Kadambas

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ಕದಂಬ ರಾಜವಂಶ
Kadamba Dynasty
Founded 4th century
Founder Mayurasharma
Official Languages Sanskrit , Kannada
Capital Banavasi
Government Monarchy
Greatest Ruler Kakusthavarma
Preceding state Satavahanas
Succeeding state Badami Chalukya
edit

Kadambas (Kannada:ಕದಂಬರು) (345 - 525 CE) were an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka, who ruled from their capital at Banavasi in present day Uttara Kannada district. Later they continued to rule as feudatories of larger Kannada empires, the Chalukya and the Rashtrakuta for over five hundred years. During this time they branched into Goa, Hanagal and Chandavar. At the peak of their power, under king Kakushtavarma, they ruled large parts of Karnataka. The pre-Kadamba era is one where the ruling families that held sway over Karnataka, the Mauryas, Satavahanas and Chutus were not natives and the nucleus of power recided outside present day Karnataka. The Kadambas were the first dynasty to use Kannada, the language of the soil as an official language. It is during this era that Kannada inscriptions saw an ascendancy serving as a broad based historical starting point in the study of the development of Karnataka as an enduring geo-political entity and Kannada as a major regional language.

The dynasty was founded by Mayura Sharma in 345. Their ancestors were said to have migrated from the foothills of the Himalayas. One of his successors, Kakusthavarma was such a powerful ruler that even the kings of Gupta Dynasty cultivated marital relationships. The great poet Kalidasa is said to have visited his court. Tiring of the endless battles and bloodshed, one of the later descendants, King Shivakoti adopted Jainism. They were contemporaries of the Western Ganga Dynasty of Talakad.


Contents

[edit] Origin of Kadambas

[edit] Legends

Kadamba Kings (345-525)
(Banavasi Kings)
Mayurasharma (345 - 365)
Kangavarma (365 - 390)
Bagitarha (390 - 415)
Raghu (415 - 435)
Kakusthavarma (435 - 455)
Santivarma (455 -460)
Mrigeshavarma (460 - 480)
Shivamandhativarma (480 – 485)
Ravivarma (485 – 519)
Harivarma (519 – 525)
(Triparvatha Branch)
Krishna Varma I (455)
Vishnuvarma
Simhavarma
Krishna Varma II
Pulakesi I
(Chalukya)		 (543-566)

There is no shortage of myths about the origin of the Kadambas. According to one account the dynasty was founded by one Trilochana Kadamba who had three eyes and four arms. He was born out of the sweat of Siva, which had fallen under a Kadamba tree, hence his name Kadamba. According to another myth, Mayurasharma himself was born to Lord Shiva and mother earth and had three eyes. According to Grama Paddhati, a Kannada work dealing with the history of the Tulu Brahmanas[1], Mayurasharma was born to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi under a Kadamba tree in the Sahyadri mountains and hence the name. The Devagiri plates connects the Kadambas to the Nagas while another account traces there lineage back to the Nandas.[2]

[edit] Research

The Talagunda inscription of Santivarma gives what may be the most possible cause for the emergence of the Kadamba kingdom.[3] The inscription narrates how Mayurasharma proceeded to Kanchi in 345 along with his guru and grandfather Veera Sarma to prosecute his Vedic studies at a Ghatika. There, owing to some misunderstanding between him and a Pallava guard or at a Ashvasanstha (a place of horse sacrifice), a quarrel arose in which Mayurasarma was humiliated. In high rage, the Brahmana discontinued his studies, left Kanchi, swearing vengeance on the impudent Pallavas and took to arms. He collected a faithfull group of followers and routed Pallava armies near Srisilam region. After a prolonged period of what may be termed as low intensity warfare against the Pallavas and other smaller kings like the Brihad-Banas of Kolar region he proclaimed independence. Unable to contain him, the Pallavas had to accept his sovereignty.[4] The recently discovered Gudnapur inscription tells us that Maurya's grandfather was Vira Sarma, who also acted as his preceptor, and that Maurya's father was Bandhushena who developed the character of a Kshatriya.[5] The Talagunda, Gundanur, Chandravalli, Halasi and Halmidi inscriptions are some of the important inscriptions that throw light on this ancient ruling family of Karnataka.[6] They belonged to the Manavya Gotra and were Haritiputras, which connects them to the Chutus of Banavasi and the Satavahana.[7]

