Orissa Review * December - 2007 1 Pandit Samanta Chandra Sekhar Harichandan Mohapatra, locally known as "Pathani Samanta", was the illustrious author of "Siddhanta Darpan"- a systematic record of his life-long relentless work composed in beautiful metrical Sanskrit verses . "Siddhanta Darpan" is an astronomical treatise in elegant Sanskrit verses, developed and improved upon the 'Surya-Siddhanta' and the 'Siddhanta- Siromani' of the past. This magnum opus of Chandra Sekhar, the last and best book that worth to its name is really a mirror of India's astronomical knowledge. A Hindu orthodox by nature, Chandra Sekhar, with his traditional background alone studied the subject of astronomy, observed the movements of planets through naked eyes and was able to reach the approximate reality as founded by scientists with the aid of modern equipments. He was an outstanding mathematician of high order and engaged himself in the field of mathematical calculations known as 'astronomy'. In 'Siddhanta Darpan' poetry and mathematics are in tune with each other which stands as a specimen of his genius. By sheer efforts and perseverance, this last and foremost orthodox Hindu Siddhanta writer could rise above his environment and left an indelible stamp of his genius on the history of Indian astronomy. His ability in the preparation of "Manayantra" (measuring instrument), "Golyantra" (spherical instrument) and "Surya-Ghadi" (Sun dial to measure the time) proved him to be a good architect with engineering skill. He had also interest in the preparation of fire works with knowledge to launch the same to a particular height. India is a nation of ancient culture and tradition. It reached the zenith in all spheres at one time when most of the so called advanced nations of to-day were not discovered. Indian astronomy is nearly as old as the Vedas. As a science, it rose to its peak in the days of Aryabhatta in the 5th century A.D. Indian astronomy of the Hindus is a mere curiosity to the scholars of West, because they know very little about our traditional mathematical astronomy as that does not come under the mainstream of astronomy which originated in Babylonia and evolved through the Greeks and Europeans. Pathani Samanta : The Great Hindu Astrologer Prabhukalyan Mohapatra
Transcript
Orissa Review * December - 2007
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Pandit Samanta Chandra Sekhar HarichandanMohapatra, locally known as "Pathani Samanta",was the illustrious author of "Siddhanta Darpan"-a systematic record of his life-long relentless workcomposed in beautiful metrical Sanskrit verses ."Siddhanta Darpan" is an astronomical treatise inelegant Sanskrit verses, developed and improvedupon the 'Surya-Siddhanta' and the 'Siddhanta-Siromani' of the past. Thismagnum opus of ChandraSekhar, the last and best bookthat worth to its name is really amirror of India's astronomicalknowledge.
A Hindu orthodox bynature, Chandra Sekhar, with histraditional background alonestudied the subject ofastronomy, observed themovements of planets throughnaked eyes and was able toreach the approximate reality asfounded by scientists with the aidof modern equipments. He was an outstandingmathematician of high order and engaged himselfin the field of mathematical calculations known as'astronomy'. In 'Siddhanta Darpan' poetry andmathematics are in tune with each other whichstands as a specimen of his genius. By sheer efforts
and perseverance, this last and foremost orthodoxHindu Siddhanta writer could rise above hisenvironment and left an indelible stamp of hisgenius on the history of Indian astronomy. Hisability in the preparation of "Manayantra"(measuring instrument), "Golyantra" (sphericalinstrument) and "Surya-Ghadi" (Sun dial tomeasure the time) proved him to be a good
architect with engineering skill.He had also interest in thepreparation of fire works withknowledge to launch the sameto a particular height.
India is a nation of ancientculture and tradition. It reachedthe zenith in all spheres at onetime when most of the so calledadvanced nations of to-day werenot discovered. Indianastronomy is nearly as old as theVedas. As a science, it rose toits peak in the days of Aryabhattain the 5th century A.D. Indian
astronomy of the Hindus is a mere curiosity tothe scholars of West, because they know verylittle about our traditional mathematical astronomyas that does not come under the mainstream ofastronomy which originated in Babylonia andevolved through the Greeks and Europeans.
Hence neither the scholars of the West are fairenough to assess the merit of our system nor arewe sincere to project ourselves sufficiently in orderto establish our wit and wisdom before the socalled advanced world.
Chandra Sekhar recorded all of his findingsin 'Siddhanta Darpan',a small book with about2500 verses(24 chapters) in Sanskrit languageentirely written on palm-leaves. Will Durrant wasamazed to find this great Hindu scholar writingtreatises on mathematics even in verses. Thisinvaluable contribution of Chandra Sekher to theastronomical science, 'Siddhanta Darpan' waswritten on12th April1869 and completed in allrespect by 12th November1892. Out of its 2500verses (slokas) 2184 are his own. Thecomposition and structure of the verses indicatehis extra-ordinary genius and deep knowledge inSanskrit. The verses are highly ornamental andorderly. They flow like a running stream un-checked, un-controlled, un-restricted and un-briddled. The contents of 'Siddhanta Darpan' lookamazing and un-imaginable as the achievementof a single mind. Chandra Sekhar observed,verified and corrected all that was known to theHindu astronomers for thousand of years. Evenon many occasions he has gone beyond them todiscover new phenomena, formulations and cameout with predictions which as per his claim willremain valid for at least next ten thousand years.In the field of observational astronomy, very often,he has given new methods of calculation. At theend of his treatises he has furnished the calculationsof an almanac which has been named as "KautukaPanjee" Among those who applied their brain andmind for the improvement as well as developmentof 'Panjika', the name of Chandra Sekhar figurein a very eminent position. A glorious personalityby virtue of his high academic attainments,
scholarly approach to the problems and moraleffulgence, Chandra Sekhar no doubt shines bestin the history of "Panjika-Samskara". In 1876,the almanac computed according to 'SiddhantaDarpan' found recognition in the temple of SriJagannath and religious rites are calculated /determined as per the latest Siddhanta of ChandraSekhar .
Nearly one thousand years before the birthof Chandra Sekhar no astronomer of repute hadmade any reformative study in the field ofastronomical science. In order to know the exactlongitude(grahasphuta of the planets) he took thehelp of Surya Siddhanta as his base book andinnovated new method in each chapter of'Siddhanta Darpan'. As moon changes its positionmore frequently than any other planet, it is verydifficult to ascertain the exact longitude of moon.Hence, Chandra Sekhar innovated threeprinciples, i.e. Tungatanra,Pakshika and Digamsato know the exact longitude of moon. These threeformulas expounded by him are very correct andthey hold good in every respect. Likewise he haddevised many new formulas for ascertaining theexact longitude of all the planets. His formulasregarding the solar and lunar eclipse are stillinvaluable objects in the astronomical treasury.
Completely unaware of the scientific andtechnological developments in the West, ChandraSekhar had employed the traditional methods forastronomical measurements. He was well knownin India and beyond for his accurate astronomicalcalculations, new theories about the planets, theirmovements which were based on observationsmade by his naked eyes or with primitiveinstruments designed by himself. So he is rightlycalled the second Bhaskara in India. ChandraSekhar seems to be the last link in the long orderof great Hindu astronomers like Aryabhatta,
Varahamihira, Brahma Gupta and Bhaskarawhose genius blazed from places spread all overIndia scaling a time span of nearly 1500 years,with available systematic record from 5th centuryA.D. to the turn of last century. This continuousstream of genius appeared to have broken afterBhaskara for about seven hundred years and onesees the burst of the last glow in Chandra Sekhar.
The long traditional culture of 'Jyotisha' inOrissa for so many centuries was epitomized inChandra Sekhar, who was honoured with the titleof' Mahamahopadhyaya' by British governmentin 1893 for his monumental work on Hinduastronomy known as 'Siddhanta Darpan'. Hecorrected the discrepancies in the astronomicalcalculations found in the annually preparedAlmanac of Orissa.
Astronomy is a science in whichobservations go simultaneously with thecalculations. Besides a thorough knowledge ofmotion of the stellar objects, it requires sufficientcomputational skill to tackle the vast multitude ofbig numbers. Chandra Sekhar was extraordinaryin this respect who demonstrated a computationalfit by providing tables with cores of data whichposses a challenge even in this computerized age.
Chandra Sekhar had expressed his deepgratitude to all his predecessors in general andBhaskaracharya in particular. He improved upontheir calculations after careful observation of theplanetary position. Like any other original researchwork his contributions are purely of intellectualinterest in the field of mathematical astronomy.The present Oriya Almanacs are being prepared
as per the rules of 'Siddhanta Darpan' and theyhave stood the test of time in successfullypredicting the eventful occasions like eclipses. Hehad broken the ice which blocked the path ofprogress in Indian astronomy for about a thousandyears and mirrored the Siddhantas in modernperspectives which paved the way for futuredevelopment. Our researchers today boast ofdegrees conferred on the basis of works whichcan hardly be compared with originality andinnovations, but Chandra Sekhar had exhibitedin a single chapter of 'Siddhanta Darpan' barringits stupendous tables called 'saranis'. Hiscontribution to the field of Hindu astronomy islittle known and assessed due to non-availabilityof a lucid Commentary explaining the intricaciesof astronomical calculations involved inunderstanding the Sanskrit verses composed inelegant pendantic style.
'Pathani Samanta' alias 'Chandra Sekhar'was born in Khandapada, an ex-state of Orissa,in the un-divided Puri district of Orissa, on ( the8th lunar day of black fortnight in Pausa month ofSaka era 1757) 11th January 1836 and his finaldeparture from this mortal world was on 11th June1904. As per his own prediction, he came all theway to Sri Jagannath temple of Puri to breathehis last.
Writer is a Bhubaneswar based freelance journalist,who lives in VR 3/2, Unit-3, Behind R.B.I., Bhubaneswar,Orissa. [email protected]
malaria became rampant in these areas. Somalaria, in competition with plague must havetaken a heavy toll on these early humansettlements. It is possible that the mother speciesof Tulasi was a marsh plant which grew in thewaterlogged areas of river banks where ourancient civilization was born . Malaria beingendemic in these areas, the locals soon found thatthis plant could ward off malaria both by itspresence, its fragrance and by therapeuticadministration. It soon became a leading medicinalplant in folk use, It is interesting to note that manyethnic tribes of India have parallel mythologiesregarding Tulasi as a holy plant and have specialrituals associated with its use.Myhological basis of origin of sacred basil :
There are more than one mythologicalversion relating to the origin of the Tulasi plant.Both the masses and the educated elite have joinedforces to build up this varied traditional mythology.
Books recite that Sri Lakshmi was born toDharmadhwaja's wife Madhavi. Her parentsnamed her Tulasi. Being beautiful and virtuous,she was married to Vishnu. Vishnu desired her tocast off her body and stay with hIm in spirit. Herbody then become the river Gandaki. Vishnu'sbody become the Saaligrama stone and residedin the river. Sri Lakshmi's hair grew into a plant,become the famous Tulasi, an object of worship.
Ocimum sanctum the sacred basil is the greatheritage of holy plants that India has bookmarkedfor spiritual seekers of the world. Tulasi must beconsidered the National Holy Plant of India asshe has the greatest influence that has directedthe masses of India towards that characteristicway of life with a spiritual background which isthe hallmark of India's great and glorious spiritualculture , the envy of all the world's nations.
The power of Tulasi and the benefits shecan give to her devotee is well documented in the"Sri Tulasi Kavacham" embedded in the TulasiMahatmya part of Sri Brahmanda Purana and alsoin the classical prayer of Pundalika known as the"Tulasi Stotram". Taking the clue from the AtharvaVeda, Tulasi has been euologised in SrimadBhagavatam, the Kurma and other Puranas, andvarious spiritual and religious texts. Tulasi hasbecome the most popular plant among the peopleof India.
Folkuse & Custom :
The popularity of Ocimum sanctumamong the people gave her the name Vrinda inthe language of the elites. All folklore relating tothe plant are of very ancient origin and may bemore ancient than the Vadas. Urban civilizationsrose on river banks in regions lying betweenequatorial and temperate climates. Endemic
There is also another version. Tulasi wasthe wife of Jalandhara, a water demon, whocaused great suffering to people. Lord Vishnu hadto abduct her to kill Jalandhara. Lord Vishnu thenlifted the plant to higher level by placing her leaveson His head. It is also said that Vishnu abductedTulasi to help Shiva kill the demon.
Another version recites that Sarasvati'scurse once turned Lakshmi into a Tulasi plant andforced her to live on the earth causing Vishnu tocome down from Heaven and stay near her asthe Salagrama. That is why the Salagrama is tobe found under the river Gandaki on the bank ofwhich the Sal tree grows and also in the Narmadariver from which many Brahmin communitiesmigrated to South India later on. Salagrama beingBhagavan Vishnu's counterpart for Sri Lakshmi'sTulasi, this sacred stone, now considered to bean ammonite fossil, which is also eulogized in thePuranas.
Folk Therapeutics :
1. The earth round the Tulasi Plant is used asapplication in the form of a paste for massagingthe body to counteract the effects on the skin ofdebilitating marshy environment. Famous Indianwrestlers have used it to come out victorious.
2. Tulasi leaves placed with water in a shiningcopper vessel overnight and partaken in themorning, activates a student's brain and increasesconcentration and memory.3. Tulasi is used by Indian physicians in thetreatment of mental weakness, such as loss ofconfusion, depression, melancholia, hysteria,migraine, headache and cerebral congestion etc.
4. Tulasi leaves, eaten as daily routine inmarshy area, make one immune to fever. A fewfresh leaves of Tulasi chewed and eaten with verylittle pepper, daily in the morning, on the emptystomach prevents malaria and helps to cure it.
5. Tulast is employed by Ayurvedic andtraditional gynaecologists in regulating menstrualcycle in women. It is used to improve fertility bothin the barren and in those who are unable to safelyreach full term. At the commencement of thepostpartum, it helps to regularize the lochia.
6. Tulasi is used to purify blood in bloodpoisoning and similar conditions, along with thejuice of neem leaves.7. As a common household remedy, it isfound very effective in common householdremedy. It is found very effective in common cold,laryngitis, tonsillitis, cough, influenza and itscomplications.
8. In bronchial asthma and respiratory allergicconditions, a pinch of pure turmeric powder mixedwith honey and the juice of Tulasi is very effective.
9. It is useful externally and internally inrelieving discomfort and pain associated withdental decay such as caries and chronic infectiveconditions such as pyarrhea.
10. In alimentary disorders causing gastritis,flatulence, colic and dyspepsia, Tulasi is veryuseful to stimulate digestive secretions.
11. Seasonal arthritis triggered by humidweather is relieved by this remedy.
12. In pneumonia, physicians use it as anupanafor specific remedies. In the preparation ofTribhuvanakirti Rasa; a classical Ayurvedicremedy that protects the lungs and clearscongestion in the later stages of influenza, Tulasiis one of the juices used in herbally activating thepreparation.
13. Regular use of Tulasi prevents pleurisy andalso supports specifie curative remedies used totreat the same.
14. Externally and internally, it is useful inpalliating eye symptoms caused by conjunctivitis
such as redness, lachrymation, adhesivesecretions and photophobia.
15. Tulasi cures dimness of sight. Its juice,regularly used as eye drops, prevents cataractformation. Here it is as efficient as the homeopathicremedy, Cinereria maritime.
16. It is very useful in itching and irritation ofthe ear and dfficulty of hearing caused byVatakapha. Samsarga Dosha which builds upas age advances.
17. Tulasi gives a glow to the skin whenconstantly used both internally and externally. Itis a freely available cosmetic for women.
18. Fresh juice of the plant, steeped in honey,is a great pediatric remedy for cold and cough inchildren. Being mildly laxative, it also helpselimination tract of the phlegm.
19. Partaken with ginger juice after meals,Tulasi acts as a carminative and digestant.
Varieties of Tulasi
Ayurveda nighantus state that there are 7varieties of Tulasi some of which are notobtainable. They might be found in remote forestareas, as some species of Labiate are, on thelower slopes of the Himalayas or in othermountainous regions. In India, the two commonvarieties of Ocimum Sanctum available areKrishma Tulasi and Shweta Tulasi, the formerbeing preferred in rituals and both in medicine.There are many such classical remedies in theAyurvedic Pharmacoepia where Tulasi is eitherone of the main ingredients or used as an activatorduring preparation of a classical compoundmedicine.
Dina Krishna Joshi lives at Gayatrinagar, New Bus Stand,Junagarh-766014, Kalahandi (Orissa).
Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik presenting Biju PatnaikAward for Scientific Excellence to Prof. Dr. Dipica Mohanty at Jaydev
It was an early November wintry dawn, wearrived the artists city Baripada and hired a Boleroand travelled straight 100 kms to the legendaryTigress Khairi project office in Jasipur on NHNo.6. The entry permits and reservationconfirmation were green signalled by theconservator.It was getting noon without the sunin the sky. It was quite dark and everything hadbecome grey and shapeless. The weather wentbad overnight, it hadremained clear for a longtime with masses ofcranes flying across theopen sky, then suddenlythe wind began to blow,it grew cold and the skyfilled with black cloudswhich set aboutshedding a fine stickyuninterrupted rain.
By this time we enjoyed the mouth wateringdelicious flavoured Deshi chicken in a road sideDhaba which flamed our instinct to discover thewild jungle. Remember this is the Similipal.Onehundred one Royal Bengal Tigers hunting groundapart from this 102 deadly cheetahs, 700shambers, herds of elephant, beers, hyenas,wolves, jackals, giant squirrels, barking deers,mugger crocks, reptiles, 231species of birds and
many more covering 2750 sq kms inMayurbhanja. It ranked 7th among India's 28Biosphere reserve forest. It is famous for itsnatural wildlife, springs, mountains, cloud kissingpeaks and waterfalls and areas around bristlingwith rich wildlife. It is exclusively a tiger reserveof India .Here the prey is haunted for food by thepredators and carnivorous openly and we areventuring in to it. It is never a zoo.
