India is one of the most diverse and culturally rich lands globally. The country has enormous secrets, astonishing history, and mind-blowing architecture. One such secret of India is the state of Odisha.
Odisha was earlier known as “Utkala” as mentioned in the Indian National Anthem. It has a beautiful coastline along the Bay of Bengal. Odisha is a state with a rich cultural history and traditions. It is home to some of the best-surviving preserving examples of ancient Indian architecture, including Jain rock-cut caves, Hindu temples, and Buddhist stupas. While monuments were created by religious influence, royal support, and a thriving marine trade, the local craftspeople added the best sculptures and embellishments because of their inherent artistic talent.
The state was home to the ancient Kingdom of Kalinga hence giving rise to the Kalinga Architectural Style. This style was prominently seen in the temples of the state and was associated with Lord Vishnu, Surya, and Shiva. Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula, and Khakhara Deula are the three unique styles of temples that make up this architectural style. The sanctum sanctorum is comprised of the Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula homes, while the Pidha Deula buildings serve as the outer dancing and offering rooms. Architectural requirements, iconography, historical meanings, and respecting the traditions, customs, and related tales are among the many features of a typical Kalinga temple. The Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneshwar are the most prominent examples of Kalinga Architecture.
A region, after being known for its history and heritage, tries to carry on that legacy by creating dwellings for themselves with their own needs. That is when vernacular architecture comes into the picture. The architecture is a response to the climatic conditions of the area. The houses in the state are prominent to have a courtyard-based design. The house is built around a central open space, which serves as an outdoor area for various domestic activities and gatherings. In some homes, the upper floor is built at a lower height, usually to accommodate features like the kitchen. Rural areas frequently have thatched roofs made of grass or materials like palm leaves. The interiors are effectively protected from heat during the hot summers by these roofs.
Huts called “golamundis” or “mundi ghars” with conical thatched roofs are common in rural areas. These huts are basic and perfectly adapted to country living. In some areas, homes are constructed in a manner imitating temple architecture, particularly if rooftops include little temple-like buildings. Many rural areas are characterized by “Pattachitra Houses” representing traditional art (Pattachita) painted on walls and ceilings. In Odisha, vernacular architecture frequently includes elements to meet the area’s needs for water management, such as sloping roofs to collect rainfall in tanks or ponds. Traditional Odishan homes frequently provide a sense of neighbourhood and encourage social interaction. Family members congregate in the courtyard or other communal areas to engage in various activities. Many of the most gorgeous Ikat sarees that are well-known in the area have their roots in certain houses. A crucial element in preserving the historic craft of handloom weaving is the dual-purpose vernacular architecture found in traditional community clusters. Simple carvings, paintings, and decorative elements are frequently observed on the walls, doors, and windows of vernacular homes, which enhance the aesthetic value of the buildings.
Today, urbanization has taken over the heritage and history of the state. Contemporary architecture is seen in various cities of the state. Modern architects in Odisha are including eco-friendly elements in their designs as sustainability and environmental awareness becomes more important. To lessen the ecological impact of buildings, this involves using green building materials, energy-efficient technologies, and passive design techniques. High-rise structures are being built in Odisha’s cities as urbanization progresses, particularly in the commercial and residential sectors. These structures frequently have cutting-edge engineering and contemporary facades.
Modern institutional structures have been built throughout the state, including universities, government buildings, and cultural institutions. These initiatives seek to create practical places with a modern design aesthetic. Mixed-use constructions that incorporate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into integrated complexes are another example of modern architecture in Odisha. These initiatives take into account the changing lifestyle preferences of city people. Designing public areas like parks, plazas, and waterfronts with contemporary design elements is becoming more and more important in order to improve the urban environment and offer leisure spaces for locals. The Smart Cities Mission, which aims to create cities that are technologically advanced, sustainable, and offer a higher quality of life, has included Odisha, along with many other Indian states. Innovative architecture and urban planning strategies are frequently used in smart city initiatives.
Despite the growing impact of urbanization in the state, many architects are creating masterpieces considering the cultural tradition of the state. The government is taking initiatives like Awas Yojana to maintain the legacy of the state. Even with this rapid growth and urbanization, there are hidden places in the state which shout out to the rich cultural heritage of the state, believing it to be “India’s Best Kept Secret”!
References:
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Gangopadhyay, U. (n.d.). Outlook Traveller. Retrieved from Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/69051/temple-architecture-of-odisha
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