Athagada Patna histroy

A PROJECT SUBMITTIED TO BERHAMPUR UNIVERSITY AS A PART FULFILLMENT OF THE MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY By

DHARANIDHARA BEHERA ROLL NO-HT0416 Regn. No-7980/11 Under the Guidance of Prof. Bhagaban Sahu, D.Lit Professor of Head, Department of History Berhampur University

P.G DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY BERHAMPUR UNIVERSITY BHANJA BIHAR, BERHAMPUR, 760007, GANJAM, ODISHA YEAR: 2015-2017

DECLARATION I Dharanidhara Behera hereby declare that this project work entitled “THE HISTORY OF ATHAGADA PATNA” submited by me to the P.G Department of history, Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur is the outcome of my own hard and sincere labour.

Dharanidhar Behera 4th semester History Roll No- HT0416 Regn No-7980/11

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Introduction Sri Sri Lakshmi Narayan harichandan Sri SriMukunda Harichandan Jagdev Kings of Athagada Patna Saran Srikhsetra Marda Chamu Citau Athagagda Mahalingeswar Rock Inscription Stone pillar Inscription of Ratnamani Devi Kabisurya Baldev Ratha Jaganath Temple Of Athagada Patna Kanak Durga Temple Of Athagada Patna Jaugada Baghel Dynasty memories photos Conclusion

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IntroduCtIon oF athagada Patna The place Athagada patna has witnessed many Historical incidents in the past. It is the birth place of famous Oriya poets Kabisurya Baladev Rath and Kabi Jadumani Mahapatra. According to legends, it is said that the king of Athagada had once given shelter to the Gajapati King of Puri and had kept the idol of Lord Jagannath in a secret place some where in his kingdom during the massive attack by Taki Khan. Lord Jagannath temple built in 16th century A.D. along with a cluster of temples amidst mountains with bush green valley, thick rolling forest with flower plants (Nageswar Flower Plant) and pristine beauty of the area largely await to the arrival of aesthetics that envisage to commune with them.The Rajah of Athagada, Balunkeswar Harichandan the Baghel dynasty was the patron of Kabisurya Baladev Rath. Kishorchandranana Champu and many other works have been dedicated by Baladev Rath to the Raja of Athagada. In Athagada, which is near Kabisuryanagar there is the famous temple of Kanaka Durga Thakurani. As per legend Kabisurya Baladev Rath owes his literatary talents to the blessings of the goddess Kanakadurga.

The Kanakadurga temple is managed by Madhusudan Harichandan Jagadeb, the last surviving zamindar of Athagada and Athagada. Also, Kabisuryanagar is famous due to Maa Mahamayee Temple and Banadevi Temple.

The then king had protected Lord Jagannath from the attack of Taki Khan Joining on this community is those who belongs and loves that place don’t delay join on that community without thinking gathering persons are village of Athagada patna.

It is the soil of Kabisurya Ball Dev Rath, Kabi Jadumani Mahapatra. I do proud of presence of grate shrine Maa Kanak Durga, Narayani and Jambeswar, Astasambhu and so many. Be proud you are son of Athagada patna soil. Last but not least this

village had produced so many genius and bearing the great souls. We treat this village as our mother.

the hIStorY oF athagada SrI SrI laKShMI naraYan harIChandan jagadeV Nearly 10 centuries ago, the kings of Bharata Desa, first fixed the boundaries of their kingdom by sint of their own physical as well as intellectual capacity and then began to rule them. After some time when the great energy and valour of these kings began to deteriorate the glorious days of the Kesari dynasty in Utkal were also nearing their end. When Padmakesari Deb was rulling over Utkal, One Pandu Deb of Boghale Raj family of Rewa came from the western part of Bharata Desa with an intention of founding a kingdom for himself. The present district of Ganjam was then under the rules of the Utkal King. But Pandu Deb came to that portion of that Ganjam district which is known as Athagada estate. He made the cave in “Pejjogola� mountain his abode and began to offer prayers at the foot of Jillunda mountain to the deity Mahalingeswara to help him in his enterprises. By the help of two persons Gandu and Bahu who were the Archakas of the deity Mahalingeswara, he cleared the forest and made the place suitable for human habitation and ruled over it for twelve years. Just at that time the kings of Bhanja family and the Aswapati line of the Kalinga Gangas were rulling over Ghumusar and Kinaji or Hinijali and Sodamandal or Surada respectively which were on the western side of the kingdom then ruled by Pandu Deb. He was generally called Pandu Tapasvi for his constant devotion. The cave in the mountain of Jillunda which was once the abode of Pandu Tapasvi is quite recognizable even to-day. This Pandu Tapsvi had two sons by name Vyghra Tapasvi and Bhima Tapsvi. On the death of Pandu Tapsvi his elder son Vygrhra

Tapsvi inherited his father’s kingdom. This dynasty had goddess Bherunda Thakurani as its favorite deity.

At that time Purshottamakesari, son of Abhakesari was rulling over Orissa. Padmakesari, grand father of Purushotamkesari, went to that part of the country where Vyghra Tapsvi was rulling. As the fort of “Jougodo” was in a dilapidated condition he took his adobe in Sunkula fort. This fort continued to exist in good condition till the regin of Raghunath Harichanda Jagadev and the face was discovered from rock inscription of 1589. Bagho or Vyaghra Tapsvi met Padmakesari at the foot of the Bindhiasuni hill and after paying his respects to him, got himself recognized his kingdom. The king of Orissa was very much pleased with the valour of Bagho tapsvi and bestowed upon him the title of ‘Parvata Vyaghra Topi Mahapatra’ and installed him as Rajah. As Vyaghra had made his abode in the midst of mountainous tracts the word Parvata was added to his title.

Bhima Tapsvi, the younger brother of Vyaghra tapsvi, having been inspired ina dream by the deity Mahalingeswar, founded a kingdom for himself with the help of his deity Mahalingeswar, founded a kingdom for himself with the help of his elder brother to the north of Athagada. He first offered his prayers to god Ladukeswar and got that portion of the jungle cleared and built a new fort near the temple called Nuagada or new fort where he reigned. This is the origin of the present nayagarh feudatory State. Bhima tapsvi assumed the name of Lodukeswar after he became king.

Vygrhra tapsvi ruled for 58 years i.e. from 389-1047. He had eight sons.

He built eight forts for his 8 sons how lived in them. On account of these eight forts the kingdom was known as Athagada. Vyaghra tapsvi got a temple constructed for Mahalingeswar in Jillunda as atoken of devotion and gratitude. In the Mukti Mandapa

opposite to the temple he got two statues of himself and his father Pandu Tapsvi carved one below the other, and under the statues he got inscription written.

tranSlatIon : This statue is of Parbata Tapi Mahapatro.

The signature of the king always began with a tiger’s head, which ever since that time has become a custom in the family. After the death of his father in 1047, Vrushabha Tapsvi sent for his brothers to attend the funeral ceremony. But on their arrival he had them murdered and performed their funeral ceremonies along with that of his father thus he became king and ruled over Athagada Rajya without any obstruction. He died in the year 1097 A.D leaving behind him two sons Kirtana Tapsvi and Jagannatha Deb. After the death of Vrushabha Tapsvi his elder son Kirtana Tapasvi Deb inherited the Gadi(Throne), ruled for 24 years and died in 1121 with out leaving any son to succeed him. So Jagannatha Dev the younger brother of Kirtana Tapsvi Deb become king. The Orissa king was very much pleased with the good qualities of Jagannatha Deb, entitled him Jagannatha and installed him on the Gadi. He also assigned to the esate the name Kudala Athagada Rajya and recognized Jagannath Deb its king. Jagannath Deb ruled for 60 years and died in 1181 A.D. He had son by name Dasaradhi Nissanka Deb who inherited him.

Dasaradhi had son by name Krushna Nissanka Deb. Dasaradhi ruled for 83 years and died in 1264 A.D. Krushna Nissanka Deb inherited his father’s gadi in 1264 and ruled for 53 years. During the last days of his rule he failed to pay the Sibandi Peishkush to Nawab Bhupati Mangaraj. As a result of which the latter got angry with him and asked him to appear before him at Bhatukumarda fort where he was camping. There he got him

and his Patro or minister Gopala Kulasekhara beheaded in 1317. Then Krushna’s son Tripurari became king Athagada.

Nawab bhupati Mangaraj sent for Tripurari also and demanded the Sibandi Peishkush. As soon as the demand was made the Peishkush was duly paid.

The then Orissa king also honored Tripurari with the title of “Mangaraj” for the help rendered during the Gumsuru rebellion. Since then he was called Tripurari Mangaraj Deb. During his regin i.e. in 1322 A.D the Aswapathi line of kings of Kalinga Gangas and the Bhanja kings of Khinjili or Hinjili conquered some portion of the Athagada kingdom on the Polasara side. Two copper plates of the kings of these lines have been discovered near Polosara.

Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraj deb succeeded his fathere but after he had ruled for 15 years Dhanurajaya Bhanja alias Krupasindhu Bhanja of Gumsuru invaded Athagada. Dhanurjaya Bhanja’s troops ran away the battle field soon after they learnt that their commander Jagumajhi Samanta lost one of his eyes in the course of the battle. On hearing the retreat of his troops, Dhunurajaya Bhanja ordered his officers to besiege Athagada at any cost and announced that hus general Jagumajhi Samanta would be mabethe ruler of Athagada. The strong Gumusur army marched this time with a strong determination, attacked the Athagada fort at dead of night and drove away Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraj Deb therefrom accordance with the instructions of their ruler Sundar Jagumajhi Samanta was proclaimed the chief of Athagada. The said Sardar ruled Athagada for 12 years. i.e from 1389-1401 assuming the name Kana(Blind). But Jagumajhi Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraj Deb being driven away from his estate took refuge with his whole family under Narasinging deb IV the king of Orissa. Pleased with the good qualities, and unrivalled skill of Kulamani was awarded valuable presents and titles of honor by the Orissa king for his meritorious deeds. In 1401A.D Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraj Deb invaded Athagada with the help of the king of Orissa. He beheaded Kana Jagumajhi in the battle field, regained Athagada

and became its ruler once again. He had three sons and a daughter. He had given his daughter Ratnamani Devi in marriage to Kapileswar Deva son of Narasing Dev IV, the famous king king of Utkal (A.D. 1435-1446). Ratnamani Debi daughter of ruler of Athagada got her husband’s statue carved in his kingly attire and inscribed beneath it the conditions of the grant made by her for the utilization of the sale proceeds of Baladhupa Bhoga of Sri Madhukeswara.

