Medieval History of Odisha

The decline of the Somavasi dynasty in the 10th century marked the rise of the Ganga dynasty in Odisha, shaping its medieval history significantly. Various dynasties influenced Odisha’s art, architecture, and culture. This period witnessed the construction of iconic temples and enduring cultural developments. The following sections break down the notable dynasties and their influence on Odisha’s medieval history.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the chronological progression of dynasties in Odisha’s medieval history.
2. Identify key contributions of the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties in art and architecture.
3. Recognize the impact of invasions and administrative changes under different rulers.
4. Comprehend the influence of the Naib Nazims and Marathas on Odisha’s governance.

The Ganga Dynasty (1038-1435 AD)

The Ganga dynasty, also known as the Eastern Gangas, was a prominent Hindu power in Odisha. Founded by Kamarnava, this dynasty reigned for 400 years, contributing significantly to the region’s cultural and architectural advancements.

1. Foundational Aspects: Kamarnava established the dynasty in 1038 AD, with the capital at Kalinganagara. Anantavarman Vajrahasta V laid a strong foundation, ruling over a vast region stretching from the Ganga to the Godavari by the 12th century.
2. Cultural Patronage: Vaishnavism thrived under the Ganga kings, with temples constructed at Mukhlingam, Simhachalam, and Puri. During this era, the renowned Sun Temple at Konark was built by Narasimhadeva I, marking the peak of Odishan temple architecture.
3. Notable Rulers: Key figures included Anantavarma Chodagangadeva, Rajaraja II, Anangabhimadeva III, and Narasimhadeva I. Bhanudeva IV, the last Ganga king, was betrayed by his minister during a campaign.
4. Golden Era: The dynasty’s rule is regarded as Odisha’s golden era, with contributions from poets like Jayadeva. Temples such as Jagannath in Puri and Sun Temple in Konark are lasting symbols of their architectural brilliance.

Art and Architecture of the Ganga Period

The Gangas spearheaded an architectural renaissance in Odisha, particularly noted for constructing the Jagannath temple and the Sun temple.

1. Architectural Features: Massive structures adorned with intricate carvings of animals, gods, and mythological scenes were hallmarks of Ganga architecture.
2. Nagara Style: This period saw the development of the Nagara style, characterized by elements like Shikharas and Mandapas. Notable examples include Lingaraj, Mukteswara, and Parasurameswara temples.

Administration Under the Gangas

1. Centralized Power: The king was the central figure, aided by officials such as Mantri, Purohita, Yuvaraja, and Senapati.
2. Provincial Division: The empire was divided into provinces called Visayas, further subdivided into Panchali and Bhoga.
3. Taxation: Various taxes, including bheta, voda, and paridarsana, were imposed.

The Gajapati Dynasty (1434-1541 AD)

The Gajapatis, a Hindu dynasty of the Suryavamsi lineage, ruled Kalinga, ushering in a cultural renaissance in Oriya literature and art.

1. Founding and Expansion: Founded by Kapilendra Deva, the Gajapati empire stretched from the lower Ganga to the Cauvery. Kapilendra was recognized as the most powerful Hindu king of his era.
2. Cultural Contributions: During this time, poet Sarala Dasa wrote the Odia Mahabharata. The dynasty’s patronage of literature and art laid the foundation for what is termed the ‘Sarala Yuga’.
3. Invasions: Two key invasions marked this period:

• Krishnadevaraya’s Invasion (1512 AD): He captured Udayagiri and later concluded peace with Prataparudra Deva, establishing a demarcation along the Krishna River.
• Quli Qutb Shah’s Invasion (1522 AD): Defeated by Prataparudra Deva, this event reinforced Gajapati control over the region.

1. Notable Rulers: Besides Kapilendra Deva, Purushottam Deva, Prataparudra Deva, and Kakharua Deva were prominent. Kakharua Deva’s demise in 1541 led to the end of the Gajapati rule.

Administration Under the Gajapatis

1. Provincial Structure: The empire was divided into Dandapata or Rajya, each governed by Parikhas or Rajas.
2. Land Revenue: Units of land were denoted as Ghunta, Mana, and Bati. Revenue officers in the south were known as Nayaka and Naidu.

