The Bhoi dynasty

The Bhoi dynasty, also known as the Yaduvamsa dynasty, was a significant, albeit short-lived, medieval Hindu dynasty that ruled over the region of Odisha. The dynasty’s reign is generally dated from 1541 to 1560 CE, after which it continued as a kingdom of Khurda and later as the titular rulers of the Puri estate.

Historical Context and Rise to Power

The Bhoi dynasty emerged in a period of political turmoil following the decline of the powerful Suryavamsa Gajapati Empire. The last great Suryavamsa ruler, Prataparudra Deva, died in 1540 CE, leaving a weakened kingdom with no strong successor. This created a power vacuum that was exploited by a treacherous minister named Govinda Vidyadhara.

• Usurpation of the Throne: Historical accounts, particularly the Madala Panji (the temple chronicle of the Jagannath Temple in Puri) and other Sanskrit and Persian works like Akbarnama, state that Govinda Vidyadhara assassinated Prataparudra Deva’s two sons, who were the last heirs of the Suryavamsa dynasty. He then usurped the throne in 1541 CE, establishing the Bhoi dynasty. He adopted the title “Suvarna Kesari,” as evidenced by the Narasimha temple inscriptions at Simhachalam.
• The Name “Bhoi”: The name “Bhoi” is believed to be derived from the traditional role of a specific caste of record-keepers and accountants who served the kings. Govinda Vidyadhara and his family belonged to this group, and their rise to power marked a significant shift in the ruling class.

Key Rulers and Challenges

The initial period of the Bhoi dynasty was characterized by constant internal rivalries, foreign invasions, and a struggle for legitimacy.

• Govinda Vidyadhara (1541-1548 CE): Govinda Vidyadhara’s reign (1541-1548 CE) marks a pivotal and tumultuous period in the history of Odisha. It saw the end of the powerful Suryavamsa Gajapati dynasty and the beginning of the short-lived Bhoi dynasty, a time of political instability that ultimately paved the way for foreign rule.
  
  Historical Context
  
  The decline of the Suryavamsa Gajapati dynasty, which had ruled for over a century, created a power vacuum in Odisha. The last ruler, Prataparudra Deva, had been heavily influenced by the Bhakti movement of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, which led to a reduction in the kingdom’s military focus. This, combined with internal feuds and constant threats from neighboring kingdoms like the Vijayanagara Empire and the Golconda Sultanate, made the kingdom vulnerable. Govinda Vidyadhara, a minister of Prataparudra Deva, saw this opportunity to seize power.
  
  Accession and Reign (1541-1548 CE)
  
  Historical sources, including the Madala Panji (a chronicle of the Jagannath Temple in Puri) and various inscriptions, provide key details about Govinda Vidyadhara’s rise and rule:
  Usurpation of the Throne: The most significant event of his rise to power was the assassination of the heirs of Prataparudra Deva. Govinda Vidyadhara, who was a general and minister, had the last two Gajapati rulers, Kalua Deva and Kakharua Deva, killed in 1541 CE. This act of treachery led to the foundation of the Bhoi dynasty.
  Adoption of a New Title: Upon his ascension, Govinda Vidyadhara adopted the title “Suvarnakeshari”, as evidenced by an inscription in the Narasimha temple at Simhachalam. This was an attempt to legitimize his rule, though many feudatory states did not recognize him as the rightful Gajapati.
  Conflicts and Rebellions: Govinda Vidyadhara’s reign was fraught with internal and external challenges. He immediately faced a rebellion from a nephew of Prataparudra Deva, Raghubhanja Chhotaraya, and had to contend with an invasion by the Golconda Sultanate. He had to lead a military expedition to the south to fight the Sultan, during which time his capital, Cuttack, was attacked by the rebels.
  Administrative and Social Actions: Despite the political chaos, Govinda Vidyadhara did take some administrative steps. He founded the Vira-Govindapur Sasana, a village for Brahmins, and his son Chakrapratapa later founded RaiChakrapur Sasana for the same purpose. This was a common practice by rulers to gain favor and legitimacy from the powerful Brahmin community.
  The Bhoi Dynasty: Govinda Vidyadhara founded the Bhoi dynasty. The term “Bhoi” refers to a community of accountants and record-keepers. Some historians suggest that the Bhois were of the Karana (writer) caste, and Govinda Vidyadhara’s ancestors had received land grants while serving in the Gajapati administration.
  
