Knowledge and Social Stratification in the Ritual World of Medieval Odisha

This paper explores the intricate relationship between ritual practices, the distribution of knowledge, and the mechanisms of social stratification in medieval Odisha. During this era, the temple served as the epicenter of socio-political life, where rituals functioned as instruments of power that legitimized feudal structures and social hierarchies (Dash & Pattanaik, 2002). By examining religious knowledge encoded in temple practices, sacred texts, and performances, this study illustrates how specialized knowledge was restricted to Brahmins, temple servitors, and royal elites to reinforce societal divisions. Focusing on major temple institutions, particularly the Jagannath cult, the paper explores how access to specialized knowledge was restricted to certain groups such as Brahmins, temple servitors, and royal elites, thereby reinforcing hierarchical divisions within society. At the same time, it highlights the participation of marginalized communities in ritual processes, revealing a dynamic interplay between exclusion and inclusion. By analyzing inscriptions, literary sources, and ritual manuals, the study argues that knowledge in medieval Odisha was not merely intellectual but performative and embodied, shaping identities, occupations, and power relations. The transmission of ritual knowledge through hereditary lines further consolidated caste-based roles, while royal patronage of temples strengthened the alliance between political authority and religious expertise. However, the paper also considers moments of negotiation and fluidity, where devotional movements and popular practices challenged rigid hierarchies. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how knowledge operated as both a resource and a mechanism of control within the ritual sphere, offering insights into the broader socio-cultural fabric of medieval Odishan society.