Utkal (Odisha) which literally means utkarsha in kala or excelled in art, was famous throughout the world as a vast repertoire of art in different forms. It has a rich and unique heritage of temple building traditions which culminated in the marvel of sculpture and architecture of the Konark Temple where the Odia artists built as giants and finished as jewelers. But when the temple building activities have stopped, paintings have gained momentum. There were thousands and thousands of traditional chitrakaras who kept the fresco painting tradition alive for a long time. Study of the folk art has been a recent trend in historical research. In a sense this can be termed as "History from below". In this context the present volume is a pioneering attempt to discuss the fresco paintings of South Orissa which are very lively, vibrant and attractive. These paintings are not only simple in its form and composition, but carries the deep message of human values. Being a scholarly work, this volume will be appreciated by the researchers, teachers, tourists, Govt. officials and the general readers. Hailing from Harichandanpur near Banpur in the district Khurda of Odisha, Dr. Akhaya Kumar Mishra (born in 1976) obtained his M.A. degree in History in 2000, Diploma in Tourism and Indian Monuments in 2001 and Ph.D. degree in 2014 from Berhampur University. He has published a number of research papers in the different journals and edited volumes. At present he is serving as a Lecturer in History, Balugaon College, Balugaon, District Khurda (Odisha).