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...
Jaina Antiquities in Balasore District (Introduction)
The name Balasore derives from the Persian word Bala-e-Shore, meaning ‘Town in the sea’. Historical legend ascribes the naming of this district as per Lord Baneshwar (Lord Siva) of the town. Balasore known as “The city of land on sea shore” or “city of sand” and it was bifurcated as a separate district in October 1828 CE from erstwhile Bengal presidency[1]. It is one of the coastal districts of Odisha and lies on the northernmost part of the state. The district is surrounded by Medinapur district of West Bengal in north, Bay of Bengal in east, Bhadrak district in south and Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts lies on its western side. The district is located between 21° 3' to 21° 59' north latitude and 86° 20' to 87° 29' east longitude. The district covers an area of 3634sq.km. The district can be broadly divided into three geographical regions viz., the coastal belt, the inner alluvial plain and the north-western hills. The district is crisscrossed with perennial and estuarine rivers like Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha because of its proximity to the sea
The district is famous for its glorious history, art, culture and tradition. It is the seat of several cultures and civilizations in the past. The antiquarian remains evidenced in the district are of various religious beliefs viz., Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians etc., which reflects the cultural genesis of Balasore district. The history of Balasore witnessed a quick succession of several dynasties in it’s bosom’s.
The district Balasore was a flourishing centre of Jainism due to its strategic location on the major trade route connecting to Bihar, Bengal and Odisha. Many of the Jaina centers of the districts lies on such root from Jaleswar to Charampa (the later now in Bhadrak district). The Jaina sculptures are discovered at the places like Ada, Ayodhya, Balasore town, Balighat, Jaleswar, Manikchauk, Martasol, Shergarh, Nilagiri, Pundal, etc.