The Ganga | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


98 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction   
The rise of the Imperial Gangas is a remarkable event in the history of Odisha. The 
period of Ganga rule is considered as an era of vigorous imperial wars and conquests, hectic 
political activities, sound administration and great cultural attainments. In fact, the Gangas as a 
rulling dynasty appeared in the Odishan history towards the end of the fifth century A.D. and in 
the eleventh century A.D., they emerged as a paramount power. The Gangas not only succeeded 
in building a vast empire but their well organised administrative set up, 'unparalled architectural 
splendours like Sri Jagannath temple at Puri and Sun temple at Konarka made their name 
immortal in the annals of medieval Odishan history.  
The Gangas 
The reign of the Gangas, popularly known as the Eastern Gangas, forms a splendid era in 
the  medieval Odishan history. They struggled hard for a long period from 498 A.D. to 940 A.D. 
for their survival and during this phase, they passed through many vicissitudes. This was 
followed by four hundred years of glorious rule, a period from 1038 A.D. to 1435 A.D.  
Sources 
It is very difficult to find out the sources of the Ganga dynasty. However, as a tribe they 
can be traced back to fourth century B.C. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of 
Chandragupta Maurya, mentions a tribe, named Gangaridai, which inhabited on the bank of the 
Ganges. In the first century AD., Pliny refers to their southward movement and settlement on the 
bank of the river Vamsadhara.The Draksaram temple inscription, Kenduli plate, Korni copper 
plate, Nagari plate, Kendupatana plate, Jagannath temple inscription, Chinna Badamu plates, 
Ronaki inscription, Kanchipuram inscription, Kapilasa inscription, Kamarnava copper plate 
(Choudwar) etc. form the main inscriptional scources of the imperial Gangas. Among literary 
works, very important are the Madala Panji, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Tarikh-i-Firoze Shahi, 
Page 2


98 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction   
The rise of the Imperial Gangas is a remarkable event in the history of Odisha. The 
period of Ganga rule is considered as an era of vigorous imperial wars and conquests, hectic 
political activities, sound administration and great cultural attainments. In fact, the Gangas as a 
rulling dynasty appeared in the Odishan history towards the end of the fifth century A.D. and in 
the eleventh century A.D., they emerged as a paramount power. The Gangas not only succeeded 
in building a vast empire but their well organised administrative set up, 'unparalled architectural 
splendours like Sri Jagannath temple at Puri and Sun temple at Konarka made their name 
immortal in the annals of medieval Odishan history.  
The Gangas 
The reign of the Gangas, popularly known as the Eastern Gangas, forms a splendid era in 
the  medieval Odishan history. They struggled hard for a long period from 498 A.D. to 940 A.D. 
for their survival and during this phase, they passed through many vicissitudes. This was 
followed by four hundred years of glorious rule, a period from 1038 A.D. to 1435 A.D.  
Sources 
It is very difficult to find out the sources of the Ganga dynasty. However, as a tribe they 
can be traced back to fourth century B.C. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of 
Chandragupta Maurya, mentions a tribe, named Gangaridai, which inhabited on the bank of the 
Ganges. In the first century AD., Pliny refers to their southward movement and settlement on the 
bank of the river Vamsadhara.The Draksaram temple inscription, Kenduli plate, Korni copper 
plate, Nagari plate, Kendupatana plate, Jagannath temple inscription, Chinna Badamu plates, 
Ronaki inscription, Kanchipuram inscription, Kapilasa inscription, Kamarnava copper plate 
(Choudwar) etc. form the main inscriptional scources of the imperial Gangas. Among literary 
works, very important are the Madala Panji, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Tarikh-i-Firoze Shahi, 
 