It was rainingfrequently, muddyimpassable roadscame, the puddles andmud on the roadsdelayed ourmovements. As weapproached the junglemy heart beat pounced.I was thrilled at thetallest sal forest it
seemed as if they welcome tourists by waving thedense branches in a chorus, Champaka sprinklingthe sweet stupefying fragrance and especially thechilled kaliani wind fanned us. Though anafternoon but it was dark and tearing the forest inthe mud and slippery Kacha path we reachedGurguria and Kaliani check gates only watchingthe woods through the closed glass doors witheyes wide open and mouth shut in search of a
wild beast. Our utter silence broke when the driverrushed the car to a trench and tried with gearsbut in vain .It was as dark as midnight and also abit frightening to go out into the dark but the driverHari opened his door and we ours. Suddenly, abrisk wind pierced through the doors and trembledus and I shoved my hands under my armpits forwarmth. The wild crickets buzzing created aRamsey's horror. I helped the driver in lifting thetyres from the ditch and some inspected the roadahead to Joranda .But the untimely rain damagedthe newly morum patched road and we avoidedany further risk and returned back on the adviceof an A.D.V.O to Ramatirtha, another two hoursplace. What a pity after travelling 25kms in 90minutes in the dense woods is clearly seen in ourfaces. With a disappointment we reached thecrocos breeding sanctuary at around 8pm. Thenight watchman guarded us to the beautifulbungalows. We felt the severest cold and my teethwent numb. Thoroughly chilled I entered the roomand lit the firewood in the kitchen. Locked insidethe bungalow we enjoyed card games gossipingand sipping. Making our predictions wrong, againit downpoured, it was so heavy that we shiveredwith cold. Praying God for a shinny and brightmorning we went to bed taking 2 blankets eachfrom the almirah kept for the tourists and visitors.Everything was dark and gloomy beyond the rainspattered window and the rustling over the roofcontinued. It was nightingales trill and warble, thechirps of peacocks, drungo, and orical in thejungle awakened us and amazingly it was a veryshinny morning. That Advo lit a cigar and fingeredme to follow him and put the packet in the pocket.I let my feet down in the freeze floor dressed hastilywalked through the wet sparkling meadow feelingclean fresh breeze and wild aroma, reached thebloodstained breeding house. I saw the deadmuggers in the glass jars and huge muggercrocodiles lying opened mouth in the sun in a
caged pond and some new borns and sometortoises also. The A.D.V.O showed me theancient temple Ramatirtha named after LordRama. H ere the foot prints of Him areworshipped on the bank of the river Khairi namedafter the legendary tigress Khairi. And on the wayback to bungalow he advised not to drink thestagnant water to escape from malaria. We leftthe place after a very hot photo session toNawana, a very beautiful spot where wildcreatures move freely. It was around noon in thelonely forest we reached a curly muddy andslippery path at 20km ph with second gear but inthe mud our tyres dipped completely and it wasimpossible to move an inch ahead. Again the sametask pushing, lifting and inspection of the path andthe same result we avoided the sure risk, the rainbathed morrum is not baked completely.What asorrow, our face faded after covering miles in thecore but the smart Advo again turned the wheelstowards Chahala another core spot and assuredfor a better halt .It was the then MayurbhanjaMaharajas haunting place. Beautifully decoratedthree cottages encircled by trench to escapeelephant herds and flowery gardens almost seemas if an Island. Though our earlier two spots wereundiscovered but we were excited by oursuccessful venture. And it is pleasant to discoverfor yourself new places and to be thrilled byuniqueness.And also we were fortunate to spenda night in the Royal Villa .The Ranger and theguards informed us about the deer and elephantherds regular visit to the very nearest spots.Weall anxiously waited for the evening.We witnessedthe marvellous Sun sinking down behind the saland a few dears and peacocks grazing in thepasture. It was the twilight we all laughed at MrsDas wishes. She had a wish to halt at Chahalaand it became true. It was a romantic andwonderful experience to judge the real jungle andwild animals roaming. At the approach of evening
we could guess of heavy cold we wore jacketsand mufflers, here the temperature goes down to3degree celcius, waves of cold wind reallyshivered us. It was getting dark, we were lockedinside the cottage and switched on the solar lightbut in the dim wavering light hardly one could seeand read. After waiting patiently in a single doorcottage the ranger hurriedly knocked the doorand informed us of elephants presence in the saltlick spots near the trench. We quickly wore bootsand drew jackets and rushed silently near thetrench, an unknown fear ruled over the heartsbecause the guards had shown us the smashedand damaged walls of the rest houses. Theyoccasionally cross the trench in search of food.We could hear the snores, it sounds like a runningmotor car. It is guessed as if they were three innumber and were some meters away from us.Suddenly the largest land animals war like hugetrumpets trembled and panicked us .It was soterrible that Mrs Muna and Mrs Rath caught holdmy both shoulders each and unbalanced me andat this everybody laughed at them. But the rangerwarned not to laugh loudly the tuskers may goaway smelling any danger. It was really awesomeand wonderful to hear and see the herds trumpetand snoring in a torch focus. Simultaneously wecould see hundreds of deer eyes twinkling abovethe reeds in fear. These were so audible andterrible that the jungle would tremble even theshrilling of crickets had stopped and takenshelter.The cracking of tree trunks, breaking ofbranches all started in a rush and in no time afurious battle broke out in between them.Guessing the noises we could move our wideopened eyes hither and thither but hardly saidanything. To this the ranger described that theymay be fighting for superiority or mating may befor salt licking. It continued almost for an hour.The silence of the darkest Amavasya night is only
broken by the war like trumpets. The rangerassured us of other herds to come by night.
It was exactly 9 pm in my Regalia we cameback talking to the cottage. All were seen holdingthe mufflers and jackets in their hands as if werewarmed up in the severe cold. Then the rangerand we sat in the royal dining table for the supperprepared by the cook in the lanterns focus ,it washot, spicy, delicious and mouthwatering.Allgathered in the Royal Sal Villa busy in talking andlaughing about tuskers. All of a sudden the vigilantguard came gasping and informed us of thepresence of another herd in the nearest salt lickspot and we all at a time rushed with torches tothe nearest trench and saw some snoring tuskersin a dim focus rushing towards the dense jungle ina queue. Then also twinkling eyes were seen abovethe reeds. The excited and pleasant night passedby under the royal roof. The winged species,orical, drungo, peacocks, were pretty busy intheir job and as usual awakened us. The wintrymilky dawn enveloped with thick fog as if seemedthe land wore a white bed sheet of frost, lookedamazing. To our wish to take a morning stroll inthe woods the ranger advised a guard to guideus. To our mounting joy we all with jackets andshawls crossed the trench and entered thejungle.Under the huge sal trees and deep, lightgreen leaves and walking over rotten red andyellow leaves.We could witness the hugefootprints and dung cakes of the elephants andpug marks of deer and its jamun like dungs, wesaw the salt lick spots, where the mammalsregularly visit to fulfill their iodine deficiency.
On our way back to home the ranger in afriendly gesture said this is a biosphere reservedwoods the flora, fauna, animals, birds, insects arereserved in an echo system. There men never lifta fallen tree, it is totally left to dump for the naturalhabitat of flies. He says they don't clean the jungle
and salvage the timbers. The perennial streamsalways provide water to the dry, moist and semievergreen Sal forests and rivers like Khairi, Deo,Pansia, Palpala, etc.of Similipal.Though, as aranger he has been in the jungle for long 20 yearsbut has never seen an R.B.T except once but hearsthe roars and collects the pug marks for counting.
It was 11 in the morning, bright completesunshine in the moor but in the jungle darknessand cold, only in a few places the ray falls likecinema projectors and the rays pierce through thedense woods and touches the ground in a straightline. The splashing of Barehipani waterfall thegurgling of streams are all an exceptional exampleof scenic beauty as if seems a heaven's garden.Those few nights, everything seemed full ofsignificance and of a secret attractive meaningeven the sal jungle was attiring itself in rime andseemed to be expanding before my very eyes.
Khairi, almost 6 feet and weighs twoquintals with yellow and black stripe skin, brought
up by Late Padmashree, Sarojraj Choudharrywhen she was of some days, near a riverbed lyingalmost dead. Her relationship with Choudharryis a legacy. Khairi has a special appearance inthe heart of Indians. Khairi was the centre ofattraction of world wide tourists. She was abeautiful example of R.B.T. Her physicalappearance was tremendous, walking purposefuland many more. Interestingly, Mr Choudharry hadto share his bed with Khairi, and her friends abear, a huge python and a dog.
In a sorrow plight, the Khairi Project cameto an end. It is heard; she suffered from deadlyrabies and died, but Choudharry in grief ! After afew years.
Gyanchand Mallick is a reporter in a Oriya Daily. Residesin Badagada Brit Colony, Bhubaneswar.
Rojalin Mohanty, the Oddissi Dancerattending the Indo-Japan cultural function
to facilitate bilateral understanding andco-operation.
The atmospheric cover around the earthacts like a window glass pane. It allows most ofthe solar radiation to enter right up to the earth'ssurface, but does not allow a substantial amountof long wave radiation emited by the earth toescape into space. The out going long waveinfrared radiation is absorbed by the greenhousegases normally present in the atmosphere.Theatmosphere radiates part of this energy back tothe earth . This downward flux of radiation, calledgreenhouse flux, keeps the earth warm.Thus, theatmospheric greenhouse gases forming a blanketover the earth, control the escape of heat fromthe earth's surface to outer surface ( Fig.1) so asto keep it warm and hospitable. This phenomenonis referred to as greenhouse effect. The name isderived from the fact that inside a glass enclosedgreenhouse, temperature is warmer than outside.Such greenhouses are used for growing plants thatrequire higher temperature for growth. The meanannual temperature of the earth is about +150C.However, in the absence of greenhouse gases inatmosphere, the earth's mean temperature woulddrop sharply to about-200C. This capacity of theatmosphere to keep the earth warm depends uponthe concentrations of greenhouse gases. Theexcessive increase in concentrations of thesegases in the atmosphere would retain more and
more of the infrared radiation, resulting inenhanced greenhouse effect. The consequentincrease in the global mean temperature is referredto as "global warming". The intergovernmentalpanel on climate change (IPCC) periodicallyassess the atmospheric abudance of greenhousegases and its possible impact on climate andrelated issues (Hardin, 1968; Edwards, 1969;Moncrief, 1970; Odum,1970; Woodwell, 1970and 1978; Toon and Pollack,1980).
Green House Gases
The main natural greenhouse gases arewater vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane(CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulphur dioxide(SO2), ozone (O3) and chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs). Carbon dioxide is the most abudantgreenhouse gas in the atmosphere. This has beenlargely the result of fossil fuel burning, deforestationand change in land use. The largest sources ofmethane in the atmosphere are natural wet lands,rice paddies and livestock. Drilling,venting,biomass burning and coal mining alsorelease methane. Nitrous oxide is released by theoceans, forest fire, burning of grass land andnatural oil and by bio-decomposition ofnitrogenous fertilisers. Large quantity of sulphurdioxide is produced during smelting of metals suchas iron, copper, lead, zinc and nickel. Burning of
fossil fuels also produces sulphur dioxide. Theconcentration of ozone in the atmosphereincreases due to the formation of photochemicalsmog. Such pollutants are formed in solarradiations. Major sources of CFCs are leakingair conditioners, refrigeration units and propellantsin aerosol spray cans. Other sources are jet planeemissions which contains chlorofluorocarbons.
Global Warming
The consequent of increased concentrationof carbon dioxide and other green house gases,the temperature of earth has risen by 2.50C sincethe industrial revolution, 10C in the last 50 yearsand 0.30C every ten years from now(Edward,1994). The rise in atmospherictemperature has been confirmed by Inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPCC).
The average atmospheric temperature of 1997 ishigher by 0.430C over the average from 1960onwards. It is also estimated by the climatologiststhat the earth surface will warm by about another3.50 over the next century if emissions ofgreenhouse gases are not reduced. This rise inatmospheric temperature is not uniform. It is slightin tropics, moderate in middle latitudes andmaximum in polar regions (World climateprogramme or WCP, 1988). Already 20-40C risein temperature of Alaska Permafrost has beenrecorded.
Effect of Greenhouse Gases
The increasing abudance of greenhousegases in the atmosphere is responsible for thechanges in global climate. Due to global warmingvarious changes on the earth are noticed. Ice free
off of middle latitude forests, drying up of severallakes and increased coastal upwelling. Alreadythe sea level has risen by 15cm in the past century.If the trend continues, there is a danger ofsubmersion of large land areas of earth.
Present disturbance of sea at coastal beltsof different districts of Orissa such as Ganjam,Puri (Figs.3&4), Jagatsinghpur and Kendraparais believed to be the consequence of globalwarming. Frequently sea water inundates beachand overflows over public roads, private andgovernment buildings which are located near thebeach. Human life, huge properties and crop fieldsare at danger due to disturbed sea water. Someasures should be taken by the government ofevery country to control the alarming situation.
Suggestive Measures for Global Warming :
It is realised that the global warming hassignificant impact on animal, plant, human life,property, agricultural productivity, fisheries,forestry etc. which would affect the economiesof the countries. The main culprit of the increasedglobal warming is higher amount of green housegases. In order to mitigate the concentration ofdifferent greenhouse gases to cope with globalwarming, the following strategies need to beadopted.
(1) The greenhouse gas emissions need to bereduced by limiting the use of fossils fuels such aspetrol and diesel etc.
(2) The alternative renewable sources of energynamely solar energy, wind energy, ocean thermalpower energy, ocean wave and tidal powerenergy, geothermal energy and bio-energy needto be harnessed and utilised in place of fossil fuels.
(3) The vegetation cover, particularly the forestsneed to be enhanced for greater photosyntheticutilization of CO2
.
season has increased by three weeks. There willbe melting of glaciers and ice caps causingunprecedented floods, soil erosion, destructionof crops, property and lives. Greenland ice hasmelted between 20-100cm during 1993-98(NASA) and sea ice has shrunk in the Arctic toits lowest level since satellite measurements began30 years ago (European Space Agency or ESA,2007 ) and present images show "fully navigable"route between the Atlantic and the Pacific ( Fig.2)due to which major shifts are noticed in rainfalland climatic zones . The possible results are wiping
(4) The use of nitrogen fertilizers in agricultureneed to be minimised or stopped forreducing N2O emissions.
(5) The substitutes of Chlorofluorocarbonsmust be developed and used as coolants orrefrigerants.
(6) The use of hanky spray perfumes needs tobe stopped very strictly by the public.
(7) Afforestation in the entire coastal belt needsto be strengthened to protect human life, publicproperties and soil erosion.
(8) People's awareness and participation isrequired to check air pollution by keepingthemselves refrained from the use of the substancewhich ensures emission of greenhouse gases.
ReferencesEdwards, C.A.1969. Soil pollutants and soil animals.Sci.Amer. 220(4) :88-93.
Edward, J.K. 1994. Concepts of Ecology. Prentice-Hallof India Private Limited , New Delhi, pp.1-283.
Hardin, G. 1968. The tragedy of commons.Science,162:1243-1248.
Moncrief, L.W.1970. The cultural basis of ourenvironmental crisis, Science, 70:508-512.
Odum, E.P. 1970. Ecology. Oxford and IBH PublishingCo. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp.1-224.
Odum, E.P.1970. Optimum population and environment :A Georgian microcosm. Current History, 58:355-359 and365.
Toon, O.B. and Pollack, J.B.1980. Atmospheric aerosolsand climate. American Scientist, 68 : 268-278.
Woodwell, G.M.1970. Effects of pollution on thestructure and physiology of ecosystems. Science,168 :429 - 433.
Dr Prafulla K. Mohanty is working in P.G. Departmentof Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar- 751 004 (Orissa). E-mail - prafulla.mohanty @yahoo.co.in
Dr Sanjaya Narayan Otta is working in Department ofZoology, Biju Pattnaik College of Science andEducation, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar - 751013(Orissa).
Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik inaugurating the Platinum JubileeGallery and Library at State Museum on 29.12.2007. Shri Surjya NarayanaPatro, Minister, Energy, Information Technology, Culture and Shri Gopinath
Mohanty, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Culture, Information & Public Relationsare also present.
The temple of Gopinath is situated at the villageKakudia, which is exactly located near the roadfrom Pipli to Jatani on the right bank of the riverDaya in Puri district. This dilapidated temple is amagnificent specimen of the Ganga art of Orissa.1The temple complex originally consisted of twostructures such as Vimana and the Jagamohana.Though the Vimana or main Deula is available,its front Jagamohana seems to have collapsed longago and it has gone out of existence.2 The templeis made of sandstones locally called as BaulamalaPatharas. It faces to east.Architectural Features of Temple :Vimana :
The Vimana or the main Deula of the templeis a Pancharatha Rekha Deula and its height isabout 55 feet from the surface of the templecomplex. The temple rises over a low basementof 1 feet in height and it is pancharatha in plan.Particularly interesting is the manner in which thenisha shrines from the part of the temple walls,rather than being constructed in front of theParsvadevata niches, so that they appear asprojecting porticos with four ornately carvedpillars supporting a pidha roof, possibly the onlyfree standing pillars in eastern Orissa to bedecorated as pillars rather than pilaster or pagas.The Vimana has four vertical divisions such aspistha, bada, gandi and mastaka.
