Cultural Contact of Odisha with Southeast Asian Countries and Beyond: Evidence from Excavation at Barabati, Eastern India

By : Dibishada B. Garnayak, Umakant Bhoi, Saumya Singh, Anjana K., Aditya Rathore, Chesly Sara Prasad, Jitendra Kumar Nag

Page No: 1-30

Abstract
The Barabati Fort, once a place of royal establishment and a major trade centre of Odisha had played a vital role from the beginning from 7th to early 20th century CE. The fort has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties like Bhaumakaras, Somavamsis, Gangas, Suryavamsis, Gajapatis, Bhois, Afghans, Mughals, Marathas and the British till early 20th century CE. The material remains unearthed in the excavation highlights the maritime and military glory of Odishan history. The ceramics of Southeast Asian origin and Arab world suggests maritime trade network between China and Southeast Asian countries and beyond. The tradition of Boita Bandana, Bali Jatra observed close to the site probably started from this area in particular and from the coastal eastern India in general. The research paper deals with the excavated material for establishing tangible evidence about cultural contact of Odisha with Southeast Asian countries and beyond.

Authors
Dibishada B. Garnayak : Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Puri Circle, Odisha.
Umakant Bhoi : Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Puri Circle, Odisha.
Saumya Singh,  Anjana K.,  Aditya Rathore, Chesly Sara Prasad and Jitendra Kumar Nag : Research Scholar, Barabati Excavation, Archaeological Survey of India, Puri Circle, Odiisha.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2025.50.1