Ramacharita and Kalingattuparani etc. which throw considerable light on the career and 
achievements of the Ganga kings. 
Political History 
The Ganga imperialism brought political stabilisation to Odisha in the medieval age. The 
competent rulers of this dynasty like Chodagangadeva, Anangabhimadeva III and 
Narasimhadeva I were great warriors and men of exceptional ability who succeeded in keeping 
their vast kingdoms independent when the Hindu kingdoms, one after another, were falling 
victims to Muslim aggression.  
The genealogy of the Imperial Gangas 
The genealogy of the Ganga rulers can be discussed in the following way. 
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V 
 ? 
 Devendravarman Raja Raja I 
  ? 
 _______________________________________ 
 ?    ?        ? 
1.Anantavarman   Chodagangadeva  Viayaganda        Premadideva 
 
2. Kamarnava 3. Raghava  4. Raja Raja II  5. Ananga Bhimadeva II 
? 
6.Raja Raja III 
? 
7.Ananga Bhimadeva III 
 ? 
8.Narasimhadeva I 
 ? 
9.Bhanudeva I 
? 
10.Narasimhadeva II 
 ? 
11.Bhanudeva II 
Page 3


98 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction   
The rise of the Imperial Gangas is a remarkable event in the history of Odisha. The 
period of Ganga rule is considered as an era of vigorous imperial wars and conquests, hectic 
political activities, sound administration and great cultural attainments. In fact, the Gangas as a 
rulling dynasty appeared in the Odishan history towards the end of the fifth century A.D. and in 
the eleventh century A.D., they emerged as a paramount power. The Gangas not only succeeded 
in building a vast empire but their well organised administrative set up, 'unparalled architectural 
splendours like Sri Jagannath temple at Puri and Sun temple at Konarka made their name 
immortal in the annals of medieval Odishan history.  
The Gangas 
The reign of the Gangas, popularly known as the Eastern Gangas, forms a splendid era in 
the  medieval Odishan history. They struggled hard for a long period from 498 A.D. to 940 A.D. 
for their survival and during this phase, they passed through many vicissitudes. This was 
followed by four hundred years of glorious rule, a period from 1038 A.D. to 1435 A.D.  
Sources 
It is very difficult to find out the sources of the Ganga dynasty. However, as a tribe they 
can be traced back to fourth century B.C. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of 
Chandragupta Maurya, mentions a tribe, named Gangaridai, which inhabited on the bank of the 
Ganges. In the first century AD., Pliny refers to their southward movement and settlement on the 
bank of the river Vamsadhara.The Draksaram temple inscription, Kenduli plate, Korni copper 
plate, Nagari plate, Kendupatana plate, Jagannath temple inscription, Chinna Badamu plates, 
Ronaki inscription, Kanchipuram inscription, Kapilasa inscription, Kamarnava copper plate 
(Choudwar) etc. form the main inscriptional scources of the imperial Gangas. Among literary 
works, very important are the Madala Panji, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Tarikh-i-Firoze Shahi, 
 
Ramacharita and Kalingattuparani etc. which throw considerable light on the career and 
achievements of the Ganga kings. 
Political History 
The Ganga imperialism brought political stabilisation to Odisha in the medieval age. The 
competent rulers of this dynasty like Chodagangadeva, Anangabhimadeva III and 
Narasimhadeva I were great warriors and men of exceptional ability who succeeded in keeping 
their vast kingdoms independent when the Hindu kingdoms, one after another, were falling 
victims to Muslim aggression.  
The genealogy of the Imperial Gangas 
The genealogy of the Ganga rulers can be discussed in the following way. 
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V 
 ? 
 Devendravarman Raja Raja I 
  ? 
 _______________________________________ 
 ?    ?        ? 
1.Anantavarman   Chodagangadeva  Viayaganda        Premadideva 
 
2. Kamarnava 3. Raghava  4. Raja Raja II  5. Ananga Bhimadeva II 
? 
6.Raja Raja III 
? 
7.Ananga Bhimadeva III 
 ? 
8.Narasimhadeva I 
 ? 
9.Bhanudeva I 
? 
10.Narasimhadeva II 
 ? 
11.Bhanudeva II 
 