[edit] Growth and Decline

Mayurasharma's successor was his son Kangavarma in 365 who had to fight the Vakataka might to protect Kuntala. He was defeated by Vakataka Prithvisena but managed to maintain his freedom.[8] His son Bhagiratha is said to have retrieved his fathers losses but Vakataka inscriptions do not attest to this.[9] His son Raghu died fighting the Pallavas. He was succeeded by his brother Kakusthavarma who was the most ferocious and powerful ruler of the kingdom.[10] He maintained marital relations with even the imperial Guptas of the north, according to the Talagunda inscription. One of his daughters was married to Kumara Gupta's son Skanda Gupta. His other daughter was married to a Vakataka king Narendrasena.[11] He maintained similar relations with the Bhatari, the Alupas of South Canara and the Western Ganga Dynasty of Gangavadi according to the Talagunda inscription. The great poet Kalidasa had visited his court.[12]

After Kakusthavarma only Ravivarma who came to the throne in 485 was able to build upon the kingdom. His rule was marked by a series of clashes within the family, and also against the Pallavas and the Gangas. He is also credited with a victory against the Vakatakas, which extended his Kingdom as far north as the river Narmada. The crux of their kingdom essentially consisted of most of Karnataka, Goa and southern areas of present day Maharashtra. After his death, the kingdom went into decline due to family fueds. The Birur plates of Kadamba Vishnuvarman call Shantivarman "the master of the entire Karnataka region". The Triparvatha branch that broke away in 455 ruled from Murod in Belgaum for some time and merged with the main Banavasi kingdom during rule of Harivarma. Finally the kingdom fell to the prowess of the Badami Chalukyas.

The Kadambas thereafter became feudatories of the Badami Chalukyas and later the Rashtrakutas and Kalyani Chalukyas. The successors of Mayurasharma took to the name "varma" to indicate their Kshatriya status.

[edit] Administration

The Kadamba kings called themselves Dharmamaharajas like the Satavahana kings. Dr. Mores has identified various cabinet and other positions in the kingdom from inscriptions. The prime minister (Pradhana), Steward (Manevergade), seceretary of council (Tantrapala or Sabhakarya Sachiva), scholarly elders (Vidyavriddhas), physician (Deshamatya), private secretary (Rahasyadhikritha), chief secretary (Sarvakaryakarta), chief justice (Dharmadhyaksha) and other offcials (Bhojaka and Ayukta). The army consisted of officers like Jagadala, Dandanayaka and Senapathi.

A crown prince from the royal family helped the king in administration. Princeses of the royal family were appointed as governors of various provinces. King Kakusthavarma had appointed his son Krishna as viceroy of Thriparvataha region. This later proved detrimental to the kingdom as it gave opportunity for break away factions in the kingdom.

[edit] Land Division

The kingdom was divided into Mandalas (provinces) or Desha. Under a Mandala was Vishayas (districts). A total of nine Vishaya have been identified.[13] Under a Vishaya were Mahagramas (Taluk) and Dashagramas (Hobli). Mahagrama had more villages than Dashagramas. One sixth of land produce was collected as tax. Taxes were collected as Perjunka (levy on load), Vaddaravula (social security tax for royal family), Bilkoda (salex tax), Kirukula (land tax), Pannaya (betel tax) and other professional taxes on traders etc.

[edit] Legacy

Kadambas were the first rulers to use Kannada as an additional official administrative language, as evidenced by the Halmidi inscription of 450.[14] In all, three Kannada inscriptions from their independent rule have been discovered.[15] Recent discovery of 5th century CE Kadamba copper coin in Banavasi with Kannada script inscription Srimanaragi on it proves this further.[16]

[edit] Culture

The Kadambas were followers of Vedic Hinduism. The founder, Mayurasharma was a Brahmin by birth but later his successors changed their surname to Varma to indicate their Kshatriya status. Some Kadamba kings like Krishna Varman performed the horse sacrifice (Ashwamedha). Their Talagunda inscription starts with an invocation of Lord Shiva while the Halmidi and Banavasi inscriptions start with an invocation of Lord Vishnu. They built the Madhukesvara temple which is considered their family deity. Many records like the Kudalur, Sirsi records speak of grants made by them to scholarly Brahmins. Grants wre also made to Buddhist viharas.

