Arts of Odisha

Due to the reign of many different rulers in the past, arts and crafts in Odisha underwent many changes giving an artistic diversity today in the forms of traditional handicrafts, painting and carving, dance and music, clothing, etc.

In the ancient times, there were saint-poets who wrote the lyrics of poems and songs that were sung to rouse the religious feelings of people.

It was by the 11th century that the music of Odisha, in the form of Triswari, Chatuhswari, and Panchaswari, underwent transformation and was converted into the classical style.

Major handicrafts in Odisha include applique work, brass and bell metal, silver filigree and stone carving.

Other forms include Lacquer, Papier Mache, and tribal combs, handlooms and wood and traditional stone carving.

[2] On the boulder of Ravanachhaya at Sitabhinji Group of Rock Shelters in Keonjhar district is a mural belonging to later Gupta period and shows resemblance to those of the Ajanta style.

The Jagannatha Temple in Puri, is also known for its applique artwork of Pipili, silver filigree ornamental works from Cuttack, the Pattachitras (palm leaf paintings), famous stone utensils of Nilgiri (Balasore) and various tribal influenced cultures.