  Evidence and Sources
  
  The historical information about Govinda Vidyadhara is largely derived from a combination of sources:
  Madala Panji: This temple chronicle is a primary source for the history of Odisha’s rulers. It details the treacherous actions of Govinda Vidyadhara in seizing the throne.
  Inscriptions: Inscriptions found on temples, such as the one at the Narasimha temple in Simhachalam, provide crucial details about his regnal title and his efforts to assert authority.
  South Indian Sources: Contemporary records from neighboring kingdoms, such as the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate, also mention the political turmoil in Odisha and the conflicts with the new ruler.
  Accounts of Foreign Observers: Later works by historians and chroniclers from other regions of India and beyond, like Abul Fazl’s Akbarnama, provide context for the political conditions of the period, including the subsequent decline of the Bhoi dynasty.
  
  Political and Social Conditions
  
  Govinda Vidyadhara’s reign marked the beginning of a period of rapid decline for the Odishan kingdom. The internal rivalries and constant invasions from external forces like the Sultanates of Golconda and Bengal weakened the kingdom significantly. The flourishing literary and artistic traditions of the Gajapati era began to suffer, and a period of instability and foreign rule was on the horizon. The reign of Govinda Vidyadhara and the subsequent rulers of the Bhoi dynasty were characterized by a struggle for survival against the rising power of the Mughals and Afghans. The dynasty was short-lived, with its rulers often being overthrown or assassinated, until the final defeat of the kingdom at the hands of the Bengal Sultanate in 1568 CE.
• Chakrapratapa (1548-1557 CE) Chakrapratapa’s reign over Odisha from 1548 to 1557 CE is a period marked by political instability and internal conflict. He was not a ruler of the main Gajapati dynasty (the Suryavamsa dynasty), but rather a king of the short-lived Bhoi dynasty that succeeded them. The historical evidence for his rule is primarily derived from temple records, chronicles, and inscriptions.
  
  Historical Context
  
  The mighty Gajapati Empire, which had reached its peak under Kapilendra Deva, began to decline under his successors. The reign of Prataparudra Deva (1497-1540 CE) was particularly challenging, marked by prolonged wars with the Vijayanagara Empire and the Golconda Sultanate. After Prataparudra Deva’s death, the kingdom fell into chaos. The Bhoi dynasty was founded by Govinda Vidyadhara, a minister who usurped the throne in a bloody coup in 1541 CE by killing the last Gajapati ruler and his sons.
  
  The Reign of Chakrapratapa
  
  Chakrapratapa succeeded his father, Govinda Vidyadhara, around 1548 CE. His rule is generally considered to be one of tyranny and oppression.
  Succession: Chakrapratapa’s ascension was not peaceful. He succeeded his father, but his authority was challenged by internal rebellions.
  Administration: According to historical accounts, including the Madala Panji (a set of palm-leaf chronicles of the Jagannath Temple in Puri), Chakrapratapa’s rule was unpopular. He recalled General Danai Vidyadhara from the south and appointed him as his Prime Minister.
  Political Instability: Chakrapratapa’s reign was a time of heightened political turmoil. The kingdom, already weakened by external invasions, was now grappling with civil wars and internal rivalries. This instability made the Bhoi rulers susceptible to being overthrown.
  End of Reign: The historical consensus is that Chakrapratapa died in 1557 CE. His death led to further chaos, with his successors, Narasimha Jena and Raghuram Chhotaraya, ruling for very brief periods before being overthrown.
  
  Historical Evidence
  
  The primary sources for information on Chakrapratapa’s reign and the Bhoi dynasty in general include:
  Madala Panji: This is a set of temple records maintained at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. While not a formal historical text in the modern sense, it provides valuable chronological information on the rulers of Odisha and key events. It describes the Bhoi rulers, including Chakrapratapa, and the chaotic nature of their rule.
  Inscriptions: Inscriptions from the period, such as those found in the Jagannath Temple at Puri and other sites, offer glimpses into the political and social conditions. For example, inscriptions mention the founders of certain sasana (Brahmin villages) and the titles adopted by the rulers. Govinda Vidyadhara’s “Jagamohana” inscription, for instance, warns feudatory states to remain loyal, indicating the lack of centralized authority and ongoing rebellions. Similarly, Chakrapratapa is known to have founded the RaiChakrapur Sasana for Brahmins, as mentioned in historical records.
  Contemporary Accounts: The accounts of travelers and the chronicles of neighboring kingdoms (like the Bahmani and Vijayanagara Empires) also offer some context on the state of the Gajapati kingdom during this period of decline. These sources often focus on the political fragmentation and the loss of territory to external powers, which directly impacted the Bhoi dynasty’s ability to maintain control.
  In conclusion, Chakrapratapa’s rule, though brief, is a significant part of Odisha’s history. It represents a period of internal decay and political chaos following the decline of the Suryavamsa Gajapatis, paving the way for the eventual conquest of Odisha by the Afghan Karrani dynasty of Bengal in 1568 CE.
• Narasimha Ray Jena (1557-1558 CE) and Raghuram Ray Chotaraya (1558-1560 CE): Historical Context
  
