Odissi

The author in this treatise “Odissi: The Third Classical Form of Indian Music” firmly established the distinctiveness of Odissi music, that distinguishes it from the musical semantics of Hindustan and Carnatic Music. The work delves into the ontological explanation of Odissi and achieves in arriving at the exclusive characteristic of the musical system – the language, dhavani, rituals, social norms, customs and its originality in music. The oral tradition of Odissi music naturally proves its singularity in the context of Independent classical identity.

Many other features of this important study include the style pertaining to several scholar of Odissi music. The history of Odissi music, the distinct musical structure and the context of Odissi music highlighting the living traditions and its musical relevance in Odisha and the fruitful dissemination OF Odissi music as a third classical from, transcending the regional barriers by reassuring its national identity. It has its own uniqueness in it.

The tradition of music in Odisha is very ancient. It has a hoary history and heritage. Its singing style is different from others. Udra style or today called Odissi style had its origin in the very ancient age. The literature, history, the sculptural works in the temples and the writing of Kharavela in the Udayagiri and the Elephant Cave bear testimony to it. Judged from the archaeological point of view the origin of the Odissi dance, music and drama could be traced back to B. C. or in other words, it is two thousand and five hundred years old. The histories, the vicissitudes, the texts, the heritage, the theories in practice, the artists of Odissi music are discussed.

Prominently the lyrics of Jayadeva laid a strong foundation in the creation of classic tradition in Odisha. In course of time, the Odissi music – prabandha and ragas are included in the music of ‘Jagannath Temple’, Jayadeva Gita Govinda.

Owing to the reiterated invasion, the precious scriptures were lost. The Odissi music, its preciality is as clear as broad daylight. It has no harshness and length. It is moving at medium pace; its ragas and talas are elaborate. Odissi music is described as a stage based or performance-oriented music. The Maharis were its first servant and patrons.

Plenty of statures are available in Odisha. Dancing in different poses figures standing in tribhanga pose and statues of dancing damsels, couple of erotic poses all their wonderful conglomeration speak of Odissi dance, music, acting and historical evolution. They create universality, classicism and above all create a strong archaeological background for scholars to carry on research along a proper line and method.

This book is a humble attempt to throw light on the singularity, specialty and the peculiarities of Odissi music keeping in view its future and the development and betterment of its tradition. It will go a long way in helping the Odissi singers, teachers, researchers and students in recognizing their national and global identity. As measures to these problems discussions, research, debates etc. have been done at different levels since five to seven decades. Nothing tangible or worth adopting steps have taken so far. So there is nothing wrong, illogical or out of space in giving recognition to Odissi as classical form of music.

The work mainly adheres to the methods. Historical and systematic musicology supported by Philosophical, Scio-cultural and Anthropological the music of Odisha.