New Horizons of Buddhism in Odisha

About the Book

Research in history is a careful knowledge in human heritage in general. It requires a very high degree of objectivity, commitment and responsibility, on the part of the scholar. At the time of Gautam Buddha, in the post-Mahabharat era major political and economic changes were occurring in north and central India and the old system of social and economic classes had started disintegrating. The Brahman priestly class had lost much of its old prestige. The religion of the Vedas with its worship of nature and natural phenomena did not have as much appeal left as in earlier times. A influential traders class was coming up in many places, particularly in urban areas. Buddha is a Sanskrit word meaning the ‘wise’ and the ‘enlightened’. What the word ‘‘Buddha’’ stood for in those days was more profound and extensive than these two words. In essence, buddha even today means a person who embodies buddhi i.e. wisdom. The function of knowledge, wisdom and their application means enlighten-ment. the Buddhist dharma or principle stands for infinite wisdom and enlightenment, participation of all beings and laws in life and the Universe.

About The Author

Dr. Ajit Kumar Tripathy topper of the 1973 batch in IAS was allotted Odisha cadre and retired as Chief Secretary, Odisha in 2009. For five years thereafter he was the State Election Commissioner, Odisha. He has to his credit a number of publications in Odia and English on historical analysis and cultural history. He and Prafulla Chandra Tripathy have jointly authored “Gitagovinda of Shri Jayadeva” published by Publication Division, Government of India, the translation of Meghadutam of Kalidasa in English verse has been published. He writes short stories in Odia and so far five compilations have been published.
He was awarded Ph.D. from Ulkal University in Political Science and D. Litt. from North Odisha University for his reseach work on Jayadeva and Gitagovinda.
Dr. Prafulla Chandra Tripathy retired as a Senior Class-I Officer of Government of Odisha, is known as a history scholar in the State and outside. He is a poet, a prolific writer and columnist on contemporary affairs and a socio-cultural activist. He has repre-sented the State in a number of national and inter-national Seminars, on Jayadeva, Kalidasa and Gautam Buddha. He awarded D. Litt. from North Odisha University for his research work on Jayadeva and Gita govinda.
Dr. Chandra Bhanu Patel, who retired as Superintendent of Odisha State Museum is an eminent scholar in history and archaeology. He has to his credit a number of books and publications. He has represented the State and the country in many national and international seminars. He has conducted a number of excavations in the State. He was awarded Ph.D. for his research in odisha History by Utkal University.