REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY MURAL PAINTINGS OF ODISHA: A SPECIAL FOCUS ON PAINTINGS OF BIRANCHINARAYAN TEMPLE OF GANJAM

The Painting culture of Odisha has in relation to her social and religious life. Since prehistoric times, witnessed the advancement this visual art. As literature, painting medieval obtained great success. Contemporary temples Mathas present wall paintings on topic epics secular ideologies. However, while studying history women Odisha, time is key source make an authentic framework subject. Historical data from that do not provide sufficient information about contributions, roles, status society. mural eighteenth century, mainly Ganjam region reflect social, religious, cultural life women. Biranchinarayan temple one finest mediaeval area. stories Ramayana Mahabharata are vivid depictions walls sun. portraying female figures these murals also sheds light their positions Rama–Sita wedding ceremony best part all murals. Odia traditions, dress styles ceremonies reflected Ramayana’s paintings. monogamy mostly highlighted.