In the Rig-Veda, 10.155.3, there is mention of a Daru (log of wood) floating in the ocean. Vedic prayers have indicated for taking shelter in the Daru. In spite of the fact that Acharya Sayana, the noted commentator on the Vedas, has categorically interpreted the hymn with Jagannath as the Daru floating at the sea shores, some scholars have refuted this interpretation under the argument that the hymn deals with âAlaxmi Stavaâ of Arayi.
The Cult of Jagannatha: Myths and Rituals offers a new approach to Orissan ethnography. In sharp contrast with dominant explanations, centred on tribal influences and the history of aryan-isation, this book provides extensive evidence on the importance of religious orthodoxy. The transition from the coastal to the inland regions of Orissa is characterised by sharp demographic and sociological discontinuities. Such regional differences are probably a reflection of aryan-isation. Ethnological accounts have most commonly relied on the historical reconstruction of this process. It has been assumed that native communities exercised a decisive influence on the traditions that flourished in the delta plain, especially those related to its vital centres-the city of Puri and the temple of Jagannatha. Myths and rituals show that sacrificial symbolism is at the core of Puri's religious system. Explicitly associated with an inaugural asvamedha (the Vedic horse sacrifice), the building of the great temple is still seen as a transformation of the brick-fire altar. These correlations are further supported by an impressive web of orthodox representations, both Vedic and Hindu. This acknowledgement of orthodoxy takes us back to the so-called singularities of local traditions. How to interpret the iconographic "specificity" of Puri's deities? What status should be attributed to the Sudra ritualists of the great temple? The present book provides new answers to these old questions. Puzzling as it may appear, the "strangeness" of Orissan ethnography is a particular, yet extremely coherent expression of Indian traditions.
In this informative new book, Ravi Kalia continues his examination of the planning of Indian cities begun with his earlier study of Chandigarh. Here, Kalia makes systematic inquiries into the political circumstances that brought about modern Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state of Orissa, to reveal the historical and social circumstances that shaped the city. In this account, Kalia brilliantly shows the interplay of indigenous religious forces, regional loyalty, and Western secular ideas in the context of twentieth-century international architecture and planning movements. This book will prove invaluable to historians, architects, planners, sociologists, and scholars interested in India, as well as those interested in urban planning in developing countries.
An exhaustive, yet fascinating, account of the history of Odisha (earlier Orissa) from the prehistoric times to 1568 CE by synthesising authentic evidence from the original sources such as literary, epigraphic, numismatics, archaeological, historical, and travellers’ accounts in chronological order… First published in 1981, the book has undergone several editions and is widely acclaimed and ranks among the most authentic historical books on the history and culture of Odisha. The book is divided into 19 chapters. The first—Introductory Chapter—explores the prehistoric period against the backdrop of the topographic setting of the region. Chapters 2 to 12 deal with the dynastic history of Odisha, while the remaining chapters, i.e., from 13 to 19 throw light on the vibrant cultural diversities of Odisha, especially the administrative organisations, socio-economic conditions, religious traditions, art and architecture, and colonial expansion. In addition, there are six elaborate appendices, where the author examines, dissects, and elucidates on various intriguing issues and old theories: situating the date of Kharavela; the accounts of Arab travellers; the historicity of the Madala Panji; and the research credibility of “Odia Mahabharat” by Sarala Dasa. Each chapter contains references and a bibliography of selected works by other scholars who have worked in the field. The book provides a comprehensive index, and illustrations in the book outline the rich archaeological monuments and heritage of Odisha. This scholarly work connects the land, culture, and history of Odisha through the times past up until 1568 CE. It will definitely serve to a great extent the needs of students of history and be a pleasurable reading to all those who love Indian art and culture and especially of Odisha. This scholarly work connects the land ,culture and history of Odisha through the times past up until 1568 CE . It will serve the needs of students of history and be a pleasurable reading to all those who love Indian art and culture.
The first book of its kind, Forms of Krishna: Collected Essays on Vaishnava Murtis is an exotic journey into the heart of Indian spirituality, explaining the entire esoteric tradition, including yoga and meditation, through a sampling of revered Vaishnava icons, Deities worship in temples throughout the world.
Heathen, Hindoo, Hindu is a groundbreaking analysis of American representations of religion in India before the turn of the twentieth century. Before Americans wrote about "Hinduism," they wrote about "heathenism," "the religion of the Hindoos," and "Brahmanism." Americans used the heathen, Hindoo, and Hindu as an other against which they represented themselves. The questions of American identity, classification, representation and the definition of "religion" that animated descriptions of heathens, Hindoos, and Hindus in the past still animate American debates today.