InSCrIPtIon : In Saka 1376 and Kapilaswara deva’s era 24 in solar month of Mina, bright fortnight on 13th day Monday, the daughter of Athagada Patto Saheb by name Ratnamani Debi ordered that one half of the sale proceeds of Baladhupa bhoga of Sri Madhukeswara be utilized for Dhupa and Deepa of the deity and the other half for the feeding of Brahmanas who came from a distance on the Sivaratri day. ( Vide my article “Some Pilalr Inscription of Ratnamani Debi at Mukhalingam” ).

Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraj Deb died in the year 1459 A.D. As his eldest son had died without any issue he was succeeded by his second son Gopalkrushna Deb. Gopalkrushna Deb ruled for three years and died in 1462 A.D leaving no son to inherit the throne. So he was succeeded by his younger brother Vikramasihna Saonthi Singar who ruled for 55 years and died in 1517. He was succeeded by his son Gopinath Deb. Gopinath Deb ruled for 58 years. The Orrisa king was very much pleased with him for his talents and good and conferred on him the title of “Harichandan”. At this time there were 120 men of the Bhagel Dynasty of Athagada servicing under the Orissa king as his body-guards. Gopinath Deb took one man out of the 120 Boghale people with the kind permission of the Orissa king and appointed him Sardar. He left

‘Kholladi Fort” in which he had been living and proceeded through Bherandisulia mountain to Jonnanaloousua mountain and after putting to death the two troublesome khnod brothers longolia and benia who rebelled against him, he builta fort on the foot and called it Longolobeni fort. Since then he took up his residence in Longolobeni. He died in 1575 A.D. He had granted the village of Gopinathopur shasan to Brahmanas.

After death of Gopinath Harichandan his son Raghunath harichandan ascended the throne in 1575. He had two sons viz. 1.Ramachandra Deb, 2.Dhanurjaya Deb. He concluded a treaty with Nawab Mulkikhan. During his reign three rock inscriptions had been written an English rendering of which is given below.

1.Sukerella Mohana pereth of syed dynasty held his sway on utkala and Andhra provinces as representative of kuli Badshah and resided in the fort of Bovroni or Boirani.

There was a very powerful and famous king named Narasinga Deb of lunar dynasty who ascended the Gajapathi throne and ruled over the then Utkala Rajya. He had the title of ‘Bahubalendra’. Rajahomohendry, kalinga, Sowrastra, Utkal and the whole of the territory from Utkala to Godavary on the sea side including the details, forts and mountains were under him. This powerful king dug a tank to the west of Langalabani fort in 1511. Sakabda or 1569 A.D i.e. on the 10 th day of bright fortnight of Chaitra, being Thursday in the year Viridhi Samvatsara.

2. Mohammad Queli Badshah by the order of narasingh Deb in Sakabda 1511 of 1589 A.D. i.e on Saturday of bright fortnight in the month of kartika in Virodhi Samvatsara got the above tank exacavated by removing therefrom the mud and silt, and planted in it the lotus and the lily. The tank was therefore called “Shah Sara” (Shah tank). On one side there was the rajya of the Samanta rajah of the king of

Sinkodi or SInkula fort had on the other there was the kingdom of Bhanja kings. Both the two kingdoms were under Narasinga Deb. 3. In 1512 Sakabda (1950 A.D.) Mahamad Queli the representative of Mahamad Queli Badshah got a tank dug near this inscription under the orders of bahubalendra Narasinga Deb. (Vide mu article ‘Rock inscription near Athagada fort’).

At this time Athagada was under king Ibrahim Kutub Shah alias Mulki Ibrahim (1550 to 1580 A.D) The then Sultan of golkonda or Hyderbad who after invading the Andhra Trilinga Country up to ganjam in 1571 made friendship with the Rajah of Athagada and with his permission built a fort at Boirani. Mohammad Queli Kutub Shah the son of Ibrahim Kutub Shah, inherited his father’s kingdom in 1580 and ruled it till the end of 1611. The inscription were engraved during the time of Mohammad Queli Kutub Shah. The Moghul emperor Akbar captured new territories and extended his kingdom in the north as far as Athagada in Ganjam. At this time the king Orissa was Narasinga Deb alias Ramachandra Deb of Boghale line. The kingdom of Utkal, kalinga, Sowrastra and Rajamohendry were under him i.e the whol territory from Utkal to Godavary along the sea side including deltas.

Sukerella Mohana along the Mahamedan commander of Mohammad Queli Kutub Shah the then Sultan of Golkonda or Hyderbad was in Boirani fort. In the inscription referred to above it has been mentioned that there was the Samnta Rajya of the king of Sinkodi or Sikula fort on one side and on the other side there was the kingdom of Bhanja kings and that both the kingdoms were also under Narasinga Deb the kings of Orissa. By this it can beinferred that the Sinula fort 9 In which Padmakasari king of Orissa once lived) existed until 1589 in which year the inscription was written. During the time of Raghunath Harichandan 1. Bara Raghunathpur, 2.

Sana

Ragunathpur,

3.

Chandramadeipur,

4.

Pranadeipur,

5.Jemadeipur,

6.Gauradeipur, 7.Kalineighi and 8.Nattoli Raghunathpur were granted as Shasanas for

Brahamanas. This Raghunath Harichandan died in the year 1627 A.D, and was succeeded by his son Ramachandra Harichandana. After having ruled for 45 years he died in the year 1627 without leaving any heir.

As Ramachandra Harichandan died without any son, his younger brother Dhanurjaya harichandan succeeded him in 1672 A.D. The title Jagadeb was bestowed upon him by the king of Orissa. He died in 1678 having ruled for 6 years leaving a son by name Mukunda harichandan Jagadeb to succeed him.

SrI SrI MuKunda harIChandan jagadeb It was noted in the foregoing chapter that Mukunda Harichandan Jagadeb Succeed his father in 1678. But he had no sons and he banished Ramachandra Majhi his Sardar of the Bhagel Dynasty, fearing that he would usurp his throne. The Sardar took shelter at Bikrampur in the kingdom of Khalikote. Mukunda Harichandan Jagadeb went on a pilgrimage of Puri during the latter part of his reign and died there in 1684. On his death and in the absence of any heir to succeed him his grand mother i.e. father’s mother ruled for three years. Thus 15 rulers of tapsvi line ruled for 694 years up till then.

Ramachandra Majhi being banished from the kingdom of Athagada went away with 13 families of his own kith and kin to Chohollapothors in Khalikote Rajya and lived there. Afterwards he made friendship with the kings of Bhumiya Dynasty of Khalikote and gathering a large army marched through Budhambo and invaded Langalbeni fort. He killed Harihara Mahapatro the representative of the grand mother of Mukunda Harichanda Jagadeb at Athagada, ascended the Gadi in 1687 and ruled till 1706. Ramachandra Majhi had five sons. He erected the temple of Nilakanteswara Swami. He died in 1706 A.D. and was succeeded by his son Gopinath Deb.

During the time of Gopinath Deb Nawab Aptabeg waged war against him but to be defeated. Gopinath Deb was honored by the king of Utkal with the title of “Bhagel Badshah Harichandan Hagadeb� for his bravery. He fought with the Rajah of Khalikote and took possession of his two Forts Mardamekha and Ghodapalana. He garrisoned these forts with 500 armed and granted them sufficient lands for their maintenance. He died in 1712 without leaving any sons. So his brother Raghunath Harichandan Jagadeb succeeded him.

Raghunath Harichandan Jagadeb ruled Athagada for 20 years from 1712 to 1732 visited Puri to pay his respects to the Utkal king, and was received by him very cordially. In 1715 the king of utkal granted him a mango tope by name Sayebag and plot of land in Ballishahi (a street of Puri) for constructing a building to be used as his residence whenever he visited Puri. During the time of Raghunath Harichandan Jagadeb a stone temple of Lord Jagannath was built at Athagada and the deity was installed in it.

Carting stone inscription were also written his reign. One of them is on the seat (Simahasanam) of Sri Lord Jagannath and the other is on the Nilachakra.

These inscriptions are in enumerating his greatness and valour.

He died in the year 1732 and was succeeded by his son Jagannath alias Jagabandhu Jaagadhallabh Harichandan Jagadeb.

Jagannath Harichandan gave shelter to Ramachandra Deb the king of Orissa when in distress he approached him with the three idols of the celebrated Jagannath temple of Puri. The idols were preserved in a temple called marda at Athagada which was surrounded on all sides by dense fordet and Ramachandra Deb himself was given shelter in Rummagada.

The Marda temple was constructed with huge stones. Inside if there are even now three big pedestals which were occupied by the three idols of Puri. The removal of these idols from the temple at Puri is said to have entailed loss of Nine Lakhs of Rupees per annum in the revenue of Orissa, this being the amount normally given by the pilgrims.

