historian and scholar, has contributed extensively to the study of Orissan culture and history, documenting monumental sites in the Upper Mahanadi Valley under a Ford Foundation project. This volume offers a comprehensive and scholarly analysis of Orissa's multifaceted past, making it an essential resource for researchers and students of Indian history, archaeology, and cultural studies.