- Temple Architecture and Iconography of Odisha
- Art and Cultural History of Odisha
- Socio-cultural Diversity of India
- Gender Studies and Women’s Empowerment
- Maritime History of Odisha and Kalinga
- Heritage Studies and Cultural Tourism
- North-East India Studies
- World History
Historiography
| Sambalpur University | 2000-2008 | Ph.D. Department: History Thesis Title: “Sakta Monuments of Orissa (FromEarly Times to the 13th Century AD)” Areas: Temple Art and Architecture of Odisha Advisor: Prof Sadasiba Pradhan |
| Sambalpur University | 1993 | M.Phil. Department: History Thesis Title:” Peoples’Movementin the Feudatory State of Bamanda” Areas: History of Modern Odisha Advisor:ProfSadasiba Pradhan |
| Sambalpur University | 1989 | Bachelor of Arts Department: History Hons: History |
| UGC | 1992 | UGC-NET Subject: HISTORY |
| Utkal University | May. 2016– Till date | Professor |
| Utkal University | May. 2013– April2016 | Associate Professor |
| Utkal University | April 2010 – May. 2016 | Reader |
| Sambalpur University | May,2008-Aug,2009 | Reader |
| Sambalpur University | Feb,2002-April,2008 | Senior Lecturer |
| Sambalpur University | July, 1997 | Lecturer |
| Utkal University | June, 1996- July 1997 | Lecturer |
- 26 years of teaching experience (UG & PG); 15 years of Ph.D. supervision.
- Extensive research on Art and Iconography of Odisha, Women’s History, Maritime History, Heritage and Cultural Tourism.
- Research collaboration with Asiatic Society for Social Science Research (ASSSR), New Delhi.
- Participated in Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) collaborative projects: Hastinapur Excavation (2021), Konark Project (2023), Ratnagiri Excavation (2025).
- Submitted Government Policy Paper on ‘Recognising Odisha’s Maritime Trade History’ — Special Mention in Rajya Sabha, 30 June 2021.
- Temple Architecture and Iconography
- Art and Cultural History of Odisha (Ancient to Medieval)
- Cultural Heritage of Odisha
- Socio-cultural Diversity of India
- History and Culture of Odisha
- Women in Indian History
- World History
- Gender Studies
- Historiography
- Research Methodology (Ph.D. Coursework)
Total: 62 publications (Books-7, Book Chapters-5, Peer Reviewed Journal Articles & Proceedings-48, Applied Scopus-2) + 2 books to be published.
PhD thesis
- Jayanti Dora, Sakta Monuments of Orissa (From Early Times to The 13th Century AD), Sambalpur University, 2008.
Books Authored / Edited:
- (Ed.) Revisiting History and Culture of Odisha, AAYU Publications, New Delhi, 2026. ISBN: 978-93-91685-78-2.
- (Ed.) Women in Society: Issues and Challenges, Kunal Publications, New Delhi, 2025. ISBN: 978-93-95651-09-7.
- (Ed.) Women Empowerment and Economic Development in India: Issues and Challenges, Kunal Publications, New Delhi, 2025. ISBN: 978-93-6389-211-8.
- (Ed.) Women and Development in India: Human Rights Perspective, Abhijeet Publications, New Delhi, 2024. ISBN: 978-93-92816-50-5.
- New Light on History and Culture of Odisha, Kunal Books, New Delhi, 2021, pp. 1–210. ISBN: 978-93-89224-28-3.
- Gender Audit Report, Utkal University 2016–2021, Utkal University, 2021.
- Sakta Monuments of Orissa: A Study on Art, Architecture and Iconography, Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Delhi, 2010. ISBN: 978-81-8090-239-0.
- Peoples Movement in Orissa: A Study of the Feudatory State of Bamanda during the British Rule, Mayur Publication, Bhubaneswar, 2009. ISBN: 978-81-89626.