Ramachandra Deb with three idols lived at Athagada for 3

1/4

years, the

Rajah treated the deities and his ally with greatest of reverence and honor. In 1734 on the death of Mahommad Taki Khan, Musij Kuli Khan succeeded him as the Deputy Governor of Orissa. At the instance of Rajah Jagabandhu of Athagada, Mujid Kuli Khan was wise enough to induce Rajah Ramachandra Deb King of Orissa to bring back and reinstate the three idols at Puri. So the idols were removed from Marda temple yet the seats vacated by them are still worshipped regularly by the descendants and successors of the Archakas appointed by Rajah Jagannath Harichandan Jagdeb. A hamlet bearing the very name of Marda was formed in the neighboring forest and its income was dedicated for the worship of the pedestals that are in the temple.

For this act of extreme piety the Rajah of Athagada was honored greatly the king of Orissa. Since then the Rajahs of Athagada were held in high esteem by the kings of Orissa when they continued to render valuable help. Consequently the title of “Saranapojara manoudharano” was bestowed upon him. Jagannath Harichandana Jagadeb was given the title of “Raja Bahadur” by the Mahommadan Governor under the Moghal emperor and he ruled over the territories comprising the circars having their head quarters at Chicacole. He was also recognized as Newab over khalikote, Dharakote, Shergada, Bodogada, Suradagada, Mohuri, Biruli, Palur, Humma, Ghumusar, Aska and Poorvakhanda (eastern Paraganas) by the Mahamadan Governor. At that time even the Mahamadan Governor’s army was at his disposal.

It was during the time of Jagannath Harichandan that the book of Ganga-Vamasanucharitam was compiled. The Utkal king also presented him the two Muthas (Firkas) of Kullangi and Bhattopoda near banur. He waged war against Ghana Bhanja of Ghumusar and occupied the fort of Vishnuchakra. He brought the idol of Garuda from the temple of Narayan Swami which belonged to Ghana Bhanja and installed the same in the temple of Jagannathswami at Athagada. He also waged war against Newab Jafar Ali Khan and after defeating him took possession of two of his bronze cannons. He banished his two brothers from his kingdom since he came to know about their conspiracy to usurp him. In the year 1748 he died and was succeeded by his eldest son Madhudana.

Madhudana Harichandan Jagadeb Rajah Bahadar ruled for 18 years.

During his reign Nawab Bairam Bege Bahadur Sahab came through Budamba and waged war against him. A battle has fought at Baharasagar. The Nawab having sustained a severe won over Srichandana Dyana Paatnaik and other subordinates of the Rajah of Athagada to his side secretly sent word to the Rajah that he was eager to enter into a treaty with him and made the Rajah of Athagada a prisoner when he came to visit the nawab singly. Narendra Deb of Mohuri, Rajendra Deb of Chikati and Madhusudan Singh of Bodogoda were also made prisoners in the same way. The nawab then put all these rulers in a big cage, placed the cage on the back of an elephant, took them to Kasimkota and kept them there for three years. Jagnnath Narayan Gajapati the then ruler of Parlakhemundi having come to know of this an arched against the Nawab with 100 men, defeated him, released the four rulers and fought them back. Afterwards madhusudan mad friendship with Nawab Mirja Bairam Bege and obtained control over 300 nahomedan Soldiers, 4500 sepoyes, some elephants, horses and camels. He translated the Sanskrit Purana, Baisakhamahamta into Oriya. In 1761 he died without any issue and his younger brother Govinda Chandra Harichandana Jagadeb ascended the Gadi. Govinda ruled Athagada for 27

years. During his time nawab Kumbila Ananda Ray led an expedition against Athagada. But being completely defeated he ran away in utter despair and confusion.

300 of his men were caught and beheaded under the order of the Rajah of Athagada.

Govinda Chandra Harichandana built the temple of “Girivaradhari� and the Adapa Mandap. He led his army against Krushna Bhanja of Gumsur and fought a successful battle with him. When he was away from his kingdom to invade Gumsur, Gajapati Narayana Deb, the then Rajah of Parlakimedi invaded and occupied a portionof Athagada, fought with Gajapti Narayan Deb, took back that portion and thus annexed together with a portion of land 10 miles in extent between Ghumusar and Banpur at the boundary limit of Khondogola.

At this time Veerakesari Deb, the king of Utkal deied as as prisoner in the hands of the Mahastta Subbadae Rajaram Pandit. His son Dibyasingh Deb came with all his relatives and establishment to Pentyambo, and sent a messenger to intimate his condition to Govinda Chandra Harichandan Jagadeb Rajah of Athagada, As soon as the Rajah came to know of this he sent Srikarna Patnaik to receive Dibyasingh Deb on the way and arranged a residence for him in Guptagada at Ustapoda. Dibyasingh Deb took refuge in the fort with 200 man, 50 hirses and 5 elephants. The Rajah used to set apart an amount of Rs.5000 per moth towards the expenditure of king of utkal and his establiment. Mukunda Deb, the famous king of Orissa, was born when Dibyasingh Deb was staying in this fort. Dibyasingh Deb, after one year, gathered a large army of 1000 sepoys and guns with the help of this friends and protector and marched against the Maharatta Subadar. The Maharatta Subadar suffered defeat and ran away from the battle field and Dybyasingh Deb got back his possession of the fort at Khurda and the fort of ball in Puri. At the time when the Athagada Army went to Puri to help Dibyasingh Deb, Mr. Catsford an officer of the easr India Company captured the fort of Ganjam with 15 regiments of soldiers and took possession of it.

Just after this incident, Mr.Catsford who came to know of the fact that Athagada army

went to Puri to help Dibyasingh Deb, demanded the Rajah of Athagada to pay him Rs.10,000 /- As the Rajah refused to comply, Mr.Catsford proceeded against him with an army and 4 cannons. But Govinda Chandra concluded a treaty with Mr. Catsford and agreed to pay an annual tribute of Rs.41,000 /-.

On the death of Govinda his son Brundavana Harichandan Jagadeb raja bahadur came to the gadi in 1788. He ruled for 23 years. There was a great famine during his time. He waged war with Srikara Bhanja of Gumusur and plundered all his wealth. Nilford Brohan, the then Governor of Madras, held an open Durbar where he honored the Rajah of Athagada. Brundavana him after his death in 1811.

Balunkeswara Harichandana Jagadeb ruled Athagada from 1811 to 1845.

During his time there were in his court the famous Utkal poets Kabisurya, Kabichandra and Basu Praharaj. The favorite deity of this Basu Praharaj was the famous goddess Taratarini installed by him near Purushotampur during the last days of his life.

The son of Basu Praharj wrote ‘Subalayadi Ramayana’ in Sanskrit. As the Rajah of Athagada rendered great help to the East india company in Gumsur rebellion he was granted a reduction of Rs.3000/- - in the amount of peshkush payable from his Estate. He died in 1845 leaving the Estate to his son Ramachandra Harichandan jagadeb.

The new Rajah managed the Estate to the best of his abilities for some time. Afterwards some of his courtiers intending to rob him of his wealth, made him addicted to intoxicating drugs. The rajah was apparently a weak minded man without the power to distinguish false friends from true and became a puppet in their hands.

The peshkush due to the Government was never paid regularly during his time. Twice the Jerayili of the Estate was sold in public auction and twice was it restored to him by the Government.

On the third occasion in the year 1854 when there was practically no money in the Estate Tresury, the Jerayiti Estate was again sold in auction for Rs. 30,9150 /- bv the Government. As the required money could not be found and remitted to the Tresury even after the public sale which was done on the two previous occasions, the Collector had to confirm the sale in favor of the highest bidder, the then rajah of Khalikote to whom the Jerayiti portion of the Estate of was handed over and by whose descendants it is being still enjoyed. Since then the Rajah Ramachandra harichandan Jagadeb Rajah bahadur had to depend solely upon the income of the Inams granted to the deitied (Devadayam) by his ancestors from time to time. He adopted Chaitanya Chandra Harichandana Jagdeb a son of the then rajah of Dharakote. After his father’s death Chaitanya Chandra tried in vain to get back the Estate. So he had to depend also upon the Inams and Devadayams. He married the daughter of the Zamidar of Athagada bolnging to the Ganga Dynasty and was blessed with a son Brundabana Chandra harichanadana Jagadeb who ultimately inherited the Estate of Athagada through the mother (as dohitra). The present holders of the Athagada Estate are the direct descendants of this well known family of Athagada.

KIngdoM oF athagada Patna rulIng KIngS naMe naMe oF the KIng

rulIng PerIod

1. Sankar Deb Tapasvi

979-989

2. Baghra Tapasvi

989-1047

3. Brushav Tapasvi

1047-1097

4. Kirtan Tapasvi

1097-1121

5. Jaganath Nishank Deb

1121-1181

6. Dasarathi Nishank Deb

1181-1264

7. Krushna Nishank Deb

1264-1317

8. Tripurari Mangraj Deb

1317-1374

9. Kulamani Nishank Deb

1374-1389

10. Jagu Majhi Samantasinghra

1389-1401

11. Kulamani Mangraj Deb(2nd time)

1401-1459

12. Gopal Krushna Deb

1459-1462

13. Bikram Samantasinghra

1462-1517

14. Gopinath Harichandan

1517-1575

15. Raghunath Harichandan

1575-1627

16. Bada Rama Chandra Harichandan

1627-1672

17. Dhanurjay Harichandan Jagdeb

1672-1678

18. Mukunda Harichandan Jagdeb

1678-1684

19. Jemadei (Mukunda Harichandan’s Queen)

1684-1690

20. Rama Chandra Harichandan Jagdeb

1690-1706

21. Gopinath Harichandan Jagdeb

1706-1712

22. Raghunath Harichandan Jagdeb

1712-1732

23. Jaganath Harichandan Jagdeb

1732-1748

24. Madhusudan Harichandan Jagdeb

1748-1761

25. Gobind Chandra Harichandan Jagdeb

1761-1788

26. Brundaban Chandra Harichandan Jagdeb

1788-1811

27. Balunkeswar Harichandan Jagdeb

1811-1845

28. Rama Chandra Harichandan Jagdeb

1845-1854

(15/07/1845 the Kingdom was bidden)

1854-1859

29. Chaitany Harichandan Jagdeb

1859-1876

30. Brundaban Chandra Harichandan Jagdeb

1876-1928

31. Laxmi Narayan Harichandan Jagdeb

1928-1953

32. Sri Gobinda Chandra Harichandan Jagdeb

1953-2007

33. Sri Durga Sankar Prasad Harichandan Jagdeb 2008-Present

Saran SrIKShetra Marda Lord Jagannath kept hidden in this Place.When Taki Khan attacked Puri main jagannath Temple time to time the then king brought lord jagannath from puri to this place to hide by jagannath by making one false ceiling this temple and kept lord jagannath on this ceiling which called marda . From main hall tample floor to the false ceiling food grain/dal bags kept upto the ceiling or marda then on the top of the marda or ceiling Lord Jagannath kep in hiding position to confuse the attacker taki khan. Due to this place of temple is called marda mandir and Jagannath taken shelter here so this place is called “Saran Srikhetra”.