  The period from 1541 to 1568 CE was a time of immense political instability in Odisha. After the death of the last Suryavamsi Gajapati king, Prataparudra Deva, in 1540, the kingdom was plunged into a series of succession disputes and power struggles. This vacuum allowed Govinda Vidyadhara, a minister of Prataparudra Deva, to usurp the throne and establish the Bhoi dynasty.
  The Bhoi dynasty itself was characterized by internal rivalries and weak rulers, making it vulnerable to external invasions from the neighboring Muslim sultanates of Bengal and Golconda. Narasimha Ray Jena and Raghuram Ray Chotaraya were part of this tumultuous period, and their reigns were brief and largely overshadowed by the growing influence of powerful court figures.
  
  Narasimha Ray Jena (1557-1558 CE)
  
  Accession: Narasimha Ray Jena ascended the throne after assassinating his own father, Chakrapratapa, who had ruled from 1548 to 1557 CE. The details of this event are primarily found in the Madala Panji, the temple chronicle of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which is a key source for the history of Odisha’s medieval period.
  Reign and Downfall: His rule was short-lived, lasting only about a year. He was reportedly a puppet king under the influence of his general, Mukunda Harichandana. The Madala Panji suggests that Mukunda Harichandana, after failing to convince Narasimha to depose another powerful courtier, Danai Vidyadhara, had Narasimha assassinated.
  Historical Evidence: The primary source is the Madala Panji, which, while valuable, is a chronicle and not a contemporary historical account in the modern sense. It contains a mix of historical facts, myths, and legends related to the Jagannath Temple and its rulers. Other historical narratives of Odisha’s medieval period often cite this source when discussing the Bhoi dynasty.
  
  Raghuram Ray Chotaraya (1558-1560 CE)
  
  Accession: Following the assassination of Narasimha Ray Jena, Mukunda Harichandana installed Narasimha’s younger brother, Raghuram Ray Chotaraya, as the new king. Raghuram was a mere child and was effectively a “puppet ruler” controlled by Mukunda Harichandana.
  Reign and Downfall: His reign was even shorter than his brother’s, lasting only two years. During this period, the kingdom was marked by Mukunda Harichandana’s consolidation of power. Mukunda successfully neutralized his rival, Danai Vidyadhara, and eventually seized the throne for himself in 1560 CE, assassinating Raghuram Ray Chotaraya.
  Historical Evidence: Again, the main source for this information is the Madala Panji. The chronicle describes how Mukunda Harichandana’s influence grew and how he eliminated his rivals to become the de facto ruler, ultimately ending the Bhoi dynasty’s rule and establishing the Chalukya dynasty.
  
  Conclusion
  
  The historical data and evidence for the reigns of Narasimha Ray Jena and Raghuram Ray Chotaraya are limited and primarily based on the Madala Panji. These two rulers are significant not for their own achievements, but for their role in the final, dramatic decline of the Bhoi dynasty. Their brief and turbulent rules illustrate the chaos and internal power struggles that led to the end of Odishan independence in 1568 CE, when the region was conquered by the Afghan general Kalapahad. The events of this period are a classic example of a kingdom crumbling from within due to weak leadership and the machinations of ambitious courtiers.These last two rulers of the initial Bhoi dynasty were puppets under the control of powerful ministers, particularly Mukunda Deva. The dynasty’s reign over the entire region of Odisha effectively ended in 1560 when Mukunda Deva, a general of the Chalukya dynasty, overthrew them and declared himself the Gajapati of Odisha.
• Ramachandra Deva I (c. 1568-1600 CE): Ramachandra Deva I (c. 1568-1600 CE) holds a significant place in the history of Odisha, as he is credited with re-establishing a semblance of stability and native rule following a period of chaos. His reign, though a step down from the vast Gajapati Empire of his predecessors, laid the foundation for the Bhoi dynasty’s Khurda kingdom. The historical data and evidence for his rule come from several key sources:
  
  1. Madala Panji (Temple Chronicle)
  
  The Madala Panji, or the temple chronicle of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, is a primary source of information on Ramachandra Deva I. It provides details about his reign, including his lineage, his struggles, and his pivotal role in the Jagannath cult. According to this chronicle, he was a member of the Bhoi dynasty and claimed a connection to the mythical Yaduvamsa dynasty to legitimize his rule.
  Crucially, the Madala Panji records a significant event of his reign: the reinstallation of the deities of the Jagannath Temple. After the devastating invasion by the Afghan general Kalapahad in 1568, the original idols were destroyed. Ramachandra Deva I, after a period of military and political struggle, constructed new idols and reinstalled them in the Puri temple around 1575. This act earned him the revered title of “Abhinav Indradyumna” (the second Indradyumna), a title that elevated his status and solidified his position as the legitimate protector of the Jagannath cult and the Odia people.
  