Selected Recent Journal Articles:
- Review: From Mutiny to Revolt: Women and the Beginning of 1857 by W.R. Pinch, Social History Review (Scopus Indexed), 2026.
- Decolonising the Archive: Rereading Silences, Omissions and Erasures in Colonial Documentation of Odisha’s Paika Rebellion, International Journal of Cultural Studies (Scopus Indexed), 2026.
- Art and Architectural Features of Chausathi Yogini Temple at RanipurJharial, Odisha, in Sadasiba: History and Archaeology of India, Research India Press, New Delhi, 2025. ISBN: 9789348309464.
- The Maritime Trade and Ports of Medieval Odisha, Utkal Historical Research Journal, Vol. 36, pp. 193–209, 2024.
- Reflection of Socio-Political Condition of Kalahandi Region of Odisha through Inscription and Coins, UHRJ, Vol. XXXVI, 2022. ISSN: 0976-2132.
- Tribes and Traditions of North East India: A Birds Eye View, Local Government Quarterly, Mumbai, 2021, pp. 62–80. ISSN: 0024-5623.
- A Comparative Study of Naga Headhunting in North-East India and Meriah Cult in Odisha, UHRJ, Vol. XXXIII, 2020. ISSN: 0976-2132.
- Images on Odishan Temples: A Study on Art and Iconography of the Goddess Mahishamardini Durga, Journal of Odishan History, Vol. XXX, 2018. ISSN: 2277-5560, pp. 63–79.
- Art and Iconography of Ardhanarisvara Images in Odishan Temples, UHRJ, Vol. XXX, 2017. ISSN: 0976-2132.
- Historical Background of the Origin of Binjhal Tribe in Bargarh Region, Journal of Odishan History, Vol. XXIX, 2016. ISSN: 2277-5560.
- Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha with Special Reference to Art and Architecture of Temples of Boud, UHRJ, 2016. ISSN: 0976-2132.
- Buddhist Heritage of Western Odisha, Journal of Odishan History, Vol. XXVIII, 2015. ISSN: 2277-5560.
- Fairs and Festivals Associated with the Religious Life of the People of Western Odisha, Journal of Odishan History, Vol. XXV, 2012.
- Nrusinghanath: A Cultural Heritage Site of Bargarh District, Odisha, UHRJ, Vol. XXIII, 2011. ISSN: 0976-2132.
- Art and Iconography of Chausath Yogini Images at Hirapur, Journal of History and Historical Archaeology, No. 10, 2009.
| Sl. | Scholar | Thesis Title | Year / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prakash Debta | Art and Iconography of Saptamatrika Images of Orissa | 2015 (Awarded) |
| 2 | Mrs. Sujata Behera | Heritage Sites: Aspects of Cultural Tourism, A Study on Western Orissa | 2015 (Awarded) |
| 3 | Ms. Arpita Behera | The Saivite Monuments of Western Orissa (UU) | Awarded |
| 4 | Mrs. Puspita Rani Behera | Chouhan Monuments of Western Odisha: A Case Study of Temples of Sambalpur (UU) | Awarded |
| 5 | Mrs. Suravi Pradhan | Socio-Economic Life of Odisha Under Imperial Gangas (1038–1435 AD) (UU) | Awarded |
| 6 | Sri Laxman Kisan | Kisan Tribe of Western Odisha: An Ethno-Historical Study (UU, 2015) | (Awarded) |
| 7 | Sanghamitra Bhutia | The Economic Development of Angul & Talcher Region, 1947–1993 (UU) | 2015 (Awarded) |
| 8 | Puspalata Jena | Role of ST Members in Odisha Legislative Assembly (1937–77), UU | 2015 (Awarded) |
| 9 | Balkrushna Patel | Pilgrimage Centres of Western Odisha, Sambalpur University | 2020 (Awarded) |
| 10 | Jayasen Bhoi | Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha: A Case Study of Bargarh District, Sambalpur University | 2020 (Awarded) |
