Viraja : The Capital of Ancient Orissa (2 Vols-Set)

Contents: Opinions. Foreword. Preface. Introduction. Abbreviations. I. Political history: 1. Origin and evolution of Viraja: i. Origin. ii. Historical evolution. 2. Rise and ascendancy: i. Early history. ii. Bhauma epoch. iii. Soma-Ganga epoch. 3. Decline and fall: Later imperial Ganga and Gajapati Epoch. II. Religious and cultural history: 4. Saktism: i. The cult of Mahisamardini (Viraja). ii. The cult of Sapatamatrika. 5. Saivism. 6. Vaisnavism: i. The cult of Varaha. ii. The cult of Jagannatha. iii. Sri Chaitanya. 7. Buddhism. 8. Jainism and minor religious cults. 9. Society: i. Caste system. ii. Position of women. iii. Food and drink. iv. Costume, ornament and coiffure. v. Games and pastime. vi. Education and literature. 10. Economic condition: i. Agrarian economy. ii. Crafts and industries. iii. Trade and commerce.

Vol. II. 11. Art and architecture: i. (a) Sakta Art. (b) The temple of Viraja. ii. Saiva art. iii. Vaisnava art. iv. Buddhist art and architecture. v. New Buddhist and Jaina sites. vi. Jaina art. III. Appendices: i. Guhadevapataka alias Guhesvarapataka. ii. Pitrutirtha Nabhigaya. iii. Krosalingam on the Vaitarani. iv. Kalki Avatara and Jajpur. v. Elites of ancient Viraja. vi. Inscriptions of Jajpur. IV. Miscellaneous. Glossary. Select bibliography. General index.

"Of all the mythological as well as historical cities of India the name of Viraja the capital of ancient Orissa, is possibly the one that conjures up the most potent image. The monograph Viraja the capital of ancient Orissa traces the history, political, religious as well as cultural from the earliest days until its zenith in the late sixteenth century. This is the first comprehensive and critical account of Viraja alias Jajpur that had played a conspicuous role in the politico-cultural and religious history of Orissa in particular and Eastern India in general.

It is pertinent to mention here that Jajnagar Odisha could hold the banner of Orissa\'s independence high when all the Hindu states of India had already succumbed to the Muslim arms (by the end of twelfth century A.D.).

The book presents critical judgement objectively, extensive field work, mastery over source materials and adherence to historical accuracy. With its globally renowned poetry, art, architecture, religious efflorescence, sculpture and still indeed, a center of such creative art as the making of fine jewellery. Jajpur has been a Mecca for the travellers who wish to undergo a rich creative experience.

Not only Saktism Saivism and Vaisnavism but also Buddhism and Jainism flourished in this sacred soil, reflection of which is visualised in the art and archaeological objects.

In view of all above points, the book will certainly prove to be an indispensable source of reference to the scholars and students interested in Orissan and Indian history." (jacket)