 ? 
12.Narasimhadeva III 
?  
13.Bhanudeva III 
 ? 
14.Narasimhadeva IV 
 ? 
15. Bhanudeva IV 
nantavaraman Vajrahasta V (C-1038-1070 A.D.) 
With the accession of Anantavarman Vajrahasta V in 1038 A.D. , the Gangas got freed 
from the clutches of the Somavamsi kings. As the first independent Ganga king, he used titles 
like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, Paramamahesvara, Paramabhattaraka and 
Trikalingadhipati'. His title' Trikalingadhipati' clearly indicates that he brought Utkala, Kongoda 
and Kalinga under his control. He followed the policy of rnatrirnorual alliance for strengthening 
his empire. His marriage with Vinaya Mahadevi, the Kalachuri princess made his position stable 
in the Southern India and prompted him to deal with the Somavamsis. It is presumed that he 
maintained diplomatic relation with distant neighbouring countries which enhanced his glory.   
Devendravarman Rajarajadeva (1070-1077 A.D.) 
Vajrahasta V was succeeded by his son Devendra Varman Rajarajadeva in 1070 AD. 
Being pressed by the Somavamsis of Utkala and the Chalukyas of Vengi, Rajarajadeva was 
determined to follow a vigorous policy. He carried on his arms far as Vengi, defeated 
Kulottungachoda alias Rajendrachoda II, who gave the hand of his daughter Raja sundari to 
Rajarajadeva. From Dirghasi inscription, it is known that Vanapati, the Brahmin minister and 
commander of Rajaraja inflicted crushing defeat upon the rulers of Vengi, Utkala, Khimidi, 
Gidrisingi, Kosala and Chola. The acquisition of the neighbouring territories by following a 
vigourous policy of aggrandisement enabled Rajarajadeva to bring stability to the Ganga rule. He 
took up the independent highsounding titles like Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, 
Maharajadhtraja and Trikalingadhipati. He died in 1077 AD. 
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva (1077-1147 A.D.) 
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva was a prominent king of the Ganga dynasty. The initial 
phase of his reign was   critical because of his infancy. But as the king grew up to adulthood, he 
Page 4


98 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction   
The rise of the Imperial Gangas is a remarkable event in the history of Odisha. The 
period of Ganga rule is considered as an era of vigorous imperial wars and conquests, hectic 
political activities, sound administration and great cultural attainments. In fact, the Gangas as a 
rulling dynasty appeared in the Odishan history towards the end of the fifth century A.D. and in 
the eleventh century A.D., they emerged as a paramount power. The Gangas not only succeeded 
in building a vast empire but their well organised administrative set up, 'unparalled architectural 
splendours like Sri Jagannath temple at Puri and Sun temple at Konarka made their name 
immortal in the annals of medieval Odishan history.  
The Gangas 
The reign of the Gangas, popularly known as the Eastern Gangas, forms a splendid era in 
the  medieval Odishan history. They struggled hard for a long period from 498 A.D. to 940 A.D. 
for their survival and during this phase, they passed through many vicissitudes. This was 
followed by four hundred years of glorious rule, a period from 1038 A.D. to 1435 A.D.  
Sources 
It is very difficult to find out the sources of the Ganga dynasty. However, as a tribe they 
can be traced back to fourth century B.C. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of 
Chandragupta Maurya, mentions a tribe, named Gangaridai, which inhabited on the bank of the 
Ganges. In the first century AD., Pliny refers to their southward movement and settlement on the 
bank of the river Vamsadhara.The Draksaram temple inscription, Kenduli plate, Korni copper 
plate, Nagari plate, Kendupatana plate, Jagannath temple inscription, Chinna Badamu plates, 
Ronaki inscription, Kanchipuram inscription, Kapilasa inscription, Kamarnava copper plate 
(Choudwar) etc. form the main inscriptional scources of the imperial Gangas. Among literary 
works, very important are the Madala Panji, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Tarikh-i-Firoze Shahi, 
 
