Ancient History of Odisha PDF

 PREFACE In this booklet, we present a concise coverage of Ancient history of Odisha, specifically tailored for aspirants preparing for OPSC CSE Prelims. Understanding the importance of time management during exam preparation, we’ve crafted this booklet to deliver essential inf...

 PREFACE In this booklet, we present a concise coverage of Ancient history of Odisha, specifically tailored for aspirants preparing for OPSC CSE Prelims. Understanding the importance of time management during exam preparation, we’ve crafted this booklet to deliver essential information in a quick and efficient manner.We have extensively gone through Various Standard books to cover these topics so as to give you the best content. Our focus is on the previous years' questions, ensuring that aspirants not only grasp the content but also align their studies with the examination pattern. The content is designed to be crisp, making it easy to digest while covering all crucial aspects of Odisha's history, which is important for your exam. You can complete your study in a fraction of the time, maximizing your effectiveness and boosting your confidence heading into the exams. We hope this booklet helps you in your Prelims preparation. All the best!! 2024 Sourav Das ( UPSC CSE 2023- Rank 466) Manas Ranjan Mohapatra ( OPSC Simplified)  CONTENTS 1. Kalinga and Magadha.........................................................3 2. Mahameghavahana Aira Kharavela....................................4 3. Post Kharavela Perio And Invasion of Gupta......................6 4. Growth of Sub-Regional Kingdoms.....................................7 5. Hiuen Tsang's Accounts of Odisha................................... 10 6. The Mandala States...........................................................11 7. The Bhaumakaras.............................................................13 8. Somavamsis......................................................................15  3 NANDA DYNASTY — Hatigumpha inscription states: ◦ Nanda King excavated a canal ◦ Image of kalinga Jina, taken away by Nanda King was brought back by Kharavela. Hence, it’s argued that Mahapadma Nanda had conquered Kalinga. — during the chaotic period of Magadha, Kalinga regained independence. Mauryan Dynasty and Kalinga: Kalinga War and Ashoka: — kalinga was recaptured by Ashoka in 261 BC. — accounts of the war is mentioned in the Rock Edict XIII. — fought at the bank of Daya River. — eighth year of Ashokan coronation. Reasons of the war: Political- Mauryan ruler feared that Kalinga may conspire with Chola Dynasty and pose threat to territorial integrity of Magada. Economic- Ashoka wanted access to the coastal region and sea routes of Kalinga, which had made calling of prosperous Personal- as per lama Taranath, Ashoka was angered by Nagas as they took away gifts of Ashoka coming from abroad. ◦ Ashoka also wanted to marry Karuvaki who was the fiancee of Kalinga Prince. Consequences of the war: — Ashoka embraced Buddhism. Under the guidance of Buddhist monk Upagupta. — Ashoka practiced Dhamma. Transformation from Chandasoka to Dharmasoka — YudhVijay replaced by Dharma Vijay — 3rd Buddhist council at Pataliputra under leadership of Mogaliputta Tissa. — spread of Buddhism to foreign countries Important facts of Mauryan rule in Kalinga: —Capital: Tosali —Edicts: 2 separate kalinga Edicts at Tosali( Dhauli) and Somapa (Jaugada). Written in prakrit language and Brahmi script. ◦ Kalinga Edict I: directives to the officials by the king to follow benevolent rule. ◦ Kalinga Edict II: Ashoka declares “all men are my children, and he desires their happiness —Dhamma Mahamatras: officers appointed to spread Dhama and assist in governance —Ashoka followed a conciliatory policy with western upland region (Atavikas) and didn’t annex it. 3  —Mahameghavahana Aira Kharavela got the titles of Kalingadhipati, Chakravarti