| 11 | Paramananda Behera | Socio-Cultural Life of Dombos in The Rayagada District of Odisha (1935–2000 AD) | 2020 |
| 12 | Souri Narayana Behera | Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha: A Case Study of Suvarnapur | 2021 (Awarded) |
| 13 | Swarnalata Mahari | Socio-Economic and Cultural Life of Medieval Odisha (1000–1500 AD) | 2021 |
| 14 | Kamalakant Behera | Maritime Contact of Kalinga with Southeast Asia (1st–13th Century AD) | 2022 |
| 15 | Alakananda Gahir | Archaeological Remains of Kalahandi District: Early Stone Age to 13th Century AD | 2022 |
| 16 | Pravakar Sethi | State, Society and Social Mobility in Medieval Odisha (9th–16th Century AD) | 2022 |
| 17 | Sarita Nayak | Early Buddhist Settlements of Odisha: Radhanagar–Kayama–Langudi (3rd–6th Century BCE) | 2023 (Awarded) |
| 18 | Mahitosh Gopal | Hero Stones in Odisha: A Comprehensive Study | 2024 |
| 19 | Amisa Dalai | Reproductive Health of Married Tribal Women: Bhottada Tribe of Nabarangpur District | 2024 |
| 20 | Mitrabhanu Sahu | A Study on History and Culture of Bmanda (14th–20th Century) | 2025 |
Ph.D. Examiner for: Assam University, Silchar; Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University; University of Madras (Tamil Nadu); Sambalpur University and others.
- UGC Major Research Project — ‘Prospect of Cultural Tourism in Western Orissa: A Study on Heritage Sites’, May 2009 – April 2011. Rs. 3,05,600/-. (Completed)
- UGC-DRS Project — ‘Fairs and Festivals Relating to the Religious Faiths and Beliefs of the Peoples of Western Orissa’, 2001–2002. (Completed)
- Minor Research Project (UGC Unassigned Grant) — ‘Survey and Documentation of Sakta Monuments of Western Orissa’, 2002–2004. (Completed)
- History and Culture of Odisha (Early Times to 1300 AD). (Ongoing)
- Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha. (Ongoing)
- Contributions of Women of Odisha towards History and Culture (To be applied under ICSSR). (Proposed)
- Hastinapur Excavation — ASI, Meerut Circle, UP. (Collaboration, 2021)
- Konark Project — ASI, Puri Circle, Odisha. (Collaboration, 2023)
- Ratnagiri Excavation — ASI, Puri Circle, Odisha. (Collaboration, 2025)
- Chief Speaker, online Nari SasaktikaranSaptah Lecture Series on ‘Chausathi Yogini Temple at Hirapur, Odisha’, Maharaja Sayaji Rao University, Baroda, 9 Oct 2021.
- Resource Person, NTA Workshop, New Delhi, 3–7 Sept 2023.
- Chairing Session and Convener, 2nd International Conference on Kalinga and South East Asia, KIIT, BBSR, 27–29 July 2023.
- Chairing Session, 16th Days Activism Programme of CWDS, 6 Dec 2023.
- Guest of Honour, Seminar on Prachi Valley of Odisha, Dept. of Culture, Govt. of Odisha, 28 Feb 2024.
- Guest Lecture — ‘Temple Architecture in Eastern India (Odisha)’, UGC DRS-I, Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda, 2 Feb 2019.
- Guest Lecture — ‘Sources of Ancient Indian History’, All India and Central Services Training Centre, MSU Baroda, 2 Feb 2019.
- Guest Speaker, National Seminar — ‘Literature as an Auxiliary Science of History’, N.S. Patel Arts College, Anand, Gujarat (Gujarat Sahitya Academy), 4 Feb 2019.
- Resource Person, National Seminar on ‘Narrating Local History, Community, Caste and Tribe in Odisha’, Dept. of History, UU, 25 Jan 2019.