During the period of Mughal and Muslim regimes, the Hindu deities and temples were not secure. It is described in Madalapanji that during the period from 16th to 18th Century, in order to save the deities of Jagannath temple they were transferred many times from place to place. It was known from the history that at least 10 times Lord Jagannath had to leave Srimandir and was hidden elsewhere.

Raktabahu attacked the Srimandir for the first time and so the deities were taken to Sonepur and hidden under the soil with a sign of “Dian Bar”. Again in the year 1568 after the occupation of Odisha by the Afgans Taki Khan attack on Hindu Temples was a severe chapter. During the reign of Prataprudra (1509) the first attack was made by the Muslims. In the year 1607, because of the attack on the temple, the deities were taken and hidden in Kapileswar in Puri. In 1660, Kesu Das, the Mughal Subedar attacked Puri and set fire the Chariots. Again in 1615, Kalyanmal, son of Todar Mal attacked Puri and so the Lords were hidden to Gurubadai in Chilka. In the year 1617, Makram Khan attacked again on the Srimandir and so the deities were again kept in Gurubadai of Chilka lake. During the attack of Subedar Ahman Baig in 1917- the deities were hidden in Manitri fort. In the year 1622, on the attacks of Subedar Ahman Baig the deities were kept in Manitri and again shifted to Sakhigopal in 1624 attacks. In the year 1647, Khurda was reigned by Gajapati Purushottam Dev II, during the time Subedar Mudabak Khan attacked Srimandir. In the year 1698, at the

direction of Aurangjeb, Akram Khan attacked Srimandir and during the reign of Divyasingh Dev, Akram Khan created havoc for Hindus andHindu Temples. The last attack on Srimandir was made in the year 1733. As a result the deities were shifted and hidden in many places like Chilka, Banpur, Nayagada and Athagada Marda in the district of Ganjam.

This attack was performed by Taki Khan. As revealed in Madala Panji the deities were not transferred anywhere and worshipped peacefully in the Jagannath Temple thereafter. The present articlefocusses on the last resort of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra. The Marda Temple of Athagada, in the district of Ganjam was situated at about 7 Kms from Polasara in the South east of Kodala under the kingdom of Athagada Patna which means the kingdom of eight forts situated at about 60 kms from Berhampur town of South Odisha. During the reign of Rama Chandra Dev-II, Naib Nazim Mahammad Taki Khan attacked Khurda and accepting a defeat Ramachandra Dev was shifted to Athagada along with his family. Due to the recurring attacks by the Muslims he ordered the Sebayats to hide the supreme idols.

Accordingly, the idols were first kept in Harisvar Dev

Te mple of Nairi village and subsequently shifted to Niladri fort of Banpur and then taken to Athagada fort. By this time, Jagannath Harichandan Jagadev was the King of Athagada Rajaha. For the safety and security of the deities he built a temple on warfooting in Marda forest area.

The construction of the Temple was finished within two months and the deities were given shelter in the said Jagannath Temple. History says that the entry of Lords in to the temple was on 29th December 1733.Due to security reason; the temple was constructed on the valley of Hatibadi mountain in the deep forest area. The Temple architects of nearby Mathura village worked day and night for 46 days and the temple was ready for the entry of Lords. The temple was built on sandstone. The main temple comprising a Vimana and Jagamohan was built on a wide platform measuring 57’ to 45’. The images of Vaman, Nrisingha and Baraha adorn the outer surface of the temple. The images of Garuda, Amlak, the Khapuri and Neelachakra were on the top of the temple. A Ratnasinghasan (throne) was there inside the temple where the deities sit. For the rituals of the deities, on the northern side of Singhadwara a well was dug. Near the well a small idol of Lord Hanuman, near the southern gate a Shiva image worshipped. Outside the temple a moat was dug to save the temple from

outer attacks. In resemblance with the Srimandir, the images of Lokanath and Bimala were also worshipped in Marda Temple. The temple built is a simple one without having any art of workmanship. This is because of the shortest period of construction. Here are three gates. The East gate is wider one which is guarded by two lions in two sides. The dimension of the Jagamohan is 6.10 m x 7.20m. Under the Devi image, there is Garuda. The main temple is built in a square plan in the Pidha (Layer) style. It is built on a plain surface and is of 10.8m in length and 13m in width along with a Varandah of 90cm height. The main entrance is beautifully carved and has two doorkeepers at both the sides. The innermost compartment of the temple carries a Singhasan, the sitting place of three deities. There are three round shaped stone pieces (chakapathar) which are used to be the seats of deities. The deities were worshipped about a period of 2 years and 4 months long safely at this Mardamandir.

During the period, the Shrimandir of Puri lost its importance due to absence of deities. The rites, rituals and festivals were stopped and so the Piligrims were used to stop visiting Srikshetra. This affected a lot in the revenue earning of the administration. The account showed 9 lakhs rupees less collection of Piligrim Tax per annum which allowed the muslim administrators to give a second thinking for the peaceful maintenance of the Srimandir. So, the Muslim rulers of the then time ordered Kuli Khan to get back Lord Jagannath to Puri temple. Accordingly, the deities were taken back from Mardamandir on the 13th year of Ramachandra Dev 5th day in the year 1730 leaving the temple empty. From that day onwards, Marda Jagannath Mandir which was constructed to give shelter and security to our supreme deities remained in an unimportant way – remembering the past joyful times of Sarana Srikshetra, only worshipping the seats of Lords. The history says in the epics of Madala Panji that Ramachandra Dev of Khurda was attacked by Taki Khan in 1731.

After Taki Khan occupied Sishupalagada and Rathipur, he sent his army against Ramachandra Dev at Gangapada. Taki Khan betrayed Ramachandra Dev’s peace initiation and captured the Khorda Fort. Ramachandra Dev had no alternative so he left Khorda with his family to Athagada as a refugee. Raghunath Harichandan was the chief of the then Athagada welcomed Ramachandra Dev of Khurda and constructed an underground palace in the Marda forest for the king and to make it more safe and secured sew mustared seeds on the roof of the palace which was built of clay. It looked like a usual forest and so the spies from Taki Khan were not able to trace the whereabout of Ramachandra Dev. After giving shelter to the Khorda king, he again sent his well-trained armed troop of Paikas under the command of Senapati Baliar Singh and defeated the Muslims at Khorda in a ferocious battle and enthroned

Ramachanra Dev as the king again. The Nabakalebar was done for the deities. This refers to the sacrifices made courageously in allowing the Raja Ramachandra Dev and the supreme deities both in shelter in Athagada and dethroning the Muslim rule in time. These activities of Athagada king Harichandan brought for him the title of “The Jagadev”. Again at the time of distress, Athagada Marda came to the rescue of Lords and Gajapati. Hence the Temple there was named as “Sarana Srikshetra”. In 1778 Rajaram Pandit was given the charge of Subedar for Odisha by Marhatta. After the death of Rajaram Pandit, Sadasiva Rao took the charge of Subedar for Odisha. He had all soft corners towards Lord Jagannath and Gajapati. Summoned by Sadasiv Rao, Dibyasingh Dev came back and took charge of Khurda in 1792. The days of agony and distress were gone with the irony rules of different ages. The peace was prevailing in Shrimandir and Khorda kingdom. From that day onwards the king of Athagada held the position of ‘Saran Panjara Mana Udharan’. In greatful commemoration of this Gajapati Divyasingha Dev introduced a tradition of lighting Mahadeep of Ekadashi Tithi in Srimandir in the name of king of Athagada. Moreover, the king of Athagada was also known as the second Thakur Raja. He also donated a vast landed area to establish Athagada Sahi near the temple at Puri. One Pillar of Mukti Mandap was also named as the Athagada Pillar for the Athagada Sasana Brahmins. A special right was granted to the king of Athagada for Karaseva at the Lords, etc. All these rights were codified in a copper plate by the Gajapati for restoring the pomp and prestige not only of the Gajapati kings but also of the Lords. After all, a pathetic gesture can be given to this great place of events of history which is still without Gods. The Government and the Shrimandir Temple office should take steps for the upkeeping of this site and of the age old temple along with the maintenance of the every rites and rituals or otherwise the glory of Saran Srikshetra and Saran Panjar Bana Udharan shall be destroyed for ever within no time.

During 1733, Jagannath Harichandan Jagadev was the king of Athagada. He was of seventeen years age. During his reign of sixteen years two great events took place. One was the taking shelter of Raja Ramachandra Dev in the estate of Athagada and the other was the secret transfer of Lord Jagannath from Puri to a temple at Marda in Athagada estate. Both the great events happened because Md. Taki Khan, the Nawab of Bengal attacked Ramachandra Dev, the last Gajapati Raja of Odisha staying at Khorda. Ram Chandra Dev was defeated but could not be arrested. He along with his queen and other courtiers secretly left the Khorda fort in the night and walked for days and arrived in the dense forest near Ramagada in Athagada Estate.