etc. Information/records of kharavela: — from Hatigumpha inscription( cave no. 14) of Udayagiri Hills. — it is a prajnapana lekha( public notification) — consists of 17 lines, inscribed in Brahmi script and prakrit language. — 13 years of Kharavela reign are chronologically recorded. — it was first deciphered by Andrew Sterling, followed by James Prinsep and Alexander Cunningham. Background of Kharavela: — belonged to Chedi dynasty( one of the 16 Mahajanapada’s with capital at suktimatinagari) — Chetaraja was father of Kharavela Some important dates: — foundation of Chedi rule in Kalinga: 73 BC — birth of Kharavela: 64BC — rule as crown prince: 49 to 40 BC — became the king: 40 BC — last known date of his career: 27BC Military achievements: — military expeditions were undertaken in the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th year of Kharavela’s reign. — second year: Marched to Ashika against Satavahana ruler, Satakarni (result, Unknown) — fourth year: defeated Rathikas( South of Nasik) and Bhojakas( north of Nasik). — eighth year: ◦ invaded north of Rajgraha (Rajgir) and demolished the the fort of Gorathgiri. ◦ he further marched to Mathura and drove away the Yavvana king Demetrius. he returned to Kalinga with a branch of Kalpabriksha. — 10th year: several expeditions to north India — 11th year: defeated Tamilian confederacy of Cholas, Pandyas, Satyapuras, Keralaputras and Tamraparnis. — 12 year: expedition to north, India. Defeated Magadh King, Bruhaspati Mitra and brought back the image of Kalinga Jina which was taken away by Mahapadmananda. Benevolent administration: First year: — beautification of capital Kalinganagari after devastation by cyclone, — creation of embankments Third year: — arrangements of festivals, music and dance Fifth year: — extension of aqueduct to Kalinga Nagari for irrigation, originally built by Maha Padma Nanda Six year: — remitted taxes for his subjects Ninth year: — built the great victory Palace 4 Religious activities: — Kharavela was a jain — brought Kalpavruksha — brought image of Kalinga Jina from Magadha — excavated caves in Kumari Hills, Udayagiri. The caves had carvings engraved with Trithankara images and nature (bird, plant, hunting scenes, etc) 5  — the inscriptions of Udayagiri Hill refers to Maharaja Kudepasiri and Prince Vadhuka presumed to be successor of Kharavela. Satavahans in Odisha: —Nasik cave inscription describes that Gautamiputra Satakarni subjugated Kalinga. — Hiuen Tsang refers to Parimalagiri(Gandhamardan) hill in Kosala as part of empire of Satkarni. — Vasisthaputra Pulumavi extended the territories further. Murundas: — they ruled over Kalinga in 3rd Century CE. — they were feudatory of Kushanas and formed a separate kingdom after decline of Kushanas. — Ptolemy’s geography mentions the Murunda territory from Ganga to the valley of Sarayu. — Jain texts like Brihat Kalpavrutti and Abasyaka Vrutti Mention the Murunda rule. — maharaja Dharmadamadhara and Maharaja Gana were Murunda rulers. Naga Dynasty : — Asanpat stone inscription of Naga King Satrubhanj reveals that he defeated, Devaputras(Kushanas and Murundas) and ruled over Vindhyatabi (Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Singhbhum district of Jharkhand) Megha Dynasty: — Mahameghavhnas after being defeated by Satavahanas shifted from Kalinga to Kosala. —contemporaries of Murundas of Kalinga. — they ruled over South Kosala about the middle of second century — Purnas mention Megha Kings before Southern expedition of Samudragupta. — a gold coin of Megha King Risabhadeva was found from Patnagarh in Bolangir district. — The last ruler of this Dynasty, Mahendra, was defeated by Samudra Gupta. Gupta, Dynasty: — before the invasion of Samudragupta, Kalinga was fragmented into number of small principalities mentioned in Tamil epic Manikekalai. — Allahabad pillar inscription mention Samudra Gupta, captured