Table of Contents:
- About Ganga Dynasty
- Western Ganga Dynasty
- Eastern Ganga Dynasty
- Rulers of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty
- Art and Architecture of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty
- Administration of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty
About Ganga Dynasty:
There were two Ganga dynasties in India. The first one was mainly ruled in Karnataka during the 4th to 11th Century CE, which was known as the Western Ganga dynasty. The second one was ruled in Odisha from the 11th to 15th century CE, which was known as the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Western Ganga Dynasty:
The Western Ganga dynasty, also known as the Gangas of Talakad, was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled parts of present-day Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh from the 4th to the 11th century CE. They were one of the prominent South Indian dynasties during that period.
The Ganga dynasty was founded by King Konganivarman, who established his capital at Talakad on the banks of the River Kaveri. The Ganga Dynasty reached its peak under King Durvinita, who expanded its kingdom and established control over a significant part of southern India.
The Ganga Dynasty was known for its patronage of art, literature, and religion. They were avid supporters of Shaivism (devotion to the god Shiva) and built many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of the notable temples built by the Gangas include the famous Somanathapura temple and the Kedareshwara temple at Balligavi.
The Ganga dynasty had close cultural and political ties with other contemporary dynasties in South India, such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas. They engaged in both friendly alliances and conflicts with these neighboring kingdoms.
Over time, the Ganga dynasty faced invasions and attacks from the Cholas and the Chalukyas, which weakened their power. In the 11th century, the Cholas defeated the Gangas and incorporated their territories into their own empire. This marked the end of the Ganga dynasty's rule.
Eastern Ganga Dynasty:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty was a medieval Indian dynasty that ruled over the Kalinga region (present-day Odisha) from the 11th to the 15th centuries. Eastern Ganga Dynasty was founded by King Anantavaraman Chodaganga, descendants of the Western Ganga Dynasty. The Eastern Ganga dynasty played a significant role in the political, cultural, and religious history of Odisha.
Origins and Early Rule:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty was founded by King Anantavarman Chodaganga in the early 11th century. Anantavarman Chodaganga was a nobleman from the Western Ganga dynasty who established his authority over the Kalinga region and declared himself as the king. He ruled from his capital at Kalinganagara (modern-day Mukhalingam in Odisha) and laid the foundation for the Eastern Ganga dynasty's future dominance.
Expansion and Golden Period:
Under the rule of Anantavarman Chodaganga and his successors, the Eastern Ganga dynasty expanded its territories and emerged as a powerful kingdom in eastern India. They successfully repelled invasions from the Cholas and the Muslim armies, consolidating their control over Kalinga. The dynasty reached its golden period under King Anangabhima Deva III (1211-1238), who was a great patron of art, culture, and religion. During his reign, the dynasty witnessed remarkable achievements in temple architecture, literature, sculpture, and the promotion of Hinduism and Jainism.
Cultural and Religious Contributions:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty made significant contributions to the cultural and religious development of the Kalinga region. They sponsored the construction of numerous temples, including the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, which remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The dynasty also supported the growth of various religious sects, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism. They patronized scholars, poets, and artists, contributing to the development of Odiaa literature and the spread of Odissi classical dance.
Decline and Successor Kingdoms:
The decline of the Eastern Ganga dynasty began in the 14th century due to internal conflicts and external invasions. The dynasty faced repeated attacks from the Delhi Sultanate and other Muslim rulers. Despite putting up resistance, they gradually lost control over their territories. In the 15th century, the Suryavamshi Gajapati dynasty [1434 CE], led by Kapilendra Deva, captured power from the Eastern Gangas and established their rule in Odisha.
Rulers of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
The Eastern Ganga dynasty was ruled by a succession of kings from its founding in the 11th century until its decline in the 15th century. Here are some of the prominent rulers of the Eastern Ganga dynasty:
Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078-1147):
He was the founder of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and the first king of the dynasty. He expanded his kingdom and established his capital at Kalinganagara (Mukhalingam).
Ananga Bhima Deva II (1171-1198):
He was a powerful king who expanded the territories of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and successfully repelled invasions from the Cholas.
Anangabhima Deva III (1211-1238):
He is considered one of the most famous and influential rulers of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. He was a great patron of art, culture, and religion and presided over the golden period of the dynasty. He sponsored the construction of many temples and contributed to the growth of Odia literature and the arts.
Narasimha Deva I (1238-1264):
He was known for his military exploits and successfully defended his kingdom against Muslim invasions. The famous Sun temple of Konark was built by King Narasimha Deva.
Bhanu Deva I (1279-1305):
He ruled during a period of relative stability and continued the patronage of art and literature.
Narasimha Deva II (1324-1352):
He faced several conflicts with the Delhi Sultanate but managed to retain control over his kingdom.
Bhanu Deva II (1414-1434):
He ruled during a turbulent period when the Eastern Ganga dynasty faced numerous invasions and internal conflicts.
Kapilendra Deva (1434-1466):
Although not technically a ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, Kapilendra Deva, a general in the Ganga army, overthrew the last Eastern Ganga king and established the Suryavamshi Gajapati dynasty.
Art and architecture of the Eastern Ganga dynasty:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty made significant contributions to the art and architecture of the Kalinga region (present-day Odisha) during their reign. They were great patrons of temple construction and architectural innovation, which resulted in the creation of numerous magnificent temples and sculptures. Here are some notable features of the art and architecture of the Eastern Ganga dynasty:
Temple Architecture:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty is renowned for its temple architecture. They built temples in the Kalinga style, which combines elements of the Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles. The temples were usually constructed using sandstone or laterite blocks. Prominent examples include the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Sun Temple at Konark, and the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar.
"Deul" Structure:
The temples built by the Eastern Gangas often featured a Deul structure, which refers to the main sanctum or shrine of the temple. The Deul had a spire-like structure that rose above the temple. The Deuls were intricately carved with sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and various mythical creatures.
Vimana:
The vimana, also known as the tower, was a distinctive feature of the Eastern Ganga temple architecture. It was a pyramidal or curvilinear structure that gradually narrowed as it rose. The vimanas were adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures.
Sculptures and Carvings:
The Eastern Gangas were known for their exquisite stone sculptures and carvings. The temple walls, pillars, and entrances were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, deities, celestial beings, animals, and human figures. The sculptures were characterized by their lifelike expressions, detailed ornamentation, and dynamic postures.
Jagamohana:
The Jagamohana, also known as the assembly hall, was another essential component of Eastern Ganga temples. It served as a gathering place for devotees and was built in front of the main shrine. The Jagamohanas were relatively simpler in design compared to the Deuls but still featured elaborate carvings.
Temple Complexes:
The Eastern Ganga dynasty developed large temple complexes that consisted of multiple shrines, mandapas (pillared halls), and other auxiliary structures. These complexes often included smaller subsidiary temples dedicated to various deities, such as the Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakta traditions.
Gateway Structures:
The temple complexes of the Eastern Gangas typically had elaborately carved entrance gateways or Toranas. These gateways served as the entrance to the temple and were adorned with sculptures and decorative motifs.
The art and architecture of the Eastern Ganga dynasty reflect a unique blend of regional styles and influences from neighboring regions. Their temples and sculptures continue to be revered as masterpieces of Odishan art and are important cultural and religious landmarks.
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