He continued to stay there. After Nawab Taki Khan and his general Rakta alias taki khan plundered the Khorda Fort, planned next to attack the Jagannath Temple at Puri with the hope that there is a lot of treasure in the temple. This news was leaked and the Pandas and Sebayats of Lord Jagannath were alarmed. The head priest was told in a dream by Lord Jagannath to carry the deities to Athagada. Accordingly in the night the priests carried the images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and other deities on their head and left the temple of Puri. This is witnessed by Bhakta Salbeg when he sang the pathetic song … “Kenegheni Jauchha Jagannathanku..Ame Darshana Karibu Kahaku….. The Panda Sevayats walked for several days and arrived at the dense forest in Ramagada then Ramachandra Dev in exile came and paid his respect to Lord Jagannath. The king of Athagada Jagannath Harichandan on clearing the forest constructed the Jagannath temple for the deities of Puri temple within a period of 45 days only at Marda. He also made enough provisions for the daily rituals of the Lord and car festivals at Marda. Ramachandra Dev as per the tradition worshipped the wooden deities in the stipulated chariots with Chherapahanra”. After the demise of Raja Jagannath Harichandan, his eldest son Madhusudan became the king in 1749. He constructed an underground fort for Ramachandra Dev towards the northern side of his Pantiama Matha where Gajapati took shelter.

During the Mughal period and the preceding Mongol period the Hindu deities and temples were not secure. It is described in Madala Panji that between 16th and 18th century, in order to save Lord Jagannath the idols were transferred many times from place to place. The Lords were transferred at least ten times during the period.

Raktabahu attacked Srimandir for the first time and the deities were taken to Sonepur and hidden buried at a spot with the sign “Dian Bar”.

Again in 1568 after the occupation of Orissa by the Afghans and Taki khan attack on Hindu temples was a bloody chapter in the history of the survival of the faith. During the reign of Pratap Rudra (1509), the first attack was made by the Muslims. In 1607, because of the attack on the temple, the deities were taken and hidden in Kapileswar in Puri. In 1660, Kesu Das, the Mughal Subedar attacked Puri and set fire on the chariots. Again in 1615, Kalyan Mal, son of Todar Mal, attacked Puri and so the Lords were hidden at Gurubadai in Chilika.

In 1617, Makram Khan attacked Srimandir and so the deities were again kept hidden at Gurubadai. During the attack of Subedar Ahman Baig in 1617, the deities were hidden at Manitri fort. In 1622, subsequent to the attacks of Subedar Ahman Baig the deities were kept at Manitri and again shifted to Sakhigopal in 1624. In 1647 when Khurda was ruled by Gajapati Purushottam Dev II, Subedar Mudabak Khan attacked

Srimandir. In 1698, on the direction of Aurangzeb, Akram Khan attacked Srimandir and soon after Akram Khan created havoc by destroying Hindu places of worship.

Muhammad Taqi Khan, 1731 and 1733 Birakishore Deva and Birakishore Deva of Athagada Images moved to Hariswar in Banpur, Chikili in Khalikote, Rumagarh in Kodala, Athagada in Ganjam and lastly to Marda in Kodala. Shifted back to Puri after 2.5 years. Followers of Mahima Dharma, 1881 Birakishore Deva and Birakishore Deva of Athagada Images burnt in the streets. Â

The last attack on Srimandir was made in 1733 and so the deities were shifted again and hidden at many different places like Chilika, Banpur, Nayagada and Athagada as well as Marda in the district of Ganjam. The last attack was conducted by Taki Khan.

As revealed in Madala Panji the deities were not transferred anywhere else thereafter and

worshipped

peacefully

in

Jagannath

Temple.

Marda temple in Athagada in the district Ganjam is situated about 7 km off Polasara in the south-east of Kodala under the kingdom of Athagada Patna – the kingdom of eight forts situated at about 60 km from Berhampur town. During the reign of Rama Chandra Dev II, Naib Nazim Mahammad Taki Khan attacked Khurda and accepting a defeat Ramachandra Dev was shifted to Athagada along with his family. Due to the recurring attacks by Muslims invaders he ordered the servitors to hide the supreme idols. Accordingly, the idols were first kept at Harisvar Dev Temple of Nairi village and subsequently shifted to Niladri fort of Banpur and then at Athagada fort. By this time, Jagannath Harichandan Jagadev was the King of Athagada. For the safety and security of the deities he built a temple almost in war footing at Marda forest. The construction of the temple was over within two months and the deities were took shelter in it. History says that the Lords entered the temple December 29, 1733. Due to security reasons the temple was constructed on the slopes of Hatibadi valley deep inside the forest. The architects of nearby Mathura village had worked day and night for

46

days.

The temple is built of sandstone and the main premise comprises a Vimana and Jagamohan built on a wide platform measuring 57 inches by 45 inches. The images of

Vaman, Nrusingha and Baraha adorn the outer surface of the temple. The images of Garuda, Amlak, the Khapuri and Neelachakra are placed on top of the temple. A Ratna Singhasan (throne) is there inside the temple where the deities sat. Near the well a small idol of Lord Hanuman and near the southern gate a Shiva image were worshipped. Outside the temple a moat was dug to save the place from attacks. As per Srimandir practices, the images of Lokanath and Bimala were also worshipped at Marda temple which has three gates. The East gate is the widest guarded by two lions on two sides. The dimension of the Jagamohan is 6.10 m x 7.20m. Under the Devi

image,

lies

the

Garuda.

The main temple is built in a square plan in the Pidha (Layer) style. It is built on a plain surface and is of 10.8m in length and 13m in width along with a Varandah of 90cm high. The main entrance is beautifully carved and has two doorkeepers at both sides. The innermost compartment of the temple carries a Singhasan, the sitting place of the three deities. There are three round stone pieces (‘chaka pathar’) which used to be the seats of the deities. The deities were worshipped about a period of two

years

and

four

months

safely

at

Mardamandir.

During the period, Srimandir of Puri lost its importance due to the absence of the deities. The rituals and festivals were stopped and pilgrims stopped visiting Srikshetra. This depleted revenues and forced the Mughal administrators to give a second thought to ensure the safety of Srimandir. Kuli Khan was subsequently ordered to get back Lord Jagannath to Puri temple. Accordingly, the deities were taken back from Mardamandir on the 13th year of Ramachandra Dev rule in 1730.

That day onwards Marda Jagannath mandir which was constructed to give shelter and security to the deities lost its relevance and glory.

hIStorY

oF Marda:

There are no deities inside the temple, but all rituals have been performed

everyday in front of an empty pedestal here by five generations of priests over the past 276 years.

“We are waiting for the three deities and are sure that one day, they will come to Sharan Srikhetra. The Malika (forecast by a saint poet) has predicted that the three deities would leave Puri one day. We hope that they would come to Marda,” said 56-year-old Hrushikesh Panda, a priest at the temple.

“The temple was once the safe abode of the three deities of the Jagannath temple in Puri. The three idols had remained in the temple for 28 months, from December 29, 1733 to April 1736. During that time, the Puri temple came under attack from invaders. Consequently, the king of Puri, Gajapati Ramchandra Deb, had these deities secretly transported from Puri to Marda village in Athagada estate through Chikali village near Khallikote in Ganjam district. Masons from Mathura constructed the temple in a record time of two months at a secluded place.

“The temple is an epitome of architectural grandeur of medieval Odisha. About 300 armed soldiers of Athagada used to guard the deities day and night during the period,” Panda said. The secret journey of the deities from the Puri temple to Chadehibuda hills on the banks of Chilika lake, Chapalihatibana, Kujangagada, Kapileswarpur, Gopalpur, Tikali, Gajapada, Balangir, Manitrigada and finally to Marda temple has been chronicled in Madala Panji (temple almanac).

From a distance, the temple looks like a mass of stones. The deities were installed on three circular pedestals. Despite the fact that there are no idols inside, local people offer prayers and worship the pedestals. All the rituals, associated with the deities are performed here. But there is no car festival here. “It is because during the deities’ stay at the temple, there were no car festivals to avoid the Trinity from being discovered,” said Anantram Kar, a research scholar.

Gajapati Ramchandra Deb is also said to have hidden himself near the place. Then king of Athagadapatna, Jagannath Harichandan, had provided protection and shelter to the deities and the Gajapati of Puri. The temple, which was built in a hurry, resembles the Gundicha temple in Puri. At that time, Marda was an extremely inaccessible place.

Jagannath Harichandan, who had built the rock temple at Marda to protect the deities, is still remembered during rituals at the Puri temple brief.

ChaMu CItau

ChaMu CItau a note on a bIlIngual roYal letter ISSued bY the raja oF Khurda grantIng SPeCIal PrIVIlegeS to the KIng oF athagada, ganjaM The present paper deals with a newly discovered royal letter of the Raja of Khurda addressed to the Superintendent of the Jagannath temple of Puri and all other officials for the grants of special privileges and rights to the king Athagada of South Orissa. This letter was originally found by Shri Laxmi Narayan Harichanadan Jagadeva, Raja Saheb of Athagada while searching for old records in the ruined palace of Athagada fort. Shri Jagadeva has published this letter in the Jounala of the K.R. Kama oriental institute under the title ‘Circular issued by the Maharaja Mukundadeva of Orissa’. He has edited this letter wrongly stating it as a circular and assigning it to Shri Mukundadeva, without understanding the significance of this letter regarding the relation between the cult of Jagannath and the feudatory states of the late medieval Orissa. In this paper an attempt has been made to re-edit this letter showing its importance as a historical document for the study of the relation between the king of Khurda and the feudatory states in general and the special privileges and rights granted to the king of Athagada in particular. This letter provides an excellent example to what extent the Rajah of Khurda in their desperate power struggle were willing to use Jaganath cult for their political use.

deSCrIPtIon oF the letter The present letter is written in both Oriya and Persian script in black ink.

