Article Abstract 2

The temple architecture of Odisha, historically known as Orissa, represents one of the most distinguished achievements of medieval Indian civilization. During the 11th century, under the patronage of the Somavamsi rulers and the emerging Eastern Ganga dynasty, temple construction reached an advanced stage of artistic, architectural, and cultural development. These temples were not merely religious structures but functioned as centers of learning, artistic production, social interaction, and cultural transmission. The present study examines the architectural characteristics of 11th-century Orissan temples and explores their significance within contemporary educational discourse. Adopting a qualitative historical research methodology based on secondary sources, the study analyzes architectural forms, symbolic elements, sculptural traditions, and socio-cultural functions associated with major temple complexes. The findings reveal that Orissan temple architecture embodies interdisciplinary knowledge integrating art, mathematics, engineering, religion, philosophy, history, and environmental understanding. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of temple architecture as an educational resource for heritage education, experiential learning, value-based education, and cultural literacy. The article argues that incorporating architectural heritage into educational curricula can strengthen learners’ appreciation of cultural diversity, historical consciousness, and national identity while promoting heritage preservation. The study contributes to the growing discourse on heritagebased education and demonstrates how historical monuments can serve as dynamic pedagogical resources in contemporary educational settings.
Keywords: Orissan Temple Architecture, Odisha, Heritage Education, Medieval India, Kalinga Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Educational Implications, Temple Studies