Utkala kingdom
Utkala Kingdom ଉତ୍କଳ | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Virajakshetra (modern Jajpur) Purushottama Kshetra (modern Puri) (Centers of political and cultural prominence during various eras) |
| Common languages | Sanskrit, Prakrit |
| Religion | Hinduism, Buddhism |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Historical era | Ancient India |
The Utkala kingdom was a historical realm and ancient kingdom located in the northern and eastern portions of the modern-day Indian state of Odisha. [1][2] Recognized for its distinct cultural and political identity, Utkala existed alongside neighboring historical realms such as Kalinga, Odra, and Dakshina Kosala. The kingdom is prominently featured in ancient Indian literature, epigraphy, and mythology. Culturally significant to the modern identity of the region, the name "Utkala" is enshrined in India's national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Etymology and geography
[edit]According to early medieval Sanskrit literature, the name is derived from the phrase "उत्कृष्ट कलायाः देशः यः सः उत्कलः" (utkṛṣṭa kalāyāḥ deśaḥ yaḥ saḥ utkalaḥ), which translates to "the land possessing an excellent opulence of artists" or "the land of finest art".[2]
The Puranic texts define the traditional geographic boundaries of the Utkala desa. It was historically bounded on the north by the river Kapisa (identified with the modern Kangsabati river), on the south by the Mahanadi river, on the east by the Bay of Bengal, and to the west by the Mekala hills.[2] The Brahma Purana describes Utkala as an extensive coastal region boasting highly revered sacred cities, most notably Virajakshetra (identified with modern Jajpur) and Purushottama Kshetra (modern Puri).[2]
Epigraphic and historical records
[edit]The existence and territorial extent of Utkala are corroborated by various early and medieval inscriptions:
- Post-Gupta Era: The earliest epigraphic evidence explicitly referring to Utkaladesa is found in the Midnapur copper plate grants of Somadatta, a feudatory Maharaja under the 7th-century Gauda king Shashanka. The inscription records that Somadatta governed the province of Dandabhukti, which adjoined the Utkala country.[2]
- Bhauma-Kara Dynasty: Epigraphic records indicate that the Bhauma-Kara dynasty ruled over the Utkala region with their capital at Viraja (Jajpur). The reigning queen Dandi-Mahadevi was recorded as ruling over Utkala in 923 CE, subsequently succeeded by her stepmother Vakula-Mahadevi and aunt Dharma-Mahadevi.[2]
- Somavamshi and Kalachuri interactions: The Ratnagiri plates of the Somavamshi king Karna describe territorial grants within Utkala. Furthermore, the 11th-century Gaharwa plates of the Kalachuri ruler Karnadeva mention the Kalachuris conquering the kings of Kira, Anga, Kuntala, and Utkala.[2]
- Eastern Ganga Dynasty: According to the Madala Panji (the Jagannath temple chronicle) and various Ganga inscriptions, the Utkala kingdom was eventually conquered and absorbed by Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the early 12th century. Chodaganga defeated the last Somavamshi king (Suvarna Kesari), assumed sovereignty over the whole of Utkala, and relocated his imperial capital to Kataka (modern Cuttack).[2]
Mention in epic literature
[edit]In ancient texts, including the epic Mahabharata, the region and its people are referred to under various names such as Utkala, Utpala, and Okkal.
The Mahabharata lists the Utkalas alongside neighboring realms:
- Kingdoms of Bharata Varsha: The Dasarnas, the Mekalas (a kingdom to the west of Utkala), and the Utkalas are explicitly categorized as kingdoms of ancient India (Bharata Varsha) (6:9).
- The Kurukshetra War: The Utkalas are described as participating in the Kurukshetra War, forming alliances and siding with the Kauravas. The epic notes that an allied force of Mekalas, Utkalas, Kalingas, Nishadas, and Tamraliptakas advanced against the Pandava warrior Nakula, showering him with shafts and lances in a concerted effort to slay him (8:22).
- Conquests of Karna: During the regional military campaigns, the Utpalas (Utkalas), the Mekalas, the Paundras, the Kalingas, the Nishadas, the Trigartas, and the Valhikas were all recorded as being vanquished by the warrior Karna (7:4).
The classical Sanskrit poet Kālidāsa also references the kingdom in his epic poem Raghuvamsha. It describes the legendary king Raghu crossing the Kapisa river, entering the Utkala country, and subsequently proceeding towards Kalinga during his military expeditions.[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Utkala, Utkalā: 18 definitions". Wisdom Library. 1 August 2015. Archived from the original on 29 August 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Pal, Bharati (April 2007). ""Utkaladesa" in Orissan Inscriptions" (PDF). Orissa Review. Government of Odisha. pp. 55–57. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
- Mahabharata of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated to English by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
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