The Imperial Gangas

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Intrduction

The Gangas of Kalinga, a branch of the Ganga dynasty had ruled Orissa continuously for a long period of nine and a half centuries from AD 498 to AD 1435. They are designated as Easter Gangas to distinguish them from the western Gangs of Mysore. The whole period of their reign can be divided into two historical phases. The first phase from ad 498 to ad 1038 is characterized by their struggle for survival and the second phase which extends from AD 1038 to AD 1434 may be termed as the period of the hegemony of the Gangas. The present chapter deals with the later phase i.e. the Ganga imperialism which starts from the reign of Anantavarman Vajrahastas

Vajrahasta V

The accession of Vajrahasta V ushered in an era of vigorous political activities and of prosperity. As many as twenty three inscriptions, both lithic and mrttali, of Vajrahasta V and his time have come to light. The epigraphs of Vajrahasta V and his son Rajaraja describes him as the son of Kamanverma and Vinaya Mahadevi of Vaidumba dynasty.

Rajaraja I

Rajaraja Devendrvarman was the son of Vajrahasta V Anantavarman and Ananga Mahadevi. He ascended the throne of Kalinga in the Saka year 992.( 20th May AD 1070 Thursday). His most important political achievement was the victory of Dramilas (Cholas).

Chodagangadeva

Anantavarman Chodagangadeva was the eldest son of Rajaraja I through his chief queen Rajsundari, the chola princess. The name Chodagangadeva itself establish the parental relationship with Ganga dynasty and Chola dynasty.