Bhubaneswar Stone Art

Bhubaneswar, the modern capital of Orissa, is a subdivision of Khurda district. It is a centre of trade, commerce and religion. Of the 7000 temples that once existed in Bhubaneswar, only 500 remain, spread around the Bindusagar Tank. These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of the Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to two thousand years from 3rd century BC to 16th century AD. These temples are testimony of an ancient carving tradition.

 

The craft of stone carving draws inspiration from the impressive Lingaraj Temple, Jagannath Temple and the Jain monasteries at Khandigiri and Udayagiri. The pervasive Lord Jagannath legend and proximity to the temple town of Puri with its festivals has directly influenced the crafts of this cluster. Many of these are ancestral occupations of the craftsmen and crafts like stone carving, patachitra, palm leaf engravings and papier-mâché are prominent in religious practices and rituals.

 

The rock cut caves of Khandagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, and the Konark Sun Temple stand testimony to the rich stone carving tradition of Orissa. The Shilpkar community are the traditional specialists of this craft. With intervention from government agencies people from other communities have also taken up the craft, which is prevalent in almost all districts of Orissa. Stone idols of Hindu deities, the Buddha, and mythological characters are carved and stone carved animal figures outside temples are a common sight. Decorative sculptures depicting men and women, animals and birds
are also made. Carved stone objects are commissioned by temples in and around Orissa.