western and Southern Orissa (whole of Odisha was not affected). He defeated the following rulers: ◦ Mahendra of Kosala, Vyaghraraja of Mahakantara, Mahendra of Pistapura, Swamidatta of Kottura, Kubera of Devrashtra, Damana of Erandapalla. — further, he did not annex these territories rather followed a policy of Grahana (capture), moksha (liberation), and Anugraha (reinstatement). Sanskritization under the influence of Gupta’s: — influence of Gupta led to Sanskritization among tribal population and forest kingdoms. — tribal Gods got transformed into Hindu deities. — led to establishment of Brahminical rule (Purohit in royal court) — Varnashrama system and Practice of Manusamhita. 6 The political map of Orissa underwent a great change after the invasion of Samudragupta. many small kingdoms rose in Orissa after it. Mathara, Dynasty: — originally, they were an ancient royal family in South India. — the founder was Vishakhavarman. He established his rule in 350 CE at sripur (near Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district). — the next ruler, Umavarman established a new capital at Sunagar and later he shifted his capital two times to Vardhmanpur and then to Simhapur. His territory extended from Mahindra Hills (Gajapati district) to river Godavari. — the next important ruler was Shaktivarman. He united north and South Kalinga and his boundary extended from Mahanadi in north to Krishna in South. He defeated Salankayas( allies of Pallavas) to occupy South Kalinga. — the next ruler Anantashaktivarman was defeated by Vishnukundin ruler King Madhavavarman I and lost South Kalinga. Hence shifted his capital from Pisthapura to Simhapura. — last ruler of this Dynasty was Nanda Prabhanjavarman. He was defeated by the Vakataka ruler Hari Sena in fifth century. — brahmanical Cult like Bhagavatism, Saivism with Sanskrit literature rose to prominence under Mother’s — they had maritime activities with Southeast Asian countries. Nala Dynasty: — they were contemporary of Matharas. — they ruled over contemporary Bastar and undivided Koraput Kalahandi region in fourth and fifth century. They have their capital at Puskari(present Nabarangpur). — they were descendant of Nisha, the king Nala of Mahabharat. —Vrisabhadhvaja founded this dynasty. — Bhavaduttavarman was the most powerful ruler of this Dynasty and defeated the Vakatakas and occupied the capital Nandivardhan. — his empire extended up to Maharashtra( Berar region). — Arthapatiraja the next ruler was defeated, by Vakataka ruler Prithvi Sena. He reoccupied the territories and set fire at Pushkari. — Skandavarman re-occupied pushkari. While driving away the Vakatakas. He built of Vishnu temple to commemorate his victory. — later, Vakataka King Hari Sena finally defeated the Nalas. After this, a branch of the Dynasty moved to Rajim area of Chhattisgarh and another two branches to Tungabhadra region and Aska region. — the last ruler was Vilastunga and finally they were ousted, by Panduvamsi around 700 CE Sarabhapuriyas: — the defeat of Nala power in South Kosala was followed by the rise of Sarabhapuriya named after their capital Sarabhapura established by King Sarabha( 500-525 ) AD. — as per Hiuen Tsang, the kingdom of the Sarabhapuriya was located in Maraguda valley on the bank of river Jonk. — they were the feudatory of Vakataka King Harisena. After the death of Hari Sena, Sarabha asserted his independence. — Later, Sarabhapuriya empire was divided into different parts. One part having capital at Sripura and another being at Prasannapura. —Sudevaraja II who had control over Sarabhapura Appealed the Panduvamsis to help him in regaining Sripura.Indravala, the Panduvamsi king helped Sudevaraja II to regain Sripura. —Later Tivaradeva the Panduvamsi King replaced the Sarabhapuriyas and established Panduvams rule over Sripura. 