The pistas of the deula measuresapproximately 36 inches high, rests on a plainUpana. The walls of the pista are decorated witha pabhaga of three ornately carved mouldings, ajangha with khakhara mundis flanked by alasakanyas and spaced virala or jagrata motifs witheach (motif) appearing suspended in front ofdiamond shaped perforations (banka jail) and abaranda of two mouldings separated by the recessfilled with jail perforations. The niches of themundis house sakshadanai motifs or images ofsingle seated figure. All the decorative elementsare slightly eroded by nature. Makara mouthshaped gargoyles are fixed to vacate the excesswater from the interior of the sanctum on the bothnorthern and southern sides central niches of thepistha.
The bada of the vimana is panchangatype i.e. having five fold divisions such as pabhaga,tala jangha, bandhana, upper jangha andbaranda. The base of the bada on the top ofpistha measures approximately 15 feet 6 inchessquare with the porticos projecting out anadditional 6 feet.3 The bada has an abbreviatedSaptaratha plan withpagasof varying width. Thethin anuraha is squeezed between the anurathaand projecting raha porches and is not fullydeveloped. The pabhaga also consists of theconventional mouldings of khura, kumbha,
patta, kani and basanta. The lower mouldingsof pabhaga are decorated with a horizontal ridgeon the kumbha and a kirita design on the centrefacet of the khura. The upper three mouldingsof the pabhaga are finely relieved with scrollworks, creepers, flowers motifs and perforatedjail works. The jangha is divided into two storiesby a series of five horizontal mouldings, whichjoined together by a vertical band of scroll workat the centre of each paga. Each story of thejangha is 34 inches in height.4 The pagas aremulti-faceted with a mundi carved on the centrefacet. The mundis of the lower story are crownedby large Vajra Mastaka motifs, rather thanKhakhara Mundis. In some cases these motifsare flanked by hamsas (gees) rather than atlantidgana figures as standard on earlier temples. Theniches of the kanika paga of tala jangha arerelieved withpidha mundis on which the Dikpalasare housed with their respective mounts anddirectins. The other niches of the anuratha andpariratha pagas are filled with alasakanyas.They generally assume a relaxed pose under ameandering creeper and sometimes are provideda diminutive attendant. Among the more popularposes are those with one or both arms upliftedabove the head and one leg partially lifted andplaced against the creeper for balance. There areonly a few of these images surviving in the anuraharecesses of the upper jangha and they are badlydamaged. The anuraha recesses between theraha and anuratha paga are relieved with thevirala motifs on the lower jangha and thealasakanyas motifs on the upper jangha inconventional design but the recesses next to thepariratha are filled with scroll works or geometricpatterns. The upper jangha kanika niches arehoused with the consorts of Dikpalas with theirrespective mounts and directions. The presenceof Dikpalas with their female consorts, a mainfeature indicating its contemporarily with otherGanga temples of Orissa.5
Projecting Porticos :
A notable feature of this temple is theprovision for porticos in front of the niches forthe parsvadevata. The raha pagas are designedas projecting porticos with four pillars supportinga roof, the back set of pillars engaged into thewalls as a frame for the parsvadevata niche. Thepillars rest on a low pistha, placed on top of themain pistha supporting the temple, whichapproximates the height of the khura mouldingof the pabhaga. R.P. Mohapatra has referredthat the projecting porticos supported by fourpillars in front of the parsavadevatas rather thansmall shrines standard on most temples at thattimes.6 The pillars have a pabhaga of fivemouldings at the base, 26½ inches high, whichextend up to the top of the pabhaga of the walls.The base of the pillar is 17½ inches square whilethe shaft, triratha in design, is 16 inches squarewith the centre facet on each side.7 It is relievedwith scroll works and the off sets with Vanalata.Near the top of the shaft is a projectingkirtimukha masks dripping festoons of pearls.The capital consists of a cushion of two horizontalmouldings crowned by a splayed pheni and multi-faceted basanta. On the two insides of the freestanding pillars and the front of the engaged pillarsflanking the parsvadevata niche, is a projectingpanel filled with an atlantid on the cushion of thecapital and a large lotus rosette above. The bhararakshakas or atlantid ganasi carved on the pillarcapitals are all quite similar and assume a bent-knee pose, simulating running, with one leg pointeddown and the other up. The ceiling of each porchis decorated with a lotus medallion with two ringsof radiating lotus petals. The roof of these porticos,presumably of pidha design, has not survivedexcept for the lintel and fragments of pidhamouldings at the back which are engaged into thewall. The parsvadevata niche is framed by tworecessed bands of scroll work and a lintel above
with Gaja-Lakshmi enshrined in the dvara-lalatabimba panel. Over the lintel is an architravedecorated with a frieze of elephants. Thepabhaga beneath the niche consists of akhakhara mundi flanked by a naga-naginistambha on each side.
Parsvadevatas :
According to the opinions of the localpeople, all the original Parsvadevatas of the templewere stolen by miscreants. Recently, the newParsvadevata images have been installed for theworship of the devotees. The images of Varaha,Narasimha and Trivikrama (Vamana) are beingworshipped as the side deities of the Gopinathatemple. The four-armed image of Varaha hasbeen installed on the southern side central nicheas the Parsvadevata of the main presiding deity.His four hands display sankha, chakra, gadaand padma. An image of Prithvi is depicted onthe upraised right arm of the deity. The image ofNarasimha has been installed on the western sidecentral niche of the bada. His upper two handsdisplay conch and disc and the other two lowerhands are taking out the entrails of HiranyaKashyapa, the demon king. The two handedimage of Vamana has been installed on thenorthern side central niche of the bada. His lefthand displays holding an umbrella (parasol) onhis head and the right and holds a mace or gada.He is depicted as the standing posture on thedouble petalled lotus pedestal. All theParsvadevata niches are richly relieved with scrollworks, flower medallions, a frieze of elephantsand creepers etc.
The baranda of the bada consists of elevenhorizontal mouldings which partake of the pagadivisions. The top moulding is exquisitelydecorated with the animal (elephants)processions. The sculptural embellishments of thebada and female figures in graceful poses, are
characterised by the exuberance and profusionso characteristic of the Ganga epoch.8
On the front facade, due to the greaterwidth of the entrance portal, measuring 7 feet 6inches, the bada has a pancha ratha plan thoughonly the lateral flanks of the anuratha aredecorated with mundi, designs as the front of thepaga is obfuscated by the projecting entrance.
The curvilinear superstructure is surmountedon the gandi of the vimana . It is a pancha-ratha rekha sikhara which displays five pagasor pilasters to outwards. At the base of the gandiis a cluster of angasikharas, one above theoutside anuraha recess as well as each paga,which are staggered in height as well as size andrecall the experimental programs of early of 11thcentury temples including the Rajarani.9 With theirmultiple facets the angasikharas are like wiserounded, projecting like turrets and replace thebarandis rather than overlaying them and beingcontained within the paga outlines. Theangasikhara on the kanika paga extends upthree bhumi divisions terminates at the 2nd bhumi.There is a second angasikhara on the anurathaabove the eliminated pariratha, which extendsup to the middle of the fourth bhumi. At the baseof the raha, above the portico roof, there is analignment of three angasikharas with centre oneslightly larger. Above this is a larger angasikhara,flattened with a Gaja-kranta projecting out fromits base. On the front facade, above the entrance,this projecting Gaja kranta is placed above thisangasikhara so that it appears higher up on thegandi in standard fashion. The gandi above theseangasikharas at the base is Pancha-ratha in plan,the thin pariratha being eliminated, with the Kanikadisposed on two, planes, the corner rounded andprojecting as on the Lingaraja temple.10 TheKanika paga is divided into ten bhumis above itsangasikhara by bhumi amalas with each bhumi
having five barandis. The barandis are devoidof decorations except for their multi-facets on theprojecting corner. The anuratha paga consistsof superimposed flat barandisextending the heightof the gandi with a plain band running verticallyup the centre. The raha above the Gaja kranta isdecorated similarly but with three vertical bands.The bisama partakes for the paga divisions but itis otherwise devoid of ornamentation. Dopichhalions have been projected in the beki above thekanika pagas. The four armed male deities areseated in padmasana above the rahas. Theplacement of four armed deities rather thanGaruda as standard on most Vaishnava temples,it suggests that the temple may originally havebeen dedicated to Siva.11
The mastaka of the vimana consists ofbeki, amalaka sila, khapuri, kalasa, ayudha(chakra) and dhvaja.
The sanctum preserves the image ofGopinatha as the presiding deity of the temple.The image in the sanctum is a modern work.According to the opinions of the local agedpeople, the original image of Gopala was stolensometime back and placed in a temple near Sakhi-Gopala.12 In its place brass idols of Radha andKrishna are being worshipped. The height of thedeities are approximately 2½ feet.
The sanctum has one doorway towards theeast. The decoration of the doorframe is partiallyintact with the dvarapalasbeing housed in Vajra-mundis at the base of the jambs. The dvarapalasare badly mutilated, only the head of the terrifyingguard intact, though enough remains to suggestthey are in a relaxed pose with one arm crossedin front of the body resting on their weapon as onthe Sun temple of Konark. It is not possible toidentify if the weapon was a trident or mace. Thethree jambs above the dvarapalas are decoratedwith the standard kutila, gelbai, perforated jail
works, flower medallions etc. The doorway lintelof the sanctum is partly broken and an image ofGaja Lakshmi is finely carved on the centre of it.The image seated in padmasana, and displays twofull blown lotuses in hands over which theelephants seen standing to perform the abhisekaby pouring sacred water from the pitchers held intheir tanks. The Navagrahas are finely carved onthe architrave above the doorway lintel. Thegraha figures are in a row in yogasana posedisplay conventional attributes in hands. Eachgraha inserted in a niche with trefoil shaped root.
The masonry steps are provided forapproach towards the sanctum. There is a Garudapillar installed in front of the vimana. The figure ofGaruda, the conventional mount of Vishnuindicates that the temple was dedicated toVaishnavite deity i.e. Gopinatha.
The sculptures of the temple are mostlydamaged and the gandi of the temple showscracks. But whatever remains shows the love ofthe artist for details and minute decoration. Thereis no any boundary wall around the templecomplex.Date of the Temple
Most of the scholars of art history acceptthat the Gopinath temple of Kakudia wasconstructed during the Ganga period of Orissahistory. Prof. K.S. Behera has referred that thetemple of Gopinath can be assigned to the 13thcentury, perhaps a little earlier than the Konarktemple.13 R.P. Mohapatra has mentioned that theconsistency of decorative programmecharacteristics of temples constructed during theGanga period when final florescences ofarchitectural activity achieved a landmark inOrissa.14 Prof. T.E. Donaldson has referred thatthe temple is dated to the second-half of the 13thcentury A.D.15 On the basis of architecturalfeatures, the construction period of the temple can
be tentatively assigned to the 13th century A.D.Probably it was built by the Ganga ruler of Orissa.The temple has been declared protectedmonument by the Department of Orissa StateArchaeology.
Conclusion :
Thus, it is known from the above discussionthat the temple of Gopinath is one of the bestspecimen of the Kalinga School of Art. This templeis noted for its elaborate scroll works exemplifyhigh quality of craftsmanship. From the culturalpoint of view, the temple has not been so importantbut from the architectural point of view, it is oneof the standard temples of the Ganga period inOrissa history.
References :1. K.S. Behera, Temples of Orissa, Orissa Sahitya
Akademi, Bhubaneswr, 1993, p. 69.
2. R.P. Mohapatra, Archaeology in Orissa, Sitesand Monuments, Vol. I, New Delhi, 1986, p. 121.Also see K.S. Behera, Op Cit, p. 69.
3. T.E. Donaldson, Hindu Temple Art of Orissa,Vol. II, Leiden; 1985, p. 643.
4. Ibid.
5. K.S. Behera, Op Cit, p. 70.
6. R.P. Mohapatra, Op Cit, p. 121.
7. T.E. Donaldson, Op Cit, p. 644.
8. K.S. Behera, Op Cit, p. 70.
9. T.E. Donaldson, Op Cit, p. 645.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid, p. 646.
12. This information has also been referred by Prof.T.E. Donaldson in his work "Hindu Temple Artof Orissa", Vol. II, p. 665.
13. K.S. Behera, Op Cit, p. 70.
14. R.P. Mohapatra, Op Cit, p. 121.
15. T.E. Donaldson, Op Cit, p. 643.
Ratnakar Mohapatra is an Junior Research Fellow(ICHR), Sambalpur University, Sambalpur.
Shri Debasis Nayak, Minister, Information & Public Relations, Sports andYouth Services reviewing the progress of Spots Infrastructures in a high
River Daya which originates from the riverKuakhai at Balakati near Hirapur (famous forChausathi Yogini temple) has a south westerncourse of about 45 miles. It flows through Uttara,Dhauli, Kakudia, Aragarh, Beguniapara,Pandiakera, Balabhadrapur and finally dischargesinto Chilika lake.1 On its course, Daya is joinedby the Bhargavi river, the Gangua Nalla, theMalaguni river, the Luna river and many smallerdrainages from Khurda sub-division.2 Twoimportant Buddhist vestige, whose traces arefound today on the Daya basin is highlighted inthis paper.
Buddhism in Orissa flourished during theearly Christian era independent of the Kusanpatronage. In fact, till the coming of the Bhaumakardynasty in the 8th century A.D., notable Buddhistrulers were not known to have thrived here moreon popular support than on any court patronage.Magnificent monasteries adorned with superbimages of Buddha and Bodhisattvas developedin course of time in various parts of this territory.Those areas became the centres of religious lifeof the people for many centuries. It was in thesemonasteries that people thronged on manyoccasions to worship the images and utteredunnumbered prayers before them. Thesemonasteries were the seats of culture andeducation in the country. Erudite scholars and
teachers used to impart here both religious andsecular instructions to people. These teacherswere greatly loved and respected by the simplecountry folk for the blessed hopes they gave totheir afflicted hearts. In course of time some ofthese monasteries grew up into famous universitycentres. As torch bearer of the Buddhist culturethese centres attracted pupils and scholars fromfar and wide.3
The development of Mahayan Buddhismin Orissa may be studied through the historicalgrowth of these monastic institutions and throughthe activities of the sages and philosophers of thisreligion. The Nagarjuni Konda inscriptionengraved during 14th year of the MahariputaVirapurusadatta, testifies to the development ofsome Hinayanic strongholds at Tosali, Palura,Hirumu, Papila and Puspagiri by 3rd century A.D.Besides this, great Mahayanic institutions soonraised their heads at Bhora Saila, Tamralipti, Che-li-ta-lo, Viraja, Ratnagiri and many other places.4
Bhora Saila :
A very famous Buddhist monastery thatdeveloped by the 4th and 5th century A.D. inOrissa was at Bhora Saila which was the abodeof the famous dialectician Dignaga. Dignaga, thedisciple of Vasuvandhu was once invited to takethe chair of chancellorship in the University of
Nalanda. During his short period of stay atNalanda, he expounded several sutras andcomposed some logical and dialectical sastras.But very soon he had to come back to the sylvanretreat Orissa - the famous Bhorasaila - wherehe set himself to the task of edifying the Buddhistepistemology. It was here that Dignaga built thesuperstructure of Buddhist logic. On thefoundation of Vijnanavada metaphysics, laid downby Asanga and Vasuvandhu, Dignaga completedhis great work Pramana Samuchaya . This workrevolutionised the Indian thought in thecontemporary period. It was also in thismonastery that the Sankhya philosopherIswarkrishna defied Dignaga and was decisivelydefeated by the later in a series of metaphysicalcombats. Acharya Dignaga is ever rememberedin the cultural tradition of Orissa. The villageDelang in Puri district is named after him as it wasassociated with his missionary activities.5
From Delang upto the vicinity ofBhubaneswar there is found a group of low hills,the notable among which are known as theVindheswari, Saanla, Paanra, Bani Vakreswar,Jamuna Jhadapada, Aragarh and the Dhauli. Allthese hills are honeycombed with caves. A largenumber of Buddhist monks resided in those hillsupto the late medieval period.6
Bhorasaila can be identified withBindheswari hill, presently better known asBiswanath hill.7 One can find the images ofKshetrapal, Astika, Jagatkaru, Haraparvati anda few other broken sculptures in the shrine of DeviBindheswari on the hill top behind the main templeof Biswanath. There is a small rock cut cave,sufficient to hold a man, still existent on the northside of the hill. A large piece of rock is lying nearit which indicates the pre existence of the maincave, whose roof has later collapsed. A largerock cut sculpture of Varaha Vishnu at the footof the hill also commemorates this hill as theBhora-Saila of Buddhist fame.8
Aragarh :
Aragarh otherwise known as Airagarh issituated north of the river Daya in Haripur GramPanchayat of Delang Block. The Aragarh hill is256 feet high from ground level, and stretchesover 3 K.Ms. from east to west.9 On its top(eastern side) there stands a two storied, flatroofed Buddhist Chaitya (temple). The backsideof the Chaitya has been closed by a masorry wall,two sides fitted with grilled stoned windowsmeasuring 21 X 20 . The front remains wideopen for entry into the inner chamber. Its fourpillars are carved with nagakanyas andgajasimha motifs. In the upper chamber,Buddhist icons were worshipped. The groundfloor was for mendicants. They practised yogaand lived there.