Ramacharita and Kalingattuparani etc. which throw considerable light on the career and 
achievements of the Ganga kings. 
Political History 
The Ganga imperialism brought political stabilisation to Odisha in the medieval age. The 
competent rulers of this dynasty like Chodagangadeva, Anangabhimadeva III and 
Narasimhadeva I were great warriors and men of exceptional ability who succeeded in keeping 
their vast kingdoms independent when the Hindu kingdoms, one after another, were falling 
victims to Muslim aggression.  
The genealogy of the Imperial Gangas 
The genealogy of the Ganga rulers can be discussed in the following way. 
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V 
 ? 
 Devendravarman Raja Raja I 
  ? 
 _______________________________________ 
 ?    ?        ? 
1.Anantavarman   Chodagangadeva  Viayaganda        Premadideva 
 
2. Kamarnava 3. Raghava  4. Raja Raja II  5. Ananga Bhimadeva II 
? 
6.Raja Raja III 
? 
7.Ananga Bhimadeva III 
 ? 
8.Narasimhadeva I 
 ? 
9.Bhanudeva I 
? 
10.Narasimhadeva II 
 ? 
11.Bhanudeva II 
 
 ? 
12.Narasimhadeva III 
?  
13.Bhanudeva III 
 ? 
14.Narasimhadeva IV 
 ? 
15. Bhanudeva IV 
nantavaraman Vajrahasta V (C-1038-1070 A.D.) 
With the accession of Anantavarman Vajrahasta V in 1038 A.D. , the Gangas got freed 
from the clutches of the Somavamsi kings. As the first independent Ganga king, he used titles 
like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, Paramamahesvara, Paramabhattaraka and 
Trikalingadhipati'. His title' Trikalingadhipati' clearly indicates that he brought Utkala, Kongoda 
and Kalinga under his control. He followed the policy of rnatrirnorual alliance for strengthening 
his empire. His marriage with Vinaya Mahadevi, the Kalachuri princess made his position stable 
in the Southern India and prompted him to deal with the Somavamsis. It is presumed that he 
maintained diplomatic relation with distant neighbouring countries which enhanced his glory.   
Devendravarman Rajarajadeva (1070-1077 A.D.) 
Vajrahasta V was succeeded by his son Devendra Varman Rajarajadeva in 1070 AD. 
Being pressed by the Somavamsis of Utkala and the Chalukyas of Vengi, Rajarajadeva was 
determined to follow a vigorous policy. He carried on his arms far as Vengi, defeated 
Kulottungachoda alias Rajendrachoda II, who gave the hand of his daughter Raja sundari to 
Rajarajadeva. From Dirghasi inscription, it is known that Vanapati, the Brahmin minister and 
commander of Rajaraja inflicted crushing defeat upon the rulers of Vengi, Utkala, Khimidi, 
Gidrisingi, Kosala and Chola. The acquisition of the neighbouring territories by following a 
vigourous policy of aggrandisement enabled Rajarajadeva to bring stability to the Ganga rule. He 
took up the independent highsounding titles like Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, 
Maharajadhtraja and Trikalingadhipati. He died in 1077 AD. 
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva (1077-1147 A.D.) 
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva was a prominent king of the Ganga dynasty. The initial 
phase of his reign was   critical because of his infancy. But as the king grew up to adulthood, he 
 