7 Eastern Gangas: — established in the Trikalinga region( Batar- Koraput region) with the Capital at Dantapura after the fall of Nalas. — founder was Indravarman I. The first in the family to use the title Trikalingadhipati. — inagurated the dynastic era called the Ganga era accepted as 498 CE. — He had issued the Jirjingi Copper plate. — He defeated the Vishnuvkundin King Indrabhattaraka. — With the rise of Bhaumas in 8th century the Gangas power declined. It came to forefront again in 1038 CE with Vajrahasta V. Vasistha Dynasty : — founder was Gunavarman — established rule in Kalinga for sometime after Matharas. —Last ruler Anantavarman(563 AD) Durjaya Dynasty: — founder Ranadurjaya. He ended the rule of Vasistha dynasty. — ruled over Pistapura or pithapuram in East Godavari district of Andhra. — Prithvimaharaj was the last ruler. After his death the region was subjugated by Chalukya rulers. Vigraha Dynasty: —ruled over northern Kalinga( puri and Ganjam region) — Capital at Padmakhol near Khalikot. — they renamed there territory as Southern Tosali. Mudgala Dynasty: — North Tosali was ruled by Mudgalas — King Sambhuyasa of the dynasty was defeated by Lokvigraha of Vigraha dynasty. — Mudgalas were ousted from North Tosali by Durjaya king Prithvimaharaja. Sailodbhavas of Kangoda Mandala: ( 550- 725) AD — as per myth they are born out of rock. — emerged in 6th century — territory extended from Mahendragiri in south to Mahanadi in North. — capital at Kangoda- Vasaka on the bank of rivulet Salia. — Sailodbhavas rule is mentioned in accounts of Huen-Tsang, Brihat Samhita etc. Dharmaraja I Ranabhita: — 553-575 AD — He was feudatory ruler under Vigraha ruler Prithvivigraha Chharampraja Ayosabhita I: (600-615 AD) — Saildobhavas became indendent under him. — but this Independence did not last long as Sasanka of Gauda established his suzerainty over Sailodbhavas. Madhavaraja II Sainyabhita II: — Ruled for 50 years from 615-665, A.D. — he was feudatory of Shashanka till 620. After that he gained independence. — his performance of horse sacrifice is mentioned in Puri and Purushottampur charters. — his contemporaries were Harshavardhan and Pulakesin II. After the death of a Pulakesin II in 642AD, Harshavardhan occupied Kangoda and Madhavaraja II acknowledged his Suzerainty. — after the death of Harsha in 647, A.D. Madhav Raja revived his sovereignty — Cuttack museum plates issued in his 50th Regnal year denotes his sovereign status. 8  Dharmaraj II Srimanabhita: — he issued six copper plate charters. He also performed. Vajapeya and Asvamedha sacrifices. Madhyamaraj II: — he succeeded, Dharmaraj II and during his period, the Sailidbhavas where driven out of Kangoda. Allaparaja: — His coronation took place at Nasunda hill, which was in Ganga kingdom. This shows that he was sheltered by the Ganga King probably as a subordinate chief. — he was the last known ruler of the dynasty. This period witnessed the Sanskritization, Varnashrama was Practiced, dominance of Brahmins was witnessed. They followed Vedic rituals. Savisim was the religion of the royal house. They built Shiva temples like Satrughnesvara, Bharaesvara, Lakshmanesvara, Svarnajalesvara in Bhubaneswar. 9  — Hiuen Tsang known as the prince of pilgrims visited India during the reign of Harsha Vardhan. — He spent 14 years from 630 to 644CE in India — his Indian experience is recorded in Si-yu-ki-text or records of the western countries. — he travelled through Odisha in around 638 CE. — he started his Orissa tour from Karnasubarna( capital of king, Sasanka). — his accounts shows that Orissa was divided into different units like Odra, Kangoda, Kalinga and Kosala. ODRA: — Odra consisted of modern Midnapore district of Bengal undivided Balasore, Cuttack with a part of Puri. — Circumference was about 1400 miles.