Table of contents:
- About Gajapati Dynasty
- Ruler of the Gajapati Dynasty [1434 - 1541 CE]
- Bhoi Dynasty [ 1541-1558]
- Chalukya Dynasty [ 1558-1568]
- Administration of the Gajapati Dynasty
- Literature work of the Gajapati Dynasty
- Art and Architecture of the Gajapati Dynasty
About Suryavamshi Gajapati Dynasty:
The literal meaning of Gajapati is the army of elephants. It was believed that the Gajapati rulers had more than 2 lakh elephants in their army.
The Gajapati dynasty was a prominent dynasty that ruled over the Kalinga region, present-day Odisha in India, from the 14th century to the 16th century. The dynasty is known for its strong influence on the political and cultural landscape of Odisha.
The founder of the Gajapati dynasty was Kapilendra Deva, also known as Kapilendra Gajapati. He ascended the throne in 1434 CE after overthrowing the previous ruler, Bhanudeva IV of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Kapilendra Deva was a skilled military strategist and expanded the territory of his kingdom through numerous conquests.
Under Kapilendra Deva's rule, the Gajapati dynasty reached its zenith. He successfully repelled invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and the Bahmani Sultanate, establishing his authority over a large part of Odisha.
Kapilendra Deva's successors continued his legacy and maintained the prominence of the Gajapati dynasty. Some notable rulers of the dynasty include Purushottama Deva, Prataparudra Deva, and Mukunda Deva. These rulers further expanded the kingdom and patronized art, literature, and architecture.
During the reign of Prataparudra Deva, the Gajapati dynasty faced significant challenges from the rising power of the Vijayanagara Empire. Prataparudra Deva was defeated by the Vijayanagara forces in the Battle of Panchalingeswar, leading to the loss of some territories. However, he managed to maintain a level of autonomy and continued to rule over Odisha.
Rulers of the Gajapati dynasty
The Gajapati dynasty had several rulers who played significant roles in the history of Odisha. Here are some of the notable rulers of the dynasty:
Kapilendra Deva (1434-1466 CE):
Kapilendra Deva also known as Kapilendra Gajapati, was the founder of the Gajapati dynasty. Kapilendra Deva was a skilled military strategist and expanded the territory of his kingdom through conquests. He is credited with building several temples and monuments, including the Kapileswar Shaivite temple at Bhuvaneshavar.
Purushottama Deva (1466-1497 CE):
Purushottama Deva was the son of Kapilendra Deva and succeeded him as the ruler of the Gajapati dynasty. He continued his father's military campaigns and expanded the kingdom further. Purushottama Deva is known for his patronage of art, literature, and architecture.
Prataparudra Deva (1497-1540 CE):
Prataparudra Deva was one of the most renowned rulers of the Gajapati dynasty. Quli Qutb Shah invaded Odisha during the Prataparudra Deva. He faced significant challenges from the Vijayanagara Empire but managed to maintain a level of autonomy. Prataparudra Deva was a great patron of art and literature, and his court was adorned by scholars and poets.
Kakharua Bhanudeva IV (1540-1541 CE):
Bhanudeva IV was also known as Kakharua Deva, he was the grandson of Purushottama Deva and ascended the throne after Prataparudra Deva. His reign was marked by internal conflicts and struggles for power within the dynasty. Kakharua Deva was the last ruler of the Gajapati Dynasty.
Bhoi Dynasty [ 1541-1558]:
Govinda Vidyadhara killed the Khakharua Deva, the last ruler of the Gajapati Dynasty, and founded the Bhoi Dynasty in 1541. Govinda Vidyadhara ruled the kingdom until 1558.
Mukunda Deva (1558-1568 CE):
Mukunda Deva was the minister of Govinda Vidyadhara, he killed two Bhoi kings and declared himself king, and he established the Chalukya Dynasty in Odisha.
His reign was plagued by external invasions, particularly by the Mughal-Afghan general Sulaiman Khan Karrani. Mukunda Deva was defeated in battle by Karrani in 1568 CE, leading to the end of the Chalukya dynasty's rule in Odisha.
These are some of the prominent rulers of the Gajapati dynasty who left a lasting impact on the history and culture of Odisha. Their contributions to art, architecture, and literature continue to be celebrated in the region.
Administration of the Gajapati dynasty:
The capital of the Gajapaty empire was Kataka-Pattana ( Cuttack).
Ghunta, Mana, and Bati terms used in the Gajapati Dynasty denoted different units of land.
The revenue officer in the Southern Gajapati Kingdom was called Nayaka and Naidu.
The Gajapati Kingdom was divided into many provinces, known as Dandapata or Rajya. The governor of such provinces was known as Parikhas or Rajas. Provinces were further divided into "Simas", which were further divided into "Sthalas" or "Muthas".
Literature of the Gajapati Dynasty:
Sarala Dasa was a famous poet of the 15th century in the Gajapati dynasty. One notable literary work associated with the Gajapati dynasty is the Odia epic poem "Mahabharata" by Sarala Das. Sarala Das, a poet, and scholar, composed the Mahabharata in the 15th century during the reign of Kapilendra Deva. The Sarala Mahabharata is a significant adaptation of the original Sanskrit epic, providing a regional perspective and incorporating local culture and traditions.
Due to the excellent literary work produced by Sarala Dasa, it was known as the literature of the "Sarala Yuga".
Another literary figure associated with the Gajapati dynasty is the poet Dinakrushna Dasa. Dinakrushna Dasa, also known as Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, was a prominent poet of Odia literature during the 17th century. While he did not directly belong to the Gajapati dynasty, his works were greatly influenced by the cultural and literary legacy of the Gajapatis. Upendra Bhanja's poetry reflects the themes of love, heroism, and spirituality, often drawing inspiration from ancient Hindu epics.
Art and architecture of the Gajapati dynasty
The Gajapati dynasty of Odisha, India, made significant contributions to art and architecture. They patronized the construction of grand temples, sculptures, and other architectural marvels, showcasing their power and devotion. Here are some notable examples of art and architecture from the Gajapati dynasty:
Kapileswar Shaivite temple, Bhubaneswar:
The Mukteshvara Temple in Bhubaneswar is also known as Kapileswar Shaivite temple, it is a prime example of the Gajapati dynasty's architectural prowess. It was constructed during the reign of Kapilendra Deva and showcases the elaborate stone carving techniques of the time. The temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptures of various deities, celestial beings, and mythological scenes.
The art and architecture of the Gajapati dynasty represent a fusion of indigenous Odishan styles with influences from other regions of India. They continue to be celebrated for their aesthetic appeal, cultural significance, and their role in preserving the rich heritage of Odisha.
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