BJD member Dr Amar Patnaik on Monday raised the demand for classical status to the Odishi music in the Rajya Sabha.
He pointed out that Odisha Heritage Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has passed a resolution on September 2 requesting the Centre for classical status to the Odishi music, which would be a significant move towards promoting the rich cultural traditions of Odisha.
“The State Government’s request assumes enormous significance to deepen and expand the cultural heritage, which constitutes our soft power of persuasion and attraction on a global platform,” the MP stated.
Justifying the demand, he said the movement for a separate State of Odisha was based on the nuances of Odia culture, including its language and music. The movement has continued and taken different forms over the years. At present, the movement is manifesting itself through a request of according classical status to its music which, according to various scholars, artists and connoisseurs of the Odishi music, is long overdue.
Odishi dance and music were inspired and enriched by Jagannath culture. Dating back to second century BCE, the Odishi music has a rich legacy right from the time when King Kharavela, the ruler of Odisha (Kalinga) patronised Odishi music and dance, Patnaik said. He further said there are several texts on the Odishi music which are an authoritative body of knowledge regarding this genre of music.
It can be categorised as an independent genre of Indian classical music. With its distinctive aspects such as its own tradition, codified grammars, specific texts, ragas, talas, gita and classical style of recital, the Odishi music can be distinguished from Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. Besides, the Odishi music also has a unique style of rendition. So, it has all the characteristic features for being recognised as a classical form in its own right.
“The Government of India recognised Odishi as a classical dance form in 1964 and Odia as a classical language in 2014. Integral to both, the Odishi music should also be treated the same way.
I put forth the Odisha Government’s request and urge the Ministry to accord classical status to Odishi music,” he said in his appeal.