The present volume contains 24 papers written by Dr. R.N. Dash on different aspects of archaeology, history and culture of Orissa. Based on his field work as well as comments on the excavated remains, the section on 'Archaeology' has ten papers covering pre-history, proto-history ceramics as well as the excavated remains of Langudi Hills and survey work of Ratnachira Valley.
The section on 'History' has seven papers. Heavily dependent on inscriptions, Dash has tried to shed new light on the origin of Bhaumakara Dynasty, the development of Purushottama Jagannatha, the question of marital traditions as well as reference to Dharmasastras. The accounts on Vaishnavism during the Late Eastern Gangas and Gajapatis, constitute an important aspect of religious history of Orissa.
With seven papers in the section on 'Culture', Dash has depicted the Madhava worship as well as depiction of Orissan society and culture in the text Gitagovindam. Besides, discussion has been made with regard to Saiva culture, tribal art, fair and festivals and rhythm from the Hills.
In short, this book is the work of a versatile scholar nourished under local traditions of Orissa. |
