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Orissa, the lush green state, girdled by the Bay of Bengal,
has seen some of the best fusion of traditional Indian art in its many
temples and monuments, and has been able to preserve much of it, in an
environment natural to its wonder and attractions. It was in Orissa, that
Buddhism found some of its strongest exposure, and cult following.
However, it was Hindu art that dominated the landscape, eventually, and
resulted in the profusion of temple traditions, that have endured till
now.
Heavily forested, and isolated, Orissa was once famous for its majestic
battle elephants. But life in Orissa revolved around temples, and that the
Oriyas lived lives free of strife, is evident from the fact that the state
has few forts or fortified palaces to its credit, indicative of centuries
of peace and harmony.
Although known throughout the ancient world as a formidable maritime
empire with trading routes stretching to Bali, Sumatra and Java, the
history of Orissa, then called Kalinga, is a little hazy until the demise
of the Kalinga dynasty in 260 BC. Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor, in a bloody
battle, conquered Kalinga. Shocked at the carnage Ashoka foreswore
violence and converted to Buddhism. Around the 1st century BC, under the
rule of the Chedis, Buddhism declined and Jainism was restored as the
faith of the people. Monastery caves were created and Udayagiri and
Khandagiri became important Jain centres. By the 7th century AD Hinduism
had, in turn supplanted Jainism and under the Kesari and Ganga kings,
trades and commerce flourished. Countless temples from that classical
period stand today. The Oriyas defied the Muslim rulers until the region
fell to the Mughals in the 16th century. Since then the Afghans, Marathas
and the British successively ruled Orissa. Orissa is predominantly rural,
with fertile green coastal plains rising to the hills of the Eastern Ghats.
The State is mineral rich and is a big exporter of iron ore. The Oriyas,
25% of who are ADIVASIS (indigenous tribes) are very friendly and
hospitable and the atmosphere of the State is generally relaxed.
Orissa contains the largest concentration of tribal people in the sub
continent. There are more than 62 tribal communities in Orissa. They have
retained their tradition in-spite of the onslaught of the modern
civilization. Visit to some of the tribal villages and participate in
their dance and festival.
The antiquity of Orissa is endorsed by her ancient people - They continue
to inhabit their traditional dwelling places in remote areas of the deep
forests and hilly interiors. Steeped in the mystery that surrounds their
ancient ways, the Orissan tribal continue to be a source of deep interest
not only for anthropologists and sociologists but also for numerous
tourists who flock to Orissa in search of the exotic mystique of this
relatively unexplored state. The tribal economy is by and large based on
activities around the jungles. Hunting and fishing continue to be the main
source of livelihood though some of the larger tribes such as Santals,
Mundas, and Gonds have become agriculturists. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo,
Saura, and Dhruba tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The
Koya tribals are cattle breeders while the Mahali and Lohara are simple
artisans involved in basket weaving and tool making. The Santal, Munda and
other tribes have now also become involved in the mining and industrial
belt of Orissa. Though their economy is shaky, the Orissan tribal enjoy a
rich and varied cultural heritage, the most powerful instance of this
being in their music and dance, which are as colorful as they are
rhythmical. The cycle of life offers numerous reasons to celebrate and is
done so with vigor and grace - either in the privacy of family home or as
a community activity. The changing seasons, religious customs, and the
traditional rhythms of superstitious belief are strong incentives for
creating a string of festivals to augment their importance to the tribal.
The Paraja tribe is primarily located in the Kalahandi and Koraput regions
of Orissa. The language is "Parji". They worship numerous gods and
goddesses who live in the hills and forests. They love dance and music
during weddings.
The "Soura" tribe is one of the most ancient and they are known for being
marathon walkers, expert hunters and climbers. Personal hygiene is of
intense importance to them.
The "Bondos" are fiercely independents and aggressive, and continue to
practice the barter system of exchanging produce from their fields for
their daily needs. Bondo women prefer to marry younger men because they
can have someone who will earn for them in their old age.
The Kutias are the primitive section of the Kondh tribal community. Kutias
were also quite famous till the recent years for their unique tradition of
'Maria'(human) sacrifice. Dongria Kondhs, also a primitive section of the
Kondh community are expert horticulturists and maintain a quite distinct
cultural heritage.
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