A Peep into Odishan Culture

About the Book No words or volumes can aptly pictures the wonder that is India'. The obvious reason is its multitudinous diversity. India's diversity lie in her culture, in the fragmented nature of regions as well as sub-regions, in the political, linguistic and behavioral patterns and more specially in the social attitude of the individuals. But uniquely enough, such features have more often brought about a synthesis, rather than an impairment of the true spirit of our society and culture.

Therefore, it is not difficult to find out the characteristic features of Odishan culture in a micro level. Culture has no frontier or no water tight compartments. Since the dawn of the civilization, the vital and conspicuous role of Odisha in the cultural mainstream of the nation. can be well ascertained.

Ethnologically and historically speaking, syncreticism and synthesisation have been the hallmarks. Through the process of acculturation a number of facets have been incorporated that make the culture of Odisha wholesome. Bhubaneswar or Boud, Keonjhar or Kalahandi, Nuapada or Nayagarh, Sonepur or Sundergarh are all parts of an organic whole in spite of various sub-regional angularities and differences.

Odia cultural identity is unfathomable. Its immensity is immeasurable. Our indifference or ignorance to culture, our history, our ancestral past have impelled us to distort our own identity. Socio-economic mille is fast changing under the impact of urbanization, globalization, westernization and so called modernization. Under the changing circumstance, new challenges are being created rapidly.

About the Author During the last 37 years of her pedagogic career, Dr. Soma Chand has earned the distinction not only of a brilliant teacher but a sedulous researcher. In her hands, the fascinating saga of Odishan culture has found vivid expression with all its grandeur and solemnity. She has tried to interact with contemporary order with an assortment of deep insight and analysis of various cultural attributes. Thus, in a meaningful way she has contextualized the past. This book is a valued addition to the list of books already available and yet a useful tool for the proper appreciation of researchers and concerned stake-holders. At present, she is the Head, P.G. Department of History, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar.

The book has been titled 'A Peep into Odishan Culture'. Indeed, the word 'Peep' is important because here a modest attempt has been made to look at some of cultural traits of the region in a very specific manner. The topic is vast and the book is not an exhaustive one. It affords information that seeks to contribute fresh interpretations.

Preface No words or volumes can aptly pictures 'the wonder that is India'. The obvious reason is its multitudinous diversity. India's diversity lie in her culture, in the fragmented nature of regions. as well as sub-regions, in the political, linguistic and behavioral patterns and more specially in the social attitude of the individuals. But uniquely enough, such features have more often brought about a synthesis, rather than an impairment of the true spirit of our society and culture.

Therefore, it is not difficult to find out the characteristic features of Odishan culture in a micro level. Culture has no frontier or no water-tight compartments. Since the dawn of the civilization, the vital and conspicuous role of Odisha in the cultural mainstream of the nation can be well ascertained.

Ethnologically and historically speaking, syncreticism and synthesisation have been the hallmarks. Through the process of acculturation a number of facets have been incorporated that make the culture of Odisha wholesome. Bhubaneswar or Boud, Keonjhar or Kalahandi, Nuapada or Nayagarh, Sonepur or Sundergarh are all parts of an organic whole in spite of various sub-regional angularities and differences.

Odia cultural identity is unfathomable. Its immensity is immeasurable. Our indifference or ignorance to our culture, our history, our ancestral past have impelled us to distort our own identity. Socio-economic milieu is fast changing under the impact of urbanization, globalization, westernization and so called modernization. Under the changing circumstance, new challenges are being created rapidly.

Introduction Odisha with its lengthy extended coastline, forest mineral resources, hills and mountains, navigable rivers, archaeological remains monuments the cradle civilization and culture. Since Pre-historic vesting’s form stone painting and bone implements documented several geomorphic segments, Proto-historic Odisha has forward the robotic world 21" century. Out various manifestations, culture fusion, all-embracing universal traits.

Etymologically speaking, culture incorporates cultivation refinement group, a community, people or nation synoptically enlightens on and sundry components of economic-political spectrum. vivifying approach to comprises not the tales, majestic campaigns living related reigning rulers or their pastime, whims caprices, fulminating war-cry also includes regional and identity, customs and ceremonies, literature and legacy.

Odisha's cultural history of several thousand years shows subtle but thread of oneness that through the multiplicity expressions. The epics Ramayana Mahabharat, Puranas, Buddhist Chronicles, Jataka Stories, Literature yesteryears have accorded special heritage status the land Kalinga.

**Contents and Sample Pages**