- Resource Person, National Seminar on ‘Resisting Dominance: Situating Khurdha in Early Anti-Colonial Resistance of 1804’, Dept. of History, UU, 6 Apr 2019.
- Resource Person, One Day International Webinar on ‘Gandhian Perspective of Self-Reliance’, Dept. of History, Rural Institute of Higher Studies, Baleswar, 26 Sept 2020.
- Paper: ‘Maritime Trade and Commerce in Ancient Odisha’, International Conference on Trade and Commerce, Dept. of Commerce, UU, 2–3 Feb 2018.
- Paper: ‘Cultural Heritage of Odisha — A Study at Ranipur-Jharial and its Prospect of Cultural Tourism’, International Conference on Indian Cultural Heritage, 18–20 March 2017. ISBN: 978-93-81693-07-6.
- Invited Speaker, TV Programme News7 on ‘Rama Mandirare Konark Technique’, 18 Oct 2021.
- Nari ‘UjjagaranPrasasti’ Award — All-India Poetess Conference (AIPC), 2026 — in recognition of relentless efforts towards women’s empowerment.
- ‘Prof. Sudhir Ranjan Memorial Award’ — Vidyasagar University, 2025 — distinguished recognition of scholarly contributions and academic eminence.
- ‘Women Empowerment Award-2023’ — Sparks of Light, Australia, on the occasion of International Women’s Day at School of Women’s Studies, Utkal University, 2023.
- ICHR Travel Contingency Grant for Ph.D Research Work, 2002–2005.
- D. Degree on ‘Sakta Monuments of Orissa (From Early Times to the 13th Century AD)’, Sambalpur University, 2008.
- State Level Award — Utkal Santana Honour as Ideal Teacher, 2011.
- Permanent Secretary and Life Member — Orissa / Odisha History Congress (2013–continuing).
- Syndicate Member — Utkal University (Nominated by Honourable Chancellor, 2021–2024).
- Director — School of Women’s Studies, Utkal University (2021–2023).
- Co-ordinator — Centre of Excellence, North East India Study Centre, Utkal University.
- Convener — Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Utkal University.
- Superintendent — Ladies Hostel, Utkal University (2010–continuing).
- Member — Task Force for Empowerment and Protection of Girls and Women, Dept. of Women & Child Development, Govt. of Odisha.
- Member — Board of Studies, P.G. Dept. of History, Utkal University.
- Member — Board of Examiners, Assam University, Silchar; Sambalpur University.
- Member Academic Council, Utkal University, 2011–13.
- Designed P.G. and U.G. Courses in History under CBCS (2013, 2015, 2018, 2020).
- Life Member: Indian History Congress, Indian Association for Asian and Pacific Studies, Indian Art History Congress, Indian History Culture and Society, Alumni of History Dept. Sambalpur University, Utkal University Teachers Association.
- Associate/Editor, Utkal Historical Research Journal (UGC-CARE Listed), 2012–present.
- Attended Women Leadership Program ‘Women Leaders: Shaping Academic Excellence for Vikshit Bharat @2047’ at IIT Delhi, conducted by UGC as University Delegate.
- Conducted National Seminar with International Women’s Day celebration, School of Women’s Studies, UU.
- Conducted Gender Sensitisation Programme on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (recommended by UGC).
- Chaired National Workshop ‘Accelerate Action Driving Gender Equality and Justice’, School of Women’s Studies, UU.
- Submitted Government Policy Paper on ‘Recognising Odisha’s Maritime Trade History and utilising its potential in India’s Foreign Policy’ — Special Mention in Rajya Sabha, 30 June 2021.
- Invited in TV Programme News7 on ‘Rama Mandirare Konark Technique’, 18 Oct 2021.
- Chaired Youth Convention 2024 on the occasion of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence organized by Breakthrough India in collaboration with SWS, UU.