Odia people

Last updated

Odias
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଲୋକ
Odiā Lōka
Gajapati empire flag.png
Total population
40 million
Regions with significant populations
Flag of India.svg  India 38,033,000 (2021)
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 170,000 [1]
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 130,000 [2]
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 80,000 [3]
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 40,000 [4]
Languages
Odia
Religion
Predominantly:
Om.svg Hinduism
Minorities:
Related ethnic groups
Indo-Aryan people , Bonaz people
Lord Jagannath Jagannath during 2011.jpg
Lord Jagannath

The Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ), formerly spelled Oriya, are an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group native to the Indian state of Odisha who speak the Odia language. They constitute a majority in the eastern coastal state, with significant minority populations existing in the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. [5]

Contents

History

Ancient period

Udaygiri and Khandagiri Cave - 1 Udaygiri and Khandagiri Cave - 1.jpg
Udaygiri and Khandagiri Cave - 1

According to political scientist Sudama Misra, the Kalinga janapada originally comprised the area covered by the Puri and Ganjam districts. [6]

According to some scriptures (Mahabharata and some Puranas), a king Bali, the Vairocana and the son of Sutapa, had no sons. So, he requested the sage, Dirghatamas, to bless him with sons. The sage is said to have begotten five sons through his wife, the queen Sudesna. [7] The princes were named Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Sumha and Pundra. [8] The princes later founded kingdoms named after themselves. The prince Vanga founded Vanga kingdom, in the current day region of Bangladesh and part of West Bengal. The prince Kalinga founded the kingdom of Kalinga, in the current day region of coastal Odisha, including the North Sircars. [9]

The Mahabharata also mentions Kalinga several more times. Srutayudha, the king of Kalinga, son of Varuna and river Parnasa, had joined the Kaurava camp in the Kurukshetra War. He had been given a divine mace by his father on request of his mother, which protected him as long he wielded it. But, Varuna had warned his son, that using it on a non-combatant will cause the death of the wielder himself. In the frenzy of battle, harried by Arjuna's arrows, he made the mistake of launching it at Krishna, Arjuna's charioteer, who was unarmed. The mace bounced off Krishna and killed Srutayudha. The archer who killed Krishna, Jara Savara, and Ekalavya are said to have belonged to the Sabar people of Odisha. [10]

In the Buddhist text, Mahagovinda Suttanta, Kalinga and its ruler, Sattabhu, have been mentioned. [11]

In the 6th century sutrakara (chronicler), Baudhayana, mentions Kalinga as not yet being influenced by Vedic traditions. He also warns his people from visiting Kalinga (among other kingdoms), saying one who visits it must perform penance. [12]

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 2.jpg
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar.

Medieval period

The Shailodbhava dynasty ruled the region from the sixth to the eighth century. They built the Parashurameshvara Temple in the 7th century, which is the oldest known temple in Bhubaneswar. The ruled Odisha from the 8th to the 10th century. They built several Buddhist monasteries and temples, including Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and Baitala Deula. The Keshari dynasty ruled from the 9th to the 12th century. The Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshvara Temple and Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar were constructed during the Bhauma-Kara dynasty. [13] They were introduced as a new style of architecture in Odisha, and the dynasty's rule shifted from Buddhism to Brahmanism. [14]

Undivided Odisha and Bihar states. 19s Bengal province map.jpg
Undivided Odisha and Bihar states.

Modern period

Odisha remained an independent regional power until the early 16th century. It was conquered by the Mughals under Akbar in 1568 and was thereafter subject to a succession of Mughal and Maratha rule before coming under British control in 1803. [15]

In 1817, a combination of high taxes, administrative malpractice by the zamindars and dissatisfaction with the new land laws led to a revolt against Company rule breaking out, which many Odias participated in. The rebels were led by General Jagabandhu Bidyadhara Mohapatra Bhramarbara Raya. [16] [17]

Under Maratha control, major Odia regions were transferred to the rulers of Bengal that resulted in successive decline of the language over the course of time in vast regions that stretched until today's Midnapore district of West Bengal. [18] [ better source needed ]

Odisha became a separate province and the first officially recognized language-based state of India in 1936, after the amalgamation of the Odia regions from Bihar and Orissa Province, Madras Presidency and Chhattisgarh Division was successfully executed. 26 Odia princely states, including Sadheikala-Kharasuan in today's Jharkhand, also signed a merger with the newly formed state, while many major Odia-speaking areas were left out due to political incompetence. [19]

