Ancient History of Odisha

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the origins and historical significance of Odisha’s various names.
2. Identify key dynasties that ruled Odisha from prehistory to ancient times.
3. Comprehend the sources that provide insights into Odisha’s history, including literary, archaeological, and numismatic evidence.
4. Recognize the contributions of prominent rulers and dynasties to Odisha’s cultural, economic, and religious development.

Odisha, known by various names like Odra, Udra, and Kalinga, has a deep historical legacy. From the Lower Paleolithic era to the establishment of powerful ancient dynasties, Odisha’s political and cultural evolution has been shaped by numerous historical events and rulers.

Historical Names of Odisha

Odisha has been referred to by different names throughout its history, each with its own significance.

1. Kalinga: As per the Puranas and the Mahabharata, the region was named after Prince Kalinga, son of King Bali and Queen Sudesna.
2. Utkala: According to the Mahabharata, Utkala was part of Kalinga and was conquered by Karna. It covered northern Kalinga.
3. Mahakantara: This name, found during the Gupta period, usually refers to modern-day Kalahandi and Jeypore regions.
4. Udra/Odra: Named after the Odra tribe, it represented the coastal regions.
5. Oddiyana: Mentioned in Buddhist texts, some scholars identify it as Odisha.
6. Kamala Mandala: Named for the lotus-filled region of Narla in Kalahandi.
7. South Kosala: Modern-day Chhattisgarh and western Odisha; according to the Ramayana, one of Rama’s sons ruled here.
8. Kongoda: Mentioned on copper plates found in Ganjam district.
9. Trikalinga: Means “three Kalingas,” referring to Kalinga, South Kosala, and Kongoda.
10. Tosali: A city subdivision of Kalinga during the Ashokan period, situated in modern-day Dhauli.
11. Odivissa: Referred to in Buddhist texts.
12. Jajnagar: Mentioned in texts like Tarikh-i-Nasiri.

Sources of History of Odisha

The history of Odisha is pieced together using various literary, archaeological, numismatic, and foreign sources.

Literary Sources

1. Epics: The Mahabharata and Ramayana provide early references to Kalinga and Odra, including mentions of sacred rivers like the Baitarani.
2. Puranas: Works such as Vayu Purana, Matsya Purana, and Harivamsa Purana discuss Kalinga, Utkala, and their legendary rulers.
3. Jaina and Buddhist Sources: The Avasyaka Niryukti (Jain) and Buddhist texts like Digha Nikaya and Kalinga Bodhi Jataka offer cultural insights into ancient Odisha.
4. Other Literary Works: Texts like the Arthashastra and Manusmriti provide information on political organizations. The Baudhayana Dharmasastra and Harshacharita give additional details on socio-religious practices.

Foreign Accounts

1. Greek Historians: Pliny, Diodorus, Plutarch, and Megasthenes reference Kalinga. Pliny even divides it into three parts: Gangetic, Middle, and Kalinga.
2. Chinese Pilgrim: Hiuen Tsang, who visited Odisha in 638-39 AD, provides valuable insights into the region’s religious conditions in his work, Si-yu-ki.

Archaeological Sources

1. Explorations and Excavations: Valentine Bali explored regions like Angul and Dhenkanal in 1875, uncovering prehistoric sites. Discoveries of Paleolithic tools and cave paintings in areas like Kuliana and Gudahandi show evidence of early human activity.
2. Asokan Rock Edicts: The rock art and edicts found at Dhauli and Jaugada reveal administrative details of Kalinga during Asoka’s rule.
3. Buddhist Sites: Excavations at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri uncovered stupas, monasteries, and statues, known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha archaeology.
4. Temple Structures: Temples like Lingaraj and Jagannath in Bhubaneswar showcase Odisha’s architectural evolution.

Important Note: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves were residential blocks for Jain monks in the 2nd century BCE.

Inscriptions

1. Pictographic Inscriptions: Found in Sundergarh and Kalahandi, such as the Vikramkhol and Gudahandi rock art.
2. Copper Plate Inscriptions: Plates from Talcher and Hindol detail the region’s early history.
3. Asokan Edicts: Found at Dhauli and Jaugada, they provide insights into Mauryan administration.

Coins

Numismatics reveals the trade, commerce, and economic conditions of ancient Odisha.

1. Punch-Marked Coins: Used from the 4th century BC to 4th century AD, featuring symbols like the Sun, animals, and geometrical designs.
2. Puri-Kushana Coins: Circulated from 0-3 century AD.
3. Gupta Coins: Gold coins from the Gupta era reveal trade practices from 5-7 century AD.
4. Nala Coins: Feature a humped bull with a crescent, dating to the 5th-6th century AD.

Ancient Kingdoms and Dynasties in Odisha

Odisha was ruled by a succession of powerful dynasties that shaped its historical and cultural development.

The Nandas

1. Kalinga Integration: Mahapadmananda of the Nanda Dynasty annexed Kalinga around 350 BCE.
2. Economic Prosperity: Archaeological finds like black polished pottery indicate a flourishing economy under Nanda rule.
3. Irrigation Projects: Mentioned in the Hatigumpha inscription found in Udayagiri.

The Mauryas

1. Kalinga War: Fought in 261 BCE, described in Ashoka’s Thirteenth Rock Edict. Post-war, Ashoka adopted Buddhism.
2. Administration: Kalinga was annexed, and Tosali became its capital. The Dhauli and Jaugada edicts illustrate Mauryan governance.

Post-Mauryan Dynasties

1. Chedi (Mahameghavahana) Dynasty: Founded by Mahameghavahana, the dynasty was known for Kharavela, a ruler who promoted Jainism and expanded territories.
2. Muranda Dynasty: A possibly foreign dynasty; the Bhadraka inscription suggests their rule in Odisha.
3. Gupta Dynasty: Samudragupta led southern campaigns, dividing Kalinga into four parts.
4. Sub-Regional Kingdoms: Post-Gupta rule saw the emergence of kingdoms like the Matharas, Nalas, Parvatadvarkas, Mehas, Vindyatavis, and Sarbhapuriyas.

Administration, Economy, Society, and Religion

1. Bhauma-Kara Dynasty: Ruled from the 8th century AD, notable for female rulers like Gauri Mahadevi. This period saw the rise of Buddhism and the enforcement of Varnashrama.
2. Somavamsi Dynasty: Also known as Panduvamsis, they unified Odisha and built cultural heritage sites. They adhered to Brahmanism and promoted Vedic rituals.

Important Note: Lingaraj temple, a key architectural monument, was completed under Somavamsi rule.

Comparison Table: Major Ancient Dynasties of Odisha

8th-9th century CE | Tribhuvana Mahadevi | Female rulers, Buddhism |
| Somavamsi | 9th-12th century CE | Udayana | Unification of Odisha, Brahmanism |

Important Note

The Diamond Triangle of Odisha consists of the Buddhist sites Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri.

1 MCQ: Which dynasty is known for its prominent female rulers in Odisha?

1. Nanda
2. Maurya
3. Bhauma-Kara
4. Somavamsi
   Correct Answer: 3. Bhauma-Kara