The reconstruction of Odishan history is dependent on scientific and rational usage of historical sources. These sources act as the "heart and soul" of history, filling gaps between different periods. The sources can be broadly classified into Literary Sources, Foreign Accounts, Inscriptions, Coins, Material Remains, and the Madala Panji.
1. Literary Sources
Literature serves as a mirror of society. Ancient Odishan history is reflected in various religious and secular texts.
A. The Epics and Puranas
The Mahabharata makes the earliest reference to Kalinga and Odra, mentioning the sacred river Vaitarani and Goddess Viraja. The Ramayana refers to Kalinganagara west of the river Gomati. Puranas such as the Vayu Purana and Matsya Purana throw light on legendary kings, while texts like Kapila Samhita are crucial local sources.
B. Jaina and Buddhist Literature
Jaina sources like the Avasyaka Niryukti mention Aranatha (18th Tirthankara) in Rayapura and describe Mahavira's travels in Tosali. Buddhist texts like the Mahagovinda Suttanta mention Kalinga-rattha and its capital Dantapura. The Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa highlight the friendly relationship between Kalinga and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
C. Secular and Scientific Literature
Kautilya's Arthasastra (4th Century B.C.) influenced Kalingan polity. Historical works like Harshacharita by Banabhatta and the drama Ratnavali mention Kalinga. During the Ganga period, works like Jayadeva's Gitagovindam and Visvanatha Kaviraja's Sahitya Darpana provided insights into the socio-cultural life.
2. Foreign Accounts
Foreign accounts provide external validation of internal history.
- Greek Accounts: Megasthenes referred to the Gangetic Kalinga Region. Pliny divided Kalinga into three divisions: Gangarides, Maceo, and Calingae. Ptolemy (2nd Century A.D.) identified the Oretes (Odras) near Mount Maleus.
- Chinese Accounts: The most valuable account is from Hiuen Tsang, who visited Odisha in 638-39 A.D.. His writings are preserved in "On Yuan Chwang's Travels".
3. Inscriptions (Epigraphy)
Inscriptions are considered authentic government records not subject to distortion.
- Asokan Edicts: The rock edicts at Dhauli and Jaugada are the earliest epigraphs, detailing Asoka’s administration.
- Hatigumpha Inscription: Located at Udayagiri, this unique inscription describes the thirteen-year rule of Kharavela in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
- Dynastic Inscriptions: Copper plates form the primary source for the Bhaumakaras (e.g., Talcher plate of Sivakaradeva-I), the Somavamsis (e.g., inscriptions of Janamejaya and Yayati-I), and the Gangas (e.g., Korni and Nagari plates).
4. Coins (Numismatics)
Coins help reconstruct economic life and trade.
- Punch-marked coins: The earliest coins (4th C. B.C. to 4th C. A.D.), made of silver and copper.
- Puri-Kushana coins: Imitations of Kushana coins, circulated for the first three centuries A.D..
- Gupta Gold Coins: Found at places like Khiching, indicating trade with the Gupta empire.
- Nala Coins: Unique coins from Western Odisha with a blank reverse and a humped bull on the obverse.
- Ganga Fanams: Small gold coins issued by Ganga rulers, showing South Indian influence.
5. Material Remains (Archaeology)
Excavations reveal the pre-historic and architectural evolution of the state.
- Pre-historic Sites: Paleolithic sites were discovered at Kulina and other locations in Mayurbhanj and Dhenkanal.
- Sisupalgarh: Excavations by B.B. Lal identified this fort with Kalinganagari, the capital of Kharavela.
- Diamond Triangle: The Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri represent a flourishing center of Buddhism and art between the 5th and 13th centuries A.D..
- Temples: The evolution of the Kalingan style (Rekha) is visible from the early Parsuramesvara to the perfection of the Lingaraj, Jagannath, and Konark temples.
6. Madala Panji
The Madala Panji is the temple chronicle of Lord Jagannath at Puri. While some historians view it as a mix of legend and history, it remains a vital source for the Ganga and Suryavamsi Gajapati periods. It is traditionally maintained by the Karanas.
Conclusion
The history of Odisha is built upon these diverse sources. From the epigraphic evidence of the Mauryas to the numismatic evidence of the Gangas, these materials allow historians to reconstruct the political, social, and economic life of ancient Odisha.
