CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Subject: Boat Ashtray. A decorative ashtray which is shaped and painted to look like a boat. Seashell craft has been a prominent art form in Puri and Konark since seashells are easily available next to the coast line. There are many varieties of shells with a range of patterns, textures and shapes. The shells are used for making decorative and utilitarian items. The pieces also illustrate various themes from the life of Lord Jagannatha. This object has been loaned by State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Simha-mukha (Lion head). A stone sculpture showing the Jagannatha trinity. Odisha’s most recognized craft is stone carving. Odisha’s maharanas (stone carvers) sculpt in stones with simple tools by first outlining the figure on a stone block. The outline is incised to mark the shape of the motif and then the figure is carved. Iconic stone carved sculptures and idols of Hindu deities are made for Odisha’s temples. This is an in-house artefact of the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Durga Madhab Plaque. Lord Jagannatha, the presiding deity of the Jagannatha temple is known as Madhaba. People of Odisha worship Durga and Madhab together for peace and prosperity and praise. This object has been procured by State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Jagannatha, Balabhadra & Subhadra. Tarakasi is a type of silver filigree work from Cuttack. Temples across Odisha possess silver filigree works offered by devotees as votives and gifts on festive occasions. Decorative items such as the iconic Jagannath triad are preferred mementoes and souvenirs for tourists.

Subject: Facade, Bracket: Multi-headed, multi-armed figure; near Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace); Patronage: Mahendra Malla (1560-74)

Subject: Facade, Tympanum; near Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace); Patronage: Mahendra Malla (1560-74)

Subject: Left wing, upper storey, interior, south wall, two Jinas

Subject: Upper storey, Ambika seated panel

Subject: Pillar to left of shrine, Parsvanatha tempted, inscription below

Subject: Pillar to left of shrine, Parsvanatha tempted

Subject: Amar Handi. Abhada is sacred food cooked for Lord Jagannatha at Shri Jagannatha Temple, Puri. The food is served in such earthen pots that are used only once. Pots that are subjected to a longer heat period during making have a black tinge. The size of the pot varies according to its capacity to feed a specific number of average devotees on the basis of average consumption. This object was procured from Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator.

Subject: Sirikapada (Red border). During the Shradha Besha (Death Ceremony), the heads of the deities are covered with Sirikapada (a special form of cloth). This object was procured from Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator.

Subject: Patani. Patani is a kind of fabric produced for Lord Jagannatha. It is made of tussar yarn and is worn by the Lord Jagannatha during the car festival or Ratha yatra. This object was procured from Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator.

Subject: Jagannatha Mask. This is a papier-mâché mask of Jagannatha who is considered to be a form of Vishnu. He is a part of a triad along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Papier-mâché is a French word for chewed paper. This craft was probably introduced during the Mughal reign. The surface of papier-mâché produces an ideal ground for painting, which is probably the reason the craft became popular in Odisha with its traditional pattachitra painters. This art in Odisha uses a fusion of paper, cloth rags and straw. It is pulped by hand after softening with water. Additives like multani mitti are added to the pulp as an adhesive and for providing a textured finish. This object has been procured by State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) Show House.

Subject: Kamandal/Jhari. Kamandal is an oblong water pot usually with a handle and sometimes with a spout. In Hindu iconography, it is associated with deities who appear as ascetics or with water deities. Hindu ascetics often use it for storing water. The imagery and symbolism of the pot has also been borrowed by Buddhism and Jainism where it represents Amrita (the elixir of life). Side view of the kamandal. This object was procured from Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator.

Subject: A view

Subject: Parsvanatha tempted, detail on left

Subject: Chariot of Balabhadra (Taladhwaja). The three chariots of Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannatha are newly constructed every year for the ratha yatra. These chariots are like miniature shrines in wood. The chariot of Lord Balabhadra is called the Taladhwaja and is covered with red and blue cloth. The chariot has four black horses. This object has been procured by Utkalika, Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Ltd.

Subject: Satabarara Pata Saree (Shanivaar). Satabarara Pata Saree or Baralagi Pata is a silk fabric used by the Jagannatha deities on different days of the week. The colors used in Baralagi Pata are of different colors for different days of the week. The colors symbolize the particular days of the week. These are: Somvaar (Monday) - Black with white spot; Mangalvaar (Tuesday) - Red, Yellow and Blue stripes; Budhvaar (Wednesday) - Green; Guruvaar (Thursday) - Orange, Yellow; Shukravaar (Friday) - White; Shanivaar (Saturday) - Black/Deep Blue and Ravivaar (Sunday) - Red. This object was procured from Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator.

Subject: Prasada Pot/ Abhada Handi. Abhada is sacred food cooked for Lord Jagannatha at Shri Jagannatha Temple, Puri. The food is served in such earthen pots that are used only once. Pots that are subjected to a longer heat period during making have a black tinge. The size of the pot varies according to its capacity to feed a specific number of average devotees on the basis of average consumption.

Subject: Dipa. Abhada is sacred food cooked for Lord Jagannatha at Shri Jagannatha Temple, Puri. The food is served in such earthen pots that are used only once. Pots that are subjected to a longer heat period during making have a black tinge. The size of the pot varies according to its capacity to feed a specific number of average devotees on the basis of average consumption. This object was procured from Sri Jagannath Temple Administrator.

Subject: Jagannatha, Subhadra, Balabhadra and Rishi, Muni, Vanara sena. Rishi or sages, such as sanyasi, bhiksu, parivrajaka, tapasvi, muni, brahmachari, yati, etc. flank the Jagannatha triad.

Subject: Nagarjuna Besha of Lord Jagannatha. Solapith craft uses the pith or soft inner core of the Indian cork tree for making decorative items. The pith is cut in different sizes and shapes for the design and assembled by glue. The pith is incised or removed to create ornamental designs and patterns. Lord Jagannatha and Balabhadra are dressed up like Nagarjuna (military general) on the extra day of ‘Panchuka’ (which has six days instead of five). Back view of the object. This object has been procured by State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC).