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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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Photo story - Fishermen in the rain at Cherai

On our recent summer vacation, we woke up at Cherai to heavy rains. These weren't the usual summer rains where it rained now and then, but the skies opened up with a vengeance, and made it impossible for us go explore the area. I opted instead, for exploring the resort, and enjoying the peace, since most people were enjoying the cosy comforts of the resort, indoors! Walking towards the backwaters, the sight of these lone fishermen made me stop and watch them for a while, appreciating their hard work, and their perseverance.

This isn't a black and white photo, but the dark clouds and the fog make it appear so

These were the only two men, out in the backwaters in the rain, doing their job....


Even while I struggled with my umbrella, which threatened to blow away every moment, and my camera, trying to keep it safe from the rain, I tried to capture them at work - one busy rowing, the other, throwing the net out, reeling it in, and emptying it of the fish caught in it, and repeating the process over and over again. In the midst of all this, one of them noticed me, and waved out! 


I don't think this story needs any more words... I will leave you to enjoy the photos....














And before I end, here is one last photo, one I think is my best capture of the lot! What do you think? 


I must have watched these fishermen for about an hour, but they would have been out in the rain, for hours, and hadn't finished by the time I left. It really makes you appreciate them, doesn't it?
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Comments

  1. Meghana HassanJune 17, 2014 at 8:59 PM

    Beautiful set of photographs..

    ReplyDelete
  2. BikramJune 18, 2014 at 1:59 PM

    first of all beautiful picturesssssss... and yeah they are working harddd...


    Bikram

    ReplyDelete
  3. By Deepa and SupriyaJune 18, 2014 at 5:57 PM

    simple images that tell a compelling story of perseverance. great capture! first time here and already liking it!
    good work!

    stop by our blog Aalayam - it's a fun space that features a ton of inspirational ideas.

    ~deepa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 25, 2014 at 9:11 PM

      Thank you so much, Deepa, and welcome here! Hope to see you here regularly now!

      Delete
  4. R Niranjan DasJune 19, 2014 at 10:55 PM

    Nice monsoon frames!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 25, 2014 at 9:11 PM

      Thank you, Niranjan! well, the monsoon hasnt set in here yet, so making the most of my pics!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJune 21, 2014 at 4:41 PM

    you are doing really good job...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kannan nSeptember 23, 2016 at 11:49 AM

    nice shoot, especially the last photo click is awesome

    ReplyDelete

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