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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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Faces in the Crowd - Women carrying firewood

She is a common sight across the country, cutting and carrying firewood home...



Dressed in a sari, the pallu tucked into the waistband, she carries the load with ease. It is mostly women who are seen carrying loads - water, wood, sometimes all the household goods, on their heads. Ever wondered why the man, who is supposed to be stronger, never does so? I wonder, if it even occurs to them to tell the menfolk to do the fetching and the carrying.! 

No matter what their reasons, I can not but help admire them - they carry such loads, and walk such long distances, in the harshest of weather, while I, travelling in the comfort of a car or bus, succumb to swelling ankles and aches, with the least bit of walking. I wish I had their resilience! 
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  1. MridulaSeptember 29, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    What to say Anu? Some practices are so ingrained and without education no change seems possible. I wonder if even education would bring about some change?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 4, 2013 at 2:05 PM

      Education seems to be our only hope,but as of now, even that doesnt seem to reach them. i wonder if it ever will

      Delete
  2. IndraniSeptember 29, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    Load on head affects the body adversely and they are unaware of it, unfortunately!

    ReplyDelete

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