A Kunda (54 X 50 X 42 ) carved out ofmuguni rock is found 4 feet west of this Chaitya.A broken Buddhist icon of 42 X 21 is also foundin this place. Another broken icon of 2 feet X 2feet, made of igneous rock is lying south of thisChaitya. As many Buddhist icons are found hereand there on the hill top of Aragarh, it confirmsthis place as a great stronghold of Buddhism.10
The site and images of Aragarh dates back to10th or 11th century A.D.11
Buddhist monuments of Haripur :
During the year 1954, four remarkableBuddhist icons of Vajrayana faith were recoveredfrom the paddy field of Aragarh village. Thevillagers of Haripur removed them to theirBhagavataghara for worship. These imagesmeasuring 2 feet in height are excellently carvedwith characteristic features of the Somavansiperiod.12 Five stupas were also collected fromthe same place and preserved in the same village.
The first figure of the group is three headedand six armed. The three hands of right side displayarrow, sword and thunder bolt. The hands on theleft side represent bell, shield and a mudra. Thelotus pedestal is flanked by gajasimha motifs. Adevotee in kneeling position is found below thelotus pedestal. The top most part of the slabcontains a Dhyani Buddha and garland bearingapsaras. It can be identified with Manjusri andworshipped as Kamadeva of Hindu religion.13
Second Figure :
The Second figure characterizes with threehands, six arms, a third eye on the forehead anda Dhyani Buddha Statue at the top. The threehands on the right side display thunder bolt, rosaryand spouted vessel. One of the left hands isbroken. The other two hands hold a lotus acrossthe chest. The lotus pedestal is supported bygajasimha figure. Below the pedestal are seen aleap of offerings, kneeling devotees and a hero infull battle order. Two flying apsaras holdinggarlands in their hands are honoring on the arialregion. This image is known as Abalokitasvara .It is also regarded as the God of heroic people.14
Third Figure :
The third image carved seated crossed-legged on a multi pillar lotus pedestal has fourhands, of which the right two display Vajra andfruit like object. The left hands placed over theleft lap. On the other side of the lotus pedestalare found gajalaxmi figures. Theprabhagamandala behind the head is flankedby flying apsaras holding wreathes in hands. Thepedestal, like other figures contain kneelingdevotees and heaps of offerings. This image inknown as Baudhahara and worshipped asdestroyer of ignorance and source ofknowledge.15
Fourth Figure :The fourth and last figure of this group is
carved seated in a lotus pedestal with a welldecorated torana in the background. Of his twohands, right one is placed over the thigh and theleft display Varada mudra. Among otherdecorations, one can notice flying apsaras withgarlands, jatamukta over the head, upavita onvarious parts of the body and devotees amidstheaps of offerings. The lotus pedestal as usual issupported by gajasimha figure on either side.This statue is identified as Buddha andworshipped as God who is omnipresent.16
Among the five stupas recovered so far,four are circular made of hard stone. Each ofthese pillars consist of five folds, narrowinggradually from bottom to top. The seventh pillarhas seven folds and that also narrowed down frombottom towards top.17
Hinayanism and Mahayanism prevailedside by side in Orissa, though the later hadpredominance over the former. During the 7th and8th century A.D. tantric Buddhism emerged as adominant force in Orissa.18 Tantrism also claimsthe status of the fifth Veda among the ancientreligious literature of the Hindus. The philosophyof tantrism in both cases of Hinduism andBuddhism is almost the same as also their mysticpractices to achieve the ultimate goal of absolutenon-duality. Orissa was one of the main centresof Saiva, Sakta and Buddhism tantrism in themedieval period between the 7th and 11th centuryA.D.19
In the political front, with the ascendancyof the Bhaumakaras, the Mahayan Buddhismcame into prominence in Orissa. In the middle ofthe 10th century A.D., the central authority passedaway from the hands of the Bhaumakara dynastyto those of the Somavamsies. As the Somavamsirulers were leaning towards Brahminism,Buddhism received a setback. The rulers spread
Saivism in cost of Buddhism. The Gangas whocame in quick succession also adhered toBrahminism. If any credence is to be given totraditions, then it has to be believed that Buddhismwere prosecuted during their rule.20
The decline of Buddhist monasteries onDaya basin during Ganga period is known fromthe following description of Madalapanji :
Madan Mahadev, the Ganga king ofOrissa who ruled for 15 years during 12th centuryA.D. had established his capital at SahajapariGrama (now under Delang P.S.). Once he alongwith his queen decided to arrange a Test betweenthe Brahmins and the Bauddhas to provesuperiority of any one religion. The test wasconducted in the royal court. Without theknowledge of both the sect, a snake was keptinside an empty earthern pitcher. Then the potwas covered and placed before them. At first theBauddhas were asked about the matter inside theearthern pitcher. They replied snake in it. Thenthe Brahmins were asked the same question.They replied ashes inside the pot. When thepitcher was opened, ashes were found within it.In fact, the Brahmins through tantra convertedthe snake into ashes. The Buddhists were defeatedin this competition. The importance anddominance of Brahmins continued.21
On fatigue, many Bauddhas jumped intoriver Daya to end their lives. Some others left themonasteries for ever in fear of behead by theking.22 By the way, the Buddhist stronghold overBhorasaila and Aragarh declined. But the dyingflame of the faith lingered in Orissa for severalcenturies more, that is, at least till the 16th CenturyA.D.23
References :1. S.K. Panda, A Reflection on Some Historical
Remains on Daya Basin , Orissa Review, Vol.LV, No.-7 (1999), P. 23.
2. S.L. Maddox, Final Report on Survey andSettlement of the Province of Orissa, Vol.- II,(Calcutta, 1900), P. 638.
3. N.K. Sahu, Buddhism in Orissa (Utkal University,1958), PP. 80-81.
4. Ibid, P. 81.5. Life and Activities of Dignaga , Journal of
London Royal Asiatic Society, Vol.- I, (1905), P.226.
6. Madalapanji, (ed). A.B. Mohanty, SecondEdition, Cuttack, 2001, P. 18.
Orissan sea coast was the Indian gateway foroverseas expansion to South East Asian countriesfrom early time to late medieval period. Successivewaves of cultural and trade traits went throughthe various port towns of the sea coast. Theinfluences are now discernible in the traditions,place names, literature and architecture of SouthEast Asia. The people of Kalinga were thepioneers of Indian colonization in Indianarchipelago. The Bay of Bengal was calledKalinga sea in the past. The Bay was known tohave been dominated by Kalingan ships. TheArjya Manjushri Mulakalpa mentions that theislands in the bay of Bengal were known asKalinga dresu. This testimony is also amplycorroborated by the early Greek geographerswho have mentioned about three Kalingas suchas 1. Prachi Kalinga, 2. Gangaridae Kalinga and3. Maga Kalinga. Pliny who flourished in the 1stcentury A.D. writes that Prachi Kalinga extendsfrom Godavari to Subarnarekha river on the seacoast. Madhya or Gangaridae Kalinga fromSubarnarekha to mouth of Ganga river and MagaKalinga spreads over the South east Asiancountries such as Burma, Indochina andIndonesia. According to Megasthenes (3rdcentury B.C.) the length of Kalinga coast was 700miles spreading over the Prachi and GangaridaeKalinga. Apparently the Maga Kalinga was thecolonial empire of Kalingan people. At that timeParthali was the capital of Kalinga as described
by Megasthenes. However Ptolemy refers to
Tosali as the Capital. Tosali is found mention inthe Asokan edict of Dhauli. At Sisupalgarh nearDhauli the remains of the ancient capital city ofKalinga has been brought to light. Coins andpottery of foreign make have been recovered fromexcavations. The Parthali of Magasthenes isidentical with Tosali of Ptolemy. The other nameof Ekamra Kshetras, Bhubaneswar Prastari isseemed to have been derived from its laterite(Makada Pathar) stone quarry. In Pali languageRa takes the form of La so the Greek writers
have written Prastari as Parthali. From thediscussion it is clear that Kalingan empireextended from Ganga in the north up to GomatiGanga (Godavari) in the South with its capital atBhubaneswar having a farflung colonial empire inSouth-east Asia.
Orissa State MuseumOver the years, with a humble beginning,
State Museum has grown into a multipurposeinstitution of ancient heritage. More than 56,000rare antiquities including maritime artifacts rangingin date from ancient time to contemporary periodhave been displayed. State Museum, Orissa is aninstitute of inestimable international efflorescence.Spread on the lap of a medieval fortification nearKalpana square, this premier Cultural andHistorical organisation is the epitome of Orissancivilization through ages. Its magnificent majesticmanifestation is marvellous like that of its humbleinception. Being the prolific product of the global
trend of museum movement of modern period, itwas the brain child of a host of historians andconnoisseurs like Sri William Jones, Prof.Ghanashyam Das, Prof. N. C. Benerjee, Dr. H.K. Mahtab, Kedarnath Mohapatra, N. K. Sahoo,K. C. Panigrahi, P. Acharya and B. V. Nath.Archaeology Gallery
Archaeology Gallery of museum is famousfor rare sculptures of Buddhist, Jaina, Saiva,Vaisnava and Sakta pantheon. The exhibits spreadover three spacious halls, in the ground floor. Thesubject matters cover a long time span of 3000years representing the flourishing plastic, artistic,sculptural and architectural trends and traditionsof Orissa. The fragmentary Asokan pillar, bellcapital, lion, the Buddha, Amoghasiddhi, JainaTirthankaras, Krishnavishnu, Kaliyadalana,Tantric figures of Chamunda, Manasa and six-headed Kartikeya images etc. attract the touristfrom far and near for their superb workmanshipand philosophical symbolism. In fact, archaeologygallery is the repository of sculptural grandeurof Orissa. Two ancient stepped wells of themuseum complex are fabulous and thrilling sights.Transportation of elephants in a ship noticed inone of the beautiful sculptures of Orissa StateMuseum has been preserved in the ArchaeologyGallery. This not only indicates the great maritimetraditions of ancient Kalinga but also reflects theexportation of elephant to the far away countries.The panel is dated to circa 9th/10th century A.D.Ancient Orissa was famous for good variety ofwar elephants for which Orissan kings were calledGajapatis. The transportation of elephant in shipspeaks of the volume of the ship and ship makingtechnique and the maritime activity. The big ironanchors now found in the gallery testify to thisglorious maritime tradition.
In the Archaeology Section we find varioustypes of Roman pottery, Mediterranean pottery,Chinese celaden ware, Roman amphora, broken
terra-cottas, beads and bangle pieces etc. whichwere associated with maritime tradition of ourState. Roman bulae and various coins associatedwith foreign trade are some of the prize collectionsof State Museum.Art and Craft
In Art and Craft Section bewildering varietyof Orissan handicrafts of exuberant artisticexcellence find place together with bronzes from8th century A.D. The royal insignia and sceptreof princely states of the gallery are effluent exhibits.The bell metal, docra art works and other folkart items of the gallery are unique. The ship designmade up of horn in the Art and Craft Sectionhighlights the glorious maritime activities of ancientKalinga and its ship building technology of thepast. The ship designs are also found in the filigreeworks of this section. In the medium of bronzealso we find ship and boat designs along withother items of export to south-east-Asia likelamps, bettle, bettle nut cutters, ornament boxesand coin boxes etc. in various shapes and designs.Palmleaf Manuscripts
Palmleaf manuscripts comprise twentyseven sections like Veda, Tantra, Darsana, SilpaSastra, Abhidhana and Ayurveda etc. Palmleaf,bamboo leaf, handmade paper, old paper,manuscripts of ivory , bhurja bark and kumbhibark etc. in various shapes like garland, fan, fish,sword, rat and parrot alongwith different typesof stylus, express illustrated manuscripts ofcoloured and monochrome variety are excellently
presented. Manuscripts of Gitagovinda, UshaHarana, Ushavilasa and Chausathiratibandha (64erotic postures) and different style of cover designsof palmleaf manuscripts are of special touristinterest. The maritime activities of ancient Kalingaare also found in some illustrated palmleafmanuscripts of Orissa State Museum. The bestexamples are found in the four illustrated palmleafmanuscripts. Usavilasa shows the glorious maritimetraditions of ancient Kalinga in the folios of paintedpalmleaf. In one folio we find Radha riding boatwith gopis. In another painting we notice kingsmaking boat/ship riding with their full retinues. Thepaintings also show the drapery and ornamentationof the boat rider and the different artisticallydesigned boat and ships. The most importantpalmleaf painting of State Museum is the sea voyagedepiction of Sanghamitra and Mahendra to Simhalai.e. Ceylone in the 3rd century B.C. for propagationof Buddhism. Here we find a specially designedroyal ship with flying dhvaja.
The Patta Paintings gallery with depictionof Ravananugraha, Tadakabadha andKaliyadalana scenes along with contemporarypaintings are connoisseur s delight. The folkloreof ancient Kalinga is reflected in the Patta paintingsof Orissa. The story of Sadhabas, Krishna Leelawhich depicted the story of Radha and Krishnaare found in patta paintings of the museum. Inone painting Radha and Krishna are found inamorous dalliance surrounded by gopalas andgopis in a beautifully designed ship. The attires ofboatmen and gopaganas are brilliantly discerniblein the patta painting. We also find a consummatedepiction of Tapoi tradition in the patta painting.The arrival of Sadhavas in boat, their receptionby their wives and the plights of Tapoi has beenexcellently executed by the artist on the canvas.Sadhavas of Orissa
The term Sadhava has been derived fromthe sanskrit word Sarthavaha . Sadhavas were
rich and enterprising. Through individual effort andcooperative guilds, they were carrying out internaland external trade. Numerous legends andtraditions like episode of Tapoi have grown up inOrissa about the Sadhavas and their thrillingadventures. They were famous for their sea-faringactivities in the Bay of Bengal. Even they havenamed the Bengal sea as Kalinga sea. Sometimes,the Kings were also associated with them in tradeactivities. On completion of collection ofcommodities they were celebrating Laxmi pujaon Kartika Amabasya day. Thereafter they wereloading the same in the ships and starting out ontrade voyage on Kartika purnima day. With thehelp of northern wind the ships were sailing toJava, Sumatra, Bali, Borneo, Siam, Srilanka andChina. To commemorate this tradition, today wecelebrate Baliyatra festival on Kartika Purnima.This fact has been mentioned by Ptolemy as well.They were carrying out their trade in the SouthEastern countries till the month of Chaitra andreturning to home with ships full of wealth andimported materials. On the occasion of theirhomecoming the festival of Pana Sankranti wasknown to have been celebrated in Orissa. Evennow the tradition continues.Ancient Ports of Orissa
Trade and cultural activities were knownto have been carried on through the four chiefport centres of Orissa, namely Chilika, Konarka,Puri and Tamralipti. Of these, Chilika was theforemost seafaring centre. Palura, profuselyreferred in the various literary works and foreignaccounts was an important exit point to South-east Asia on the southern part of Chilika. It isnow located in Ganjam district. Trade activitieswere known to have been carried on through thisinternational port till medieval period. Recentarchaeological survey and explorations havebrought to light immense wealth of past materialstestifying to the prosperity of the port towns in
bygone ages. Manik-Patna (35.5 latitude and 94.5longitude) on the bank of Chilika was anotherfamous port town. The recent excavations carriedon under the auspices of Orissan Institute ofMaritime and South-east Asian Studies hasrevealed the cultural connection of this site withthe outside world since early period. The discoveryof Roman pottery and amphora has establishedtrade contact of Kalinga with Roman world. Thisfact has also been corroborated by the account ofRoman historian Gibbon. The find of Chinesecealadon ware confirms the trade activities ofKalinga with China. The recovery of Cylonese coinbearing the legend Srimad Sahasamalla ascribableto 11-12th century A.D. gives evidence of Orissa sassociation with Srilanka till late medieval period.The discovery of terracotta animal figures ofIndonesian fabric points to our cultural connectionwith Indian Archipelago in ancient time. From thediscussion it is apparent that hectic trade activitieswere carried on through the Chilika lake. In theBrahmanda Purana it has been referred thatthousands of ships were floating in the Chilika Lake.
Konarka on the bank of Chandrabhagawas also a very famous port town. Ptolemy hasreferred to this in his account as Kannagar i.e.Konanagar. There was another port at Purivariously described in ancient text as Charitra,Chelitalo and Adamos. Similarly on the Kalingasea coast Tamralipti was also a famous sea faringcentre. Apart from the coastal port towns, therewere some important inland port towns on thebank of Mahanadi river. Sambalpur ancientSambalaka on the bank of Manada i.e.
Mahanadi was a famous trade metropolis asdescribed by Ptolemy. The diamond mines ofSambalpur was world famous. Through riverMahanadi diamond and other semi-preciousstones were exported to foreign countries.
The slightly greenish verdure of theSambalpur diamond emulating the lustre of a sirisa
(mustard) flower was very attractive and valuedprecious all over the world. Tusra on the bank ofTel river was also a famous inland port town. It islocated in Bolangir district of Orissa. The Tel riverhas been referred to in Buddhist Jataka stories asTelavala river. Trade activities were carried onthrough this river during rainy season. SimilarlySuktimatipura i.e. modern Sakma in Bolangir districtwas an important metropolis. It was located onthe bank of Suktimati river i.e. present Suktel river.The recent discovery of 325 silver punch markedcoins (now in Orissa State Museum) on the Suktelvalley corroborated this trade activities. Bothimperial and local varieties of coins are found inthe collection that was recovered from Lokapada4/5 K.M. down Suktimatipura i.e. Sakma inBolangir district. Commodities were thus collectedfrom Kosala region through internal trade throughthe river routes. From Tamralipti, through DamodarRupnarayan and Ganga rivers, trade activities werecarried on through boats right up to Hastinapura.Through Brahmani, Baitarini and Salandi riverstrade transactions went on in Utkal region. Thecommodities of Balasore region were imported andexported through Subarnarekha river. Thus therewas an organized network of internal and externaltrade work in ancient Kalinga.
