Narasimhanatha Stone Inscription of Vaijaladeva
By Binayak Misra
Summary
The Narasimhanatha Stone Inscription of Vaijaladeva, discovered in Patna, dates to the 12th century CE and records a land grant by Vaijaladeva to the temple of Vidala Narasimhanatha. The inscription, written in Sanskrit, specifies the donation of agricultural land near Zhadimarda and Varilopdla, alongside 10 cows, for temple maintenance. It was inscribed on a full-moon day in the year Vikiri, during the Cartea month, under the Nakshatra [ડારે. The donor sought divine favor for a son through propitiation. The inscription challenges traditional claims of Patna rulers using the "Maliarajid" title, as it refers to the donor simply as "Raja." Discrepancies exist in historical accounts, such as the *Kosaldnanda* and *Jaya Candrika*, which present conflicting succession orders of Patna rulers. Some manuscripts suggest Vaijaladeva’s son Vatsaraja as his successor, while others reverse this, indicating textual inconsistencies. Scholars like Bhandurkar proposed a 14th-century date, but this conflicts with the absence of contemporary Gajapati kings in Orissa mentioned in the inscription. Astronomical data and paleography suggest a 12th-century origin, aligning with the reign of Rajarajesvara, though uncertainties remain due to unclear cyclical year references. The inscription remains a critical source for understanding Patna’s medieval political history and temple endowments.
Conclusion
The Narasimhanatha Stone Inscription of Vaijaladeva offers critical insights into the political and religious landscape of early medieval Odisha, challenging prior historical narratives. It documents a land grant by Vaijaladeva to the temple of Narasimhanatha, specifying territories in Zdimerada and Varilopdla, alongside symbolic offerings like precious stones and cows. The inscription's astronomical dating (full moon of Cartea in the year Vikiri) and poetic verses provide a rare window into 11th-century regional governance and temple patronage. Notably, it contradicts the traditional claim of a "Maliarajid" title for Patna rulers, instead emphasizing the simpler "Raja" designation. The inscription's unique succession order, diverging from later literary accounts like Kesduldnandu, underscores its reliability as a primary source. Its precise land descriptions and ritualistic purpose highlight the interplay between royal authority and religious institutions in shaping local economies and cultural practices.