Orissa, the most picturesque state in eastern India,
is well-known round the globe for its three Ts, i.e., Tribes, Temples
and Tigers. It is the land of 62 tribes, including some of the most
primitive ones, and is the third tribal concentration in India.
Mostly
of Proto Australoid stock, many of the Orissa tribes are high land
tribes with rich ethnological character and customs, varying language
and dialects. The territory conscious different tribes have long been
able to reject the mainland influence and have preserved their social
customs, living style and theological values.
The most primitive among them are Bondas, Gadabas, Koyas, Kondhas and
the Sauras. Not much has changed in the lifestyle of the tribes since
the day Elwin, the British anthropologist, visited the highlanders in
1943. The unique rituals, shamanism, sacrifices, housing pattern, wall
paintings, handicrafts, etc., are still intact to be discovered by
curious tourists like you.
The state presents a kaleidoscope of ancient splendor and contemporary
expression with its old monuments built by Buddhist, Jain, Hindu and
Muslim rulers. It has a glorious history spanning a period of more than
2000 years. It is a treasure land for exquisite temples, superb
architecture, sculptors, inviting beaches, enchanting wildlife and
natural lush green landscape.
Orissan people share a strong sense of holiness, peace, and tranquility;
a sense of belonging with their beautiful mountains, lakes, paddy
fields; and their enduring links with the past and spirituality. People
of different faiths such as Hindus (Shaivites, Vaishnavites), Jains,
Buddhists, Muslims and Christians have lived in total harmony for
centuries.
Oriya, its main language, is one of the earliest languages of the
Indo-European languages. It is closely related to Sanskrit and Pali
language, language of Buddha. It has its own unique Oriya script.
The present Orissa population is 37 million, scattered in an area of
156,000 sq.km. On the east, 300 miles (482 km) of gentle coastline are
open to the Bay of Bengal, while the western borders are sealed by the
high hills and mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Orissa is home to three
mighty rivers and to the largest brackish water Lake Chilika in Asia.
