# The Odisha School: The Kalinga Style of Eastern India The **Odisha School** of [[Nagara architecture]], more commonly known as the **[[Kalinga architecture]]**, is a distinct and highly sophisticated sub-style that flourished in the ancient kingdom of [[Kalinga]], corresponding to the modern state of [[Odisha]] and the northern parts of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. This architectural tradition has a long and continuous history, resulting in some of the most impressive and iconic temples in India. ### The Kalinga Identity While the Odisha School is a sub-style of the broader Nagara tradition, it has a unique identity that sets it apart. The architects and artisans of Kalinga developed their own set of architectural principles, which are codified in ancient texts like the **Shilpa Prakash** and the **Bhubanapradipa**. ### Key Features of the Odisha School The Odisha School is characterized by its three distinct types of temple structures, or *deulas*: 1. **Rekha Deula:** This is the main sanctum tower, with a curvilinear form that is characteristic of the Nagara style. 2. **Pidha Deula:** This is the assembly hall, or *jagamohana*, which has a pyramidal roof made up of receding horizontal platforms. 3. **Khakhara Deula:** This is a rectangular structure with a barrel-shaped roof, typically used for shrines dedicated to goddesses. For a more in-depth exploration of this rich architectural tradition, please refer to the following articles: * **[[kalinga_architecture_introduction|An Introduction to Kalinga Architecture]]** * **[[kalinga_temple_builders_and_their_roles|The Master Builders of Kalinga: A Hierarchy of Skill and Piety]]** * **[[kalinga_temple_materials_and_site_selection|Sacred Stones and Auspicious Ground: Materials and Site Selection]]** * **[[kalinga_temple_foundation_and_construction|Building from the Ground Up: The Foundation and Construction]]** * **[[kalinga_temple_anatomy_bada_gandi_cula|The Anatomy of a Kalinga Temple: Bāḍa, Ganḍi, and Cuḷa]]** ### Notable Examples * **The Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneswar):** A masterpiece of the Odisha School, this 11th-century temple is a massive complex with a towering 180-foot high [[shikhara]]. * **The Jagannath Temple (Puri):** One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, this 12th-century temple is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture. * **The Sun Temple (Konark):** A [[UNESCO]] World Heritage Site, this 13th-century temple is designed in the form of a colossal chariot for the sun god [[Surya]]. The Odisha School, or Kalinga architecture, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the remarkable artistic and engineering skills of the artisans of ancient and medieval Odisha.