Communities

Utkala Khandayat Utkala Khandayat.jpg
Utkala Khandayat

The Odia people are subdivided into several communities such as the Brahmin, Karan, Kayastha, Khandayat, Gopal, Kumuti, Chasa, Bania, Kansari, Gudia, Patara, Tanti, Teli, Badhei, Kamara, Barika, Mali, Kumbhar, Siyal, [20] Sundhi, Keuta, Dhoba, Bauri, Kandara, Domba, Pano,Hadi. [21]

Culture

Religion

gita govinda manuscript Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd) Manuscript LACMA M.71.1.33.jpg
gita govinda manuscript

In its long history, Odisha has had a continuous tradition of dharmic religions especially Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Ashoka's conquest of Kalinga (India) made Buddhism a principal religion in the state which led to the establishment of numerous Stupas and non religion learning centres. During Kharavela's reign Jainism found prominence. However, by the middle of the 9th century CE there was a revival of Hinduism as attested by numerous temples such as Mukteshwara, Lingaraja, Jagannath and Konark, which were erected starting from the late 7th century CE. Part of the revival in Hinduism was due to Adi Shankaracharya who proclaimed Puri to be one of the four holiest places or Char Dham for Hinduism. Odisha has, therefore, a syncretic mixture of the three dharmic religions as attested by the fact that the Jagannath Temple in Puri is considered to be holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.

Presently, the majority of people in the state of Odisha are Hindus. As per the census of 2001, Odisha is the third largest Hindu-populated state (as a percentage of population) in India. However, while Odisha is predominantly Hindu it is not monolithic. There is a rich cultural heritage in the state owing to the Hindu faith. For example, Odisha is home to several Hindu saints. Sant Bhima Bhoi was a leader of the Mahima sect movement, Sarala Dasa, was the translator of the epic Mahabharata in Odia, Chaitanya Dasa was a Buddhistic-Vaishnava and writer of the Nirguna Mahatmya, Jayadeva was the author of the Gita Govinda and is recognized by the Sikhs as one of their most important bhagats. Swami Laxmananda Saraswati is a modern-day Hindu saint of Adivasi heritage.

Architecture

700 CE Mukhalingeswara Temples Group, Kalinga architecture, Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh - 111 700 CE Mukhalingeswara Temples Group, Kalinga architecture, Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh - 111.jpg
700 CE Mukhalingeswara Temples Group, Kalinga architecture, Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh - 111
Mukteswar Temple (Kalinga Architecture) Mukteswar Temple Detail.jpg
Mukteswar Temple (Kalinga Architecture)
Udayagiri Caves - Hathi Gumpha Udayagiri Caves - Hathi Gumpha.jpg
Udayagiri Caves - Hathi Gumpha
Stone wheel engraved in the 13th century built Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, India Stone wheel engraved in the 13th century built Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, India.jpg
Stone wheel engraved in the 13th century built Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, India

The Kaḷinga architectural style is a style of Hindu architecture which flourished in the ancient Kalinga previously known as Utkal and in present eastern Indian state of Odisha. The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula. The former two are associated with Vishnu, Surya and Shiva temples while the third is mainly with Chamunda and Durga temples. The Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula houses are the sanctum sanctorum while the Pidha Deula constitutes outer dancing and offering halls.

Cuisine

Chena poda a sweet delicacy from Odisha. Chena poda.jpg
Chena poda a sweet delicacy from Odisha.

Seafood and sweets dominate Odia cuisine. Rice is the staple cereal and is eaten throughout the day. Popular Odia dishes are rasagolla, rasabali, chhena poda, chhena kheeri, chhena jalebi, chenna jhilli, chhenagaja, khira sagara, dalma, tanka torani and pakhala. [22] [23]

Festivals

Ratha yatra

Rath Yatra festival in Puri ,Odisha. Rath Yatra Puri 07-11027.jpg
Rath Yatra festival in Puri ,Odisha.

A stunning example of Kalinga architecture is the Jagannath Temple, which was constructed in the twelfth century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The goddesses Subhadra, Balabhadra, and Lord Jagannath reside in this hallowed shrine. The festival of Ratha Yatra, which draws pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, is closely linked to the history of the Jagannath Temple.

Ratha yatra festival in Puri by Fegursson. Puri Rath Yatra by Fergusson.jpg
Ratha yatra festival in Puri by Fegursson.

A wide variety of festivals are celebrated throughout the year; There is a saying in Odia, ‘Baarah maase, terah parba’, that there are 13 festivals in a year. Well known festivals that are popular among the Odia people include the Ratha Yatra, Durga Puja, Rajo, Maha Shivratri, Kartika Purnima, Dola Purnima, Ganesh Puja, Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra, Makar Mela, Chhau Festival, and Nuakhai. [24]

Religion

Lord Jagannath with his siblings. Ratha Yatra Praha 2019.jpg
Lord Jagannath with his siblings.