( 700 li). — as per his account, the soil was fertile and productive. — majority of the population where Buddhist. There were hundred Buddhist monasteries and 10,000 monks( all were Mahayana Buddhists). But this is debatable as when Harsha Vardhan occupied Kangoda, the Hinayanists of Odra met Harsha and described regarding the glory and grandeur of their sect. This made Harsha to write to Silabhadra, the chancellor of Nalanda for a debate. Thus, there was presence of Hinayanists unlike what is mentioned in Huien Tsangs accounts. — according to him, there were 50 Hindu temples — he mentions about Pushpagiri a Buddhist monastery. — he also refers to a port city in South western part of Odra called Charitra — according to him, standing on the seashore of the city, one can see the pearl of the Stupa over Lord Buddha’s tooth relic in Simhala( srilanka). — also mentions of five monasteries outside the city. Kongada: — from Odra he travelled to Sailodbhavas Kingdom of Kangoda( area 240 miles). — describes it as a hilly country bordering the sea( puri and Ganjam district). From chilika to mount Mahendra. — the religion was not Buddhism. There were more than hundred Hindu temples and there were more than 10,000 Trithankaras. — there was a huge army and no powerful enemy. — Cowrey was commonly used in business transactions. — they had fine variety of elephants that were large in size. Kalinga: — from Kangoda he went to Kalinga(area:1000 miles). At that time Kalinga was separate from Andhra. — the region was famous for large, dark elephants and had high demand in the neighbouring countries. — Buddhism was in declining phase( only 10 Buddhist monasteries and around some hundred monks of Mahayana sect). Whereas there were hundred temples. He did not give the accout of Jainism. — mentioned that previously Kalinga had dense population, but then the population had perished. Kosala: — from Kalinga, he travel to Kosala( area:1000 miles comprising Raipur Bilaspur, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Sonepur,). —the capital was two times bigger than the capital of Odra, Kangoda and Kalinga. — the king was a Kshatriya by birth but a follower of Buddhism.( probably Satavahana King). — there were 1000 monasteries with about 10,000 Mahayana monks. — there were also a large number of Hindu temples — there was a old monastery built by Ashoka. Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna was once the resident of this monastery. — he refers to Parimalgiri in Gandhamardan Hill, and wroe that it had a five storeyed monastery and a gold statue of Buddha. 10 — Mandala states, were several semi-independent principalities in the Kingdom of Toshali of Bhaumakaras, having considerable autonomy and owing their allegiance to the Bhaumakara rulers. — mandal or reference to 20 Yojanas or around 160 km, stretch in all direction. Bhanjas of Khinjili Mandala: — they were present in the modern Baudh, Kandhamal, Sonepur and Angul region( 8th cenury AD). — Capital was at Dhritipur. — the earliest known ruler of the Dynasty was Netabhanjadev. —Silabhanjadev was one of the important rulers. — his son Satrubhanjadeva established Siddhesvara shiva and Nilamadhava vishnu temple at Gandhatipati town. — Shatrubhanjadev’s son Ranabhanjadev( he ruled about 60 years) died in the battlefield while fighting with Somavamsi ruler Janmejaya ( Janmejaya had invaded khinjili mandala). — after this Bhanjas where driven away to Ganjam region and shifted their capital to Vanjulavaka. — son of Ranabhanja, Nettabhanja III was the first ruler in Vanjulavaka. — the last ruler was Nettabhanja V. The rule came to an end by 10th century CE. — apart from the main branch of Vanjulavaka, some minor branches, were at Gadavisaya( capital- Kumarpur) and Kulada Katak. Bhanjas of Khijjinga Mandala: — they were present in Mayurbhanj and parts of Keonjhar district. — their capital was at Khijjing- Kotta. — Kottabhanja was the first ruler( ninth century, CE) — they were followers of Saivism. — They were also tolerant to other religion. The Avalokitesvara image, Stupa at Itamundi, image of Jain Trithankaras, Kichakesvari temple are testimonies of religious harmony. — Khijjing-Kota was destroyed by Ratnadeva-II the Kalachri ruler.