History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v3.c35.s1.1

v3.c35.s1.1

We will conclude this chapter with a brief reference to Orissa which practically formed part of Trikalinga in this sub-period. Odra along with Paundra was Dravida or non-Āryan in ancient times and the home still of Śabaras, as also of Khonds, and of Bhuryas and Imayas, of Utkalas and Mekalas ( Cuttuck Gazetteer p. 17 ). It was, however, early settled by Aryans but these Brahmins and Kshatriyas in Buddhist times became degraded and new Brahmins and Kshatriyas came in the days of the Kesari kings and established Śiva worship in place of Buddhist worship introduced by Aśoka.