Sources of History of Odisha

Sources are crucial for understanding the history of any region. The history of Odisha is pieced together through various sources, including literary works, foreign accounts, inscriptions, coins, and archaeological findings. These sources provide valuable insights into the ancient past of Odisha, shedding light on its cultural, political, and social developments.

Literary Sources

The ancient history of Odisha is well-documented through various literary sources, including epics, Puranas, and religious texts, offering insights into its culture, geography, and political landscape:

Epics

• The Mahabharata: Provides early references to Kalinga and Odra, mentioning the sacred river Baitarani and Goddess Viraja.
• The Ramayana: Mentions Kalinganagara, located west of the Gomati River, and refers to Gandhamardan and Utkala, associated with Mekala and Dasarna regions.
• Kapila Samhita & Prachi Mahatmya: Significant sources for understanding Odishan history.

Puranas

• Texts like Vayu Purana, Matsya Purana, Bhagavata, Harivamsa Purana, and Vishnu Purana provide valuable information on Kalinga, Utkala, and their legendary rulers.

Jaina and Buddhist Sources

• In ancient times, Jainism and Buddhism were widely practiced in Odisha.
• Jaina Literature: Works like Avasyaka Niryukti and Harivamsa highlight the region’s culture and people.
• Buddhist Literature: Texts such as Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Kurudharma Jataka, Vessantara Jataka, Mahaparinirvana Sutta, Dathavamsa, Mahavastu, Kumbhakara Jataka, and Kalinga Bodhi Jataka describe Kalinga and Utkala.

Other Literary Sources

• Political Texts: Works like Arthashastra by Kautilya, Manusmriti, Narada, Brihaspati, Katyayana, Yajnavalkya, and Kamandaka shed light on Odisha’s political organizations and systems.
• Ancient Texts: Baudhayana Dharmasastra, Ashtadhyayi, Brihat Samhita, Harshacharita, and Ratnavali offer additional insights into Odisha’s socio-political and cultural heritage.

Foreign Accounts

• Greek Historians: Pliny, Diodorus, Curtius, and Plutarch made references to the people of Kalinga.
• Megasthenes: In Indica, he mentioned the Gangetic Kalinga region.
• Pliny: Divided Kalinga into three regions—Gangetic, Middle, and Kalinga.
• Ptolemy: The Greek geographer noted various places in Kalinga, such as Palur, Naingain, Katikardam, and Kannagar.
• Hiuen Tsang: The Chinese pilgrim visited Odisha in 638-639 CE, documenting religious practices in Si-yu-ki, where he referred to Odra as Wu-Cha.

Archaeological Sources

• Valentine Bali’s Exploration (1875): His work in Angul, Talcher, Dhenkanal, and Bursapalli revealed prehistoric sites in Odisha.
• Paramananda Acharya: Discovered the renowned Paleolithic site at Kulina in Mayurbhanj.
• Ashokan Edicts: Rock inscriptions and edicts at Dhauli and Jaugada provide insight into Kalinga’s history during the 3rd century BCE, revealing Jaugada as a fortified administrative center under Ashoka.
• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These caves, near Bhubaneswar, served as Jain monk residences in the 2nd century BCE.
• Manikpatna Excavation: Unveiled details about Odisha’s social, economic, and maritime activities.
• Ratnagiri Excavation (Devala Mitra): Unearthed significant Buddhist monasteries and stupas.
• Buddhist Sites – Udayagiri and Lalitgiri: Alongside Ratnagiri, these sites contain remains of Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and Buddha images. Udayagiri, known for Sri Madhavapura Mahavihara (7th-8th century CE), makes these three sites the Diamond Triangle of Odisha’s Buddhist archaeology.
• Brahmanic Influence: Artifacts such as pottery, terracotta plaques, animal figurines, and iron tools found at these sites indicate Brahmanic religious presence.
• Copper Plates: Discovered at Talcher, Hindol, and Dhenkanal, these plates provide crucial information about Odisha’s early history.

Inscriptions

Inscriptions serve as a significant source of information for the history of Odisha. The earliest examples are pictographs found in rock shelters across the hills of Sundergarh, Sambalpur, and Kalahandi districts. Notable sites include Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda and Gudahandi in Kalahandi.

Inscriptions are also found on copper plates, stones, and temple walls. The Ashokan edicts at Dhauli and Jaugada, dating to the pre-Christian era, provide valuable insights into King Ashoka’s administrative arrangements in Kalinga.

Other important inscriptions include:

• Hatigumpha Inscription
• Bhadra Inscription
• Asanapat Stone Inscription
• Ningond Grant Inscription
• Narla and Rithapur Grant Inscriptions

Coins

The study of coins, or numismatics, helps understand trade, commerce, religion, and metallurgy in ancient Odisha.

1. Punch-Marked Coins:
   • Earliest coins (4th century BCE – 4th century CE).
   • Feature symbols like the Sun, animals, and geometric designs.
   • Found mainly in coastal Odisha; made of silver and copper.
2. Puri-Kushana Coins:
   • Imitations of Kushana coins, circulated between 1st-3rd century CE.
   • Discovered across Odisha, from Mayurbhanj to Ganjam.
3. Gupta Coins:
   • Gold coins of the Gupta period (5th-7th century CE), found in Bhanapur, Khiching, and Angul.
   • Indicate flourishing trade and commerce.
4. Nala Coins:
   • From the South Kosala region (5th-6th century CE).
   • Feature a humped bull with a crescent; reverse side is blank.

Temples

Odisha’s temples provide crucial insights into its architectural and religious history. The Kalingan style (curvilinear Sikhara or Rekha) emerged in the 6th-7th century CE.

Key temples include:

• Laxmanesvara, Bharatesvara, and Satrughnesvara (early phase).
• Lingaraj, Ananta Vasudeva, Jagannath, and Chausath Yogini, showcasing intricate sculptures depicting religious and secular life.

Archival Sources

Historical records in the form of written documents, newspapers, and periodicals provide valuable archival information. Notable sources include:

• Newspapers: Utkala Dipika, Utkala Darpan, Asha, Mukuru, Sahakara.
• Census reports: 1801, 1901, 1911, 1921, and 1931.
• Literary collections housed in the Odisha Museum and the Department of Odisha.

Prehistoric Sites

Odisha’s land belongs to the Gondwana supercontinent, with some of the oldest rocks dating back to the Pre-Cambrian era.

1. Lower Paleolithic Era:
   • Stone tools discovered in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, and Sambalpur.
2. Upper Paleolithic Era:
   • Rock carvings and paintings from Gudahandi Hills in Kalahandi.
3. Neolithic Era:
   • Tools like hoes, chisels, and grinding stones found in Baripada, Mayurbhanj.
   • Cave paintings discovered at Yogimath near Khariar.

Other significant prehistoric sites include:

• Garjan Dongar (Sundergarh)
• Ushakoti (Sambalpur)
• Vikramkhol (Jharsuguda)

Conclusion

The diverse sources of Odisha’s history—literary works, inscriptions, coins, archaeological findings, and archival records—paint a vivid picture of its rich cultural and historical legacy. From ancient epics and Puranas to the rock edicts of Ashoka, each source offers unique insights into the political, social, and religious evolution of the region. The discoveries from prehistoric sites further underscore Odisha’s significance as one of the earliest cradles of human civilization. Together, these sources not only enrich our understanding of Odisha’s past but also highlight its enduring influence on India’s historical and cultural tapestry.