Ganjam-Grant of �Jayavarmadeva of Unmattakesari's Time
By Binayak Misra
Summary
The Ganjam Grant of Jayavarmadeva, dating to the reign of Unmattakesari of the Bhauma family, consists of three copper plates measuring 7 long by broad. Each plate features a central hole through which a copper ring (diameter 3) passes, secured by a copper lamp containing sand. The seal’s figures are now illegible. The grant was purchased by State Archaeologist Mr. L2. Acharyn from Mr. U.N. Rajeguru for the Baripada Museum and later studied for decipherment. The inscription, recorded on the reverse of the first and last plates, reveals that Visavirnava obtained permission from Um-na-i-tn-l-ze-suri at Virajd to issue the grant to Bhatta Nouvattamauttara during a solar eclipse. The document mentions the location Svetaka and identifies Jayavarmadeva, a Kalinga ruler of the Ganga family (Vijayasaneya carana, Kshava gotra), as granting the village to the donee. It was written by Dolla-bliindara (war and peace minister), incised by Samanta Bliegaka, and sealed by Queen Prilivi-mahadevi. The date corresponds to the 3rd day of the bright fortnight of Vaiddakha in an unspecified era, later assigned to 1130-57 CE (Ilarsa era). The grant confirms Unmattakesari’s subjugation of Kalinga, as Jayavarmadeva is noted as his subordinate. Scholars suggest identifying Jayavarmadeva with Anantuvarmi (brother of Dharmalingesvara), but this remains debated due to
Conclusion
This document provides critical insights into the political dynamics of the Ganga family in Kalinga during the 12th century, particularly highlighting the subordination of Jayavarmadeva of Unmattakesari to Visavirnava, likely his royal title. The grant's issuance during a solar eclipse in Phalguna 1130-31 CE underscores the ritual significance of celestial events in royal benevolence. The identification of Unmattakesari with the Bhauma king corroborates earlier epigraphic evidence, reinforcing the era's chronology. The distinct use of the Ilarsa era and the absence of the Phalga era in grants from Svetaka suggest regional administrative differences within the Ganga territories. The document also implies the decentralized structure of the Ganga family, with branches governing different territories, reflecting the complex feudal hierarchy of the period. These findings enrich our understanding of medieval Kalinga's political organization and the Bhauma dynasty's historical trajectory.