Note for Aspirants: This document analyses the social stratification, position of women, and economic life under the Ganga and Suryavamsi Gajapati rule. These themes are frequent in OPSC Civil Services History Optional questions concerning medieval Odishan culture.
1. Introduction: Continuity and Change
Medieval Odisha witnessed a blend of change and continuity in social life. While the basic four-fold caste division remained, the period saw the emergence of numerous sub-castes and social mobility. The glorious rule of the Gajapatis was instrumental in preserving the social structure, with villages evolving as the central hubs of social life.
2. Social Stratification (Caste System)
The Varnashrama system was accepted and patronized by the Suryavamsi Gajapatis, ensuring social harmony through the interaction of various castes.
A. The Brahmins
- Status & Patronage: Brahmins held the highest position in the social hierarchy. They were settled in Shasanas (agrahara villages) granted by kings, which were tax-free lands.
- Roles: Beyond priestly duties for ceremonies like Abhiseka and Upanayana, they served as high-ranking officials. They acted as ministers, military officers (titled Vahinipati, Chamupati), and administrators (Sandhivigrahi).
- Differentiation:
- Shasani Brahmins: Performed higher works like priesthood and teaching.
- Halua or Jharua Brahmins: Resorted to lower professions like agriculture and trade.
B. The Kshatriyas
- Role: They were the warrior class responsible for protection and administration. They were benevolent rulers and great builders of temples.
- Paik System: The Khandayats or Paiks were a unique class of Kshatriyas who cultivated land during peace but served as soldiers when war drums were heard.
C. The Vaisyas
- Commerce: They controlled inland and maritime trade, organizing local markets known as hatas.
- Overseas Trade: They maintained commercial links with Ceylon, Siam, and Burma, contributing to the wealth of the land.
- Special Status: Kings granted them Vaisya agrahara (special villages), and communities like Gopalas (milkmen) were integral to this class.
D. The Sudras and Sub-Castes
- Composition: This class included artisans, craftsmen, and petty agriculturists.
- Sub-castes: The period saw the rise of specialized groups like Tantuvayas (weavers), Kumbhakaras (potters), and Kamara (blacksmiths).
- Untouchability: Groups like washermen and shoemakers were considered untouchables and lived outside the village, though efforts were made by the Panchasakhas to integrate them.
E. The Kayasthas (Karanas)
- Emerging as a hereditary class of writers and record keepers, the Kayasthas or Karanas held dominant positions in revenue and administration due to their accountancy skills.
3. Religious Reform and Social Mobility
The Brahmanical monopoly on religion and learning was challenged during the Suryavamsi rule by the Vaishnavite movement.
- Non-Brahmin Leadership: The Panchasakhas (Five Associates), including Balaram Das and Achyutananda, were non-Brahmins who preached equality.
- Literary Contributions: Sarala Dasa, a Sudra, composed the Odia Mahabharata, while Balaram Das wrote the Dandi Ramayana.
- Social Protest: Balaram Das's Lakshmi Purana depicted Goddess Lakshmi accepting worship from Sriya Chandaluni (a low-caste woman), challenging the practice of untouchability.
- Aboriginal Integration: The Daita Patis, servitors of Lord Jagannath, represent the integration of aboriginals into the Hindu fold.
4. Position of Women
The status of women presented a paradox; they were respected but faced social degeneration compared to earlier periods.
- Social Evils: The Purdah system was prevalent, and polygamy was common among monarchs (e.g., Gajapati Purushottama was born of a concubine).
- Satidaha: The practice of Sati existed among upper-class Hindus.
- Temple Service: The Devadasi system was active in temples like Jagannath Puri, which, despite its cultural role, was considered a stain on women's social position.
- Attire: Women adorned themselves with ornaments like Kundala (ear-ring), Mekhala (girdle), and Nupura (anklet).
5. Economic Life
The economic prosperity of medieval Odisha relied on agriculture and trade.
- Revenue: Land revenue paid in kind was the major income source for Gajapatis.
- Taxation: Taxes were levied on salt, cowries, and oil. Brahmins were generally exempted, shifting the burden to peasants and traders.
- Currency: The economy utilized Gold, Silver, and Cowry coins.
- Trade: Maritime trade with Suvarnadvipa and other regions continued to flourish.
6. Conclusion
The medieval period under the Gajapatis was defined by the rigidity of the caste system alongside the reformist zeal of the Panchasakhas. While the Brahmins and Kshatriyas dominated administration and war, the rise of vernacular literature and Vaishnavism provided a platform for the Sudras and non-Brahmins to assert their cultural importance.