(12th century). — Further the capital Khijjing-kota was completely destroyed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. — after that, they established a new headquarter at Hariharpuragarh.( by Hariharabhanja). — Later, Sumitradevi shifted the headquarters to Baripada, and it continued till it was amalgated with Odisha state in 1949. Sulkis of Kodalaka-Mandala: — they were present in Dhenkanal and Angul district extending from samakoi river in north to a stream named Nadira in the south ( in around second half of the eighth century, CE.) — the sulkis are mentioned in Vrihat Samhita of Varahamihira. — Kodalak was the Capital in the bank of river Brahamani. — Kanchanstambha is the earliest Known ruler of the dynasty. — Kalahastambha of this dynasty assumed the title of Vikramaditya after defeating Dheketa. — the tutelary goddess of the Dynasty was Stambesvari Bhattarika. Tungas of Yamagartta Mandala: — they were present in Yamagartta-Mandala which corresponds to northern part of Angul and Dhenkanal district (9th century). — it’s capital was Yamagarrata. — they where original inhabitants of Rohitgiri letter migrated to Yamagartta region. — Jaysimha was the ruler of the Mandala before the Tungas took over. — the first ruler of the Dynasty was Khadgatunga known from Bonai and Talcher grants. — with the request of Vinitatunga, Bhaumkara King Sivakaradeva III made gift for the management of Buddha- Bhattaraka temple in Yamagartta. — Gayadatunga was the last known ruler of the dynasty. 11 Nandodbhavas of Airavata- Mandala: — they were present in the region consisting of Southern part of Dhenkanal, western part of Cuttack and Nayagarh district. — Capital: Jaypur in Dhenkanal. — Jayananda was the first ruler and Dhruvananda was the last ruler. — this Mandala was reduced to the status of a Visaya of north Tosali by Dharma Mahadevi but the Somavamsis restored this as a Mandala. Varahas or Mayurs of Bonai Mandala: — they ruled over Bonai which corresponds to the present Bonai subdivision and parts of Pampnposh subdivision in Sundargarh district. (8th and 9th channel). — they regionally belong from Chitrakoot — the founder was Uditavaraha. — peacock was used as Royal insignia — the rulers of the Dynasty, where Buddhist. — after Bhaumakaras they excepted the the the overlordship of Somavamsi. Gangas of Svetaka- Mandala: — a branch of eastern Ganga family establish their rule to the north east of Mahendragiri known as Svetaka Mandala. ( 7th Century). — their capital was at Svetaka or Vijay- Svetakapur( presently Chikiti in Ganjam). — the first known ruler of the Dynesty was Jayvarmadev. — the last ruler of the Svetaka Gangas was Samantavarman. With the decline of Bhaumakaras and the rise of Somavamsis, these mandal states where integrated into the Somavamsi empire. 12  Introduction: — first information of Bhauma’s came from Ganjam copper plate grants of Queen Dandi Mahadevi and Neulpur copper plate grant of Sudhakar Deva I. — Reign: 736 CE ( Bhauma era ‘0’) — 945CE (Bhauma era ‘209’) — Region of rule: Tosala. North Tosala extended from Dandabhukti (South West Bengal) to Mahanadi. South Tosala extended from Mahanadi to Mahendra Giri in Ganjam(this included Kongada, Svetaka, Vamsadhara to Godavari). — Capital: Guhadevapataka Important rulers: KSHEMANKARADEVA: — founder of the Dynasty mentioned in Neulpur plate. — introduced Varnashrama order in society. SIVAKARDEV I (736-780 AD): —he was also known as Parama Tathagata — expansion of the Bhauma kingdom took place during his reign. The Bhauma era ( 736 CE ) started with him. — he defeated the ruler of Radha (South West Bengal), and the Sailodhavas of Kangoda Mandala. — as a Buddhist, he strengthened cultural contacts with China and presented