Orissa: Social Cultural and Religious Aspects

The treatise analyses the evolution of the social life of ancient Orissa by fresh interpretation of known facts in the light of modern research on all-India basis. It deals with the transformation of the tribal society into the Brahmanical society in Orissa in ancient times and the responsibility of feudal economy in such transformation. As it is an interdisciplinary study there is in it a drastic review of the traditional understanding of the subject. Moreover, there is in it a judicious use of epigraphic, sculptural and literary evidences on various aspects of ancient Orissan society. The work throws light on caste system, position of women, education and literature, food and drink, game and pastime as well as ornament, costume and coiffure in ancient Orissan society. It is a useful contribution to the study of social history of ancient Orissa and will long remain a standard monograph on the subject.