The Kadambas also patronised Jainism and built numerous Jain temples that are scattered around Banavasi, Belgaum, Mangalore and Goa. Kings and Queens of the dynasty were renowned for their support of literature, arts and liberal grants to temples and educational institutions. Several descendants are scattered around present day Goa, Belgaum, Mangalore and Bangalore. Adikavi Pampa highly spoke of this kingdom in his writings. Following are his famous quotes on Banavasi: Aaramkushamittodam nenevudenna manam banavasi deshamam (I shall cherish the sweet memories of Banavasi even when tortured), Maridumbiyagi mEN Kogileyagi puttuvudu nandanadol Banavasi deshadol (As a bee or as nightingale should one born here in this beautiful country of Banavasi).[17]

[edit] Architecture

The contribution of the Kadambas to the architectural heritage of Karnataka is certainly worthy of recognition.[18] The Kadamba style can be identified and that it has a few things in common with the Chalukyan and the Pallava styles. They also drew from the architectural tradition of the Satavahanas. The most prominent feature of their architecture, basic as it was is their Shikara called Kadamba Shikara. The Shikara is pyramid shaped and rises in steps without any decoration with a Stupika or Kalasha at the top. This style of Shikara are used several centuries later in the Doddagaddavalli Hoysala temple and the Mahakuta temples in Hampi. Some of their temples also use perforated screen windows. It has also been pointed out that in architecture and sculpture, the Kadambas contributed to the foundation of the later Chalukya-Hoysala style.[19]
The Madhukeshwara (Lord Shiva) temple built by them still exists in Banavasi. Built in 10th century CE and renovated many times, the temple is a very good piece of art. The stone cot with wonderful carvings is one of the main tourist attractions in the temple.

[edit] Impact

Kadambotsava ("The festival of Kadamba") a festival is celebrated every year by Government of Karnataka in honor of this kingdom.[20] A popular Kannada film of yester years Mayura starring Dr. Raj Kumar celebrates the creation of the first Kannada kingdom.
On May 31, 2005 Defence minister Pranab Mukherjee commissioned India's most advanced and first dedicated military naval base named INS Kadamba after the Kadamba dynasty, in Karwar.[21]