Odisha is one of the most religiously and ethnically homogeneous states in India. More than 94% of the people are followers of Hinduism. [25] Hinduism in Odisha is more significant due to the specific Jagannath culture followed by Odia Hindus due to independent rule of Odia Hindu kings. Hinduism flourished in the eastern coastal region under patronage of the Hindu kings: arts, literature, maritime trade, vedic rituals were given importance. The practices of the Jagannath sect is popular in the state and the annual Ratha Yatra in Puri draws pilgrims from across India. [26]

Notable people

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Odia language</span> Indic language

Odia is a classical Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the official language in Odisha, where native speakers make up 82% of the population, and it is also spoken in parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Odia is one of the many official languages of India; it is the official language of Odisha and the second official language of Jharkhand. The Odia language has various dialects varieties, including the Baleswari Odia, Kataki, Ganjami Odia, Sundargadi Odia, Sambalpuri, Desia and Tribal Community dialects who spoken by the tribals groups in Odisha who adopted the Odia language.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jagannath</span> Regional form of the Hindu deity Krishna

Jagannatha is a deity worshipped in regional Hindu traditions in India as part of a triad along with his (Krishna's) brother Balabhadra, and sister, Subhadra. Jagannath, within Odia Hinduism, is the supreme god, Purushottama, and the Para Brahman. To most Vaishnava Hindus, particularly the Krishnaites, Jagannath is a form of Krishna, sometimes as the avatar of Vishnu. To some Shaiva and Shakta Hindus, he is a symmetry-filled tantric form of Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puri</span> City in Odisha, India

Puri, also known as, Jagannath Puri, is a coastal city and a municipality in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is the district headquarters of Puri district and is situated on the Bay of Bengal, 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of the state capital of Bhubaneswar. It is home to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple and is one of the original Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rasgulla</span> Syrupy dessert popular in South Asia

Rasgulla is a syrupy dessert popular in the eastern part of South Asia. It is made from ball-shaped dumplings of chhena dough, cooked in light sugar syrup. This is done until the syrup permeates the dumplings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jagannath Temple, Puri</span> Hindu temple at Puri, Odisha, India

The Jagannath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Jagannath, a form of Vishnu in Hinduism and two of his siblings, Balaram and Subhadra, alongside Sudarshan. It is located in Puri in the state of Odisha, situated on the eastern coast of India. As per temple records, King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple of Jagannath at Puri. The present temple was rebuilt from the eleventh century onwards, on the site of the pre-existing temples in the compound, but not the main Jagannath temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Many of the temple rituals are based on Oddiyana Tantras which are the refined versions of Mahayana Tantras as well as Shabari Tantras which are evolved from Tantric Buddhism and tribal beliefs respectively. The local legends link the idols with aboriginal tribes and the daitapatis (servitors) claim to be descendants of the aboriginals. The temple is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Vaishnavite tradition.

The Karan or Karana is a community found in the state of Odisha in India. The post of Karana used to be a professional designation that was occupied by literate peoples. They held Karanam posts in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, where they speak Odia and played a similar role in Odisha to that of the Kayasthas of West Bengal and Bihar. In the social hierarchy of Odisha they rank next to Brahmins. They exclusively served the ruling powers as their ministers, advisors, governors, military commanders, record keepers and dewans. They owned most Zamindaris in Odisha. They have the highest literacy caste-wise and are highly prosperous. Today they are a politically dominant community and have reigned over the politics of Odisha for 50 years.

Salabega was an Odia religious poet of India in the early 17th century who wrote Jagannatha bhajanas. He was Muslim by birth but his devotion for the Hindu God made Lord Jagannath stop his Ratha Jātrā in Odisha for him to get darshan. His famous Bhajan 'Ahe Nila Saila' lives to this day.

Odisha is one of the 28 states of India, located on the eastern coast. It is surrounded by the states of West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west and northwest, and Andhra Pradesh to the south and southwest. Odia is the official and most widely spoken language, spoken by 33.2 million according to the 2001 Census. The modern state of Odisha was established on 1 April 1936, as a province in British India, and consisted predominantly of Odia-speaking regions. April 1 is celebrated as Odisha Day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinema of Odisha</span>

Odia cinema, also known as Ollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema, dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Odia language widely spoken in the state of Odisha. Odia Cinema is based in Cuttack in Odisha, India. The name Ollywood is a portmanteau of the words Odia and Hollywood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gundicha Temple</span> Hindu temple in Puri, Odisha, India

Gundicha Temple, is a Hindu temple, situated in the temple town of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is significant for being the destination of the celebrated annual Rath Yatra of Puri. While it remains vacant most of the year, the temple is occupied by images of the deities of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra for seven complete days every year during the annual Rath Yatra festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enduri pitha</span>