proved his ability as a ruler and ruling over Odisha for a long period of seventy years. In fact,  he 
founded the Gangas dynasty in the Odishan soil, which ruled till 1435 A D.   
Conquests and empire building 
In order to establish a strong empire, Anantavarman Chodagangadeva followed the policy 
of conquest and empire building. 
War with the Cholas 
In the early years of his succession to power, Chodagangadeva had to face Chola threat. 
It was happened perhaps due to the marriage of Chodagangadeva with Chodadevi, the daughter 
of Virachoda, a son of Kulottungachoda. This was perhaps against the will of Kulottunga and 
thus, his son Virachoda was ousted from governorship of Vengi. This led Virachoda to take 
shelter at the court of Chodagangadeva, and so, the latter had to bear the brunt of 
Kulottungachoda's aggression. This war took place around 1093-94 AD. Chodagangadeva lost 
the southern part of Kalinga which was occupied by the Cholas. However, Chodagangadeva 
never lost his heart. With increasing power and potentiality, he defied the payment of tribute to 
the Cholas as has been reflected by the Kalingattuparani composed by Jayamagondam, the court 
poet of Kulottunga. As a result the Cholas marched to Kalinga and fought with Chodagangadeva 
who defeated them and occupied Vengi. This led the expansion of the Ganga dynasty upto Vengi 
in the Western direction. 
Subjugation of Utkala 
The weakness of the Somavamsis of Utkala brought the attention of Chodagandadeva to 
subjugate it under his suzerainty. The Corni copper plate grant of Chodagangadeva mentions that 
Chodagangadeva waged war against the kings of Utkala and Vengi simultaneously. He first 
defeated the king of Utkala whose name appears as Karnadeva in the Ramacharita of 
Sandhyakaranandi. It is a fact that Karnadeva or Karnakesari, the last ruler of the Somavamsi 
dynasty was defeated by Chodagangadeva. After that, the Ganga empire extended upto Utkala in 
the eastern direction. After the annexation of Utkala, Chodagandadeva had annexed Vengi as is 
suggested by the above mentioned copper plate grant. The year of occupation of Odisha by 
Chodagangadeva might have taken place around 1110 A. D. 
Relation with the Palas of Bengal 
Getting success over Utkal and Vengi, Chodagandadeva next looked towards Bengal 
Taking advantage of the death of Ramapala, Chodagangadeva attacked Bengal beyond 
Page 5


98 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction   
The rise of the Imperial Gangas is a remarkable event in the history of Odisha. The 
period of Ganga rule is considered as an era of vigorous imperial wars and conquests, hectic 
political activities, sound administration and great cultural attainments. In fact, the Gangas as a 
rulling dynasty appeared in the Odishan history towards the end of the fifth century A.D. and in 
the eleventh century A.D., they emerged as a paramount power. The Gangas not only succeeded 
in building a vast empire but their well organised administrative set up, 'unparalled architectural 
splendours like Sri Jagannath temple at Puri and Sun temple at Konarka made their name 
immortal in the annals of medieval Odishan history.  
The Gangas 
The reign of the Gangas, popularly known as the Eastern Gangas, forms a splendid era in 
the  medieval Odishan history. They struggled hard for a long period from 498 A.D. to 940 A.D. 
for their survival and during this phase, they passed through many vicissitudes. This was 
followed by four hundred years of glorious rule, a period from 1038 A.D. to 1435 A.D.  
Sources 
It is very difficult to find out the sources of the Ganga dynasty. However, as a tribe they 
can be traced back to fourth century B.C. Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of 
Chandragupta Maurya, mentions a tribe, named Gangaridai, which inhabited on the bank of the 
Ganges. In the first century AD., Pliny refers to their southward movement and settlement on the 
bank of the river Vamsadhara.The Draksaram temple inscription, Kenduli plate, Korni copper 
plate, Nagari plate, Kendupatana plate, Jagannath temple inscription, Chinna Badamu plates, 
Ronaki inscription, Kanchipuram inscription, Kapilasa inscription, Kamarnava copper plate 
(Choudwar) etc. form the main inscriptional scources of the imperial Gangas. Among literary 
works, very important are the Madala Panji, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Tarikh-i-Firoze Shahi, 
 
