Overview
The Mughal era in Odisha began decisively with the defeat of the Afghans in 1593 A.D. by Man Singh. The administration evolved from being a part of the Bengal Suba under Akbar to a separate Suba under Jahangir. The period witnessed fluctuating relations with the Bhoi dynasty of Khurda, varying from diplomatic recognition to direct annexation and iconoclasm.
1. Odisha Under Akbar (Liberal Policy)
Following the defeat of Daud Karrani, Raja Todarmal initially arranged the administration. However, it was Raja Man Singh who restored normalcy through active intervention.
- Relationship with Khurda: Man Singh recognized Ramachandradeva as the true successor of the Gajapatis, allowing him to adopt the title 'Gajapati'.
- Diplomacy: To balance power, Man Singh gave the zamindari of Aul and Patia to the two sons of Mukundadeva.
- Administration: Todarmal's revenue system was implemented. Odisha was attached to the Bengal Suba. Notably, there was no intervention in the Jagannath temple administration during this period.
2. Odisha Under Jahangir (Shift in Policy)
Jahangir ascended the throne in 1605 A.D. and abandoned Akbar's liberal policy. Odisha became a separate Suba (administrative unit). This era was marked by aggressive governors and conflict with Khurda.
A. Governor Hasim Khan & Keso Das Maru
While Hasim Khan was Governor, his subordinate Keso Das Maru executed a plan to attack the Khurda King, Purusottamadeva.
- Occupation of Puri: Keso Das entered the temple during the Car Festival (Ratha Yatra). He seized property worth over two crores.
- The Conflict: Purusottamadeva besieged the temple, but Keso Das's Rajput soldiers used oil and ghee to set fire to the King's chariots.
- Treaty Conditions: Purusottamadeva was forced to accept humiliating terms:
- Send his daughter to the imperial harem.
- Pay three lakhs of rupees as Peshkash.
- Give his sister in marriage to Keso Das Maru.
- Pay one lakh rupees as Nal Bandi.
B. Governor Raja Kalyanmal (1611 A.D.)
Kalyanmal used treachery to capture the Rajaguru Vidyadhara at Ghantasila Tangi and attacked Khurda.
- New Treaty Terms: Purusottamadeva had to pay three lakhs as Peshkash, surrender the renowned elephant Sesha Naga, and attend the emperor in person.
C. Governor Mukarram Khan (1617 A.D.)
Known for iconoclastic activities, he injured the statue of Sakhi Gopal. The sevakas moved the Jagannath idols to Gobapadar. Purusottamadeva fled to Rajahmundry, and Khurda was temporarily annexed to the Mughal empire.
D. Prince Khurram’s Rebellion
During the reign of Narasimhadeva (son of Purusottamadeva), Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) rebelled and passed through Odisha. Narasimhadeva supported him, causing the Mughal Governor Ahmad Beg to flee.
3. Odisha Under Shah Jahan (Era of Peace & Commerce)
Shah Jahan became emperor in 1628 A.D. His reign in Odisha is significant for three reasons: No invasion of Khurda, no attacks on the Jagannath temple, and the establishment of English factories.
A. Governor Muhammad Baqar Khan
- Military Campaigns: He invaded the Qutb Shahi empire (Golkunda) in 1629-30 A.D.. He captured the fort of Mansurgarh.
- Removal: Despite his military success, he was recalled in 1632 A.D. for atrocities against Zamindars and forced to explain the collection of forty lakhs of rupees.
B. Governor Mutaqad Khan (1632–1641 A.D.)
- Architecture: Constructed the Lalbagh palace at Cuttack.
- Commerce: Granted permission to Captain Ralph Cartwright to establish an English factory at Hariharpur. Factories were also set up in Balasore.
C. Governor Muhammad Zaman Teherani
- Supression of Hijli: He defeated Bahadur Khan, the powerful Zamindar of Hijli, who was imprisoned in 1657 A.D..
4. Odisha Under Aurangzeb (Strict Administration & Bigotry)
Aurangzeb ascended in 1658 A.D. His rule ended the chaos of Prince Shuja’s time but introduced religious bigotry and harsh suppression of local chiefs.
A. Governor Khan-i-Dauran (The Iron Hand)
He was instrumental in reasserting imperial authority.
- Suppression of Zamindars: He executed Krushna Chandra Bhanja of Hariharpur for defiance. He recognized Jayachandra Bhanja as the new Raja.
- Defeat of Khurda: In 1661 A.D., he captured seven hill forts of Khurda. Raja Mukundadeva rebelled but eventually surrendered.
- Revenue: He remitted fifteen lakhs of rupees to the imperial court.
B. Religious Policy and Iconoclasm
Aurangzeb appointed Junaid as the Muhtasib for propagating Islam.
- Temple Destruction: Temples of goddess Sarala (Jhankada) and others in Jajpur were demolished.
- Jagannath Temple: In 1662 A.D., orders were issued to destroy the Puri temple. However, Raja Divyasimhadeva bribed the officers and sent a fake image of Lord Jagannath to the Emperor to save the temple.
C. End of Mughal Era
Following Governors like Shayista Khan and Murshid Quli Khan (until 1707 A.D.), Odisha eventually passed under the rule of the Nizams of Bengal.
Summary of Key Trends for Exam
- Akbar: Integration and Recognition (Bengal Suba).
- Jahangir: Separation and Aggression (Separate Suba).
- Shah Jahan: Commercial Expansion (British entry) and Peace.
- Aurangzeb: Revenue consolidation and Religious Intolerance.
