Ashoka and Kalinga Quiz

A dynasty that ruled in the present day Odisha, with their capital at Puskari (present Nabarangpur). They were descendants of Nisha, a king from the Mahabharata, and founded by Vrisabhadhvaja. Their most powerful ruler, Bhavaduttavarman, defeated the Vakatakas, extending their dominance to the Berar region of Maharashtra.

The Sarabhapuriyas ruled in the Maraguda Valley, on the banks of the Jonk river, with their capital at Sarabhapura. They initially served as vassals to the Vakatakas, but declared independence after the death of the Vakataka king Harisena.

The Panduvamsis, another powerful dynasty, helped Sudevaraja II, a Sarabhapuriya king, regain control of Sripura. They later replaced the Sarabhapuriyas, becoming the rulers of Sripura.

The Eastern Gangas, with their capital at Dantapura, established their rule in the Trikalinga region (present-day Batar-Koraput region of Odisha). Their founder, Indravarman I, was the first in the family to hold the title of Trikalingadhipati, and he introduced their own era, known as the Ganga era. Their power declined with the rise of the Bhaumas in the 8th century, but was revived in the 11th century under Vajrahasta V.

Established in Kalinga after the Matharas, this dynasty was founded by Gunavarman. Their last ruler was Anantavarman.

This dynasty's founder, Ranadurjaya, ended the rule of the Vasistha dynasty in Kalinga.

Ashoka's conquest of Kalinga, a powerful kingdom in eastern India, marked a turning point in his life and the history of India. This war, known for its brutality and devastation, led to Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism and his embrace of nonviolence. The war had profound consequences for Ashoka, transforming him from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate ruler who dedicated his life to spreading peace and welfare.

After conquering Kalinga, Ashoka embraced Buddhism, a major turning point in his life. Guided by the Buddhist monk Upagupta, Ashoka adopted the principles of non-violence and peaceful governance, transforming into Dharmasoka, The Righteous King.

One key aspect of Ashoka's new reign was the practice of 'Dhamma,' his unique interpretation of Buddhist principles for state governance. Dhamma promoted non-violence, tolerance, and compassion, influencing the way his administration functioned.

In 73 BC, the Chedi dynasty, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas, established its rule in Kalinga. Kharavela, a prominent ruler of this dynasty, is known for his military achievements and his contribution to art and culture. His reign is meticulously documented in the Hatigumpha inscription, providing valuable insights into the history of ancient Kalinga.

The Hatigumpha inscription, located in a cave on the Udayagiri Hills in Kalinga, is a significant source of information about Kharavela's reign. It details his military campaigns, victories, and achievements, providing valuable historical insights.

Kharavela's military campaigns are well documented and provide insights into his strategic prowess. He undertook military expeditions in various directions, encountering different rulers and regional powers.

In the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th years of his rule, Kharavela led significant military campaigns, encountering various adversaries. These campaigns highlight his military expertise and assertive rule.

One of the key military expeditions undertaken by Kharavela was in the 4th year of his reign, where he successfully defeated the Rathikas and Bhojakas. This victory solidified his control over the region and established his military prowess.

Kharavela is renowned for his military achievements. He led multiple campaigns against different rulers and regional powers. These military expeditions demonstrate his military expertise and contribute to his recognition as a successful and powerful ruler.

The historical region of Odra, as described by Xuanzang, encompassed modern areas like Midnapore in West Bengal, Balasore, Cuttack, and parts of Puri in Odisha.

Xuanzang observed that Odra was predominantly Buddhist, with a large number of monasteries and monks, primarily belonging to the Mahayana sect.

Xuanzang's account of Odra (modern Odisha) describes the presence of Hindu temples alongside Buddhist monasteries, suggesting a coexistence of religious traditions.

The Sailodbhavas ruled the region of Kangoda (modern Puri and Ganjam districts of Odisha), characterized by a hilly terrain and a coastline.

Xuanzang's depiction of Kangoda contrasts with Odra, highlighting a dominance of Hinduism with numerous temples dedicated to Trithankaras, indicating a strong Jain presence.

Kalinga, described by Xuanzang, was distinct from Andhra and known for its large, dark elephants, a high demand in the region.

Xuanzang observed a decline in Buddhism in Kalinga, evidenced by fewer monasteries and monks compared to Odra. Hinduism, with a large number of temples, appeared more prominent.

Xuanzang's account of Kalinga mentions a decline in population, suggesting possible historical events or factors that impacted the region.

The last ruler of the Somavamsis, he donated a village called 'samkona' in North Tosali. His Gandibed Sun image inscription indicates that his territory extended to the Balasore district. He faced aggression from the Palas in the north and the Gangas in the south.

The Somavamsi kings followed a monarchical form of government, generally adhering to primogeniture (the eldest son inheriting the throne) with a few exceptions like Yayati II. Their territory was split into several administrative units: desa, mandala, visaya, khanda, bhukti, and grama.

The Somavamsi society practiced the Varnashrama system. Polygamy and child marriage existed. While the Soma Kings were predominantly Saivite, they also promoted other religions like Vaishnavism, Shakti tradition, Jainism, and Buddhism.

A revenue district within the Somavamsi empire.

Yayati I, a ruler from the Bhaumakara dynasty, shifted his capital from Subarnapur to Vinitapur (Vinika) on the banks of the Mahanadi and later to Yayatinagar during his reign.

He is credited with defeating the Kalachuri ruler Ajapala and capturing 32 elephants.

He built the Mukteshwar Temple at Ekamra Kshetra (Bhubaneswar), showcasing his patronage of religious architecture.

Kalachuri King Lakshmanaraja invaded Kosala during Bhimaratha's reign, taking an effigy of the Kaliya serpent as a trophy.

Dharmaratha granted a village in Antoruda visaya, demonstrating the increasing influence of the Sovamsis over the Bhauma kingdom.

Dharmaratha is also known for conquering Kalinga and Kangoda, appointing his brother Indraratha as governor.

Indraratha, after killing Nahusa, built the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, showcasing his architectural abilities.

After the Chola invasion, Yayati II was crowned king at Subarnapur. He expanded his empire, maintained friendly relations with the Rashtrakutas, and built the Lingaraja Temple for Lord Tribhubaneswar at Ekamra Kshetra (Bhubaneswar) during his reign.

A historical kingdom in present-day Chhattisgarh and Odisha, encompassing areas like Raipur, Bilaspur, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Sonepur. It was known for its large capital, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu temples.

Powerful rulers in the 8th century AD who controlled the Khinjili Mandala region, a semi-autonomous territory within the Bhaumakara Kingdom. They were known for their contributions to temple building and religious harmony.

The capital of the Bhanjas of Khinjili Mandala, located in the modern-day Baudh, Kandhamal, Sonepur, and Angul areas.

A significant Bhanja ruler who established the Siddhesvara Shiva and Nilamadhava Vishnu temples in Gandhatipati town. His rule marked a period of temple construction.

A powerful Somavamsi dynasty ruler who invaded the Khinjili Mandala and defeated the Bhanjas, forcing them to shift their capital to Vanjulavaka.

The last ruling dynasty of the Bhanjas of Khinjili Mandala, who established their capital at Vanjulavaka after being pushed out of Khinjili Mandala.

An illustrious Bhanja ruler of the Vanjulavaka branch, known for being the first to rule from Vanjulavaka after their relocation.

They were a Bhanja branch that ruled from Gadavisaya, with Kumarpur as their capital. This branch represents the dispersion of the Bhanja kingdom.