What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to unveil Odisha's historical significance and cultural richness that are often overlooked.

June 4, 2026Open Access

The Best Kept Secret or Overlooked? Odisha's Hidden History, Culture and Heritage

Key Points

The aim is to unveil Odisha's historical significance and cultural richness that are often overlooked.
Conducted original fieldwork to gather primary sources.
Examined eight dimensions of Odisha's history and culture including maritime history and literature.
Analyzed significant historical events and figures like the Kalinga War and the Gajapati Dynasty.
Reveals Odisha’s maritime connections to ancient civilizations and ports.
Highlights cultural achievements in architecture, literature, and classical art forms.
Discusses key historical figures and events that shaped Odisha’s identity.

Abstract

This article examines Odisha — one of India's most historically significant yet internationally overlooked states — across eight dimensions: maritime history (Kalinga Sagar, Ptolemy-mapped ports, connections to Funan Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Angkor Wat); the Kalinga War of 261 BCE and Ashoka's transformation; Emperor Kharavela's military and cultural achievements documented in the Hathigumpha inscription; the Gajapati Dynasty (1434–1541 CE) and Kapilendra Deva's empire; temple architecture (Konark, Jagannath Puri, Hirapur Yogini); classical culture (Odia as the first Indo-Aryan language to receive Classical Language status; Odissi dance; Sambalpuri and Nuapatna silk); the prebiotic cusine Pakhala; literary tradition (Sarala Das's Odia Mahabharata; Upendra Bhanja; Bhima Bhoi); and the freedom struggle (Veer Surendra Sai, Baji Rout, Gopabandhu Das, Eram Massacre 1942). Based on original fieldwork and primary source research.

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