a Buddhist manuscript Gandavyuha two Chinese ruler Te-Tsong. — he was compared with poros, who had fought with Alexander. SUBHAKARADEV I (780-800): — Govinda III of Rashtra Kuta conquered Odisha during this time. (Evidence: Sanjan plates). But it was short lived. — Madhevaswara temple and image of Avalokiteswara is attributed to this period. SIVAKARADEV II (800-820 ): — this period witnessed Pala invasion of Orissa. (evidence: Badal pillar inscription) — Mohini temple built in Bhubaneswar by his wife, Mohini Devi. SHANTIKARADEV I (820-835 AD): — established matrimonial alliance with western Ganga King Rajamalla. — with his help defeated Palas. Tribhuvana Mahadevi I (845-850 AD): — wife of Shantikaradeva I and mother of Subhakaradev III. — first woman ruler of the Dynasty. Acted as an regent of minor prince Shantikardev II. — the information of a reign is found in the accounts of Arab geographer Ibn Khurdadhabih and in Dhenkanal plate. 13 SHUBHAKARDEV IV: (865-882 AD): — Janmejay I, the Somavamsi ruler attacked Bhauma kingdom and annexed Khinjili mandala. — later, Janmejaya established matrimonial alliance when giving his daughter Prithvi Mahadevi to Subhakaradeva IV. PRITHVI MAHADEVI / Tribhuvana Mahadevi II: (890-896AD) — She displayed loyalty to Somavamsi ruler YAYATI I (brother of Prithvi Mahadevi) — it lead to dissension in Bhauma family and prepare the ground for the occupation Tosali by Somavamsis. — Prithvi Mahadevi was deposed by Tribhuvan Mahadevi III. SUBHAKARADEV V: — last male ruler of the dynasty. several female rulers after Subhakaradev V: Gauri Mahadevi: — built Gauri Temple in Bhubaneswar Dandi Mahadevi Vakula Mahadevi : — she was a bhanja princess Dharma Mahadevi: — bhanja princess — last ruler of the Dynesty. Finally, it came under Somavamsi suzerainty. BHAUMA ADMINISTRATION, SOCIETY and RELIGION: — unique tradition of women rulers: ◦ This shows there was equality in the society. — religious toleration: ◦ kings followed both Saivism and buddhism. ◦ Patronised saivism in Buddhism and vaishnavism 14 Introduction: —The Somavamsis ruled from 885-1110 AD Origin of the Dynasty and subsequent rulers: — origin is traced to Pandava Dynasty of Mekala in central India. (hence they are also known as Panduvamsis). — Panduvamsi ruled over South Kosala as the political successor of the Sarabhapuriyas. — Tivaradev, one of the earliest ruler of this Dynasty ruled over South Kosala with Siripur as its capital. For a short period, he also occupied Utkala. Mahashivagupta Balarjuna: — after Tivaradev, the next important ruler was Balarjuna. — while Balarjuna was still a minor, Vasata Devi, took over the rule on behalf of his minor son. — she’s credited for construction of Lakshmana Temple at Sirpur. — after attending maturity, Balarjuna ruled for 57 years. — he built lakshanesvara temple in his capital Sirpur. The successor of Balarjun called themselves SOMAVAMSIS , Somavamsi power in Odisha: Mahabhavagupta I / Janmejaya I: —Due to frequent invasion by the Kalchuri’ of Tripuri, the western frontier of South Kosala was lost to them. — therefore Janmejay established his rule in Kosala comprising Sambalpur- Bolangir region — hi establish the capital at Subarnapur (Sonepur). — he defeated Rana Bhanja of Khinjili Mandala(Bhanjas were the feudatory of Bhaumakaras). Post this defeat Bhanjas migrated to Ganjam region with its capital at Vanjulavaka. — Further, Janmejaya avoided war with Bhaumakaras by giving his daughter Prithvi Mahadevi in marriage to Bhauma king. — He took the above step so that he could focus on the kalachuris, who attacked from the West. Finally he defeated the Kalachuris. Mahasivagupta Yayati I: — He helped her sister Prithvi Mahadevi occupy the Bhaumakara throne. —He granted village Chandragrama in Bhauma kingdom. — But soon, Prithvi Mahadevi was removed from throne while Yayati I was engaged in a battle with Kalachuri ruler Sankargana. — Later, Yayati I defeated Kalachuri ruler Ajapala and captured his 32 elephants. — he also, subjugated the bhanjas by defeating Shatrubhanja and gifted the village Gandharadi. — hi shifted his capital from Subarnapur to Vinitapur(Vinika) on the bank of Mahanadi. — in his 15th year, he again shifted his capital to Yayatinagar. — he built Mukteshwar Temple at Ekamra Kshetra(BBSR). 