Ramacharita and Kalingattuparani etc. which throw considerable light on the career and 
achievements of the Ganga kings. 
Political History 
The Ganga imperialism brought political stabilisation to Odisha in the medieval age. The 
competent rulers of this dynasty like Chodagangadeva, Anangabhimadeva III and 
Narasimhadeva I were great warriors and men of exceptional ability who succeeded in keeping 
their vast kingdoms independent when the Hindu kingdoms, one after another, were falling 
victims to Muslim aggression.  
The genealogy of the Imperial Gangas 
The genealogy of the Ganga rulers can be discussed in the following way. 
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V 
 ? 
 Devendravarman Raja Raja I 
  ? 
 _______________________________________ 
 ?    ?        ? 
1.Anantavarman   Chodagangadeva  Viayaganda        Premadideva 
 
2. Kamarnava 3. Raghava  4. Raja Raja II  5. Ananga Bhimadeva II 
? 
6.Raja Raja III 
? 
7.Ananga Bhimadeva III 
 ? 
8.Narasimhadeva I 
 ? 
9.Bhanudeva I 
? 
10.Narasimhadeva II 
 ? 
11.Bhanudeva II 
 
 ? 
12.Narasimhadeva III 
?  
13.Bhanudeva III 
 ? 
14.Narasimhadeva IV 
 ? 
15. Bhanudeva IV 
nantavaraman Vajrahasta V (C-1038-1070 A.D.) 
With the accession of Anantavarman Vajrahasta V in 1038 A.D. , the Gangas got freed 
from the clutches of the Somavamsi kings. As the first independent Ganga king, he used titles 
like 'Maharaja, Maharajadhiraja, Paramamahesvara, Paramabhattaraka and 
Trikalingadhipati'. His title' Trikalingadhipati' clearly indicates that he brought Utkala, Kongoda 
and Kalinga under his control. He followed the policy of rnatrirnorual alliance for strengthening 
his empire. His marriage with Vinaya Mahadevi, the Kalachuri princess made his position stable 
in the Southern India and prompted him to deal with the Somavamsis. It is presumed that he 
maintained diplomatic relation with distant neighbouring countries which enhanced his glory.   
Devendravarman Rajarajadeva (1070-1077 A.D.) 
Vajrahasta V was succeeded by his son Devendra Varman Rajarajadeva in 1070 AD. 
Being pressed by the Somavamsis of Utkala and the Chalukyas of Vengi, Rajarajadeva was 
determined to follow a vigorous policy. He carried on his arms far as Vengi, defeated 
Kulottungachoda alias Rajendrachoda II, who gave the hand of his daughter Raja sundari to 
Rajarajadeva. From Dirghasi inscription, it is known that Vanapati, the Brahmin minister and 
commander of Rajaraja inflicted crushing defeat upon the rulers of Vengi, Utkala, Khimidi, 
Gidrisingi, Kosala and Chola. The acquisition of the neighbouring territories by following a 
vigourous policy of aggrandisement enabled Rajarajadeva to bring stability to the Ganga rule. He 
took up the independent highsounding titles like Parama Mahesvara, Paramabhattaraka, 
Maharajadhtraja and Trikalingadhipati. He died in 1077 AD. 
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva (1077-1147 A.D.) 
Anantavarman Chodagangadeva was a prominent king of the Ganga dynasty. The initial 
phase of his reign was   critical because of his infancy. But as the king grew up to adulthood, he 
 
