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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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Unidentified Insect

These days, Samhith runs to get the camera the minute he sees an insect in the house! Of course, since he is not yet allowed to use it, it is me he pesters to take photographs! Here is one which turned up yesterday taking advantage of the window Samhith had conveniently left open. It looks like a cricket, but don't know exactly. I tried to ID it, but to no avail. Any ideas, anyone? I was especially intrigued by the yellow spot on the side. 



P.S. I am out of town, and will be back soon. Please do leave your comments and I shall reply when I get back.



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Comments

  1. chitraNovember 2, 2010 at 1:23 PM

    I also think it is a cricket. We had lot of this when we were in Sivakasi

    ReplyDelete
  2. callezeeNovember 3, 2010 at 12:42 PM

    useful info.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. IndraniNovember 4, 2010 at 8:12 AM

    No clue.
    Looks like it lost two of its legs.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anuradha ShankarNovember 9, 2010 at 9:46 PM

    @Chitra: we have lots of insects coming into the house, but this one seemed new.....seems rather like a cricket, and as I understand, there are lots of types...

    @callezee: thanks..

    @Indrani: yeah... i thought so too at first :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. mumbai pausedNovember 17, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    The West Coast is so full of insect life. :) Every few days you will meet an interesting one. Especially in the wet months.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Parker DaycareDecember 7, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anu ShankarDecember 9, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Absolutely!

    ReplyDelete

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