300-yr-old murals discovered in Baleshwar

Baleshwar: Ancient murals believed to be nearly 300 years old have been discovered on the ceiling of the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple at Kaudipur village under Odangi gram panchayat in Baleshwar Sadar block. The murals were noticed during a recent visit to the temple by local artists Arun Barik, Keshu Das and Ankit Das.

According to Keshu Das, the architectural style of the temple and the technique used in the murals suggest that the structure may date to between 1650 and 1750 CE, though detailed research is needed to establish its exact age. Baleshwar has a rich archaeological and artistic heritage dating back to the Copper-Stone Age, with remains found at Durgadevi, ancient stone sculptures at Ayodhya and old Odia inscriptions at Khaira. The district also has a long tradition of folk art, theatre, literature and temple painting. Das said murals depicting mythological themes were traditionally painted on temple walls and ceilings to embellish structures and popularise religious narratives.

However, many such paintings have been lost after being covered with layers of lime. The murals at Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple depict Krishna Leela, the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Dashavatara, Nava Durga, Ganesha with Yama Danda, Ananta Shayana and Manika Gauduni across four tiers. They also feature animals, birds, reptiles, insects and floral and botanical motifs. Das said the paintings combine elements of the traditional Utkala painting style and the Bengali school.

Predominantly mineral and natural pigments have been used, including indigo, ochre, ela, harital, conch white and lamp black. “These murals are not merely a treasure of Baleshwar; they are an invaluable asset to the art heritage of India,” Das said, urging scientific conservation and national heritage protection. Barik said the paintings had been familiar to local artists since childhood and had inspired them to pursue art. Ankit Das, who works in art restoration, urged the state and local administrations to undertake conservation work, noting that the Central government provides financial assistance for preserving such heritage works.