TRACING THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF ODISSI MUSIC

Odissi music, a musical tradition from the Eastern Indian state of Odisha, has a rich and nuanced history that intertwines spiritual devotion, temple traditions, and poetic literature. Though lesser-known compared to other Indian classical forms, Odissi music has its own grammar, ragas, talas, and lyrical compositions rooted in ancient Sanskrit and Odia literature. This article offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of Odissi music, presenting unique insights derived from comparative analysis of classical texts, archival videos, lectures, and journal articles. The objective is to fill the gaps often left in mainstream musicological discourse and provide a scholarly yet accessible narrative of its historic development and cultural significance. Odissi music, one of the pillars of Odisha's cultural heritage, is often overshadowed in the larger landscape of Indian classical music. Its roots run deep into temple traditions, ritualistic chants, and poetic devotion.