It is a handmade paper of 11 ¼ of length of 5 ¾ of breadth. At the top of the letter, it is written in Oriya in bold letters ‘E Pramana’ and just below to it there is the royal seal of oval shape with Persian characters. Then the letter starts with Persian script in twelve lines. The Persians characters are to some extent different from the modern Urdu script. Then the letter continues with eleven lines written in Oriya script. Both the Persian 12 lines and Oriya 11 lines are written horizontally covering half space breadthwose of the letter. The remaining half of space of the letter is covered by six lines written in Oriya vertically which is a continuation of former eleven lines. It seems that this letter was written by a single person well versed writer was proficient in the art of calligraphy and handwriting. The letter ends with the emblem of a conchshell and followed by signature of the king.

This letter is unique because it is written bilingually on paper and pund at the Athagada palace. So far seventy one royal letters (Chamu Citau). The German Research project (1970) on Orissa has acquired parts of the temple archives of Puri from the temple accountant (Deulakarana). From these palm leaf documents nearly seventy one such royal letters were identified now they are in Orissa State Museum).

But these letters are written on he palm leaves only in Oriya script.

date oF the letter The letter id dated in the Anka era. At the end of the letter the date is mentioned. i.e. 30th day of Kartik month of the year 4 th Anka. Taking into account the

political development and the relation between the Khurda kingdom and Athagada, the issuer of the letter can be identified with king Birakesarideva (AD 1736-1793). His reign’s 30th day of Kartika in the 4 th Anka can be calculated 4th to 30th October 1738 which is the issuing date of this letter.

hIStorICal

baCKground

oF

ChaMu

CItau

(roYal

letter) The cult of Jagannath and the holy city of Puri (Srikhetra) was an object of political power in medieval Orissa. The construction of the great Purusottama Jagannath temple at Puri AD 1135 by king Chodogangadeva III in A.D 1230 to lord Jagannath laid the foundation of state diety (rastra-devta) From this period onward the cult of Jagannath become a symbol of power and source of legitimate for the later eastern Gangas and the suryavamsi Gajapati empire 1568 by the cult of Jagannath and Puri did not loose importance. After the occupation of Orissa by the Mughals, Akbar has realized the economic and political importance of Puri and the Jagannath cult. He has allowed Rama Chandra a local Zamindar of Khurda to gain control over the Jagannath cult. Thus king Ramachand Puri become the custodian of the Jagannath cult. The Khurda king’s control over Puri and the cult mainly to show their dominant position over the feudatory kings.

In the 18th century there came a change on the political scenario of Orissa, Certain political developments weakened the position of the king of Khurda.

Firstly, the feudatory states claimed for more autonomy. Secondly, after the downfall of Mughal administration, the Nawabs of Bengal and their subehdars in Orissa impose direct rule over Orissa which threatened the position and power of the Khurda kings. Thirdly, the Marathas made an attempt and finally conquered Orissa in AD 1751. Due to these political developments the kings of Khurda have tried their best to strengthen their position through ritual means by sharing the Jagannath cult

with the feudatories. They have granted special privileges to the feudatories to chiefs who came for a darshana of Lord Jagannath, according to their status and position among the feudatories. The special privileges of the chiefs or feudatories were communicated by the Khurda king of the superintendent of the Jagannath temple by royal letters (Chamu Caitau). The special privileges that were granted relating to some royal paraphernalia, certain rituals to which some visitors were allowed to perform before lord Jagannath or Special honor to the visiting guests.

Purport of the Letter This royal letter is addressed to the temple superintendent of Puri and all other officials like Suars, Mahasura, Sahara Chabhaga Bisoyee Bhandara Mekapa, Sahara Sardar, Chautara, Tahasildar, Korakadar, Sithikarana, Nayaka pf Baisahi karanas of Charibata and to the Bisoyee, Dandia and policeman posted from the village Pathara to the Lokanatha’s field in the market places, ferry places and highways. The letter informs all of them that King Harichandana Jagadeba of Athagada has a house plot in the Bali sahi. He is allowed to perform Chamara Seba (waging of fan made of tail of yak with golden handle) before the lord Jagannath, also in different festive occasions like car festive and boating ceremony of the lord. He is allowed to perform daily offerings beginning from the Gopalaballabha bhiga(first morning offerings) to the Badasinghara Bhoga (last offering of the day) including other three offering (bhogas). He is also allowed to offer fifty six kinds of offerings to the lord. The officials are requested not to prove him fresh cooked food regularly from the kitchen. He is allowed to go with his torches as far as the Kalpavata (A banyan tree) with all paraphernalia without any obstruction. Whoever comes on his behalf for a darshana is also allowed to perform offerings.

This royal letter shows that special privileges were granted to the king Jagannath Harichandana Jagadeva of Athagada by king Birakesarideva of Khurda. The

assignment of these royal privileges to a local king of Athagada on south Orissa needs explanation. The king of Athagada Jagannathadeva and his father Raghuanathadeva had helped Birakesarideva, the king of Khurda and his father Raghunathadeva had helped Birakesarideva, the king of Khurda and his father Ramnachandradeva II during their crisis period. When in AD 1731, king Ramachandradeva was imprisoned by Taki Khan, the Muslim subehdars of Cuttuck, prince Virakesarideva was given shelter by Raghunathadeva of Athagada. Further, king Jagannathdeva had also given shelter to lord Jagannatha from AD 1733-36 at Marda near Athagada by constructing a temple.

So in order to acknowledge the friendly help from the king of Athagada, Virakesarideva had not only conferred the heritable title “Harichanadan Jagadeva” to him as a token of reward but also granted him special power and privileges for his honor at time of his visit to Puri and the Jagannath temple as proved by his royal letter.

tranSlatIon oF the InSCrIPtIon About fifteen years ago when, with a view to write the history of the ruined estate of Athagada ( Ganjam District) of historical interest, I searched the old records and palm leaf manuscripts in the Athagada palace, I found therein a circular issued by the Maharaja Mukunda Deb of Orissa. In the hope that this circular may, in some way, prove useful to future historians, I append hereto a translation thereof.

This circular contains an order sent by the Maharaja Mukunda Deb, Ruler of Orissa, to Raghunandha Harichandan Jagadeb. The then Raja of Athagada.

Raghunadha Harichandana Jagadeb was the Raja of Athagada in the years 1712 to 1732 A.D. The paper contain the order is 11 ¼ “ long and 5 ¾ “ board. This paper appears to me be hand made. The matter is written in black ink.

“Permission is given to the Raja of Athagada to build a house in Balli Sahi ( Bali Street) in Puri and to grow a tope in the palace to be called ‘Sayed Bag’. He is hereby authorized to act as the Superintendent of the temple of Lord Jagannath, when he is in Puri. He may appoint whomsoever he likes as the cook of the temple.

He may exercise full authority over the Treasury room and in all matters concerning the Gods. During all the festive, like the car festivals and the chandana festivals, he may serve the God with the waving of the golden handled chamaram. He may serve the go with his torches as far as the ‘Kalpavatra’ (Banyan tree) in the Puri temple compounds. As the regards the daily offerings to God and other ceremonies commencing with the Gopala vallabha Bhogo(Morning first offering) and ending with the ‘Bodosing hara’ (last offering for the day) including the three Bhogams. He may make his own arrangements.”

These rights and privileges are conferred on him hereditarily. This order is circulated to all his subordinates in Puri. It is stated in the circular that nobody should cause obstruction to the exercise thereof.

At the end, the date is mentioned as the fourth year of his regin, the 30 th day of Karkataka. After that we find his signature with a picture of the conchshell.

At that time, Bengal and Orissa were under the Navab Dilbadsha and India was under Mahomedan rule. The circular in question was written in Urdu Mahomedan Urdu was then the state language, and because men were prone to use it. Otherwise there was no reason why an Oriya ruler should write to his subordinates in Urdu. It was also written in Oriya so that it might conveniently be read by people not knowing Urdu.

athagada MahalIngeSVar roCK InSCrIPtIon

Athagada is a village in Athagada Zaminadry of Ganjam District. About seven miles from the village, there is a hill called Jillunda at the foot of which stands Siva Temple. It is the temple of the Mahalingeswara worn out by time and weather.

That temple was constructed long ago and it contains ancient architecture. In the front of the temple there are the remains of big Mandapa sixteen pillars. It is called “Mukti Mandap� where literary and religious discussion of learned people used to take place in ancient times, and it was constructed in limitation of the Mukti Mandapa of Puri. Opposite to the temple, there are two statues, one above the other, at the base of the Mantapa. The top one is constructed with stone, the same material with which the temple is constructed. The one below is constructed with white marble stone. The attire and decoration of the two statues are the same. They have swords to their left side and crowns on their heads, with decorations of jewels cut in stone over their bodies. The two statues are seated with cross legs. Their hands are joined together at the chest as we generally do at the time of prayer (namaskara).

At the bottom of the lower statue, there is an inscription in two lines in ancient Oriya characters and language. The inscription reads as follows.

1. E Putuli Parabat 2. Tapi Mahapatra

tranSlatIon – This statue is of parvota Tapi Mahapatra.

