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Suryavamshi Gajapatis: Sources, Important Rulers, Administration, Religion, And Culture!
IMPORTANT LINKS
Another famous dynasty known as the Suryavamshi Gajapatis succeeded the Gangas. The kings of this dynasty asserted that they were descended from the Solar dynasty. They rose to power at Trikalinga. Due to the fact that they had a vast number of elephants in their army, they were generally referred to as Gajapatis, or rulers of the elephants. They ruled from 1434 to 1541 CE. The Sun God was the direct line of descent for the suryavanshi dynasty. The kings of the dynasty were generally given the title "Gajapati" or "King of the Elephants".
In this article, we will explore the features of the Suryavamshi Gajapatis dynasty. This forms a major part of the UPSC IAS exam, and questions related to this topic are seen in Prelims, UPSC Mains Paper I, as well as in UPSC History Optional. This topic is equally important for the UGC NET History exam, as 5-6 questions are asked every year about the political history of India.
Before starting, let us have a look at Gajapati Empire Map!
Fig: Gajapati Empire Map
Sources
The history of the Suryavamshi Gajapatis in Odisha is based on many sources. Examples of literary sources in Sanskrit include the Parasurama Vijaya and Abhinava Venisamharam. Odia's works include the Madala Panji, Chaitanya Bhagavata, and Jagannatha Cheritemrite. Another significant source is Bengali literature.
The literary sources for the Suryavamshi Gajapatis also include Telugu works. The primary examples include Manucharitam and Krishnarasa Vijayamu. Persian works like the Tarikh-i Ferishta also serve as a source of information for the dynasty. Puri Jagannath temple inscription, the Velicherla copper plates, and others serve as inscriptional sources for the Suryavamsi rule in Odisha.
Also Read Deccan Kingdoms Art And Architecture
Important Rulers
Let us have a look at the important kings of Gajapati Suryavanshi dynasty.
Kapilendradeva (1435-1467 CE)
The Suryavamshi Gajapatis Kingdom was founded by Kapilendra Deva. It reigned over portions of eastern and southern India. He defeated the last Eastern Ganga dynasty emperor Bhanu Deva IV. He was also known by the title of Sri Sri Kapilendra Deva or Kapilendra Routray, in claiming to be a member of the Mahabharata's Surya Vamsha (Sun dynasty). He also assumed the title Shri Shri Gajapati Gaudeshwara Naba Koti Karnata Kalabargeswara. This title denoted the ruler of Bengal, the Karnataka region, Vijayanagara, Gulbarga, and nine crore subjects.
Purusottamadeva (1467 – 1497 CE)
The second Gajapati monarch of Odisha, Vira Pratapa Purushottama Deva, ruled from 1467 to 1497 C.E. He served as the Suryavamshi Gajapatis Empire's second ruler.
Purushottam Deva is the leading figure of the poem Kanchi Kaveri Upakhyana. It was penned by Purushottam Das in the sixteenth century. It was later translated into Bengali by Rangalal Bandyopadhyay. The Hindu worshippers of Odisha's Jagannath tradition are also admirers of this fable.
Prataprudradeva (1497 -1540 CE)
Prataparudra Deva was the third Gajapati monarch of Odisha. He was in power between 1497 to 1540 CE.
Besides being a ruler, he was a devoted Vaishnava and follower of Sri Chaitanya. Sri Chaitanya was a well-known saint who arrived in Odisha during his time. The three frontal invasions by the enemy nations kept him highly busy with massive military campaigns. He started the process of ending Odisha's military hegemony and imperial status.
Read Here Maitrakas Dynasty and Chalukyas of Gujarat.
Administration
The massive Suryavamshi Gajapatis dominion from the Godavari to the Ganges. Kataka-Pattana (Cuttack) served as the capital of this enormous empire. Kapilendradeva was crowned in Kruttivasa Kataka, the second stronghold of the Gajapati kingdom.
- The Gajapati emperors set up a productive government to preserve the stability of their enormous realm.
- During Kapilendra's reign, the Suryavamsi monarchs were known by high titles. Some of them were Maharajadhiraja, Paramesvara, Gajapati, Gaudesvara, and Navakoti Karnataka Kalavargesvara.
- The Suryavamshi Gajapatis had benevolently ruled over their subjects. A vast number of ministers and officers helped the king perform his tasks. Amatyas, Mantri Sreni Siromani, Sena-Narendra, Vahinipati, and Samantaraya were some of them.
- When performing its tasks, the judicial system of the day was quite effective. Criminal punishment was harsh. A revenue officer named Gopinatha Badajena was charged with crimes. He was sent behind bars. Rama Patra was also given the death penalty. Because of this, criminals were subject to harsh punishment for their crimes.
- The Gajapati rulers had a very effective system of provincial government. Provinces known as Dandapata or Rajya made up the empire. Parikhas or Rajas were the titles given to these territories' governors.
- The smallest administrative unit in the provinces was the village. It was further subdivided into sthalas or muthas. Each of these units had several villages (grama).
Read and Learn About Kakatiya Dynasty with Testbook.
Economy
The land revenue system was well-developed during the Gajapati era. The land was measured, and the measurements were used to determine the tax assessment. Two hereditary officials known as Khandadhipati and Bisayee were in charge of administering the two divisions of the crown lands—Khanda and Bisi. The king assigned a headman known as a pradhan or Bhai to ease income collection from communities.
Also, Read About Post Gupta Economy.
Culture Under Suryavamshi Gajapatis
Kapilendra Deva erected a Kapileswar Shaivite temple in Bhubaneswar.
In the Balasore district during this period, a shrine was constructed close to the Raibania fort.
Purushottama erected two granite statues of Lord Jagannath and Balarama in the shrine.
Currently, the Jagannath Temple grounds in Puri are home to the idols of Uchistha and Gopala. Purushottama Deva brought these as a symbol of triumph against Kanchi.
Prataparudra Deva renovated the temples of Goddess Biraja in the Jajpur district. He also reconstructed the Chandrasekhara temple on Kapilasa Hill.
Prataparudra constructed the audience hall for the Jagannath temple at Puri.
Also, Read India's Development in the Fields of Science and Technology.
Religion
The Suryavamshi Gajapatis monarchs were ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu. They were supporters of Vaishnavism. They also built a great deal of Lord Vishnu temples.
Read About Puranic Hinduism - Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism Here!
Conclusion
Under Gajapati Kapilendra Deva, the Suryavamshi Gajapatis of Odisha ruled over a vast empire. It stretched from the Ganges in the north near Hoogly to the Kaveri in the south. Nonetheless, Vijayanagar and Golconda had primarily displaced the Gajapatis from their southern hegemony by the early 16th century. The final Gajapati king of the land was Prataparudra Deva. Upon his demise, Odisha's military dominance and imperial status were lost.
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Suryavamshi Gajapatis FAQs
Who established the Suryavamsi Gajapati dynasty?
Emperor Kapilendra Deva founded the Gajapati dynasty in 1434.
Who was the Gajapati Kingdom's conqueror?
The Gajapati King Prataparudra was defeated by Krishna Devaraya.
Which state did the Gajapati dynasty rule?
In the 15th century, the Gajapati dynasty ruled over parts of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
What are the various types of land parcels during the Gajapati dynasty?
Under the Gajapati dynasty, different types of land measures were present. They were Guntha (20 cubic sq), Mana (25 Gunthas), and Bati (20 Manas).
Who ruled as a suryavanshi in Odisha?
The Gajapati dynasty, also known as the Suryavanshi, succeeded the Gangas.