A 15th-century inscription linked to the Gajapati rulers of Odisha has been discovered on a stone pillar at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Key Points:
The inscription is engraved on both sides of a stone pillar in the temple’s mandapa.
It is written in Telugand dates back to the 15th century CE.
Mentions KumaragurMahapatra, an official under Gajapati king Purushottama Deva.
Indicates administrative and cultural influence of Gajapati rulers in Andhra region.
Historical Significance
Shows political and cultural links between Odisha (Kalinga) and Andhra Pradesh during the medieval period.
Reflects Hari-Hara tradition (combined worship of Shiva and Vishnu).
Mentions temple donations, rituals, and resource management (e.g., cows for पूजा services).
Suggests that temple structures and idols were relocated from KondaveedFort during invasions.
Related Findings
A similar Odia inscription at Kondaveedrecords land donation to a temple by a royal officer.
The Guntur inscription was likely originally associated with Kondaveedtemple and later relocated.
About Gajapati Empire (Extra Facts)
Period: c. 1434–1541 CE
Founder: Kapilendra Deva (Suryavamsa dynasty)
Important ruler: Purushottama Deva, Prataparudra Deva
Extent: From Ganga (north) to Kaveri (south) at its peak
Capital: Initially Cuttack
Known for patronage of temples, art, and Odia culture
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