Enḍuri Piṭhā, also known as Haḷadi Patra Piṭhā, is a variety of pitha made in the Indian state of Odisha mostly in the northern, eastern and central region. Ingredients are turmeric leaves, black gram, rice flour, coconut or Chhena, jaggery, black pepper. Enduri is mostly prepared during Prathamastami and Manabasa Gurubara. It is a light snack and has laxative effect because of the turmeric leaves that are used to wrap the pitha. Traditionally, enduri used to be made by steaming in large earthen pots. Enduri is one of the many other pithas offered to Jagannath in the Jagannath Temple, Puri for "Sakala dhupa" (breakfast).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jagannath Temple, Nayagarh</span> Hindu temple in Odisha, India

Jagannath temple is a Hindu temple at Nayagarh, Odisha, India. It was erected by Vinayak Singh Mandhata in between 1788 and 1808 CE. The architect of the unfinished temple was the father of the poet Yadumani. Jagannath temple at Laxmi Prasad area was erected by Jadunath Mangaraja, a king of Khandapada. It was reconstructed in 1972 by one Sri Nilakantha Sahu. Jagannath temple at Khandapada was erected by the king of Khandapada. The temple is in pancharatha Rekha Deula style, while the Jaga mohan and Natamandapa are in Pidha Deula style. The idol of Jagannath called DadhiVanana was brought from the temple at Tikiripada and installed here. The idols from this temple were installed there. Jagannath temple at Tikiripada was constructed with the stones of the tomb of Gosinha Daitya, a demon ruling in this area in the past, whose fort is located inside Baisipalli, also known as Gosinhagarh during the epic period. The first temple was constructed in 1850. It was due to the flood of the Mahanadi in that year. The Jagannath temple at Ranpur was erected by King Udhaba Singh in 1324-1363 CE. The Jagannath temple at Daspalla is also an old one and Rajapratisthita. Jagannath temple at Sikharpur (Saranakul) is a unique one where bread (Roti) is offered to the Lord, his queen built the Mukhashala. Main festival here is Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dahuka boli</span>

Dahuka boli are poetic recitations which Dahukas, the charioteer who recite during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Ratha Yatra being a symbolic expression of fertility and Life cycle, these "boli" sung by the Dahuka contain bawdy songs. It is believed that unless the Dahuka boli is sung 'Ratha' doesn't move. These songs are sung publicly without any kind of hold on the lyrics. Dahuka controls the movement of Ratha during the festival. This tradition is the remnant of Vajrayana Buddhism in Odisha and the lyrics bear the signature of the Vajrayana Buddhist poetry. The Dahukas are believed to be the descends of the famous 84 Mahasiddhas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ratha Yatra</span> Hindu festival

Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, is any public procession in a chariot. They are held annually during festivals in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The term also refers to the popular annual Ratha Yatra of Puri that involves a public procession with a chariot with deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana Chakra on a ratha, a wooden deula-shaped chariot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Podo pitha</span>

Poṛa Piṭhā is slow-cooked pitha. It is made by slowly baking fermented rice, black gram, grated coconut and jaggery overnight. Its crust is slightly burnt, while the inside is soft and white. Poda pitha is generally made during Raja Parba. It is served to Lord Jagannath and his siblings at Mausi Maa Temple on their way back after Ratha-Yatra, from Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple, Puri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Odisha</span> Overview of Sanatan in Odisha

Hinduism is a majority religion in Odisha, which is followed by nearly 93.6% of the total population of the state. Odisha has a very rich cultural heritage of Hinduism and the state has second highest percentage of Hindus, after Himachal Pradesh. The state is home for the tribal culture and historical Hindu temple, the notable includes the Jagannath Temple in Puri and Lingaraja Temple. Ratha Yatra of Puri is one of the biggest Hindu pilgrimage in India. The state has also many Historical sites.

Gajapati Rāmachandra Deva I was the founder of the Bhoi dynasty of Khurda in Odisha, India. He established the Khurda kingdom in 1568 and after the death of Mukunda Deva he made an alliance with Akbar and was recognised as Gajapati. Madala Panji associated him with Yaduvamsa of Mahabharata. Gajapati Ramachandra Deva was also a Sanskrit poet and a scholar, he authored the celebrated drama "Shrikrushnabhaktabachhalya Charitam". The Odia populace gave him the title of "Thakura Raja" as a mark of respect for renovating the damaged Hindu temples that were destroyed by the invasion of Kalapahad. Ramachandra Deva's regnal title was "Vira Sri Gajapati Viradhi Viravara Pratapi Ramachandra Deva".

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[1]

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