In order to highlight the rich and gloriousmaritime tradition of Orissa, State Museum isplanning to set up a maritime museum in a ship-shaped double storeyed building amidst therestored ancient moat complex in side the museumpremises. All the maritime artifacts will bepreserved and displayed in the gallery in order toattract more tourists and visitors and todisseminate our maritime heritage all over theworld.
Dr. C.B. Patel is the Superintendent of Orissa StateMuseums, Bhubaneswar, Orissa.
Bauxite deposits of Orissa are of diversepercentage. It is the main source of aluminiumwhich is the second most abundant metal elementin the earth crust after silica. The deposits are oflateritic type and owe their origin to in Situ chemicalweathering of Khondalites and Charnockites, andmore specifically Khondalites.
Bauxite is a naturally occurring,heterogeneous ore composed chiefly of aluminousoxide minerals as gibbsite (Al2O3.3H2O), thetrihydrate, bohemite, diaspore (Al2O3.H2O) andmonohydrates etc. Major impurities in bauxite areiron oxide, silica, aluminium silicates and titaniumoxides. Free moisture in crude bauxite as mined,may range from 5 to 30%. Other aluminiumresources for future include kaolinitic clays,nepheline syenite, anorthosite and alunite. Bauxitesare typically classified according to their intendedcommercial application: abrasive, cement,chemical, metallurgical, refractory, etc. The bulkof world bauxite production (approximately 85%)is used as feed for the manufacture of alumina viaa wet chemical caustic leach method commonlyknown as the Bayer process. Bauxite is mainlymined for production of alumina by the Bayer'sprocess which has remained practically unchangedsince its discovery in 1888.
Bauxite Reserve in Orissa and its Utilisation
Er. Suryanshu Choudhury
Occurrence :
The important deposits of bauxite areassociated with the Eastern Ghat Super group ofrocks which form the major component of theEast Coast Bauxite deposits. The deposits are oflateritic type and owe their origin to in situ chemicalweathering of khondalites and charnockites, andmore specifically khondalites, the garnet-sillimanite-graphite gneisses and schiests and theirvariants. The other deposits smaller in dimensionsare residual products of lateritisation ofmetavolcanics as in Dholkata pahar of Keonjhardistrict and similipal complex.
The major bauxite deposits of Orissa occuras a very gently undulating blanket, capping theparent rocks on plateau tops in this unique bauxiteprovince and constitute as integral part of lateriticprofile, at elevations of 900m to 1400m aboveMSL. Bauxitisation is more pronounced in thecase of Khondalites. A generalized profile of theECB deposit is as follows:
The similipal assemblage of rocks areequivalent of Dhanjori group and lie above theeroded surface of BIF bearing Gorumahisanigroup and Singhbhum granite. These rocks includeultramafics, alternating layers of metavolcanics andsedimentary quartzites, gabbro-anorthosite suite,granitic suite intruded by the Amjori sill belongingto newer dolerite suite. Both ultramafics andmetavolcanics are lateritised giving rise tonickeliferous laterite and aluminous lateriterespectively.
The Dholkata bauxite deposit of Keonjhardistrict , Orissa, has developed on themetavolcanics of tholeiitic basalt composition. Theweathered profile reveals five distinct alteredzones, such as topsoil, laterite, bauxite, lithomargeand altered metavolcanics. The mineralogy ofdifferent zones studied in a representative pitshows the association of major mineralconstituents like gibbsite, goethite, hematite,kaolinite, limonite and quartz. Gibbsite is the mostdominant one followed by goethite and hematitein the bauxite zone. The geochemical study of allweathering zones indicates the geochemicalaffinity of the elements Ni, Th and U for lateritesand Cr, Zr and Hf for bauxites to occur in highquantities. Trend surface maps predict the bauxitezones in the different levels of the deposit. If thezones having Al2O3 35-40 % are blended withhigh grade ores, the deposit may prove to be apotential one1.
Ore Characteristics :
The bauxite ore is very hard and massivein the top and moderately hard and spongy below.The pale buff to creamy white coloured bauxiteis mostly of high grade and is recorded mostly onsurface. Bauxite, pale pink in colour and with aclayey appearance, has been found to occurtowards the lower part of the bauxite zone.Crystalline, cryptocrystalline and dense gibbsite
occur in varying proportions. The porosity andmoisture contents are highly variable. Specificgravity ranges from 2.1 and 2.5. Bauxite derivedfrom khondalite retains the continuity of thestructural features like foliation and schistosity ofthe bedrock whereas those from the charnockiteare massive with irregular surfaces and relativelydull earthy look. Further, there is a distinctmorphological contrast between the two types.The bauxite overlying charnockite are relativelyflat whereas those on the khondalite are highlyjointed with several sets of intersecting joints oftenresulting in filling of lateritic materials. Bauxite overkhondalites and charnockites exhibit massive ofspongy and vermicular textures. Outlines of relictsilimanite and garnet are discernible even to thenaked eye in bauxite derived from the khondalitegneisses. Bauxite derived from shale show crudesub-horizontal stratification produced by thealternate layering of the ferruginous and aluminousminerals probably due to compaction of theweathered mass. The bauxite zone also containssmall lateritic patches and cavities filled withferruginous materials. Bauxites of different typeslike massive and disintegrated, spongy, cellularand oolitic are seen over metavolcanics1.
Formula,Typical Available chemical composition,
Al2O3+SiO2+TiO2+Fe2O3
Purities available from 98% (industrialgrade) to 99.999% (high purity grade). Thesuitability of bauxite for alumina productiondepends upon the mineralogical form, the quantityof reactive silica and extractability by the Bayer'sprocess. The East Coast Bauxite deposits arepredominantly gibbsitic and 90-95% of totalalumina is extractable at low temperature andpressure thereby entailing lower consumption ofcaustic soda for digestion. The alumina contentvary from 45% to 48% and silica ranges from
less than 2-3%. The other constituents of EastCoast Bauxite deposit of Orissa include 20-25%haematite include goethite, 3-5% kaoline and 2-3% anatase including rutile.1
Reserve :
The total reserves of bauxite in the worldare estimated at 23.2 billion tones. The totalrecoverable Indian reserves as on year 2004-05are placed at 3076 million tones and total reservesin Orissa are estimated to be 1,530 million tones(source: Directorate of Mines & Directorate ofGeology, Bhubaneswar).
Among all the districts of Orissa, Koraputwhich occupies two mining leases with an area of4,647.17 Ha of mining area is the major bauxitebearing district in Orissa and produces 98.82 %of the state's total production followed byRayagada (one mining lease occupying 1,388.7Ha of mining area) and Sundergarh (Four miningleases occupying 419.4 Ha of mining area). MajorBauxite reserves are concentrated in the EastCoast Bauxite deposits of Orissa are shown inFig.1.
Fig.1
Mining :
Out of all the Bauxite mineralization areasin Orissa, Panchapatmali deposit of Koraputdistrict bears the largest single deposit of world.National Aluminium Company(NALCO) acompany fully owned by Government of India hasdeveloped a mechanized open cast mine forannual production of more than 4.5 million tonnes.The Rs.2400-crore National AluminiumCompany Limited (NALCO) was born onJanuary 7, 1981 with technical collaborationagreement with Aluminium Pechiney of France.The multi-unit, multi-locational company,NALCO came up with bauxite mining capacityof 24 lakh tonnes per year, an alumina refinery toproduce 8 lakh tonnes of calcinated alumina peryear and a 2.3 lakh tonnes per year smelter plant.NALCO holds a mining lease of Panchpatmalideposit covering an area of 7,204.74 hectares.Along with the other mining CompaniesHINDALCO, INDAL, Larsen and Tourbo,Sterlite Industries etc2.
Industrial uses and Specifications :
The mineral bauxite constitutes the mostimportant ore of aluminium, which is used widelyin the modern industry. Bauxite is used in themanufacture of alum, aluminous sulphates andother chemicals. It is also used in the preparationof artificial abrasives. Bauxite is widely used inthe manufacture of refractory bricks, which areutilized as lining materials in furnaces and kilns.By virtue of its containing a number of colloidalconstituents, the mineral bauxite finds extensiveuse in the purification of petroleum. About 1 tonneof Alumina is produced from 3 tonnes of Bauxiteand about 1 tonne Aluminium is produced from 2tonnes of Alumina. More than 90% of the bauxiteproduced in the world is consumed for productionof alumina. Other applications are as refractoriesand abrasives where bauxite is used in calcinated
form. Minor quantities of bauxite are utilized inproduction of iron and steel, cement, ceramics,chemicals and ferroalloys.
India was dependent upon imports ofAluminium metal till 1988. With the commissioningof NALCO's plant in 1988 a sea change tookplace and the country which was a net importerof Aluminium became self-sufficient.Consequently, the Aluminium Control Orderwhich regulated supplies and prices of indigenousAluminium were withdrawn on 1 March, 1989.
Conclusion :
In the mineral map of India, Orissa occupiesan important position both in terms of deposit andproduction. The mineral deposit of the state isnot only vast but also equally diverse. With thegiven natural resource endowment, growingdemand for Aluminium and its alloys, economicopportunities and scope for exports, Orissa canproduce Alumina at internationally competitiveprices. Aluminium has significant industrial andeconomic importance for Orissa, as this is the onemetal for which the state has abundant rawmaterial. Aluminium metal can also be producedcompetitively with the latest technology coupled
with cheaper energy arrangements in Orissa. Thegreatest scope for value addition and employmentlies in the development of down-stream Aluminiumend-products like extrusions, rolled products,fabrication and finished items. Orissa can reapmore benefit by this value addition given the lowenergy requirements and labour intensity of down-stream industries.
References:1. Geology and Mineral Resources of Orissa;
Society of Geoscientists and al liedTechnologies;1998.
A set of three copper plates was discovered in1986 at village Jiankata, near Purunakataka inthe Baudh sub-division of earlier Phulbani districtof Orissa. The set was discovered while a plot ofland was being dug by labourers. The set wasfound kept buried inside an earthen pot coveredwith a lid. The copper plates were collected bySri Banamali Dehuri of Purunakataka, who is thepresent owner of the plates. Sri Dehuri was kindenough to lend the plates through Sri RaghunathRath for decipherment. The editors are thankfulto Dr.(Smt.)S.Tripathy, Epigraphist, Orissa StateMuseum for her kind help in decipherrsnt of thetext.
The copper plates are of smallerdimensions, each measuring 14.2 cm x 7.9 cms,the average thickness of each plate being 0.2 cms.A round hole with a diameter of 1 cm is cut intoone end of each plate and a ring having a diameterof 7 cms and depicting a standing lion isshouldered to the ends of the ring.
All the three plates contain writings on eitherside. But the obverse of the first plate and thereverse of the third plate, being the outer sides ofthe set, are very much erroded and the writingson these two sides have become intellegible. Thewritings on the rest portions of the copper platecontains only two indistinct lines of inscription onits upper part. The reverse of the same plate has
eight lines of inscription. The second plate hasseven lines of inscription on each side, out of whichthe outer side has indistinct lines of writing. In totalthere are forty lines of writing out of which tenlines are badly erroded and difficult to read andedit.
The script used for the writing of theinscription is old Nagari which was prevalent inancient Orissa during the 10th-11th centuriesA.D. and can be compared with the script usedin the inscriptions of Maharaja Nettabhanja IIPrthvikalasa in particular and the copper platecharters of the Bhanja kings of the Vanjulvaka ingeneral.
The language used is Sanskrit. Some of theletters have been very carelessly scribed so thatsome letters look identical. One finds the usualerrors in spelling due to the influence of the localpronounciation.
Orthographically there are some errors.There is no distinction between letters ya and baas found in Vivudha for Vibudha (line 7).Virahmana for Brahmana (line 14), Vahuhi forbahubhi (line 29) etc. Besides, the vowel I isreplaced by I as in iati for Jati (line 16).
The inscription records the name ofParamamahesvara Maharaja Nettabhanjadeva asthe doner of the copper plate record. The doner
of the copper plate record. The donated villageis mentioned as Sosenvirasrunga grams ofTulasrnga visaya. The place of issue is not clear.But the name of the place ends with the readingKottadhisthanat. The donee is referred to asBhatta Harideva of Kausika Gotra and ChandogaCarana and as son of Bhatta Damodara.The record is described as a rent free holdingand mentioned as Karadhama Varilitya, in lines21-22.
In the inscription the doner MaharajaNattabhanjadeva is described as Bhanjakula-nvayodbhava or as belonging to the Family of theBhanjas. We know of several copper plateinscriptions recording the names of several copperplate inscriptions recording the names ofNettabhanja. According to the data given in theseinscriptions scholara have identified fiveNettabhanjas belonging to the Family of theBhanjas. They are respectively Nettabhanja ofBaud Plates, Nettabhanja alias KalyanaKalasaof Komanda and Bettasera copper plates,Nottabhanja alias Prithvikalasa of Orissa StateMuseum and Daspalla Plates (son of Silabhanja).First Plate : ObverseSamvat 4 - dra su di 10 3First Plate ; Reverse
1. Svasti I Sapunyo Khinjale svada vibhira Ke2. Chita lamblhtah svetimanam digdhastitya3. subhasah ksavidura gamaneh Komala go4. tala mnatya - dimsa pancha vyatikara sudhi5. hitta dha sumah bhupalaih Yaidabhipraja6. davah Svapadahichalita eduvah Yamepa7. dhre II Vividha Vivudha Dvija Vanijana
Paradatta4. Nu Palanam (Sasthivarsa) Sahasrani Sva5. rge modati bhumidah (akse) pti ganumatta6. Ca neih tanyeh narake baset (iti) Kamala
dala7. mbu Vindulolam Sriyamanucintya manusya
jivitam
Nettabhanja II alias Tribhuvanakalasa IIIof Orissa Museum Plates (son of Rayabhanja andgrandson of Prithvibhanja) and Nettabhanja,(Mahamandalesvara) son of Ranabhanja andgrandson of Vrihad Nettabhanja of Jurada andBhanjanagar Plates. But it is difficult to identifyNettabhanja of our copper plate with any one ofthe above. The invocatory verses usually foundin Bhanja records of both Dhritipura andVanjulvaka are different from the presentcondition. The geneology is totally absent and theepithets also differ. Instead of Bhanjakulamalatilaka we have Bhanjakulanvayodbhavafound in this record.
From Palaeography and the size of platesthis charter can be compared with the OrissaMuseum Plates of Nettabhanjadeva and weidentify Nattabhanjadeva of our copper platetentatively with Nettabhanjadeva aliasPrthvikalasa of the OSM & Daspalla Plates. Asseen earlier Nettabhanja allas Prthvikalasa isdescribed as son of Vidyadharabhanja and grandson of Sri Silabhanja. But again while Nettabhanjaof our copper plate is described asParamamahesvara, Nettabhanja aliasPrithvikalasa is described as Paramavaisnava.This again is difficult to explain. We hope furtherresearch will throw more light on this tentativeidentification.
Regarding the place names found in therecord we have a word ending with lettersKottadhisthanat. As per the description in thecopper plates the donee is granted the villageSosanvirasrnga grama in the Tulasrnga visayawhich is referred to in the Baud Plates ofRanabhanjadeva, of the year 58 also. All the threeplace names are difficult to identify.
Raghunath Rath lives at Panasapadi Sahi, At/Po-Baliguda, District Kandhamal.
Dr. B.K. Rath is Retd. Director, Orissa Project, StateArchaeology, Bhubaneswar.
Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik presiding over the Tribes AdvisoryCouncil meeting at Secretariat on 28.12.2007. Shri Chaitanya Prasad Majhi,
Minister, STs & SCs Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare andShri Golak Bihari Naik, Minister, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development,
Kalinga the ancient name of modern Orissa hadengaged in commercial and trading relation withsouth-east Asian countries. From the beginningof 6th century B.C. and till the end of the medievalperiod Kalinga had established her maritime trade.The ports of ancient Kalinga are spread along700 km of coastline. The merchants of Kalingacarried on their business through the major riverslike Subarnarekha, Baitarani, Brahmani,Mahanadi, Rushikulya, Vansadhara andNagavali. Kalinga had built up her maritime traderelation with Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo, Burma,Malaya and Shyam. The Kalinga merchants wereusing another trade route to the south-westwardsalong the east coast to Singhala and Lakshadeepon the west coast of India in the Arabian sea.The Kalinga merchants named Sadhabapuas useda number of ancient ports like. Tamralipta nowTamluk in the Midnapore district. The portTamralipta was affected by the Ganga silt anddied. It is now several kilometers inland from theshore. An important historic event is sociated withthis port that was great Boudha emperor Ashok'sdaughter Sanghamitra sailed from here to the eastcoast and reached in Singhala. They propagatedthe idology and inner philosophy of Buddhism.Another port which was used by the Kalingasailors was affected by the silt of Rushikulya. Theport Palur had died naturally. According to well
known scholar of Buddhism Hiuen-Tsang's recordhe left India by sea route from Palur Port, in hisreturn Kalinga sailors helped him. There werenumber of ports in Kalinga which played vital rolefor maritime activities.