  2. Inscriptions and Copper Plates
  
  Inscriptional evidence from the period also supports the details of his reign. Several stone inscriptions, such as the ones found in the Baripada Museum, Srijang, and Kasiari, corroborate his accession to the throne around 1567-1568 CE. These inscriptions are crucial for dating his reign and confirming his existence as a ruler. They are found in regions across modern-day Odisha, including Mayurbhanj and Balasore, which indicates the extent of his authority.
  
  3. Akbarnama and other Mughal records
  
  The political landscape of Odisha during this time was heavily influenced by the Mughal and Afghan empires. The Akbarnama, the official chronicle of Mughal Emperor Akbar, mentions Ramachandra Deva and his capital, Khurda. The text describes the fort of Khurda as one of the strongest fortresses under his control. This external source confirms Ramachandra Deva’s political importance and his interactions with the Mughal administration, particularly his alliance with Mughal general Man Singh. This alliance was a strategic move that helped him defeat the Afghans and solidify his power.
  
  4. Administrative and Cultural Legacy
  
  Beyond the political sphere, Ramachandra Deva I’s rule is evidenced by his administrative and cultural contributions:
  Foundation of Khurda as Capital: He established Khurda as his capital, a strategic location with a strong fort at the foothills of Barunei. This move was a direct response to the loss of the former capital, Cuttack, to the Afghans.
  Patronage of Arts and Literature: He was a scholar and poet himself, credited with authoring works like “Shrikrushnabhaktabachhalya Charitam.” His reign saw a flourishing of Sanskrit and Odia scholarly works.
  Social and Religious Reforms: He took an active interest in the administration of the Jagannath Temple, codifying rituals and customs that are recorded in the Madala Panji. He also established numerous Brahmin villages, or “Sasana,” in the Puri district, which were granted land endowments.
  Military Strength: Despite the kingdom’s smaller size compared to the old Gajapati Empire, he maintained a strong military and controlled around 32 subordinate zamindars.
  In summary, Ramachandra Deva I’s rule over Odisha is well-documented through a combination of local chronicles like the Madala Panji, contemporary inscriptions, and external accounts from Mughal sources. These pieces of evidence paint a picture of a resilient and skilled ruler who, in a time of political turmoil, successfully restored native rule and the sanctity of the Jagannath Temple, earning him a lasting and honored place in the history of Odisha.
• Later Rulers of Khurda: The Bhoi rulers of Khurda, such as Purushottama Deva, Narasimha Deva, and Mukunda Deva I, continued to rule as semi-independent kings. They were often in conflict with the Mughal and Maratha authorities but maintained control over the Jagannath Temple and its administration.
• Titular Rulers of Puri: The Bhoi dynasty’s political power gradually diminished, especially after the Marathas and later the British gained control of Odisha. However, the lineage survived, and the Gajapati of Puri, who is the ceremonial head and the chief administrator of the Jagannath Temple, is a direct descendant of the Bhoi dynasty.
• Shift to Khurda and Continued Rule
• After Mukunda Deva’s short rule and the subsequent conquest of Odisha by the Afghans and then the Mughals in 1568, the Bhoi dynasty’s center of power shifted.
• Historical Evidence
• The historical data for the Bhoi dynasty is derived from a variety of sources:
• Indigenous Sources: The Madala Panji is the most important primary source. It is the temple chronicle of the Jagannath Temple and provides detailed accounts of the Gajapati rulers and temple events. Other Odia works and inscriptions also offer valuable information.
• Foreign Accounts: Persian works like the Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama by Abul Fazl provide external perspectives on the political landscape of Odisha during the Mughal period, including the rule of the Bhoi kings.
• Inscriptions and Archaeological Finds: Inscriptions found in various parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, such as the one at Simhachalam, mention the titles and deeds of the Bhoi rulers. Archaeological remains of forts and temples from the Khurda period also provide evidence of their reign.
  
  
  
  
  Disclaimer
• This blog post provides an overview of the Bhoi dynasty of Odisha. The information presented here is based on a synthesis of historical sources, academic research, and common historical narratives.
• While we strive for accuracy, the study of ancient and medieval history, especially in this region, can be subject to ongoing debate and varying interpretations. Different historians may have conflicting views on specific dates, events, and the motivations of historical figures. This post is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered a definitive academic treatise.
• Readers are encouraged to consult a variety of scholarly sources and conduct their own research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. We welcome constructive feedback and corrections, as our goal is to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the rich history of the Bhoi dynasty.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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