LAND, LANGUAGE, AND LORD: THE EVOLUTION OF ODIA IDENTITY

Abstract

The paper examines the connection between Odisha's geography, Odia literature, and the Jagannath tradition in shaping Odia identity and self-identity. The identity of a community relies on its language, history, shared culture, and traditions. These elements foster a sense of unity and commitment, creating the foundation of a collective identity. Odia identity is a regional identity rooted in a single language and culture that has developed over many years. It manifests through literature, legends, and the Jagannath traditions. During colonial times, the culture, language, and society of the Odia people faced external challenges, leading to the marginalization of Odia interests within their land. This interaction with outside society cultivated a sense of unity or “Odiatwa Bhaba” among the Odia people. It paved the way for the language movement in the early twenties and eventually resulted in the unification of all Odia-speaking regions into a province in 1936. The paper emphasizes that each element, land, culture, language, and Lord Jagannath, contributes uniquely yet harmoniously to the development of a distinctive identity rooted in tradition but adaptable to change.