Jainism in Odisha (Orissa)
by Ashis Ranjan Sahoo | 2015 | 106,639 words
This essay studies the presence of Jainism in Odisha or Orissa by documenting the Art, Architecture and Iconography of Jaina images, relics, structures and establishments from different districts. In Odisha, archaeological evidences show how Jainism flourished during the 1st century BCE during the reign of emperor Kharavela, stating that Jainism wa...
Objective of Study
Such an important aspect of the religion and cultural life of Odisha has not been studied seriously by any scholar, while lot of emphasis has been given to the study of Buddhism and Brahminism by way of archaeological explorations, excavations, surveys and documentation, no organized effort has been made for the study of Jainism. Hence, the main objective of the dissertation is to survey and document the Jaina vestiges in the state that include archaeological sites, remains, monuments, loose sculptures, inscriptions and other material culture to understand its contributions to the socio-cultural and religious life of the state in particular and that of the country in general and to project the heritage sites as veritable tourists destinations in the state.