Kalinga

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Kalinga	"Kalinga" refers both to an ancient region located in eastern India and a specific architectural style that developed in this area. Kalinga was a historical region primarily covering the modern states of Odisha, northern Andhra Pradesh, and southern West Bengal in India. It is well-known for its military and cultural history, especially the Kalinga War led by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, which marked a turning point in his conversion to Buddhism. Architecturally, the Kalinga style is a unique form of Hindu temple architecture, recognized for its distinct features such as pyramidal towers (rekha deul), assembly halls (jagamohana), and intricate carvings. The temples in Bhubaneshwar, including the Rajarani Temple, are prime examples of this style.

Term

Definition

"Kalinga" refers both to an ancient region located in eastern India and a specific architectural style that developed in this area.

Kalinga was a historical region primarily covering the modern states of Odisha, northern Andhra Pradesh, and southern West Bengal in India. It is well-known for its military and cultural history, especially the Kalinga War led by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, which marked a turning point in his conversion to Buddhism. Architecturally, the Kalinga style is a unique form of Hindu temple architecture, recognized for its distinct features such as pyramidal towers (rekha deul), assembly halls (jagamohana), and intricate carvings. The temples in Bhubaneshwar, including the Rajarani Temple, are prime examples of this style.