Ganga Dynasty (1038-1435 AD) | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


CHAPTER 2
The region known as Kalinga, came under various powerful rulers
during the medieval era. Among them were the Ganga rulers,
Gajapatis, Bhois, etc. The rule of Mukundadeva of Bhoi dynasty
further gave rise to the Afghan rule in the area. Between the 11th
and 16th Centuries CE, Kalinga was gradually replaced by Odra
Desa or Utkala and eventually Odisha.
After the decline of Somavasi dynasty in 10th century, the Ganga dynasty was
established in Odisha. This dynasty greatly shaped up the medieval history of
Odisha.
The Medieval era saw the rise of strong empires in Odisha that lasted for many
centuries and added to the art, architecture and culture of Odisha. The first among
them was the Ganga or Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1038 AD. It continued for
400 years. Temples like Konark, Jagannath were built by Ganga rulers. It was
followed by Gajapati Dynasty in 1434 AD and continued for 100 years. Next was
Bhoi Dynasty formed in 1541. It continued for 200 years. The Karrani Dynasty
formed in 1568 was the first muslim empire in Odisha. It was short lived and was
soon taken over by the Mughals. They appointed Governors to look after the
administration of Odisha. Next was the Naib Nazims of Bengal in 1703 after which
Odisha went into the hands of the Marathas. After Marathas, Odisha faced British
rule, which is included in Modern History of Odisha.
Ganga Dynasty (1038-1435 AD)
l
The Ganga dynasty was a Hindu power on the Indian sub-continent. They are also
known as Eastern Gangas. They ruled the whole of the modern day Indian state of
Odisha. The founder of this dynasty was Kamarnava. Their capital was known by
Kalinganagara.
l
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V in 1038 AD strongly established Ganga dynasty in
Odisha. By the end of the 12th century AD, Anantavarma Chodagangadeva
(1078-1147) of the Ganga dynasty is credited with having ruled over the region
extending from the Ganga to the Godavari.
Page 2


CHAPTER 2
The region known as Kalinga, came under various powerful rulers
during the medieval era. Among them were the Ganga rulers,
Gajapatis, Bhois, etc. The rule of Mukundadeva of Bhoi dynasty
further gave rise to the Afghan rule in the area. Between the 11th
and 16th Centuries CE, Kalinga was gradually replaced by Odra
Desa or Utkala and eventually Odisha.
After the decline of Somavasi dynasty in 10th century, the Ganga dynasty was
established in Odisha. This dynasty greatly shaped up the medieval history of
Odisha.
The Medieval era saw the rise of strong empires in Odisha that lasted for many
centuries and added to the art, architecture and culture of Odisha. The first among
them was the Ganga or Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1038 AD. It continued for
400 years. Temples like Konark, Jagannath were built by Ganga rulers. It was
followed by Gajapati Dynasty in 1434 AD and continued for 100 years. Next was
Bhoi Dynasty formed in 1541. It continued for 200 years. The Karrani Dynasty
formed in 1568 was the first muslim empire in Odisha. It was short lived and was
soon taken over by the Mughals. They appointed Governors to look after the
administration of Odisha. Next was the Naib Nazims of Bengal in 1703 after which
Odisha went into the hands of the Marathas. After Marathas, Odisha faced British
rule, which is included in Modern History of Odisha.
Ganga Dynasty (1038-1435 AD)
l
The Ganga dynasty was a Hindu power on the Indian sub-continent. They are also
known as Eastern Gangas. They ruled the whole of the modern day Indian state of
Odisha. The founder of this dynasty was Kamarnava. Their capital was known by
Kalinganagara.
l
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V in 1038 AD strongly established Ganga dynasty in
Odisha. By the end of the 12th century AD, Anantavarma Chodagangadeva
(1078-1147) of the Ganga dynasty is credited with having ruled over the region
extending from the Ganga to the Godavari.
l
Vaishnavism received royal Patronage and Vaishnavite temple were built at
Mukhlingam, Shri Kurman, Simhachalam and Puri. This empire strongly
prevented Muslim invasion. During Ganga rule Odishan temple architecture
reached its zenith with the construction of the famous Sun temple at Konark by
Narasimhadeva I.
l
Important rulers of Ganga Dynasty were Chodagangadevea (1077-1147 AD),
Rajaraja II (1170-1190 AD), Anangabhimadeva III (1211-1238 AD) and
Narsimhadeva I (1238-1264 AD). Bhanudeva IV (1414-1435 AD) was the last
Ganga king. He was betrayed by his minister when he went on to campaigns
against the Reddis Kapilesvara Routraya.
l
The rule of the Ganga Dynasty is considered the golden era. Great poet Jayadeva
flourished during the reign of Rajaraja II. World famous Sun temple at Konark
was built by Narasimhadeva I. Jagannath temple was built by Anangabhimadeva
III during the Ganga dynasty.
Art and Architecture During the Ganga Period
l
The art and architecture of Odisha reached the zenith of glory in the constant and
strenuous building activities by the great Ganga monarchs. The Ganga rulers built
two unrivaled and beautiful monuments, the Jagannath temple of Puri and the Sun
temple of Konark.
l
These two temples are remarkable for their massive structures, architectural skill,
fine ornamentation and beautiful images representing animals, gods, goddesses,
episodes from mythology and erotic partners.
l
Nagara style of temples were built during this period that had Shikharas, Amlaka,
Mandap. The examples of Nagara style are Lingaraj temple, Mukteswara temple
and Parasurameswara temple.
22 Know Your State ODISHA
s ARTANDARCHITECTUREOFSUNTEMPLEBYGANGADYNASTY
Page 3


