This was where the in-famous Kalinga battle was fought and this was where a lot of blood was shed. We are in the plains of Dhauli in the Khurda district of Orissa with the Daya river meandering close by.
Today, the entire Dhauli plains are a picture of greenery and is prime agricultural land. The Daya river is the source of water for such agricultural activities.
These plains are quite a stark contrast from ‘long long ago’ to ‘not so long ago’. The history books dub this place as the ‘goriest’ battlefield in Orissa, but today, this place looks the most green and peaceful place in and around Bhubaneshwar.
It is better this way than Kalinga time.
ReplyDeleteHa ha! I totally agree with you :-)
ReplyDeleteIts really beautiful! and so serene... this sort of helps make up for all the blood and gore spilled on the land, right? and what a contrast to Kurukshetra which is now a pilgrim centre and is filled with temples all over the place....this is far better any day..
ReplyDeleteIt sure does Anu! Such an environment only bestows peace to its people. Even Kalinga has a lot of temples, but since they are far between, one doesn't feel the pinch. As you know, it is difficult to find a place in India which is not crowded with temples. Nowadays, lots of people, turn towards religion and temples and use it as a money making mechanism. But, I sure do understand where you are coming from.
ReplyDeleteBit disturbing to recall that 1000s of men died here fighting for someone else's greed for power....
ReplyDeleteBit is an understatement Shri! This was one of the worst battles fought in our country ever. It is said that the water of the Daya river turned red. That is how much blood was shed!
ReplyDeleteGreed is the only reason battles were fought right? Be it greed for power, wealth, land, women, etc.