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 Jajpur District

The cultural heritage of Jajpur is reflected in its vibrant art forms. Jajpur has a prolonged and variegated history and is believed to have existed with all its glory and greatness since time immemorial. It was the cultural cockpit and political epicenter of the ancient Kalingan empire. In past it was one of the cultural headquarters of Odisha i.e. the Viraja Mandala (Jajpur). The nomenclature of the district is believed to be named after the Somavamsi king Jajatikeshari in the early 10th century CE[1]. It has witness many ups and down and political turmoil right from the Guptas, Matharas, through Bhoumakaras, Somavamsis, Gangas, Marathas and finally to the Britishers. However, systematic and chronological history of Jajpur practically begins since the 8th century CE with the reigning period of Bhaumakaras and achieved a remarkable epoch during the Somavasis period[2].

Jajpur district[3] was formed as a new district after the reorganization of the districts in Odisha in 1st April 1993. It extends from 850 40'E to 860 44'E longitude and from 200 30'N to 210 10'N latitude and covers an area of 2899 sq.km. Bhadrak surrounds the district on its north and east, Kendrapara on the south and east, Dhenkanal on the west and Keonjhar on the north-western side. Physiographically, the district may be divided into two physical regions such as Eastern alluvial plain and North-western hilly terrains. The district considerably drained by the several major rivers such as the Brahmani, the Vaitarani, the Birupa and their tributaries and distributaries have been playing significant role in the cultural matrix of Jajpur or Virajakshetra[4].

Jajpur is a place of synthesis of all religions viz., Jainism, Buddism, Saktism, Saivism and Vaishnavism reflected in icons and architectural remains abound the district. The Iconoclasts and religious fanatics have done a lot of damages to the cultural efflorescence of the area in the past.

The bountiful of Jaina vestiges on Jajpur eloquently prove that Jajpur region was under the sway of Jainism. Jajpur was also great learned center of Buddhism. That might cause bitter relationship with the Jainas and the latter’s establishments were reduced to ruins due to lack of royal patronage and hard core penance system. But the icons of Jaina Tirtankaras and Sasanadevis are found in large numbers particularly along the plain area of the river Vaitarani[5].

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

K.C. Panigrahi, op.cit., 1981, pp.96-133.

[2]:

N.K. Sahu, Utkal University History of Orissa, Vol-I, Bhubaneswar, 1964, p.451.

[3]:

L. Mohanty and et al. (eds.), op.cit., p.120.

[4]:

Ibid., pp.119-123.

[5]:

E. Padhi, “Jaina Sculptural Art”, in G. Mohanty and et al. (ed.), Cultural Heritage of Jajpur, Bhubaneswar, 2005, pp.85-93.

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