The ports like Balasore, Chandbali,Dhamara and Gopalpur in present Orissa wereused by the Kalinga Sadhabapuas for the purposeof commercial activities. Many historical recordsrelated to maritime trade of ancient Kalinga whichare available now enrich our cultural activities.Ptolemy, the famous Greek Geographer ofsecond century A.D. also described in his workabout trade marts on Kalinga coast. The ChinesePilgrim Hiuen-Tsang who visited Orissa in about630 A.D. in his account has mentioned theterritory and named it 'udu-iha' and was limitedto the valley of Mahanadi and lower course ofSubarnarekha undivided district of Cuttack,Sambalpur, Balasore, and Portions of Midnaporedistrict were in that period in Odradesh. Kalingahad also established her empire in presentMalayasia, it happened in 8th century A.D. knowsas Sailendra empire. According to the Arabicsources the Sailendra Empire also exercised itspower in Cambodia and Assam. The fame,prosperity and capability of Sailendra Empirecontinued through out 10th century A.D.Sadhabapuas of Kalinga used to go to Bali in the
country boats and used to take advantage of theN.E. monsoons which normally starts fromNovember. The sailors of Kalinga were startingtheir voyage generally on the holy day of KartikaPurnima. Maritime trade of ancient Kalinga notonly prospered the State but also established thecultural, economic, and religious relations amongthe people of south-east Asia. KalingaSadhabapuas used to spread our glorioustradition, belief and philosophy. Kartika the monthis very holy for the people of Orissa. From thereligious point of view the month has greatimportance. The people of Orissa observe theday Kartik Purnima very actively for rememberingtheir glorious past. Kalinga Sadhabapuas werestarting their journey for maritime trade in seaspecially on Kartik Purnima because during thatperiod the sea is calm and quite. In past thedevelopment and prosperity of Kalinga entirelydepended upon Sadhabapuas. By maritime tradethe economic stability of Kalinga was maintained.The maritime trade of Kalinga was the symbol ofcapability, power, brave and boldness. Kalidasthe great poet of India wrote in "Raghuvamsa"that the people of Kalinga were brave and he alsodescribed in his famous work that the King ofKalinga was the king of sea. In his book "Historyof Orissa", the famous historian Hunter hasnarrated that there were number of ports in
Orissa. Among them the prominent ports wereSubarnarekha, Chamua, Baleswar, Chhaudamani,Dhamara, Chandabali, Lachhanapur, Puri andTamaluk. Dhamara and Chandabali wereregarded as the gate way of Kalinga. Chandabaliand Dhamara two important ports of ancientKalinga had highlighted our political, economicand cultural life. The British officer MackdanetSaheb had inaugurated the port Dhamara on 18thMarch 1858 and also another port namedChandabali was inaugurated by him on March28, 1881. Kalinga Sadhabapuas used to go toBali island from Mahanadi mouth of Cuttack. Forthat memory every year on the day of KartikaPurnima Bali Yatra festival is being observed. Thisfestival shows our greatness. The maritime tradeof ancient Kalinga had brought high reputationand praise for our territory. From 11th centuryA.D. the maritime trade of Kalinga declined dueto political unrest and other factors. The maritimetrade of ancient Kalinga of that period is the prideof Orissa. The people of Orissa realise thatremarkable events related to maritime trade onthe holy day of Kartika Purnima.
Pabitra Mohan Barik is a Lecturer in History in the S.H.Mahavidyalaya, Madanpur, Khurda.
Hon'ble Chief MinisterShri Naveen Patnaik
presiding over a high levelmeeting on development ofirrigation potential in the
Now we can see that there is no end of the waysfor getting the heaven's blessings by the man atdifferent times in different works, provided thesame sincerity is present in all the times, takingthe above blessings together we can make it asupreme unit to call as "Goddess Mahalaxmi".
Our ancestors and also done the same bygiving many epithets to the Goddess which areself descriptive. Some of those are describedbelow in short.
1. Mahalakshmi : She is connected with "MahatLakshana" i.e. noble characteristics.
2. Lokamataa : World Mother. She is the motherof all the people of the world distributing affectionsand nourishment equally to everybody.
3. Ramaa : Beautiful. She likes to be connectedwith the beautiful (Ramya) nature (Prakruti) ofhuman life.
4. Pankajabasini : 'Pankaja' is lotus which comesout of the mud 'Panka' and the Goddess likes itvery much to settle on this, for which, She is called'Pankajabasini'. The cause of selecting the lotusfor settling on it is to teach the world that, thoughit is born from the dirty muds, still it can be blessedfor its cleanliness, softness, beauty, purity,splendour and fragrant disseminating qualities.Hence one should not be disheartened for its bad
family background only, but try to be clean inhabits, pure in heart and noble in behaviour.5. Padmalayaa : Here 'Padma' is lotus and 'Alaya'is adobe. Goddess Laxmi has selected "Padma"for Her "Alaya" for which She is called"Padmalayaa". In true sense 'Padma' is comparedwith clean and sacred heart and the Goddessalways wants to make this pure heart her abode.In other words the man with clean heart can getthe blessings of Goddess Mahalaxmi for ever.6. Kamalaa : 'Kamal', the flower, being verysoft, sacred, pure, clean, splendid and fragrantdisseminating; has been liked very much by theGoddess Mahalaxmi; for which She is known as'Kamalaa'. This gives the indication that the manwho seeks blessings of Goddess Mahalaxmishould become like a flower.7. Chanchalaa : The Fickle Goddess. Hermovements being very fickle (Chanchal), Sheimmediately leaves the man whose characterstarts to become impure.8. Chapalaa : The unstable Goddess. She leavesthe men like lightening (Chapalaa) who starts tobecome impure, immoral, deserter, proud andarrogant.9. Ksheerabdhi Tanayaa : Daughter of Ocean.'Ksheerabdhi' is Ocean and 'Tanayaa' daughter.She is Ksheerabdhi Tanayaa, because She was
produced from Ocean when its water was churnedout for nectar to make the persons immortal. Sheappeared before the world being ornamented withprecious gems and jewels giving indications thatthe Ocean is the treasure of gems and jewels fromthe time immemorial.
Men Blessed by the Goddess
According to "Hitopadesha - Mitralava","Goddess Laxmi blesses the man who isindustrious and of very promising character. It isthe version of the cowards that the wealth is givenby Fortune. So discard the fortune and achievesuccess through your own efforts. If the successis not achieved after all of your efforts, then findout, there must be some fualts some where."
Men Debarred from Blessings
The persons not industrious, who aredevoid of duties, lazy, coward, desperated, selfish,jealous, tempted, irritable, greedy, envious,despotic, mean, hypocritic, cruel, tyrant, thief, lier,ungrateful, incontinent, inhuman, too much miser,deceitful, crooked, unruly, notorious, stupid,impudent, sinful, devilish are debarred fromblessings of Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Mythology of Mahalaxmi (MahalaxmiPurana)
Outwardly Mahalaxmi Purana contains avery beautiful story of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadraand Goddess Mahalaxmi, in which Mahalaxmiwas driven out from the temple (Srimandir) bythe two Lords with the allegation that Shefrequently visited the cottages of very low classpeople, who were untouchable ones and withoutbeing purified enough entered the temple palaceto cook food and feed the two Lords. They gaveher much insultations calling bad names to Herfather and drove out, after disornamenting Her,with caution not to keep steps in temple premisesin future.
The bride Mahalaxmi, even after being somuch tortured begged apology to the Lords, butthey turned deaf ear to Her prayer and closedthe temple door mercilessly, while going back Shecursed them to suffer for this injustice and inhumanbehaviour by not getting food to eat till they repentfor their misdeeds and request Her to serve thefood for them.
Mahalaxmi ordered the 'Betals' to takeaway all the belongings of Srimandir including foodstocks, grains, jewels, clothes, golden cot in thedread of the night, when the Lords would besleeping and dry the water source completely soas to make non-availability of a drop of water inthe morning.
The Betals worked strictly according to theorders of their Mistress and the two LordsJagannath and Balabhadra became street beggars,begging alms from door to door, but weremercilessly driven out by all the citizens takingthem to be thieves from their robust health andappearance having no resemblance with beggars.
They adopted all possible means of beggingbut were not successful in getting alms continuouslyfor twelve years and suffered from starvation. Atlast they reached the door of an aristocratic houseon the sea shore in the guise of Brahmins andbegged for to eat, which was actually the houseof Goddess Mahalaxmi, built by 'Viswakarma' inthe boundary of 'Varun's kingdom.
Mahalaxmi, being aware of all the facts,asked the two Lords through her maids, that theywere 'Chandal' by caste, the most untouchablepersons of the society; and how the two brothers,being Brahmin by caste, would take meals in theirhouse. The two brothers decided to cook foodsthemselves if all the commodities like rice,vegetables, firewood and untensils would besupplied to them by the Mistress of the houseand accordingly they made their request.
Goddess Mahalaxmi arranged supply ofeverything to them what they needed and at thesame time prayed to the Wind God to blowviolently, so that the wood would not burn to heatthe water and turn black creating heavy smokeand trouble to the two brothers by causing flowof tears from the eyes. They tried one after theother to keep the fire burning, but failed to achievethe success. The elder brother, out of rage, tooka piece of wood in his hand, and giving a strongblow to the earthen pot, broke it down into pieces.
Now the two God brothers, finding noother alternative to save their lives, requested themaids to tell their Mistress that they were preparedto take meals in the house, even if they wereChandal. The heart of the Goddess wasimmediately melted with those surrendering wordsand out of joy she cooked many things instantlyfor the Gods and got those served through themaids. From the mode of preparation of differentdelicious foods and from the style of serving thesame, the two brothers recognised well theMistress of the house to be none other than theGoddess Mahalaxmi. They begged excuse fortheir faults with repentance and took Her in aprocession to the Grand Temple accepting all theterms and conditions brought by the Goddessagainst untouchability, inhumanity, highhandedness, casteism and many other points.
From that day since, the people of all castesand creeds, starting from Brahmin to Chandal,began taking of foods, cooked in Srimandir,together without slightest hesitation and theMahalaxmi Puja was continued to be performedin each house, in the month of 'Margashira' everyyear.
But when we would go deep into thesubject, we would find in it some burning problemsof the society. When the men forget their dutiesand responsibilities, leave work, become lazy,
pleasure-seeking, fond of voluptuous eating,sleeping for unlimited period, would cause theproduction to go down and finally become nil.For the result of this the people would suffer fromstarvation and go on begging from door to door.But this would not solve any purpose unless thepeople become active the start work again leavingidleness, luxury, voluptuousness and dilatoriness.
Similarly adherence to casteism,untouchability, encouraging slavery, misbehavingthe servants and oppressing the women folk andhouse-wives would weaken the society anddestroy the family life. There would be noprosperity in the land unless these ugly habits arecompletely uprooted and removed. In the firstinstance when poverty spreads in the land, wesay that Laxmi has left the place or She was drivenout by the men owned Her. In the second instancewhen men become active again to flourish the landwith prosperity we say, Laxmi has returned backto the place or the persons concerned havebrought Her back after begging apology for theirfaults.
Now going through the above story of themythological script some doubts arise in the mind.Out of these the first one is being "Patitpaban",the uplifter or saviour of downgraded people, howlord Jagannath along with his brother objectedMahalaxmi to visit the houses of those people.
The second one is being the feeders of thewhole universe, how the two brothers becamebeggars visiting door to door to collect food. Thethird one is what happened to Devi Subhadraduring this long period of twelve years who wastheir beloved sister, residing with them in the sametemple.
The correct answers which are the innermeanings of this mythology are furnished in theensuing stanzas.
In the present theme of the story the threedeities represent three classes of people to giveemphasis on the subject and make it acceptableby the common man to build their characters inthe way of examples and teachings given in it.Here Lord Balabhadra represents the mostpowerful landlords who forget their idealism andresponsibilities of getting the crops produced inthe lands, they became addicted to luxury, spendtime in idleness and enjoyments, become gluttonin eating of delicious foods, tyrant towardsservants and labourers treating them as slaves,oppressive towards the holy housewives takingout their rights to raise voice against unjustice andhighhandedness, adherent to casteism and allergicto untouchability not even to touch the shadowsof the untouchable persons in dream.
Lord Jagannath represents the Headmenof the society who gradually become toys in thehands of the powerful landlords and fail to expresstheir independent views, though they are capableenough to distinguish between rights and wrongsand can also save the situation from going bad toworse, if raise voices strongly in time. But theybecome silent observers of the things so happenas they do not want to take pains to stand againstthe views of the Landlords loosing all comforts oflife provided for them.
Goddess Mahalaxmi represents the goodand pious house-wives of the aristocratic families,who are very affectionate and sympathetictowards the servants and labourers and help themat the time of distress. The dependents and theirfamily members regard them very muchaddressing as 'Maa' (Mother) or 'Laxmi Maa'(Holy Mother) and putforth all of their difficultiesbefore them without the knowledge of the housemasters which either the Landlords or theHeadmen do not prefer.
Now to discuss the subject matter of thestory we can name the landlords as 'Baladeva'but not 'Balabhadra' or 'Balarama'. The meaningof 'Bala' being the 'bullock, strength' and 'Deva'being the 'master' or 'Owner' the word meaningof 'Baladeva' becomes 'the powerful landlords'.Similarly, we can name the 'Headmen of theSocieties' as 'Jaganath' but not 'Jagannatha'. Here'Jaga' is 'people', 'society' and 'Natha' is 'Head'.So 'Jagannatha' is 'Samajapati' or 'Head of theSociety'. As the housewives of the aristocraticfamilies were being called as 'Maa' or 'Laxmi Maa',we can gladly call them as 'Maa Laxmi' but not'Mahalaxmi'.
Now Sri Baladeva, being addicted toluxury spent his time and wealth lavishly involuptuousness, debauchery, voracious eating (itis mentioned of his taking 56 pauties of cookedrice at a time), and then having snoring slumbertill the foods taken are digested. As the commonmen of the society always use to follow the footprints of their superiors, they all followed the samepath and became luxuriant, careless and pleasure-seeking. The result was complete inactiveness andidleness prevailing everywhere. The housemastershad got no attachment to their families and whatthey earned they spent in merriment, pleasure-trips, voluptuous eating and gambling outside,neglecting their wives, children, to suffer fromstarvation at home. If any objection was beingraised by the housewives they were beingmercilessly beaten, misbehaved and illtreated.
But Maa Laxmi, who had Herself beenvictimised, could realise well the conditions of Herdependents, even if they were untouchable ones.She used to visit their cottages very frequentlyand help them to the extent, it was possible. Sheadvised the women folks to bring their familymembers to the correct path by way of goodbehaviour, simplicity and cleanliness in spite of
their tyranny towards them. She devised someway and methods for introduction in each family;so that all of the members would automaticallybe forced to be guided by Her methodisedprinciples in the name of 'Mahalaxmi Puja' and'Sudasha Brata'. The procedures of theirinstitution were so scientifically and hygienicallyframed that those would automatically correctthe habits of all the family members to becomeactive, energetic, broadminded and able toachieve a very good moral character and successin life.
While telling about Mahalaxmi Puja she hasadvised not to become idolater to worship theidols in the temple, but to convert one's owncottage into temple by way of cleaning, decoratingand purifying it by own labour and then to worshipthe food grains, obtained from the fields, which isaccording to Her the Goddess Mahalaxmi Herself.She has not emphasised on reciting hymns(mantras) or exhibiting hand poses (Mudras) butto offer things with emotion (Bhava) and devotion(Bhakti) in the heart and mind. It has beenmentioned of Her attending the cottages of'Sadhavani', the house of Sadhava (the merchant)and 'Chandal' (the sweeper). In doing so She hasgiven indications that apart from the cultivations,prosperity can also be achieved throughmerchandise and the untouchable persons havealso got equal rights to worship Gods, providedthey should become neat and clean in physique,dress and habits.
The instructions given by Maa Laxmi toachieve 'Mahalaxmi' are very educative for themales and females both to convert their cottagesin to heaven on earth. From Her teachings onhuman behaviour it is evident that a house wifecan easily convert her housemaster into'Purusottam' (Godly Man) and a housemaster canalso convert the housewife into 'Goddess Laxmi'.
In case the house master has already gone astray,he can also be brought into the way if a housewifeis resolved to do so; provided she should beprepared to stand boldly on her foot, even if,violent storm would start to blow against Her.She has also proved this in Her own life bybringing two most powerful and proud Lords ofthe time to the correct path. The female folks,who are acquainted with this mythological storycan not take decision to end their valuable livesby way of committing suicide at the time of blowingsuch storms in their lives.
Now the facts, when came to theknowledge of 'Baladeva' that Maa Laxmi isfrequently visiting the cottages of untouchablepersons and entering the Grand Palace withoutbeing purified enough, He induced Lord Jagannathto divorce Her immediately. But Jagannathremained silent over the matter though He wasneither against the untouchability nor had got anyobjection for the activities of Maa Laxmi. Still Hecould not oppose as He had got no courage todo so and stand against the wills of a mostpowerful Lord like Baladeva. Now the two Lordsdrove away Maa Laxmi after mistreating,misbehaving and disornamenting Her and evenscolding to Her innocent father. When MaaLaxmi, prayed them to excuse Her, they closedthe palace door turning deaf ear to Her prayer.This infuriated Maa Laxmi to curse them to sufferfor their misdeeds by becoming poor and notgetting food to eat for complete twelve years tillthey surrender to Her with request to serve foodfor them.
When the most-affectionate, pious andactive Laxmi Maa left home, who was everythingfor the poors, for the servants and labourers, theyall quitted their Masters' house immediately afterthe departure of the Holy Mother. Now acting as'Vetals' they caused destructions to the
management of their Lords' palace and took awayall the belongings and food stocks in the dread ofnight. At the day break when the Lords got upfrom slumber, they saw no servant in the palaceno belongings and food stock. Even they did notget a drop of water to wash their face.
Now realising their wretched conditions,the Lords decided not to show their faces in thesociety and went out in guise of 'Yogi' in quest offood, which they did not get anywhere due tomuch wretched condition of the state for want ofproduction. In the long run they adopted the workof begging going from door to door but each timethey were driven out with caution not to beg, butto work and earn food. But they were so unfit forany work that they could not even protect a handfulor corn-flake, donated by someone in their hands,which easily flew away when wind blew.