Before we go into the details of the inscription, it is necessary that we should learn the ancient history of this Zamindary to which the above inscription relates. At the time of the downfall of the Kasari Dynsty in (Utkal) Orissa, there came a member of the Baghale Dynsty (Pandu) Dev by name, to Athagada from Rewa when Padma Kasari was regining in Utkal. He was a kshatriya by birth and for some reason or other, he had come to the south and found his residence in a cave of the Pejogola hill of Athagada Zamindary in Ganjam. While he was residing in that cave, he solemnly worshipped the idol Mahalingeswara which was not far away from his residence. By the grace of Mahalingeswara who was much pleased with his worship

and meditation, Pandu Dev had obtained a tract of land where, by his own prowess and by the help of the two servants, Ganda and Bahu of the idol Mahalingeswara, founded a small kingdom. There, he established his rule and built a fort called Jillunda and reigned for 12 years. This person is the first ancestor of the Athagada Raj family. As this prince spent his time in tapas or devoted worship, he was called Pandu Tapsvi or Tapi by the people. He had two sons, the eldest being known as Bagho Tapsvi and the youngest as Bhima Tapsvi. On the death of their father, the eldest son Bagho Tapsvi succeeded to the Gadi in Saka 911, (989 A.D.) in accordance with their family custom. His brother, Bhima Tapi being instructed in a dream by Mahalingeswara founded a Rajya for himself with the help of his eldest brother, to the north of the Athagada Estate. That portion of the jungle was cleared and he built a new fort near Lodukeswar Siva idol. He called that portion of land “Nuagodo” or New Fort and reigned over that territory which was called by the name Lodukesvar.

At that time, Purushottama Kesari, Son of Amba Kesari, and grand son of Padma Kesari, was reigning over Orissa. When Purushottama Kesari visited Sikula (godo) fort, Bagho Tapsvi met him at the Bidhai- suni Hill. The king of Orissa, being much pleased with the good qualities of Baghi Tapsvi, bestowed on him the title, of “Parvata Vyaghratapi Mahapatro” and installed him as Rajah. From that time his descendents have resigned at Athagada. He reigned until Saka 969, (1047 A.D) and was succeeded by his eldest son Broshabha Tapi. It is understood statue in the Mukti Mantapa is that of Parvata statue might belong to his father Pandu Tapi. To this day, we see the asrama or the residence of the founder of Athagada Rajya in the cave of the Pejogola hill. People frequently visit this place to see the cave and its surroundings which present a beautiful scene.

Stone PIllar InSCrIPtIon oF ratnaManI deVI at MuKhalIngaM

On a pillar in the entrance mantapa of the temple of Madhukesvara at Mukhalingam, Paralkimdi Zamindari, Ganjam district, there is an inscription in ancient Oriya characters and language of Jamma Ratnamani devi of Athagada Raja family in Ganjam. It was inscribed in 19 lines. After the fourth line, there is inscribed the statue of Kapilesvara Deva in his warrior dress. This Ratnamani devi of Athagada raja family was the consort of Sri Kapilesvara Gajapati Maharaja who ruled over southern India, including Gauda, Utkal, Kalinga, Karnata and Kalabarga. Kapilesvara Gajapati was such a great king that to this day, in these parts, there is his seka or era known as ‘Kapilabda’. The above inscription was inscribed in saka 1376, (1454 A.D) we can judge the literature of that time with the help of the language used by the people of that time. This inscription is published in Vol. IV of the South Indian Inscriptions, where the reading is incorrect. The inscription is as given below.

tranSlatIon In saka 1376 and Kapilesvara Dev’s Era 24, in solar month of Mina, bright fortnight, on 13th day, Monday, the daughter of Athagada pattasazhab by name, Ratnamani devi ordered that one half of the sale proceeds of bala-Dhupa-bhoga of Sri Madhukesvara be utilized for Dhupa and Deepa of the diety and the other half for the feeding of Brahmans who come from a distance on the Sivaratri day.

In this inscription, it is stated that Ratnamani devi was the daughter of then Raja of Athagada but as no mention is made that she was the wife of Kapileswara deva, people ingnorant of Athagada history may be led into conclusion.

So it is necessary to give a brief account of the Athagada history of this period.

In Saka 1296, (1374 A.D.) Kulamani nissanka Mangaraj Dev, the eight ruler of Athagada tract, ascended the throne. After he ruled for 15 years, Dhanurjaya Bhanj’s troops fled from the battle-filed as their Commander Jagumajhi Samanta, lost an eye on the field. On hearing of the retreat of his own troops, Dhanurjaya Bhanj,

the ruler of Ghumusar ordered his officers to reduce Athagada at any cost and announce his general Jagumajhi Samanta as the ruler of Athagada. The strong army of Ghumusar attacked Athagada at dead of night and drove away Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraja Dev and according to the instructions of the Ghumusar ruler, Sardar Jagumajhi Samanta was announced as the chief of Athagada. He ruled from Saka 1311(1389 A.D.) to Saka 1323 (1401 A.D.) by the name kana (blind) Jagumajhi.

Kulamani Nissanka Mangaraj Dev, beingdriven away from his state, took refuge with all his family under Narasing dev IV, king of Orissa. He, being very much pleased with the good qualities and unrivalled him as body-guard. On many occasions also, Kulamani was bestowed with presents of honor for his meritorious deeds by the king.

In saka 1323; (1401 A.D) with the help of the king of Utkal, Kulamani Nissanka mangaraj Dev invaded Athagada. He beheaded the then ruler Kona Jaguajhi on the battle field and became the ruler of Athagada, which he had once lost. He had three sons and one daughter. He had given his daughter Ratnmani devi in marriage to kapilesvara deva, the then famous king of Utkal. (A.D. 1435 – 1446 ). He died in Saka 1381 (1459 A.D.). His second son, Gopal Krishna Mangaraj Dev then became the ruler of Athagada. Coming the subject proper of the inscription. This Ratnamani Devi, daughter of the then ruler of Athagada, gother husband’s statue carved in his kingly attire and inscribed beneath it the conditions of grant. She was the prominent wife of Kapilwsvara Dev in Kalinga Dandapat. I think, that most probably of Kapilesvara Dev, enjoyed and held the income of Madhukesvar temple as their personal property. So the grantor, in the above pillar inscription, directed as their personal property. So the grantor, in the above pillar inscription, directed the free and proper disposal of the proceeds of the bhoga, offered to the above deity. This inscription might have been inscribed by ratnamani Devi, queen of Kapilesvara Dev, during the reign of Kapilesvara Deva. Some of the terms of this grant are in force to this day.

tranSlatIon

In Saka 1376 and Kapileswara Debi Era 24 in Solar month mina, bright fort night on 13th day , Monady the daughter of Athagada Patna Saheeb by name Ratna Mani Devi ordered that one half of the sale proceeds of baladhupa bhoga of Sri Madhueswara be utlised for Dhupa and deepa of the deity and the other half for the founding of the Brahmans who came from a distance on the Sivaratri day (Vide Ratnamani Debi at Mukhalingam published in J.A.H.R.S Vol-III, Parts 2nd 3ce) The Accounts Of Athagada Taluka The history of the Zamindar and his family of this Taluk is that in the ancient time when the Gajapati kings of Orissa were ruling the kingdom from Katak (Cuttack) and when this part of the country was subdued by them, the started to establish their suzerainty in the reason from Athagada (Eight-forts). At first, in the fort Vajugada one Padmakesarideva was appointed to run the administration (on behalf of the Gajapati kings of Orissa). He used the title fort of maharaja. At that time some Mlechha (Muslim) army entered into this Taluka from Northern India. They defeated the Raja in a battle and captured his family after putting him in confinement. They also pundered the country and create a great and cleverly escaped from imprisonment and pursued the Mlechhas(Muslims( who proceeded along with his father(Padmakesarideva) and females in the forest region to their country. In gruf Sankara came to the top of a mount near balinda village, where he began to worship the god Maheswara praying for resurrection of the kingdom and revival of the prosperity of his family. He was a great learned youth by natural gift and obtained mercy from gods for fulfillment of his desire. There he started meditation like a Tapsvi to the god Maheswara by those mercy he could regain all the prosperity of his family.

Then, he want to his own palace and by kind assistance of Maharaj Kapilendradeva in A.D. 1448, he could make his kingdom free from the melchhas. He ruled in the Taluk up to the 12th Anka year of Kapilendradeva i.e. A.D.1428, having used the title of ‘Bahu Tapasvi’.

His son who is called by the name Bahu Tapasvi came to power in the taluk of Athagada and established many new villages and towns in it. He had eight sons namely, Jagannatha, Vrsabha, Labha, Arjuna, Mahadeva, Bhima, Vamana, and Kartikeya. In Saka year 1370 (A.D.1448) he died and succeeded by his eldest son, Jagannatha. He continued to rule the kingdom with great prourss during the over lordship of Maharaja Kapilendradeva and his son, Maharaja Purusottamadeva of Orissa. When the latter started in his expedition to the west after subduing all these kingdoms, Jagannatha proved his valor in the science of strategy in the fields of archery etc. and defeated the enemies of Orissa. Maharaja Purusottamadeva was greatly pleased on him and presented some Jagris(lands) having income of rupees eight thousand per year. Apart from this he bestowed on him the title of ‘Harichandana Jagadeva’ in recognition of his heroism. He also treated like his own brother. Having being honored thus, Jagannatha Harichanadana Jagadeva returned to his Taluk where he newly built a palace and established a village in the midst of hill covered by woods. Then, near the village of kadula, he constructed a fort. To the northern of the said fort near kollari he constructed a second fort. To the waster of it near the village of Pandripada he constructed a third fort. The fourth fort was built by him near the village of Sasana-grama. The fifth fort was constructed at Rumagada village. In this way, he constructed eight forts on all sides of his capital. Therefore, he named his kingdom as Athagada(Eight – Forts). After accomplishing this, he restored his seven brother namely Brusabha Nissanka, Balabhadra Nissanka, Arjuna Nissanka, Mahadeva Nissanka, Bhima Nissanka, Vamana Nissanka and Kartika Nisasanka in the above forts as Governors under him. He ruled from Sakavda 1370 (A.D. 1448) to Sakavda 1382 (A.D. 1460) for 12 years.

