History of Orissa from the Earliest Times to the British Period v1.c20.1

v1.c20.1

The genealogy and the chronology of the first and second groups of Bhañja Kings are gradually taking shape on the basis of new discoveries. The most important discovery of Bhañja records is that of a charter of Śatrubhañja at Tekkali. I received pencil rubbings of this important inscription from Mr. Parmananda Acharya of the Mayurbhañja State. This inscription supplies us with the names of the father and the grand-father of Śīlabhañja I, Yathāsukha and Pallagambhīra, who are not known from any other inscription. This inscription also supplies a regular date, *Samvat* 800, evidently of the Vikrama era for Śatrubhañja. All other inscriptions of the first group of Bhañja kings are dated in regnal years. If Śatrubhañja, the father of Raṇabhañja I, was reigning in V. S. 800-744-45 A.D., then it becomes certain that the long reign of Raṇabhañja I must fall in the last quarter of the 8th century or the first half of the 9th century A.D. This fits in with my supposition that Raṇabhañja I rose into power during the temporary decline in the fortunes of the Karas.