Nabarangapur District in the Medieval Period

A Glimpse into the Past: Nabarangapur District in the Medieval Period

​The history of Nabarangapur, a district nestled in the southern part of Odisha, is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of numerous dynasties and cultural shifts. While its ancient history traces back to the Mauryas and Kalinga, the medieval period, spanning roughly from the 6th to the 16th centuries CE, was a time of dynamic change marked by the rise and fall of several prominent ruling houses. This era transformed the region, shaping its administrative, religious, and cultural landscape and laying the groundwork for the modern district we know today.

​The medieval history of Nabarangapur is intrinsically linked with the greater history of the Kalinga and South Kosala regions. Geographically, the district’s location at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southern India made it a strategic battleground and a melting pot of diverse influences. For much of this period, Nabarangapur was not an independent political entity but rather a part of larger, shifting kingdoms, including the Nalas, the Somavanshis, the Eastern Gangas, the Silavamshis, and finally, the Suryavanshi kings of Jeypore.

​The Early Medieval Transition (6th – 10th Centuries CE)

​The curtain on the medieval period in Nabarangapur rises with the decline of the mighty Vakatakas and the rise of the Nala dynasty. The Nalas, with their capital at Pushkari near modern-day Umerkote, were a significant power in the Bastar-Koraput region. Their rule, particularly under kings like Bhavadatta Varman and Arthapati, is attested to by archaeological ruins and inscriptions at sites such as Podagarh and Kesaribeda. The Nalas were patrons of art and culture, and their era saw the development of large temples and a more structured civilization. They established a robust administrative framework, and their rule is considered a formative period in the region’s history.

​Following the Nalas, the area came under the influence of the Eastern Gangas around the 5th century CE. However, their control was often contested and not always absolute. By the mid-9th century, the region, known as Trikalinga, was brought under the sway of the Somavanshi rulers of South Kosala. The Somavanshis, who controlled a vast territory encompassing present-day Western Odisha, Sambalpur, and Sonepur, extended their suzerainty over the Nabarangapur region, incorporating it into their expansive realm. This period of Somavanshi influence, though not as well-documented locally as the Nala rule, was crucial for the region’s integration into a larger political and cultural sphere.

​The Age of Conflict and Consolidation (11th – 14th Centuries CE)

​The 11th century ushered in an era of military campaigns and political upheaval. The Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I, a formidable military leader, led an expedition that briefly conquered the Bastar-Koraput region, then known as Chakrakota. However, this conquest was short-lived, as the Gangas soon reasserted their dominance. The Ganga dynasty, which had been gaining strength, became prominent in the 11th century, and their suzerainty extended far and wide.

​A notable development during this time was the emergence of the Telugu Chodas, who accompanied the Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI on an expedition to the region. They became feudatories to the Chalukyas and, though their influence waned after 1050 CE, descendants of the family continued to hold power in parts of the region until the 13th century. The political landscape remained fluid, with the Matsyas possibly exercising some control before the rise of the Silavamshis.

​The Silavamshis, who conquered the region in the 14th century, are a particularly interesting dynasty. They are credited with patronizing Jainism and Shaktism, which led to a flourishing of these religious traditions in the area. Their capital, Nandapur, located near Jeypore, became a center of political and religious significance. The city was famous for its “throne of 32 steps,” a symbol of royal authority that, according to local legend, was erected in the line of the mythical king Vikramaditya of Ujjain. The Silavamshi rule marked a period of relative stability and cultural prosperity, fostering the growth of local art and architecture.

​The Suryavanshi Ascendancy and Legacy (15th – 18th Centuries CE)

​The most enduring and impactful medieval dynasty in the history of Nabarangapur was the Suryavanshi dynasty of Jeypore. The lineage was founded by Vinayak Dev, a prince from Northern Kashmir, who, through marriage to the daughter of the last Silavamshi king, inherited the kingdom of Nandapur in 1443 CE. The Suryavanshi rulers, who were previously feudatories of the Gajapati kings of Odisha, gradually consolidated their power and established an extensive kingdom. Their reign marked a definitive period of political and cultural identity for the region, which would last until the dissolution of the princely state in 1951.

​The Suryavanshi kings expanded their territory, encompassing not only the modern Nabarangapur and Koraput districts but also parts of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. In the mid-17th century, Maharaja Veer Vikram Dev, the eighth king, strategically moved the capital from Nandapur to the more fortified and centrally located city of Jeypore. This shift signaled the growing prominence of the kingdom and its move toward a more centralized administration.

​The Suryavanshi period also saw the region become a tributary state to the Qutb Shahis of Golconda and, later, the British in 1777 CE. Despite these external influences, the Suryavanshi kings maintained significant autonomy and continued to govern the territory. Their rule was characterized by a feudal system, where they established numerous zamindaris (landed estates) to manage their vast kingdom. This system, while ensuring local control, also laid the foundation for future administrative divisions.

​Architecturally, the Suryavanshi period left a lasting legacy. While the region is known more for its natural beauty and ancient temples, the remains of forts and administrative structures from this era can still be found. The city of Jeypore, with its royal palace and surrounding fortifications, stands as a testament to the power and prestige of the Suryavanshi rulers. The local temples, many of which were renovated or patronized by these kings, blend indigenous architectural styles with influences from neighboring regions.

​Socio-Cultural and Economic Life

​The medieval period in Nabarangapur was a time of significant socio-cultural evolution. The influx of different ruling dynasties, each with its own cultural and religious traditions, created a unique fusion. The Nalas brought a strong influence of Hinduism, as evidenced by temple ruins. The Silavamshis fostered Jainism and Shaktism, and their patronage led to the construction of temples and the growth of these faiths. The later Suryavanshi rulers, while also patrons of Hinduism, oversaw a period of cultural consolidation where local customs and traditions were integrated with the broader cultural norms of the Odia-speaking lands.

​Economically, the region was primarily agrarian, with a self-sufficient village economy. The dense forests provided abundant natural resources, and trade routes passing through the area connected it to other parts of the subcontinent. The local population, largely comprising various tribal communities, had their lives intertwined with the administrative and cultural changes brought about by the ruling dynasties. While the kings and their courts dominated the political narrative, the daily life of the common people continued, shaped by agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, and rich folk traditions.

​The historical ruins scattered across the district—such as the remains of the ancient Nala capital at Podagada, the fortifications at Papadahandi, and the various temples—serve as tangible links to this rich and complex past. These sites, often overgrown by nature, speak volumes about the succession of power, the ebb and flow of empires, and the enduring resilience of the local culture. They are a constant reminder that the Nabarangapur of today is built upon centuries of history, shaped by the medieval kingdoms that once ruled its land.

Disclaimer

The following article is a work of historical synthesis based on available information from various sources. Due to the limited and often fragmented nature of historical records from the medieval period, particularly in regions like Nabarangapur, this account is a reconstruction and should be viewed as such. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some details may be subject to ongoing historical debate and new archaeological discoveries. The content is for informational purposes only and not intended as an authoritative academic text.