Role of Sanskrit & Oḍiā Literature for Shaping Odishan Knowledge System

Abstract

The Odishan Knowledge System, a vibrant tapestry of indigenous wisdom encompassing philosophy, astronomy, ethics, and cultural practices, owes much to the intertwined legacies of Sanskrit and Oḍiā literatures. This paper delves into how these literary traditions, from Vedic roots to medieval bhakti expressions and colonial adaptations, have preserved and evolved knowledge in Odisha historically Kalinga, Utkala, and Odra. Sanskrit works like Viṣṇu Śarma's Pañcatantra and Satānanda's Bhāsvatī on astronomy provided structured frameworks for moral and scientific inquiry, while Oḍiā literature, emerging in the 12th century under Ganga patronage, localized these through epics like Sarala Dāsa's Mahābhārata and lyrical koyilī forms. Key figures such as Jayadeva, with his Gītagovinda, and Upendra Bhañja infused regional motifs temple rituals, nature poetry into pan-Indian themes, fostering a holistic worldview. Epigraphic records, palm-leaf manuscripts, and royal translations during the Gajapati era (1435–1568 CE) highlight this synergy, even as colonialism shifted patronage toward reformist themes. By analyzing historical phases, lexicographical bridges like Trikāṇḍaśeṣa, and performative traditions in dramas, the study reveals literature's role in sustaining Odishan's pluralistic epistemology. Amid threats to dialects, these traditions underscore resilience, urging contemporary integration for cultural vitality.