Oriya Literature Under Gajapatis

The Gajapati rulers’ patronage and the influence of Vaishnavism led to a literary renaissance in vernacular language. Works produced during this era are collectively known as the literature of Sarala Yuga.

The Bhoi Dynasty (1541-1558 AD)

Govinda Vidyadhara founded the Bhoi dynasty by overthrowing Kakharua Deva, the last Gajapati ruler. The kingdom then faced conflict with neighboring territories and civil wars.

1. Conflict and Treaty: Govinda Vidyadhara signed a treaty with the Sultan of Golconda to secure the northern Godavari region for the Bhoi dynasty.
2. Internal Rebellions: Rulers like Raghubhanja Chhotray and Chakrapratap faced several uprisings, weakening the dynasty.
3. Decline: Mukundadeva declared himself ruler in 1560 after assassinating two Bhoi kings. In 1568, Sulaiman Khan Karrani of the Karrani Dynasty invaded and established Muslim rule.

The Karrani Dynasty (1568-1589 AD)

Sulaiman Khan Karrani of Bengal established the first Muslim rule in Odisha. He appointed governors to administer the region.

1. Governance: Lodi Khan and Qutlu Khan Lohani governed Odisha and Puri, respectively. Daud Khan Karrani, Sulaiman’s son, later took over and extended his influence in Southwest India.
2. Conflicts with Mughals: Daud Khan fought the Mughals at Tukario (1575) and Raj Mahal (1576), resulting in his defeat and execution. This marked the end of Karrani rule and the beginning of Mughal control over Odisha.
3. Cultural Impact: Kalapahar, a Hindu general of Sulaiman, led large-scale temple destruction, impacting Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Mughal Rule in Odisha

The Mughal period began with Raja Mansingh’s victory over Nasir Khan in 1592. Odisha became part of the Bengal Subah under Akbar and Jahangir, later made a separate Subah.

1. Administrative Changes: Akbar divided Odisha into five sarkars and followed a non-interference policy. Jahangir, however, appointed Subahdars to exercise direct control.
2. Provincial Governors: Notable governors during Mughal rule included Quasim Khan, Kalyan Mal, and Mukarram Khan.

Administration Under Aurangzeb and Naib Nazims of Bengal

1. Aurangzeb’s Policies: His reign saw Odisha asserting its independence, but Khan-i-Duran reestablished Mughal authority.
2. Naib Nazims of Bengal: Figures like Murshid Quli Khan-I and Suja-ud-din Muhammad Khan governed Odisha, introducing revenue settlements and building significant Muslim monuments in Cuttack and Balasore.

The Maratha Rule (1751 AD onwards)

The Marathas began administering Odisha in 1751 after defeating the Mughals. Raghuji Bhonsle I established a new governance system, dividing the territory into two parts: Mughalbandi (coastal districts) and Garhjat (hill tracts).

1. Maratha Subahdars: The first Subahdar was Sheo Bhatt Sathe. Subsequent rulers included Bhawani Pandit and Rajaram Pandit.
2. Administration: Introduced a pilgrimage tax, managed the Jagannath temple, and promoted Rath Yatra.
3. Conflict and Decline: The Anglo-Maratha conflict culminated in the end of Maratha control in 1793.

Comparative Overview of Dynastic Rule in Odisha

Rule | 1590-1703 AD | Administrative reforms, Division into Subahs| Raja Mansingh, Quasim Khan |
| Maratha Rule | 1751 onwards | Pilgrimage tax, Preservation of temples | Raghuji Bhonsle I, Rajaram Pandit|

Important Note: The Maratha administration marked the beginning of organized tax collection systems in Odisha, influencing later governance practices.

MCQ:
Which dynasty was responsible for building the Sun Temple at Konark?

1. Gajapati Dynasty
2. Bhoi Dynasty
3. Ganga Dynasty
4. Karrani Dynasty
   Correct Answer: 3. Ganga Dynasty