On the other hand, Maa Laxmi being drivenout from the Grand Palace, got a palace builtimmediately on the sea shore in the jurisdiction ofGod Barun by the help of Her dependents, ex-servants, labourers, merchants, sweepers andtenants as if the things were done by'Vishwakarma', so suddenly. The tenants withoutdepositing the crops of the lands in the GrandPalace supplied sufficient foods and clothes tothe Maa Laxmi's palace. In addition to that thedependent workers were kept engaged incollecting oceanic products including gems andjewels for oversea trades through 'Sadhavas' fromwhich sufficient wealth was being received formaintenance of all the people depending on Maalaxmi and distribution of cooked foods daily tothe beggars irrespective of castes and creeds inthe palace premises.
Now the two Lords being under starvationfor complete twelve years came to know of thedistribution of foods in the palace premises onsea shore and they reached there in the guise of
Brahmins to take food. But when they were toldby the Mistress of the house; who had alreadyrecognised the Lords in disguise; that she was'Chandal' by caste, they tried to cook foodsthemselves with the materials supplied to them.But there also they failed to achieve success andat last surrendered themselves to the donor, eventhough she was 'Chandalini', requesting food fromher hands. Maa Laxmi immediately preparedmany types of delicious foods in Her hands andgot them served to the Lords till they were satisfiedfully. Now the Lords knowing well that the house-mistress, pretended to be 'Chandalini' to front theBrahmin pretenders; was none other than MaaLaxmi; they begged appology for their misdeedsand misbehaviour and received Her with honourto take back to the Grand Palace in a grandprocession. They agreed to all the terms andconditions brought by Maa Laxmi to removecasteism and untouchability fully from the land,treat all men equally and allow all to take mealstogether.
Like this, the most powerful and proudLords were punished for their misdeeds andmisbehaviours being compelled to suffer fromstarvation for complete twelve years, roaming asstreet beggars and Maa Laxmi with honour spentthese years leading most prestigious life givingshelters to so many due to Her purity of mind andheart, high thinking, act iveness andcourageousness. Hence this mythology of'Mahalaxmi' should be studied in detail by all menand women and be guided as per the instructionslaid down in it, to get peace and happiness andachieve success and wealth in life.
Dr. Dibakar Mishra lives at A-82, Nilakantha Nagar,Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar-751012.
The following is a case study of a key informantof Tidasing village, a village close to Lanjia SaoraDevelopment Agency (LSDA) at Seranga in thedistrict of Gajapati. The study had been made adecade ago during a fifteen day period inFebruary-March 1997; but the author believesthat it is relevant even today as throwing light onmany of the facets of life of the Lanjia Saora.
Our key informant is Gulsan Raita. He is acultivator; he practices both the cultivation of theplain land and that of hill slopes (bagada). Apartfrom that his subsidiary activities include animalhusbandry, horticulture, mat weaving and broommaking.
The economic activities of Gulsan Raita aresubsistence oriented; it is reflected in his foodconsumption and the observance of festivals. Hetakes cooked rice mixed with water (known inOriya as pakhala) in the morning. This is takenalong with a little bit of tamarind and chilly. Lunchand dinner are a little heavier. He consumes theproducts obtained from slash and burn cultivationalong with rice. Not to become too scientific, wegive the names of minor millets, beans and othervegetables as the Saora names them: jana,mandia, kandula, ganga, khosala, ganthia,
jhudunga, baragudi, kauria, baila. Apart fromthese self-produced items he buys from the marketcooking oil, onion, potato, salt. On specialoccasions he consumes meat, fish and a curryprepared from jackfruit. He also consumes homegrown fruits such as mango, pineapple, lemon,jackfruit, tamarind and banana. (Banana is socheap that one of my guides arranged a wholekandhi for Rs.12/- only; in the interior twentylemons sell for Re. 1/- only and tamarind is alsovery cheap.) Mango and tamarind are availablein plenty and about them the Saora says in Oriyathat "tike beshi miluchi" (it is available in plenty).
Lanjia Saora festivals also reflect thesubsistence nature of his economy. The grainoffering ceremony is held in the month of Februaryfor one day. On this day funds are raised for thelocal church, and everybody contributes andparticipates. The fruit offering ceremony is heldin the month of June at the church and everybodyparticipates. But the most important ceremony isChristmas which is observed for seven days bothat home and at the church.
Apart from subsistence agriculture, the nextmost important economic activity for the LanjiaSaora is the construction of his house. New houses
are required for newly wed Saora couples. In theconstruction of a house, members of the birindaor the extended family help. The Lanjia builds hisbungalow with a mixture of both old and newconstruction materials. Traditional materials arepreferred for the structure, walls: new materialsare required for the roof and the floor. Thepreference for traditional materials is owing tolower costs; otherwise, new material is preferredfor all purposes. Indira Awas Yojana, which usesmodern construction materials, is the preferredchoice over houses using traditional constructionmaterial. Many Saoras have been rehabilitated ina colony near the LSDA office. These are puccahouses. Annual maintenance expenditure onhouses comes to around Rs.200/- to Rs.300/-For wall, stone, mud, straw, and wood are used.For roof straw is the second choice. It is used ifasbestos sheets are not arranged. Floor is madeof earth, beaten to level it. The structure is madeof wood. The materials are available locally. Theuniversal Lanjia Saora design is to construct tworooms. There is a main room, and behind it isanother room used for cooking. There is a loft inthe cooking room used to store food grains.Household articles are stored inside the house.However, agricultural tools are stored in a cornerof the cowshed located outside the house. GulsanRaita is a Christian and therefore there is no placefor the traditional family god in his house.
The next most important thing for a Saorais health. Malaria, TB, typhoid, and dysentery arethe main diseases. Cold, cough, and fever are theminor diseases. Some persons are said to havedied after a prolonged fever of 6 to 9 years. Thecause of such fever is unknown. Gulsan Raita'sfather Jenari Raita is said to be 70 years old.
Treatment for diseases is available at theChristian hospital at Seranga, Home of New
Hope. The government had carried pulse polioimmunization programme in January 1997. GulsanRaita spends about Rs.500/- yearly on medicalexpenses.
Marriage, kinship, and inheritance of theChristian Saoras are as follows. The age ofmarriage nowadays is higher than they were inthe past. In the past boys used to marry at theage of fifteen and girls at the age of twenty. Now-a-days boys are married at about the age of twentyand girls at about the age of twenty-five. AsGulsan Raita is a Christian, there is no castesystem in his village. The marriage is eithernegotiated or takes place by mutual consent.Individual preference in the choice of matespredominates. Widow marriage though allowedis rare. The faster of the church conducts themarriage. Traditionally there was a preference forcross-cousin marriage; it is not the preferredchoice at present. Whatever be the form ofmarriage, it is always considered legitimate.Household property such as land, house, andhousehold articles are inherited by sons; all Sonshave equal right in parental property. Marrieddaughters have no right in their father's property.Widows have a right over their husband's propertyand women after divorce enjoy property rights.After divorce, the children stay with the father;the mother stays in a separate room.
The Lanjia Saora observes certain rites andrituals. After puberty girls are not permitted to doreligious activities during the period ofconfinement. Meeting of couples is held on thesecond day after marriage. Women in pregnancyare not allowed to do heavy work. There arecertain restrictions associated with child birth: afterthe birth of a male child, the mother is required to
stay away from the church for sixty days; afterthe birth of a female child, eighty days. No specialritual is observed after cremation. No animals aresacrificed. The faster of the church does theminimal rites. Christian Saoras have distancedaway themselves from medicine men andtraditional priests. The yearly expenditure on ritualsis considered low. Apart from contribution to thechurch on special occasions, on every Sundaythey contribute some amount to the church whichvaries from Rs.2/- to Rs.10/-.
Development intervention in the LanjiaSaora area has included family oriented benefitsapart from the infrastructural facilities such aselectricity, road, water etc. The Lanjia needs loanfor consumption purposes, repayment of oldloans, agriculture, marriage, disease, and houseimprovement. The Saora needs loan for many
purposes; but, he gets little. The State Bank ofIndia located at Seranga is the chief source ofloan. Apart from that, there is a non governmentalorganization named Khirndi MultipurposeDevelopment Society at Parlakhemundi thatprovides loans to them. The rate of interest onloans is around 12%. The term "subsidy" is almostfamiliar to every Saora in that area. However sincethe government provides loans for productivepurposes only, they depend on privatemoneylenders for loans to meet consumptionpurposes. (The report is based entirely onfieldwork.)
Pradyot Mohapatra is a Formerly Research Fellow,National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences(NISWASS), Bhubaneswar.
Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik with Orissa winners on theoccasion of 60th Man and 23rd Woman Senior National Weightlifting
Championship-2007 at Bhubaneswar on 23.12.2007. Shri A.U. Singh Deo,Minister, Works, Housing and Shri Debasis Nayak, Minister, Information &
Public Relations, Sports & Youth Services are also present.
Importance of children's literature for thedevelopment of their personality cannot be over-estimated. Most of us are still under the impressionthat the child is a man or a woman in miniature,he has the same interest and attitude, likes anddislikes though in a smaller degree. We oftenconsider his psychological and emotional needsand conditions according to his size or measure.That is why, instead of providing special facilitiesfor him, we compel him to adjust with our needsand conditions. We forget to realize that the childhas its own emotional and mental needs andproblems, which are different from adults bothquantitatively and qualitatively. We should caterto his special needs and conditions withoutimposing on him/her our own desire and liking.
Children's literature is a healthy means ofsatisfying their psychological and emotional needsand has therefore a claim for a separate status onits own merit. We cannot just take any book assuitable for them. Juvenile literature is an importantmeans of developing the potentiality of the youngin the right lines. It provides the facilities for theircognitive, co-native and effective development i.e.improvement of knowledge, skills, interests, valuesand attitudes.
Research findings have shown that languageskills are essential for children's achievement evenin mathematics, social science, biological andphysical sciences. Besides the psychologicaldevelopment, their emotional development can beadequately ensured by providing suitable booksand journals. Children's writing habits can bedeveloped for acquisition of new knowledge andunderstanding of the world within and aroundthem. Research studies have also indicated thatgood books for the child can reduce the juveniledelinquency, violence and antisocial activities ofchildren.
But unfortunately children's books are notproperly developed and distributed, and childrencannot get their mental, psychological andemotional food for their all-round development.Adequate care in not taken for writing, publishingand distributing suitable books among children.The society in general and parents in particularare not aware of the importance of books for theirchild. The Government both at Centre and Statesalso are quite slow in recognizing the value ofchildren's literature and do not take proper interestin the development of children's literature2. Attempts for promoting Children'sLiterature:
Just after Independence, the Governmentof India with a view to encouraging good books
for children, introduced national competitionsunder the Ministry of Education, then through theNCERT Now it is not at all taken up. Some StateGovernments also started such competitions forencouraging writers in regional languages, butthese attempts were not adequate, as thesecompetitions are now not at all organized at thenational level and not at all organized in manyStates at present.
Another useful means of promotingchildren's literature is through variousorganizations both at the national and State levels.Of course, international organizations likeUNICEF, IBBY, IYL & ACCU etc. are therebut these are beyond the reach of most of thechildren's writers at the national level. NCERThas been organizing national competitions andholding some seminars at the time of prize givingceremony and this also only occasionally. That iswhy, there is much to be desired from thisorganization. AIJLC is an old nationalorganization. Its activities are still limited. AICLFis a new organization aiming at improving children'sliterature at the national level and has not so faracquired the all-India representation. Similarly,AWIC is a national organization having itsmembers mostly from Delhi and some from otherstates. It is very active but its activities are mostlylimited to Delhi or Delhi based. The BBKS is alsoworking at the national level and giving felicitationsto the writers of various states. But it has not yetassumed true national character being limitedmostly UP and few neighbouring slates. There arealso state level organizations in some statesorganizing programmes as and when they find itconvenient. On the whole, no national organizationhas so far elevated to the status of all-Indiaeminence.3. Present Effort:
It is heartening to note that under theauspices of the Indian Council of Child Welfare,
a new organization a new Forum was set upparticularly for promoting Children's Literature inthe country. This may be named as a "National/Indian Council for Literature" (NCCL/ICCL) andit must have an all India representation with thefollowing objectives.
(i) To hold meetings and conferences ofwriters, publishers and artists for discussingthe issues concerning Children's books andjournals.
(ii) To organize workshops for writing suitablebooks and illustrations for children.
(iii) To organize national seminars for discussingthe problems of children's literature.
(iv) To conduct status and surveys foridentifying problems and to know the statusof Children's Literature in various states.
(v) To encourage writers, artists and alsopublishers for developing suitable materialsfor children through felicitations and awardsfor their achievements and good work.
(vi) To publish materials as models at thenational level to be translated into differentregional languages.
(vii) To bring out a journal as a mouthpiece ofthe council.
Lastly, the required infrastructure accordingto resources available may be planned anddeveloped to realize the above objectives throughvarious programmes. Particularly, properrepresentation of all states need be made in themanagement and programme planning. Adequatemonitoring and follow-up should be made of allthe programmes implemented.
Prof. Jagannath Mohanty lives at 2935, Gouri Nagar,Bhubaneswar.
Orissa is the tenth largest state in area (15.57 mha),which accounts for 5% of the geographical areaand 4% of the population (36.8 million as per2001 census) of the country. The state has 47agricultural districts encapsulated in 13 agriculturalrange under 30 revenue districts there are 34 lakhfarm families distributed in 6234 gram panchayatand 51,349 villages. The rural areas are dominatedwith 85% population. Agriculture provides 65%of the total work force belonging to cultivatorsand agricultural labourers and contributes 26%of the net domestic product of the state. Theaverage size of the holding is 1.30 hectares.Maximum number of farmers are under marginal(<1 ha) category followed by small farmers arelow compared to marginal, small and semi-medium category. The percentage of poverty linein Orissa is higher compared to the country.However poverty of the state has been reducedprogressively from 70.07% during 1977-78 to47.15% in the year 1999-2000.
Land and Soil
The state has four physiographic zones i.e.
(i) Coastal plain
(ii) Central table land
(iii) Northern plateau and
(iv) Eastern ghat
Based on soil and climate, it is furtherdivided into ten agro climatic zones namely(i) North western plateau (ii) North central plateau(iii) North eastern coastal plain (iv) East and southeastern coastal plain (v) North eastern ghat(vi) Eastern ghat highland (vii) South eastern ghat(viii) Western undulating (ix) West central tableland (x) Mid central table land
The soils of the state are broadly dividedinto 8 groups such as (i) Red (ii) Laterite (iii) Mixedred and black (iv) Mixed red and yellow (v) Black(vi) Coastal alluvial (vii) Brown forest and(viii) Coastal saline. Nearly 70% of the soils areacidic and have low to medium in nitrogen andphosphate and medium in potassium. Deficienciesof secondary nutrient like sulphur and ofmicronutrients like boron and zinc have beenrecorded in some parts of the state.
The state has a cultivated area of 62 lakhhectares, out of which 27 lakh ha is high land. 19lakh ha in medium land and 16 lakh ha arelowland.
Climate
The state enjoys subtropical climatecharacterized by high temperature, high humidity,medium to high rainfall and short and mediumwinters. The normal rainfall of the state is 1451.2mm out of which 80% is received within June to
September. Orissa is the most disaster prone stateof the country. The state suffers from naturalcalamities like flood, drought and cyclone occuralmost every year. The state experienced threebad years in succession, drought in 1988-89,super cyclone in 1999-2000 and again droughtin 2000-2001 which were the main causes ofupsetting agricultural economy.Crop coverage and crop production
Foodgrains consist of cereals and pulses.The area under foodgrain production of Orissaover last 7 years almost remains unchanged of67 lakh hectares. The foodgrain production of63 lakh tonnes in state during 1999-2000 hasincreased to 76 lakh tonnes during the year 2004-2005 and likely to increase 82 lakh tonnes by2005-2006. The productivity of 937 kg/ha offoodgrains has increased to the tune of 1224 kg/ha by the end of this year. Production andproductivity of cereals of the state showed highertrend than pulse crops.
Among cereals rice is the principal foodcrop of Orissa occupying 42 lakh hectares duringKharif and 3 lakh hectares in Rabi. The Kharifpaddy includes 8.5 lakh ha of highland, 18 lakhha of medium land and 15.5 lakh ha of lowland.The entire Rabi rice is irrigated. Entire Rabi and33.44% of Kharif rice cover the high yieldingvarities. The productivity of rice is 1.6 t/ha asagainst national average of 2.1 t/ha. There is agreat fluctuation in production and productivityof rice in the state due to abnormalities in weathersituation. Maximum rice production of 71.5 lakhtonnes could obtained during 2001-02 was dueto favourable and normal weather condition. Inother years rice production fluctuated between32.4 to 69.4 lakh tonnes. Similar to theproductivity between the years of 1999-00 to2001-06 varied from 7.59 15.61 q/ha. The year2002-03 was the most abnormal year for loweringproduction and productivity.
Coarse cereals like maize and ragi, smallmillets like bajra and jowar and little millets suchas swan, kodo and kangu are grown in tribaldistricts. There is no appropriate yield increaseof these crops because of poor adoption ofimproved technology. Important pulse cropsgrown under rice fallow with available residualsoil moisture are pigeon pea, green gram, blackgram and horse gram. Production and productivityof these crops are not encouraging due to aberrantweather, soil acidity, non-adoption of high yieldingvarieties and neglect in phosphate application.Attempts are initiated through central sponsoredschemes for improving production andproductivity.