After him, his son, Krushna Nissanka Harichandana Jagadeva came to power in succession once after the other. After this, his son, Kalisantharasinga, his brothers Gopala Santarasinga and Singa Santrasinga succeed one after another. Then,

the last named brother’s son, Badagalinatha Harichanadana succeeded his son, Raghunatha harichandana: his son Ramachandra harichanadana; His son, Dhanurjaya Harichandana came to power. In his time when Ramachandaradeva Maharaj of kataka (Cuttuck) was rulling over Orissa, enemies raided over the capital of Kataka. At that time the Maharaja (of Orissa) required his help to defend the country. So, he married with his army and fought with succedd against the enemies. So, he the Maharaja (Ramachanadradeva) presented him four elephants and two horses including a Turi (trumpet), a Nagara (big drum), a Dhakka (drum) etc. musical instruments with permission to use at the time of his royal performances (which is a great token of royal insignia). During the time of this Raja the Moghals established their suzuerignty in Orissa. They also recognized the Zamindarship of the Raja of Athagada and they fixed the amount of Pischcush (assessment) payable to them at Rs. 20,000 per year.

His son Mukunda Harichandana Jagadeva and his brother Ramachandar harichandan Jagadev Came to power. Then, latter’s son Jagannath Harichandana Harichandana Jagadeva succeeded the latter. In his time from phasli 1146 (A.D. 1735) about twenty thousand soldiers comprising of different castes and creeds came from Northern India to Sri Jagannath Ksetra (Puri). There, they lived for some time during which period they polluted the temple of Sri Jagannath Mahaprabhu by irreligious deeds like drinking wine etc. inside the temple etc. under such situation the pandas and the temple servants approached Jagannath Harichandana to eradicate these troubles at Puri. But, the Raja being unable to fight against such a huge number of trained soldiers, made room in his Taluk in a village called Marda for sheltering and worshipping the images of Sri Jagannatha, Sri Balabhadra and Sri Subhadra.

Accordingly, the images were removed from the temple, and Jagannath Harichandana Jagadeva managed to continue all the parapranalis of Sri Jagannatha

Mahaprabhu including his rituals and festivals at Marda for three months. He ruled up to phasil 1163 (A.D. 1749).

His son, Madhusudana Harichandana and his (Madhusudana’s) brother Govinda Harichandana came to power one after the other. At that time the overloadship of country passed to the hands of East India Company when the peshcush of the Taluk was fixed at Rs. 32,001 payable per year.

His son was Brundabana Harichandana in whose time the Taluk was permanently settled and the peshcush was revised at Rs. 55,000 payable to the English Government per year.

His son Balunkisarana Harichandana Jagadeva. Having followed the ancient system of his family he made religious grants in large quantity and acquired glorious position among the Zamindars. He has never disloyal to the Government up till now.

KabISurYa baladeV ratha He was born in Badakhemundi, Ganjam, Odisha.

His father Ujjwala Ratha was well versed in the scriptures and was a poet himself. Baladeba Ratha's mother died when he was ten years old. He was brought up by his maternal grand father at Khallikote who also taught him Sanskrit and Odia literature. He married at the age of 15. After his father's death, he moved to the nearby Jalantara state. The prince of Jalantara, Rama Chandra Chotray encouraged his literary creations and gave him the title "Kabi-Surya", meaning 'The Sun among Poets.'

lIterarY worKS

Ratha was a musician and scholar in his own right. He composed poems as a Vaishnava, in devotion to Lord Vishnu. He composed poems as a Vaishnava, in devotion to Lord Vishnu. He was associated with a group of poets, which included Dinakrushna Dasa and Abhimanyu Samantasinghara - who, though criticised for their verbosity and convoluted diction, have also been appreciated for their emotional and alliterative poems that continue to appeal to the masses even today. [2] His famous works include Kabisurya Granthavali, Kabisurya Geetabali and Kishora Chandrananda Chaupadi-Chautisa, which combines the two literary forms of chaupadi (a poem having four stanzas, though the term came to refer to any short song in latter times), and chautisa (a 34-stanza poem where every stanza begins with a new letter of the Odia alphabet). Kishora Chandrananda Champu is noted for its emotional quotient and the role it played in enforcing the riti school of Sanskrit literature. He was also the author of several champus including Ratnakar Champu, Premodaya Champu and Kishora Chandrananda Champu.[3][4] Kishore Chandrananda Champu has both Odia and Sanskrit compositions and it was the Odia part of the work that has been credited with cementing his literary reputation in the language.

dhuMPa SangIta Ratha is thought to have invented the dhumpa, a bamboo percussion instrument, that accompanies the Odia folk art form of dhumpa sangita. The dhumpa accompanies recitations of his poetic satires which are called dhumpa geet. Many of his poetic pieces, especially the champus are set to dance in Odissi.

death and CoMMeMoratIon Ratha died in Athgarh, Odisha in the year 1845.[3] DasaRathaiDas' Kavisurya Baladeva Ratha is a biography that examines his life and contributions to Indian literature.

[10] Kavisuryanagar, formerly Boirani, a town in the Ganjam district of Odisha has been named in his honour. Kabisurya Nagar is named after the writer Kabisurya Baladev Rath. Kabisuryanagar was once called Boirani and was an important town of the Athgada kingdom.

the jagannatha teMPle at athagada: From the seventh Parichheda (chapter) of Gangavamsanucharitam, the Champu, a historical Kavya written by poet Vasudeva Ratha Somayaji of Athagada in Ganjam in 1762 A.D., it is known that Raghunatha Harichandan, Raja of Athagada (1712-1732 A.D) built a temple for Jagannatha in the Saka year 1650 (1728 A.D.). From the three Verses, it is known that from Raja Ramachandra and his queen Chandrama Devi had three sons named Raghunatha, Giridhara and Divyasimha. Prana Devi, the queen of Raghunatha was the mother of Jagatbandhu Harichandan. Raghunatha Harichandan, who was a very powerful chieftain, built the Jagannatha Temple in the Saka year Kha (o), Sara (5) Ttu (6) and Sitagumita of moon (1) or 1650 corresponding to 1728 A.D. This Jagannatha Temple is still to be seen with in the ruined fort of Langalaveni, near Boirani in the District of Ganjam by the KhallikoteAska road, these three Verses are found inscribed in the Nilachakra (Blue Disc) on the top of the Jagannatha Temple of Athagada.

KanaK durga teMPle: The rajah of athagada, Balunkeswar Harichandan Jagadeb Belonging to the Bagheli Dynasty.In Athagada there is the famous temple of Kanak Durga thakurani.

As per legend Kabisurya Baladeb Rath owes he is literature talents to the blessing of the goddess of Kanak Durga. The kanak durga temple is managed by Madhusudan Harichandan Jagdeb, the last surviving ruler of Bhagel Dynasty of Athagada Patna.

jaugada Jaugada is situated at a distance of 10 kms from Purushotampur. The place is of great historical importance as one of the famous rock edicts of Ashok is located here.Jaugada or Jatudurga (Lac fort) as it was known in classical times, is said to be associated with Mahabharta episode. Tradition ascribes that the fort of Jaugada was

built by Duryodhana of Mahabharata fame. Its name jau or Lac is from a tradition that it was made of Lac and was therefore impregnable as no enemy could scale the walls as they were smooth and slippery.

Jaugada stands as the symbol of all the historical heritage connected with the Rushikulya Valley civilisation. From the bank of this river, silver coins of the pre Mauryan age have been discovered. The Ashokan inscription at Jaugada is incised on a rock face some 30 feet long and 15 feet high elevated about 12 feet on a mass of granitic gneiss. The fort of Jaugada was rectangular in shape, the opposite sides being 858 yards by 814 yards respectively. The earthen bank at places is 18 feet high and 148 1/2 feet across at the base and has two entrances on each side. The fort was surrounded by a wide and deep moat which was not continuous slips being left for ingress and egress. The walls and towers were made of earth whose remnants still exist in high shapeless mounds. Jaugada is a part of the Malati hill range. The inscription of this place is one of the two Kalinga edicts which are supplements to the series of fourteen rock edicts of Ashoka, the other being at Dhauli near Bhubaneswar in Puri district. These two Kalinga edicts laid down the principles on which the newly conquered province of Kalinga was to be governed. Long neglect and exposure the saline breeze and age have caused much damage to this precious monument, large strips have fallen off revealing blank places since Minchin, a British merchant, who first brought the inscription to the notice of the Europeans in 1858. To prevent itfrom further damage the Archeological Survey of India has treated the rock surface chemically and has declared it as a protected monument.

SoMe CaPtured IMageS oF bhagel dYnaStY MeMorIeS(athagada)

brundaban Chandra harIChandan jagadeb

gobInda

Chandra

harIChandan jagadeb KIng oF athagada Patna

KabI jaganath debabarMa junIor raja Saheb

KIng oF athagada Patna

baluKeSwara harIChandan jagadeb KIng oF athagada Patna

goPInath harIChandan jagadeb

MadhuSudan deb

KIng oF athagada Patna

KIng oF athagada Patna

goPInath harIChandan jagadeb(2nd)

lalIt KuMar deb

KIng oF athagada Patna

gobInda harIChnadan jagdeb KIng oF athagada Patna

ConCluSIon: It has been a matter of immense pleasure, honour and challenge to have this opportunity to take up this project.while developing this project I have learnt a lot about history, I have also learnt lot about athagada history through some books and form interact with some old person of our village.during my research istudied carefully and understood history of baghel dynasty .I also ralised the importance of history in our life.The lifestyle of Rajhas were very interesting. Our village is also a holly place with some incredible history.