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Odisha Part 11: Discovering the Jaina Heritage of Odisha at the caves of Udaygiri and Khandgiri

The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
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A Parrot in my garden




Since we returned from our trip, almost a week has passed by without seeing any interesting birds. Moreover, I have been stuck to the computer, completing all my pending work. Yesterday, this parrot was making a racket outside our window, forcing me to try and spot it. Finally when I did manage to spot it, it waited for just this pic before flying off!


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  1. IndraniJanuary 7, 2010 at 8:28 PM

    It wanted its pic to be put up in this hall of fame. :) Great shot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. chitraJanuary 7, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    The birdie is real beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. sriJanuary 7, 2010 at 8:39 PM

    Lovely , absolutely beautiful! picturesq!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MridulaJanuary 7, 2010 at 10:42 PM

    Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AartiJanuary 8, 2010 at 9:55 AM

    Beautiful!!! its moments like these that am glad i have a nice camera[had clicked n posted a pic of a white cat in our backyard on FB]

    ReplyDelete
  6. ArunJanuary 15, 2010 at 12:50 PM

    It is always nice to have these noisy restless birds in the vicinity. And pretty they are.

    'Rose Ringed Parakeet' is the full common name of the bird.

    ReplyDelete
  7. UshaJanuary 25, 2010 at 1:15 PM

    Hey! That is a lovely pic!

    ReplyDelete

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