Antiquity of Color in Oḍiśā (Odisha)

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 12 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Bikash Kumar Pal, Rudranarayan Mohapatra

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I5P105

How to Cite?

Bikash Kumar Pal, Rudranarayan Mohapatra, "Antiquity of Color in Oḍiśā (Odisha)," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 12,  no. 5, pp. 41-52, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I5P105

Abstract:

In this vibrant world of ours, even though thousands of words are used in modern languages to describe colors, in 1969, Brent Berlin and Paul Kay from the University of Los Angeles identified 11 basic color terms that are widely used. However, there is little discussion about the colors used in ancient Oḍiśā. The tribal communities living in ancient Oḍiśā expressed their emotions by painting various images in different colors in their caves. These provide evidence of the earliest use of colors in Oḍiśā, which archaeologists have termed "rock art." In these rock paintings, colors such as black, white, blue, red, yellow, and orange can be observed. Approximately six of the basic color terms proposed by Brent Berlin and Paul Kay are found in Oḍiśā’s rock art. Apart from this, the use of various colors is also seen in Oḍiśā’s inscriptions, palm-leaf manuscripts, temple murals, chariot paintings, traditional Paṭṭācitra (cloth-based scroll paintings), and rock art. Therefore, the use of various colors can be observed in festivals such as Ratha Yātrā, Do Festival) in Oḍiśā.

Keywords:

Color, Rock Art /Rock Painting, Paṭṭācitra (traditional cloth-based scroll painting), Temple Wall Painting, Palm leaf Manuscript Painting, Festivals, Lord Jagannāth (the revered deity of Oḍiśā), Navarātri (a Hindu festival spanning nine nights).

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