CHAPTER 2
The region known as Kalinga, came under various powerful rulers
during the medieval era. Among them were the Ganga rulers,
Gajapatis, Bhois, etc. The rule of Mukundadeva of Bhoi dynasty
further gave rise to the Afghan rule in the area. Between the 11th
and 16th Centuries CE, Kalinga was gradually replaced by Odra
Desa or Utkala and eventually Odisha.
After the decline of Somavasi dynasty in 10th century, the Ganga dynasty was
established in Odisha. This dynasty greatly shaped up the medieval history of
Odisha.
The Medieval era saw the rise of strong empires in Odisha that lasted for many
centuries and added to the art, architecture and culture of Odisha. The first among
them was the Ganga or Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1038 AD. It continued for
400 years. Temples like Konark, Jagannath were built by Ganga rulers. It was
followed by Gajapati Dynasty in 1434 AD and continued for 100 years. Next was
Bhoi Dynasty formed in 1541. It continued for 200 years. The Karrani Dynasty
formed in 1568 was the first muslim empire in Odisha. It was short lived and was
soon taken over by the Mughals. They appointed Governors to look after the
administration of Odisha. Next was the Naib Nazims of Bengal in 1703 after which
Odisha went into the hands of the Marathas. After Marathas, Odisha faced British
rule, which is included in Modern History of Odisha.
Ganga Dynasty (1038-1435 AD)
l
The Ganga dynasty was a Hindu power on the Indian sub-continent. They are also
known as Eastern Gangas. They ruled the whole of the modern day Indian state of
Odisha. The founder of this dynasty was Kamarnava. Their capital was known by
Kalinganagara.
l
Anantavarman Vajrahasta V in 1038 AD strongly established Ganga dynasty in
Odisha. By the end of the 12th century AD, Anantavarma Chodagangadeva
(1078-1147) of the Ganga dynasty is credited with having ruled over the region
extending from the Ganga to the Godavari.
l
Vaishnavism received royal Patronage and Vaishnavite temple were built at
Mukhlingam, Shri Kurman, Simhachalam and Puri. This empire strongly
prevented Muslim invasion. During Ganga rule Odishan temple architecture
reached its zenith with the construction of the famous Sun temple at Konark by
Narasimhadeva I.
l
Important rulers of Ganga Dynasty were Chodagangadevea (1077-1147 AD),
Rajaraja II (1170-1190 AD), Anangabhimadeva III (1211-1238 AD) and
Narsimhadeva I (1238-1264 AD). Bhanudeva IV (1414-1435 AD) was the last
Ganga king. He was betrayed by his minister when he went on to campaigns
against the Reddis Kapilesvara Routraya.
l
The rule of the Ganga Dynasty is considered the golden era. Great poet Jayadeva
flourished during the reign of Rajaraja II. World famous Sun temple at Konark
was built by Narasimhadeva I. Jagannath temple was built by Anangabhimadeva
III during the Ganga dynasty.
Art and Architecture During the Ganga Period
l
The art and architecture of Odisha reached the zenith of glory in the constant and
strenuous building activities by the great Ganga monarchs. The Ganga rulers built
two unrivaled and beautiful monuments, the Jagannath temple of Puri and the Sun
temple of Konark.
l
These two temples are remarkable for their massive structures, architectural skill,
fine ornamentation and beautiful images representing animals, gods, goddesses,
episodes from mythology and erotic partners.
l
Nagara style of temples were built during this period that had Shikharas, Amlaka,
Mandap. The examples of Nagara style are Lingaraj temple, Mukteswara temple
and Parasurameswara temple.
22 Know Your State ODISHA
s ARTANDARCHITECTUREOFSUNTEMPLEBYGANGADYNASTY
Administration Under Gangas
l
The Ganga dynasty ruled about four hundred years and constitutes a golden era in
the period of medieval Odishan history. The king was the central figure of the
administrative set up.
l
The Ganga kings were assisted by several officials like Mantri, Purohita, Yuvaraja,
Sandhivigrahika, Senapati, Dauvarika, etc. The Ganga empire was divided into
several provinces known as Visayas in the early Ganga records.
l
The provinces were divided into political divisions as Panchali and Bhoga.
l
A variety of taxes like bheta, voda, paridarsana, etc were collected during the rule
of Ganga dynasty.
23 Medieval History of Odisha