Society In Sculpture

Description

Society in Sculpture: Material Culture in the Monuments of Eastern Odisha (1st c. BCE to 10th c. CE) is an in-depth study that explores the relationship between art and society through the lens of material culture. Focusing on the region of Eastern Odisha, the book examines sculptural representations found on ancient monuments to reconstruct aspects of contemporary social life over a long historical span—from the early historic period to the early medieval age. The central objective of the work is to analyse how everyday life and social realities are reflected in stone carvings. By closely studying depictions of dress, ornaments, musical instruments, and weapons, the book attempts to decode visual narratives embedded in temple walls, pillars, and other architectural elements. These sculptural details serve as valuable historical evidence, offering insights into the lifestyles, social hierarchy, occupation patterns, and aesthetic sensibilities of the people of that time. The study of dress and ornaments highlights variations in attire across gender, class, and possibly occupational groups, revealing a sophisticated sense of identity and status. Similarly, the depiction of musical instruments provides important clues about the performance traditions, festive practices, and cultural expressions prevalent in ancient Odisha. The analysis of weapons, on the other hand, sheds light on aspects of warfare, political authority, and the martial ethos of the society.

About The Author

Dr. Sikhasree Ray is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Archaeology at Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha, India. She is a historian and archaeologist whose academic work focuses on historical archaeology, cultural landscapes, and ethnographic approaches to the study of past societies.

Dr. Ray completed her M.A., M.Phil., from Utkal University, Odisha and Ph.D. in History and Archaeology from Deccan College, Pune and has also undertaken post-doctoral research, demonstrating a strong commitment to advanced academic scholarship.

Her research interests include historical archaeology, settlement studies, heritage landscapes, and ethnographic approaches to understanding past societies. Through interdisciplinary methodologies combining archaeology, history, and field studies, she examines the cultural development and material remains of eastern India, particularly Odisha.

Dr. Ray has contributed to several scholarly publications in the fields of archaeology and history.

She has also conducted research on regional heritage and archaeological landscapes in Odisha. Her work on Raibania Fort in Balasore examines the hydraulic heritage and water management systems associated with the medieval fortification, contributing to the understanding of historical environmental adaptation and fort architecture in eastern India.

In addition to research articles, Dr. Ray has contributed to academic study materials and educational resources for students of history and archaeology. She has authored learning modules and study materials for university courses covering historical methodology, archaeological theory, and the reconstruction of early Indian history.

Through her teaching and research, Dr. Ray continues to contribute to the study of Odisha’s archaeological heritage, historical landscapes, and cultural traditions, while also mentoring students and promoting field-based research in history and archaeology.