Chapter 1: Introduction and History

The ancient Kalinga region, now located in the Indian states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, was a center of culture and learning for centuries. The region was known for its distinctive style of architecture, which emerged over time as a result of a range of factors, including religion, philosophy, politics, and economics. This chapter is an overview of Kalinga architecture, including its key features, terminology, historical context, geography, and its influence on the development of architecture.

The Kalinga region was known for its geographical and cultural diversity. It was located on the eastern coast of India and encompassed a range of terrain, from the lush forests of the Mahanadi River delta to the rocky hills of the Eastern Ghats. The region was also home to a diverse population of people, including the Kalingas, the Sabaras, and the Gonds, each of whom had their own unique cultural traditions and beliefs. The region was also influenced by a number of external factors, including trade and commerce with other parts of India and with countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Phillipines, and China. This exchange of ideas, materials, and techniques helped to shape the architecture of Kalinga, making it a rich and diverse tradition.

Kalinga architecture is characterized by its use of laterite and sandstone, which was readily available in the region. The use of stone allowed for the construction of durable, long-lasting structures, which were able to withstand the rigors of the climate and the passage of time Kalinga architecture also features a distinctive style of temple architecture, which is characterized by its elaborate towers or shikharas, which rise up from the center of the temple. These shikharas are often adorned with carvings and sculptures, and are a defining feature of Kalinga temple architecture. During the rule of the Kalinga dynasty in the 7th century AD, temple architecture began to take center stage in Odisha. The Kalinga style of architecture was characterized by elaborate carvings, intricate designs, and a focus on symmetry and proportion. The earliest examples of this style can be seen in the Parasurameswara Temple and the Mukteswara Temple in Bhubaneswar.

Kalinga Architecture has its roots in the ancient Indian civilization. Closely associated with the development of Hinduism, it had also come under the influence of Buddhism and Jainism, which had a profound impact on the region. Buddhist monasteries, rock cut caves and stupas were built throughout the region, and their influence can still be seen in the architecture of many of the temples and other structures. Examples of these can be seen in sites such as Udayagiri and Khandagiri, which date back to the 2nd century BC. The region was later on ruled by a number of powerful dynasties over the centuries, including the Mauryas, the Satavahanas, and the Gajapatis. Each of these dynasties left its mark on the architecture of the region, with the Mauryas building grand public works such as roads and irrigation systems, the Satavahanas constructing elaborate cave temples, and the Gajapatis building magnificent palaces and temples. In the 16th century, the region came under the rule of the Mughals, who had a significant impact on the region's architecture. Mughal architecture, with its emphasis on grandiose buildings, domes, and arches, influenced the construction of several monuments in Odisha, including the Barabati Fort in Cuttack. The British colonial period in the 19th and 20th centuries also saw the construction of several important buildings in Odisha, such as the Odisha High Court and the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. These buildings were designed in a blend of colonial and traditional Odia architectural styles, and are notable for their grandeur and sophistication.