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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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Back after a long break

195 days. 

 That’s how long it is since I wrote my last post. In the 9 years that I have been blogging, I have taken breaks, but this is the longest I have ever been able to stay away. Usually, it is writers block which keeps me away, and the itch to write which brings me back. This time, however, has been different, which is also the reason it has taken me so long to get back.

The year so far has been interesting, and eventful. The first half of the year kept me busy, first with a trip to Delhi, Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho, then my course in Indian Aesthetics from Jnanapravaha Mumbai, and finally, a trip down South, to Chennai, Madurai and Trichy. Returning from my trips, I had assignments to complete, and lots of pending work at home. Now that my course is over, as are the travels, and my son is busy with school work once again, I finally have time on hand. And so, here I am, back to blogging!

While I think about what to write, and, more importantly, where to begin the stories of my travels, here is a collage of pics from my travels….. You can expect to see stories about all these, so how many do you recognize? 


Comments

  1. NatalieGJuly 5, 2016 at 9:52 AM

    Post that first story soon! ;) Looks like there is a lot to share on your blog.

    Will you share more details of the course you just finished, and what you had to do for it? Was a lot of the travel related to it? Sorry if it should be evident but I've never heard of an cultural Aesthetics course before. I know there are major and minor degrees you can pursue at the Liberal Arts colleges over here in the States that sound similar, if much more prolonged.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJuly 20, 2016 at 12:41 PM

      just starting with the posts, Natalie... and about the course, will send you a message...

      Delete
  2. விஸ்வநாத்July 5, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    Thank you & welcome back.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJuly 6, 2016 at 5:59 PM

    Wonderful posts! keep sharing and welcome back.

    Agencia de Viajes en Marruecos

    ReplyDelete

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