Eastern Ganga dynasty

Quick Facts: Who was Eastern Ganga dynasty?

Subject:

Eastern Ganga dynasty

Known for:

A major medieval Indian dynasty that ruled over Odisha, known for temple construction.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Eastern Ganga dynasty (also known as Purba Gangas, Rudhi Gangas or Prachya Gangas) were a large medieval era dynasty that reigned from Kalinga from as early as the 5th century to the mid 20th century. They are known as "Eastern Gangas" to distinguish them from the Western Gangas who ruled over Karnataka. The territory ruled by the dynasty consisted of the whole of the modern-day Indian state of Odisha, as well as major parts of north Andhra Pradesh, parts of Chhattisgarh and some southern districts of West Bengal. Eastern Gangas ruled much of the modern region of Odisha in three different phases by the passage of time, known as Early Eastern Gangas (493–1077), Imperial Eastern Gangas (1077–1436) and Khemundi Gangas (1436–1947). Odia language became the official and court language of Eastern Gangas.

Career & Major Achievements

The early rulers of the dynasty ruled from Dantapura (modern Dantapuram in the Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh), the capital was later moved to Kalinganagara (modern Mukhilinga in Andhra Pradesh), and ultimately to Kataka (modern Cuttack in Odisha) and then to Paralakhemundi (in Odisha). Today, they are remembered as the builders of the world renowned Jagannath Temple of Puri and Konark Sun Temple situated in Odisha, as well as the Madhukeshwara temple of Mukhalinga, Nrusinghanath Temple at Simhachalam in Andhra Pradesh, and Ananta Vasudeva Temple at Bhubaneswar. The Gangas have constructed several temples besides the ones mentioned above. The rulers of Eastern Ganga dynasty defended their kingdom from the constant attacks of the Muslim invaders. This kingdom prospered through trade and commerce and the wealth was mostly used in the construction of temples.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The rule of the dynasty came to an end under the reign of King Bhanudeva IV (c. 1414–34), in the early 15th century and then Khemundi Ganga started ruling up to abolition of zamindari in modern India. The Eastern Ganga dynasty is said to be the longest reigning dynasty in Odisha. Their currency was called Ganga Fanams and was similar to that of the Cholas and Eastern Chalukyas of southern India. As per B. Masthanaiah, the origin of the Eastern Gangas is not clearly established. However, renowned British scholar, artist, art critic, historian, archaeologist, and an authority on Indian art and architecture, Percy Brown, suggested that the temples of Mukhalingam predated the temples of Bhubaneswar and had been built as per the Badami Chalukya Temple Architecture originating from Karnataka since the 4th century CE.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1077: 1077 Milestone — Eastern Gangas ruled much of the modern region of Odisha in three different phases by the passage of time, known as Early Eastern Gangas (493–1077), Imperial Eastern Gangas (1077–1436) and Khemundi Gangas (1436–1947).
2. 1414: 1414 Milestone — 1414–34), in the early 15th century and then Khemundi Ganga started ruling up to abolition of zamindari in modern India.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Eastern Ganga dynasty

True or False: “The Eastern Ganga dynasty was the first ruling power in the region of modern-day Odisha.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While they were a dominant force, the area saw earlier principalities and influences from dynasties like the Guptas.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Anawrahta — Historical peer (Died in 1077) (1077): Founder of the Pagan Empire, unifying Upper Burma and establishing Burmese national identity.
• Zhang Zai — Historical peer (Died in 1077) (1077): A foundational Chinese philosopher known for his synthesis of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.
• Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson — Historical peer (Died in 1436) (1436): Swedish nobleman and rebel leader whose uprising challenged the Kalmar Union's authority.
• Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros — Historical peer (Born in 1436) (1436): Spanish cardinal, statesman, and religious reformer who shaped the Spanish Renaissance.
• Al Capone — Historical peer (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alan Guth — Historical peer (Born in 1947) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• Jami — Historical peer (Born in 1414) (1414): Master Persian poet and theologian, renowned for mystical Sufi literature.
• Parameswara of Malacca — Historical peer (Died in 1414) (1414): Founder of the Malacca Sultanate, transitioning from Singapura's last king.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Ganga dynasty