[edit] Coinage and Inscriptions

The Kadambas minted coins with Nagari, Kannada and Grantha legends.[22] Kabamba inscriptions from Karnataka have been deciphered and recorded by historians.[23]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Arthikaje, Mangalore. History of Karnataka-Kadambas of Banavasi. © 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com,Inc. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  2. ^ Arthikaje, Mangalore. History of Karnataka-Kadambas of Banavasi. © 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com,Inc. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  3. ^ According to Dr. B. L. Rice in Concise history of Karnataka by Dr. S.U. Kamath, pp 30, Arthikaje, Mangalore. History of Karnataka-Kadambas of Banavasi. © 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com,Inc. Retrieved on 2006-11-28., Dr. Jyotsna Kamat. Kadambas of Banavasi. © 1996-2006 Kamat's Potpourri. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  4. ^ The Talagunda inscription of 450 states the Mayura Sharma was the progenitor of the kingdom and that the family got its name from the Kadamba tree that grew near his house. It also states he was from a Agrahara in Talagunda, in Shimoga district, A Concise history of Karnataka, pp 30-31, Dr. S.U. Kamath. The inscription gives a graphic description of the happenings at Kanchi, "That the hand dextrous in grasping the Kusha (grass), fuel and stones, ladle, melted butter and the oblation vessel, unsheated a flaming sword, eager to conquer the earth", A Concise History of Karntaka, pp 30-31, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  5. ^ The inscription was discovered by Dr. B.R. Gopal, Arthikaje, Mangalore. History of Karnataka-Kadambas of Banavasi. © 1998-00 OurKarnataka.Com,Inc. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  6. ^ A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 30-39, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  7. ^ Both the Talagunda and Gundanur inscriptions attest to this, A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 30, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  8. ^ According to Prof. Jouveau-Dubreuil, A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 32, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  9. ^ The Talagunda inscription describes Bhagiratha as the sole lord of the Kadamba land and the great Sagara himself, indicating he may have retrieved their losses against the Vakatakas, A concise History of Karnataka, pp 32, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  10. ^ According to Dr. G. M. Moraes who wrote Kadamba Kula: A History of Ancient and Medieval Karnataka, under the rule Kakusthavarma, the kingdom reached its acme of success and the Talagunda record calls him the ornament of the family, the Halsi and Halmidi inscriptions also hold him in high esteem, A Concise History of Karnataka pp 32, by Dr. S.U. Kamath
  11. ^ According to Dr. P.B. Desai and the Balaghat inscription of Vakataka Pritvisena, A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 33, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  12. ^ The Sanskrit work Auchitya Vichara by Kshemendra quotes certain portions of a work by great Poet Kalidasa called Kunthalesvara Dautya which discusses his visit to the Kadamba court. Apparently, the Kadamba did not offer the poet a seat to sit on and Kalidasa had to sit on the ground, indicating the Kadambas treated the ambassador from the Gupta kingdom with scant respect. This is also verified from a Sanskrit work by Bhoja called Shringara Prakasika which mentions a Gupta ambassador being sent to the court of Kuntala. While Dr. Moraes opines the ambassador went during the time of Kadamba king Bhagiratha, Dr. P.B. Desai, R.S. Panchamukhi feel it was during the rule of king Kakusthavarma - A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 33, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  13. ^ Prof. R.S. Panchamukhi has identified nine such Vishaya like the Sendraka Vishaya, Tagare Vishaya etc, A concise History of Karnataka, pp 35, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  14. ^ A report on Halmidi inscription, Muralidhara Khajane. Halmidi village finally on the road to recognition. The Hindu, Monday, Nov 03, 2003. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.. The Kadamba-Western Ganga Dynasty era is a momentous importance to Kannada language for it was with these rulers that Kannada first gained official language status, The Chalukyas of Vatapi, pp 10, K.V.Ramesh. However, Dr. S.U. Kamath opines that Kannada may have been a local language at this time, A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 37
  15. ^ Dr. S.U. Kamat, A Concise history of Karnataka, pp 37
  16. ^ DH News Service Mysore. 5th century copper coin discovered at Banavasi. Deccan Herald, Tuesday, February 7, 2006. Deccan Herald. Retrieved on 2006-11-28..
  17. ^ Arthikaje, A History of Karnataka-Kadambas
  18. ^ Dr. Jyotsna Kamat. Ancient City of Banavasi. © 1996-2006 Kamat's Potpourri. Kamat's Potpourri. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  19. ^ Dr. G. M. Moraes opines that apart from using some unique features, the Kadambas used many mixed styles in their architecutre derived from their predecessors and overlords. The Kadambas were the originators of the Karnataka architecture, A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 37-38, Dr. S.U. Kamath
  20. ^ Kadambotsava is held at Banavasi as it is here that the Kadamba kings organised the spring festival every year. Staff Correspondent. Kadambotsava in Banavasi from today. The Hindu, Friday, Jan 20, 2006. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  21. ^ Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee opened the first phase of India's giant western naval base INS Kadamba in Karwar, Karnataka state, on May 31. India Opens Major Naval Base at Karwar. Defence Industry Dialy, Posted 06-Jun-2005 04:01. Defence Industry Dialy. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.
  22. ^ Govindaraya S. Prabhu, November 1, 2001. Prabhu's web page on Indian Coins-Dynasties of South-Kadambas. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.. Coins with Kannada legends have been discovered from the rule of the Kadambas, according to Dr. S.U. Kamath, A Concise History of Karnataka, pp 12
  23. ^ Dr. D.C. Sircar, Dr. P.B.Desai, Dr. G.S. Gai, N. Lakshminarayana Rao. Indian Inscriptions-South Indian Inscriptions, vol 15,18. What Is India News Service, Friday, April 28, 2006. Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved on 2006-11-28.

[edit] References

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