Major oilseed crops grown in the state aregroundnut, sesame, mustard, sunflower, niger andsafflower. These crops are normally taken inuplands in Kharif and in river beds and rice fallowduring rabi. Except ground nut production andproductivity of other oil seeds are notencouraging. Fluctuation in area and productionis due to unfavourable weather condition,inadequate use of chemical fertilizers, problem inmarketing and non remunerative prices.
Efforts are being taken to increase theproductivity through compact area, locationspecific approach by providing minikits,conducting demonstrations, supply of seedtreatment chemicals, Rhizobium culture, gypsum,micronutrients, farm implements at subsidizedcosts.
Jute, mesta and cotton are at the threeimportant fiber crops grown in the states. Jute iscultivated in coastal districts, mesta is taken ininland districts and cotton is grown in KBKdistricts. The area of jute and mesta are shrinkingdue to introduction of polythene and problem inmarketing. Since 2001-02 attempts are forimprovement of these crops through central
sponsored schemes. Area production andproductivity of cotton is now stepping ahead dueto provision of technical assistances andmarketing facilities.
Cultivation of sugarcane in the state isgaining popularity due to establishment of sevensugar industries at various location. Area,production and productivity of sugarcane areincreasing progressively due to availability ofquality seeds and availability of technical skillamong the farmers.
Seed
Use of quality seed alone will increase theproductivity by 15%. Emphasis has been givenon replacement of certified and high yielding seedon mass basis. Seed multiplication is organizedthrough Orissa State Seed Corporation andregistered Seed growers. The state is now selfsufficient to meet the demand of certified paddyseed. Distribution of certified paddy seed andnon paddy seed to the farmers has raised to thelevel of 1,54,873 qt and 69.483 q respectivelyby the current year. However the maximumamount of total seed (3.29,760 q) had beendistributed during the year 2001-02.
Irrigation
Irrigation potentials created from all sourcesin the state is 39.31 lakh ha. having the grossirrigated crop area of 27 lakh ha which is 41% ofcultivable area and 68% of potential created. Outof 62 lakh ha of cultivable land, the area underirrigation were 18.5 lakh ha in Kharif and 8.5 lakhha in Rabi.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer, a key input liar agriculturecontributes 10-15% of productivity of differentcrops. Nitrogen, Phosphate and potash are thethree main nutrients used by the farmers.
Compared to other slates consumption of fertilizerin Orissa is not encouraging. However, there is aprogressive increase in fertilizer consumption overthe years. Total fertilizer consumption in stateduring 1991-92 of 196.03 thousand tonesshowed an increase of 355.30 thousand tonesduring 2004-05. By the same time fertilizerapplied 19.96 kg/ha during 1991-92 has beenincreased to 43.0 kg /ha during 2004-05. Districtwise, there is great fluctuation in fertilizerconsumption. Maximum consumption 106 kg/hawas recorded in district Balasore. Whereas at thesame time, minimum consumption of 3 kg/ha hadbeen reported in district Kondhamal.
Groundnut farmers usually apply gypsum@ 2.5 q/ha which increased groundnut yield by10-15 per cent. The use of micronutrient fertilizerslike zinc sulphate and borax is increased inintensive rice and vegetable growing areas of thestate.
Plant Protection
Adoption integrated pest management(IPM) has been given due thurst for increasingcrop productivity. Seed treatment, crop sanitation,use of bio-control agent and conservation ofbeneficial insect and pathogens are thecomponents of IPM. The concept of IPMemphasizes conservation and augmentation ofnatural enemies of pest such as parasite, predatorand pathogens for control of harmful insects anddiseases of crop. There are seven bio-controllaboratory in the state including one fromGovernment of India, those rear, multiply andsupply adopted parasite and pathogens to thefarmers.
Farm Mechanization
Farm mechanization pay an important rolefor timely operation of agricultural activities farincreasing production and productivity. There is
a good trend in the use of tractor, power tillerand sprinkler by the farmers. There is an increasein sale of tractor from143 to 900 nos and powertiller from 783 to 2100 nos. from the year 1999-2000 to 2005-06.
Farm Credit
Processing of inputs by the farmers isaugmented through farm credit. Field staff ofDirector of Agriculture help the farmer in supplyingforms and creating awareness for easy availabilityof loans from banks.
Horticultural Programme
National Horticultural Mission (NHM) hasbeen initiated in Orissa science 2005-06 underthe Directorate of Horticulture with the followingobjectives :
(i) Doubling of' horticultural products toprevent their import and rather attempt toexport.
(ii) Creation of market facilities for horticulturalproducts.
(iii) Transformation of technology at the doorsteps of farmers.
(iv) Improvement of cashew cultivation.
(v) Encouraging private sectors to adopthorticulture as profession.
(vi ) Emphasis in production of organicvegetables.
(vii) Establishment of adequate numbers of coldstorages to prevent damage of horticulturalProducts.
As per the mandate, plantation of highyielding genotypes of' mango, cashew and bananahad been taken up. Cashew orchards of 130 hahave been rejuvenated. Targeted area onfloriculture for rose, tuberose and gladiolas has
been achieved. Training on improved horticulturaltechnologies to the farmers, both inside andoutside have been imparted as per target. Districtlevel exhibitions and shows for horticulturalproducts have been conducted. Programme oncultivation of ginger, and turmeric for 3200ha andmedicinal gardens have been initiated. Proposalfor establishment of buttom mushrum units, coldstorage biotechnology laboratories and planthealth care units are under active operation.Development of rural marketing and establishmentof new wholesale horticultural market atBhuhaneswar, Sambalpur and Berhampur areunder consideration.
Watershed Development
Watershed is a geo-hydrological unitwherein the water drains into a common point.Watershed management aims at :
(i) Harmonious development andmanagement of soil and water resourceswithin the natural boundary of thewatershed;
(ii) To develop and produce sustainable crops,vegetations, livestock etc for equitablesharing of benefits among the communitiesliving within the watershed;
(iii) Harnessing and conserving land and waterthrough sustainable natural resources and
(iv) Restoration of ecological balance.
Watershed development programmecurrently are implemented through centrallysponsored schemes such as;
(i) Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP)
(ii) Integrated wasteland Developmentprogramme (IWDP)
(iii) Nat ional watershed DevelopmentProgramme for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA)
(v) Rural livelihood Tribal Area Project forKBK Districts (RLTAP for KBK, Dists)and
(vi) Western Orissa Rural Livelihood Project(WORLP)
All the above mentioned watershed projectswork under the Orissa Watershed DevelopmentMission (OWDM) in 8 KBK districts and 22 nonKBK districts.
The activities of the watershed projects areas follows :
(i) Drought Prone Area Programme(DPAP)
This Project is operating in 47 blocks of 8districts such as Bolangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi,Nuapada, Baragarh. Boudha, Dhenkanal andKhandharnal. This watershed covers 1145 microwatershed projects covering 58130 ha out ofwhich 17,426 ha have been treated during 2004-05. During 2001-06, 30,000 ha has to be treated.
(ii) Integrated wasteland DevelopmentProgramme (IWDP)
This programme is being implemented in23 districts except Puri, Jagaisinghpur, Bhadrak,Kendrapara, Boudha, Kandhanmal and Nuapara.There are 822 micro watershed projects covering436130 ha. During 2004-05, 1800 ha in 500watersheds have been treated by utilizing anamount of Rs.1,253 lakh. There is a programmefor treatment of 35,000 ha during 2005- 6.
(iii) National Watershed DevelopmentProject for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA)
This programme is implemented as acomponent of central sponsored project formicromanagement of agriculture. There are 212micro watersheds of which 59 are in KBK
districts with an area of 33,315 ha and 153watershed are in non-KBK districts with an areaof 104,929 ha for treatment. The broad objectiveof this project is for management of agriculturalproductivity and production of biomass onsustainable basis and restoration of ecologicalbalances in rainfed areas through watershedapproach. This project will continue during 2005-06 with treatment of 5555 ha,
(iv) River Valley Project
This project aims at treating degradedcatchment areas of multipurpose interest atreservoirs with appropriate soil and waterconservation measuring to check silt flow intoreservoir and to enhance the productivity ofdegraded land. This project is working in fourcatchment of Hirakud, Rengali Nandira,Machakunda-Silem and upper Kolab. Thecatchment of upper Indravati is proposed toincluded in this project. The project isimplemented in 11 micro watershed covering anarea of 18571 ha.
(v) Rural Livelihood tribal Area Projectsfor KBK District (RLTP for KBKDistricts)
Under this project central assistance ismade available for implementation of 314 microwatersheds of a total area of 167616 ha. Thisproject includes the districts Koraput (84),Rayagada (66), Nabarangpur (60), Malkangiri(42), Bolangir (20), Sonepur (8), Kalahandi (16)and Nuapada (10), During 2004-05 and 2005-06, areas of 12,747 ha and 32,200 ha have beentaken up for the treatment in the above mentioneddistricts.
(vi) Western Orissa Rural LivelihoodProject (WORLP)
This project lunched since 2000-01 willcover 4 project districts such as Bolangir.
Nuapada, Kalahandi and Bargarh for 10 years.The project includes 290 micro watersheds of150766 ha of land. The project aims to promotesustainable livelihood for the poorest of the projectarea.
All the above six number of WatershedDevelopment Projects implemented in the statewith 2795 numbers of micro watersheds with atotal area of 14,92,627 ha., out of which 546754ha have been treated.
Special Packages for Farmers
The Hon'ble Chief Minister, Orissa hasannounced the following special packages on 15thAugust, 2006, the 60th Independence Day of thecountry.
1. By 2008-2009 each Grampanchayat willhave a sale's centre of seeds for purchase.
2. By the said time, under the plan of seedvillage, production of paddy and non-paddy seeds will increase amounting to 5qts.
3. Seeds, fert ilizers and agriculturalimplements will he sold through the highestcommittee of "Pani Panchayat"
4. Soil testing programme will be carried outin each block and soil health cards tofarmers
5. Fifty percent discount will he allowed tothe farmers of each block on preparationof compost as well as vermicompost
6. Farmers of each block will be deputed tothe training institute of both inside andoutside Orissa within four years to learnnew technology
7. An advanced farmer from each GP will heawarded as "Farmer Friend" within comingthree years
8. Within coming three years, saplings ofmango, cashew and banana will he plantedin 50,25 and 5 thousand hectaresrespectively availing 75% subsidy in eachdistrict
9. Provision will be created for drip andsprinkler irrigation for orchard crops at50% subsidy in each district
10. Saplings of papaya, mango and lime willhe made free distribution to the desirededucational institutes alongwith 2.5 lakhfarm families
11. Creation of 5000 onion preservationcenters in districts of Bolangir, Kalahandi,Nuapada and Dhenkanal with 50% subsidyupto maximum of Rs.8000/-
12. Cultivation of marigold, tuberose, glabioliand rose will be encouraged with availingsubsidy of 50% for small farmers and of33% for large farmers
13. Beetlevine farmers of districts of Balesore,Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Puriwill be allowed subsidy upto Rs.10,000 forestablishment of new mounts of beetlevine
14. Three large wholesale markets formarketing for horticultural products will beopened at Cuttack, Sambalpur andBerhampur village markets in 19 districtswill be modernize for marketing ofhorticultural product
15. Contact farming facilities will he providedto the farmers at right price on crops ofsugarcane, cotton and maize
16. Agricultural economic zone will he createdin district Kandhamal for cultivation ofginger and turmeric
17. Discount on digging of fifty thousand newborewell and tubewell will he given tofarmers by 2008-09
18. Digging of ten thousand farm ponds at 50%subsidy will be available to farmers belowpoverty line in districts of Bolangir,Sonepur, Boudh, Kalahandi, NuapadaDhenkanal, Kandhamal and Bargarh. Inrespect of farmers belonging to scheduldedcaste and scheduled tribe the subsidy willhe raised to 100%
19. lrrigation facilities upto 35% of agriculturalland in each block will he provided withincoming 5 years
20. "Kisan Credit Cards" will he given to allefficient farmers with coming years
21. Agricultural loan for Pisciculture will beprovided to fish farmers for intensificationof fishfarming
22. Aquashops will he created in each blockfor supply of fingerlings and other essentialfishrelated materials. In this regard eageredenterprenures will avail 25% subsidy
23. Laboratories will he set up in each districtfor identification of animal disease andsupply of preventive vaccines.
Professor S.K. Sahu and R.K. Nayak are working asDepartment of Soil Science & Agril. Chemistry, OUAT,Bhubaneswar-751003, Orissa.
His Excellency the Governor Shri Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare givingprizes at the 15th Festival of Disadvantageed and differenting able Children
Orissa s infant health care status all set to receive a shot in the arms . The State Health & FWSociety in H&FW Department of the Government have entered into an agreement with United NationsOffice for Project Services (UNOPS). It is a part of the Norway India partnership Initiative (NIPI)which has come forward for support in a big way. This Norwegian support aims at strengtheningservices provided under NRHM for improving women and child health care.
In presence of Sri Duryodhan Majhi Minister Health & Family Welfare, Mr Chinmay Basu,Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department and Vice-Chairperson State Health & FamilyWelfare Society and Mr Prasanna Hota, Director NIPI have signed an MOU. Mr lasse BjornJohannessen, Ambassador I/C of Norway to India was also present during this signing-in ceremony.This MOU will be inforce till 31.03.2012.
NRHM aims at providing accessible, affordable, effective, accountable and reliable health careto all and in particular to the poorer and vulnerable sections of the population consistent with theoutcomes envisioned in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Norway and India have agreed tocollaborate towards achieving MDG 4 based on commitments of the two countries. The aim of thepartnership is to facilitate rapid scale-up of quality child related health services that are equitable andsustainable in five high focus States of India including Orissa.
IMR in the State has dropped significantly. Norwegian support is only timely. The interventionwill include increasing access to neonatal care and services. The initiative will take a set of steps to scaleup quality of services rendered by ASHA workers at village levels by strengthening their support needsand referral requirements. Its special emphasis on child health planning and its implementation will beBlock, District and region specific.
An important component of NRHM is to increase institutional delivery, the fresh initiative wouldemphasise on training health workers in home based newborns and child care. Though the institutionaldelivery in the State has risen significantly, the grey area continues to prevail through home baseddelivery that will be the focussed area. Block, District and State Project Management units are to bestrengthened to ease out the increased load and will identify the gap in immunisation coverage amongthe targeted group and seek address that. Similarly skill enhancement of the nurses to support andmanage the entire range of child health programmes will also be a part of this. This support will see
provision of flexible funds both at district and block levels for child health process to speed up decisionmaking . The financial and administrative system too would be mobilised for improvement and increaseprivate sector involvement in attainment of these goals will be high on agenda.THE ORISSA URBAN POLICE ACT, 2003 COMES INTO FORCE IN THE TWIN-CITYOF BHUBANESWAR-CUTTACK UNDER THE NEW POLICE COMMISSIONERATESYSTEM
Police Commissioner-designate Binay Kumar Behera told presspersons that under theCommissionerate system, which was being introduced in the State for the first time, all efforts would bemade to keep criminals and anti-socials at bay and improve the traffic situation in both the cities.
The Commissionerate will have two urban police districts Bhubaneswar and Cuttack andeach would be headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police of the rank of Superintendent of Police.Both the districts will have sub-divisions each comprising some police stations, according to Behera.The Bhubaneswar police district will have five sub-divisions such as Capital and Kharvelnagar PSs;Lingaraj, Jatni and Airfield PSs; Khandagiri, Nayapali and Saheed Nagar PSs; Infocity, Mancheswar,Chandka and Chandrasekharpur PSs; and Badagada, Laxmisagar, Balianta and Balipatna PSs. Besides,there would be separate Deputy Commissioners for Headquarters, Crime, Traffic, Intelligence andSecurity, Training (Urban Police and Traffic Training Institute), and Armed Reserve (7th Bn. OSAP/Urban Special Armed Police). For traffic, the Commissionerate will have a separate district for thetwin-city with three sub-divisions such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and National Highway. The Mahilaand Energy police stations will work under DCP Crime.
The endeavour of the police under the new system would be to emerge public-friendly by helpingthe common man. Any violation of these rules would attract fine up to Rs 1,000 or imprisonment up to30 days if fine not paid. Among other things, the violations that would attract fine include:1. Disregarding rules of the road, overtaking from the left, leaving vehicle or animal insufficiently
tended in any street or public places, etc;2. Driving vehicle or animal with timber, poles or other unwieldy articles through street or public
place against regulations;3. Cleaning/repairing vehicles or grooming animals on street, pavement or public place causing
impediment to traffic or serious annoyance to residents;4. Causing obstruction by keeping vehicle parked in street or public place for loading/unloading,
taking up/setting down passengers, etc longer than necessary;5. Causing obstruction to passengers, pedestrians and annoyance to people living in the vicinity by
performances, etc;6. Behaving indecently in public;7. Obstructing or annoying passengers in the street or public places;8. Committing nuisance in or near to any street, public place, etc;9. Affixing bill, notice or other paper on public property without consent of authority;10. Disorderly conduct at places of public amusement, etc.
The Orissa Review aims at disseminating knowledge and information concerning Orissa ssocio-economic development, art and culture. Views, records, statistics and information publishedin the Orissa Review are not necessarily those of the Government of Orissa.
Published by Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Orissa,Bhubaneswar - 751001 and Printed at Orissa Government Press, Cuttack - 753010.
For subscription and trade inquiry, please contact : Manager, Publications, Information & PublicRelations Department, Loksampark Bhawan, Bhubaneswar - 751001.