15 Mahabhavagupta Bhimaratha: — Kalachuri King Lakshmanaraja invaded Kosala and obtained an effigy of Kaliya serpent. Mahasivagupta Dharmaratha: — hi granted a village in Antoruda visaya ( south Tosali), this shows Sovamsis increasing control over Bhauma kingdom. — hi conquested Kalinga and Kangoda and appointed his brother Indraratha as the Governor. — he is credited of subjugating the Palas of Gauda and eastern Chalukyas of Andhra. — he is described as second Parasurama and the Lord from Himalaya in north to Sethubandha in South, and from east to west. Nahusa and Indraratha: — Nahusa succeeded Dharmaratha but was killed by Indraratha.( half brother of Nahusa) — Indraratha was killed by Rajendra Chola during Chola invasion of Kosala. — Indraratha built Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar. Chandidhara, Mahasivagupta Yayati II: — following Chola invasion, Yayati II was coronated as a king at Subarnapur. — Gangeyadev of Tripuri (kalachuri Ruler) and Vajrahastadev Of eastern Gangas raided his territory. —Yayati II occupied Utkalaa, completely after the death of Bhaumakara queen Dharma Mahadevi. — his empire extended from Bay of Bengal in east to Sambalpur in west. Dandabhukti in north to Ganjam in South. — maintain friendly relations with Rashtrakuta. — he shifted his capital to Abhinava Yayatinagar( Jajpur). — he invited 10,000 Brahmins from Kannauj for Dasmedha (ten-fold horse sacrifice) on the bank of Baitarani in Jajpur. — he built Lingaraja Temple for Lord Tribhubaneswar in Ekamra Kshetra(Bhubaneswar). Mahabhavagupta Udyatokeshari: — he invaded Dahala region of Kalchuri — he made an administrative division called Bamanda Mandala to check Kalachuri invasion. But still he lost this region to Kalachuri. — he defeated Vigrahapala II of Pala Dynasty settling the conflict between Gauda and Kosala. — he constructed the Jagmohana of Lingaraj Temple. — He renovated tanks and temples of Kumari Hills and set up images of 24 Tirthankaras. — Bhabadeva was his guru. — Udyatokeshari’s mother, Kolavatidevi built the BrahmeSwara Temple. Mahashivagupta Janmejay II: — Yasorajadev, the general of Naga King, Somesvaradeva defeated Somavamsi and occupied Kosala region. — western Kosala was captured by Kalachuris. — Ganga King Raja Raja II invaded, and took control over the Southern part of somavamsi empire. — hence disintegration of Somavamsis started. 16 Mahasivagupta Karndev: — The Last ruler of Somavamsis — he donated a village, samkona in North Tosali — his gandibed sun image inscription indicates the extension of his territory up to Balasore district. — he faced aggression from Palas from north and Gangas from South — Jaysimha, the chief of Dandabhukti and feudatory of Rampala helped Karna Dev against invasion of Chodagangadeva. — finally Ganga is occupied Utkalaa and ended the Somavamsi rule. Korni plate and Kellor temple inscriptions provides evidence regarding it. Administration of Somavamsis: — they had a Monarchial form of government, and adhere to Primogeniture(exception: Yayati II) — their territory was divided into smaller units, namely desa, mandala, visaya, khanda, bhukti and grama. ◦ Desa: Province( Largest unit) ◦ Mandala: revenue districts ◦ Visaya: Modern district ◦ Khanda: sub-division ◦ Bhukti: Small district ◦ Grama:village Society and religion: — Varnashrama was prevalent. —Polygamy and child marriage was pre-Valent — the Soma Kings were Saivite but also promoted other religions too.(Vaishnavism, Shakti tradition, Jainism, Buddhism). 17