The Oriya civilization dates back almost 2500 years. Mainly ruled by a tribal government, there was little Brahminical influence and thus the tribes were free from the cliches that characterized other societies of the time. Therefore, the people of Kalinga were known as the fiercest and bravest race of their time. The battles in Kalinga were the toughest that Emperor Ashoka faced in his time. The resistance he faced from the masses of Kalinga forced him to issue two edicts specifically calling for a just and benevolent administration in Kalinga. Also, it was after the battles in Kalinga that Emperor Ashoka was stunned by the carnage and embraced Buddhism. It is no wonder that the Mauryan Empire could not survive for long in Kalinga and was soon taken over by the Kalinga king Kharavela.
He was an outstanding ruler of his time and many ruins of his reign can still be found in Orissa.
Historical Metamorphoses: From Antiquity to Colonization
Until the 16th century, the rulers of Kalinga ruled their land fearlessly until the Islamic rule came. Later, for a short period of time, the Marathas ruled Utkal and eventually, along with the rest of India, even the ancient kingdom fell to the British. The modern state of Orissa has a unique blend of Dravidian and Bengali cultures and traditions as the land borders the two states of Andhra and West Bengal. Both the states have influenced much of the culture, rituals, food habits, dress and also to some extent the language of the place.
Orissa’s Cultural Richness: Nature and Tradition in Harmony
Orissa has a rich cultural extravaganza along with natural splendor. Ancient temples and even more ancient rock paintings, dance performances that evolved in the temples as a praise to God, lush green paddy fields irrigated by ever flowing rivers, blue clear waters of the Bay of Bengal kissing golden sands, white tigers and migratory birds in dense forests, virgin land that is home to many tribes and the beautiful handicrafts and fabulous, delectable delicacies prepared by the Oriyas – all this and more is enough reason to choose this pristine state of Orissa for a relaxing holiday.