proved his ability as a ruler and ruling over Odisha for a long period of seventy years. In fact,  he 
founded the Gangas dynasty in the Odishan soil, which ruled till 1435 A D.   
Conquests and empire building 
In order to establish a strong empire, Anantavarman Chodagangadeva followed the policy 
of conquest and empire building. 
War with the Cholas 
In the early years of his succession to power, Chodagangadeva had to face Chola threat. 
It was happened perhaps due to the marriage of Chodagangadeva with Chodadevi, the daughter 
of Virachoda, a son of Kulottungachoda. This was perhaps against the will of Kulottunga and 
thus, his son Virachoda was ousted from governorship of Vengi. This led Virachoda to take 
shelter at the court of Chodagangadeva, and so, the latter had to bear the brunt of 
Kulottungachoda's aggression. This war took place around 1093-94 AD. Chodagangadeva lost 
the southern part of Kalinga which was occupied by the Cholas. However, Chodagangadeva 
never lost his heart. With increasing power and potentiality, he defied the payment of tribute to 
the Cholas as has been reflected by the Kalingattuparani composed by Jayamagondam, the court 
poet of Kulottunga. As a result the Cholas marched to Kalinga and fought with Chodagangadeva 
who defeated them and occupied Vengi. This led the expansion of the Ganga dynasty upto Vengi 
in the Western direction. 
Subjugation of Utkala 
The weakness of the Somavamsis of Utkala brought the attention of Chodagandadeva to 
subjugate it under his suzerainty. The Corni copper plate grant of Chodagangadeva mentions that 
Chodagangadeva waged war against the kings of Utkala and Vengi simultaneously. He first 
defeated the king of Utkala whose name appears as Karnadeva in the Ramacharita of 
Sandhyakaranandi. It is a fact that Karnadeva or Karnakesari, the last ruler of the Somavamsi 
dynasty was defeated by Chodagangadeva. After that, the Ganga empire extended upto Utkala in 
the eastern direction. After the annexation of Utkala, Chodagandadeva had annexed Vengi as is 
suggested by the above mentioned copper plate grant. The year of occupation of Odisha by 
Chodagangadeva might have taken place around 1110 A. D. 
Relation with the Palas of Bengal 
Getting success over Utkal and Vengi, Chodagandadeva next looked towards Bengal 
Taking advantage of the death of Ramapala, Chodagangadeva attacked Bengal beyond 
 
Dandakabhukti. He defeated the weak and feeble ruler of Dandakabhukti and brought under his 
control its capital city Aramya. However, Vaidyadeva, the able minister of Kumarapala had 
offered a stubbern resistance to the Odishan emperor as is revealed from the copper plate of the 
former. The achievement of Chodagangadeva in relation to Bengal is known from the Nagari 
plate. In the task of the conquest of Bengal, Chodagangadeva was most probably assisted by 
Samantasena, the Sena King of Radha (South-West Bengal), the enemy of the Palas and the 
founder of the Sena dynasty in Bengal. He was appointed by Chodagangadeva as his nominee to 
rule over this Suhma teritory. Vijayasena, the grandson of Samantasena, established cordial 
alliance with Chodagangadeva and became the master of Radha desa. By these extensive 
conquests, Chodagangadeva became the master of a vast kingdom stretching from the river 
Ganges in the north to that of Godavari in the south.   
Other achievements  
Chodagangadeva was known by several names as Anantavarman, Chalukya Ganga, 
Virarajendra Chodaganga, Vikrama Gangesvara and Gangesvara Deva bhupa. From his Ronaki 
inscription, it is revealed that he bore titles like 'Maharajadhiraja, Trikalingadhipati, Sri 
Gangachudamani, Rajaparamesvara, Paramabhaftaraka, Paramamahesvara, Paramavaisnava' 
etc. These high sounding and pompous titles show that Chodagangadeva was undoubtedly great 
king of the Ganga dynasty. Though Kalinganagara was the capital of his empire, but he made 
Sarangagarah another political head-quarter of the empire. Kalinganagara has been identified by 
the scholars with modern Mukhalingam on the river bank of Vamsadhara in the Srikakulam 
district of Andhra Pradesh. The reason behind this is obvious as Sarangagarah (near Baranga in 
Cuttack district) was almost centrally located in the vast empire of Chodagangadeva. Besides, he 
also built several strong forts at Jajpur Kataka, Amaravati Kataka (near Chhatia) Choudwar 
Kataka, Sarangagarh Kataka etc.  
Introduction of a well organised administration 
In order to give stabilisation and consolidation to the vast empire, Chodagangadeva   
introduced a well organised administration. Being a foreigner to this alien land he could very 
well realise his duty towards the people of Odisha. He devoted himself for the material 
prosperity of his subjects by executing various humanitarian and welfare projects. This made him 
popular among his Odishan subjects.  
Patron of literature and   learning