Exploring Odisha's Past Historical Issues and Dimensions

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The book contains a number of research articles on various themes relating to the history of Odisha. The articles are based on the authentic source materials. In certain cases, the theoretical aspects are taken into consideration. The problems of evolution of early Odishan state and its nature are discussed in depth along with the models. The major factors like economy and society for the urbanisation process are critically examined. While reconstructing the history of an area, stress has been given on epigraphy. The impact of geography on history has been elaborated in some articles.

The contributions of some noted historians to the Odishan historiography are thoroughly analysed. Focus is also given on the art history by studying the iconography of certain images. The book on the whole provides a recent perspective on historical research.

Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty (b.1959) passed M.A. from the Utkal University securing first position in first class and was awarded University Gold Medal. He did his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the Utkal University. He had taught history in different Government Colleges of Odisha namely N.C. College, Jajpur, Government College (Evening Shift), Phulbani, M.P.C. Autonomous College, Baripada and S.C.S. Autonomous College, Puri. After his retirement in 2019, he is deeply engaged in research on art and iconography. He is the author of the book, State Formation in Ancient Orissa (Kolkata, 2002). He was the President of Odisha History Congress, 2019-20.

In order to explore Odisha's past, it is necessary to collect facts hidden in literature, inscriptions and excavations. Taking the facts into account, the historians provide their own interpretations. E.H. Carr has rightly said, "The facts are available to the historian in documents, inscriptions and so on, like fish on the fishmonger's slab. The historian collects them, takes them home, and cooks and serves them in whatever style appeals to him." When the historians look into the facts from their own angles, various interpretations come to the forefront. With the discovery of new source materials and emergence of new interpretations, sometimes the earlier views have become obsolete.

The articles compiled here, have been published mainly between 1999 and 2021. Among the articles, some of the papers have come out of the presentations made in the conferences and published in the Proceedings. Some papers have been published in the Journals and different Volumes. With gratitude I acknowledge the publications where my articles were published first.

**Contents and Sample Pages**