The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c17.s5.453

v1.c17.s5.453

The period of about ten years (*c. Śaka* 1346-1356) that follows the reign of Narasiṁha IV is one of the darkest periods in the history of Orissa. No inscriptions have yet been discovered of any other member of his family. According to the *Mādlā-Pāñji*, the last king of the Gaṅga family was Bhānudeva (IV ?), surnamed *Akaṭā-Abaṭā*, or according to another version *Matta*. When he died, his minister Kapilendra also called (Kapileśvara) usurped the throne and founded the *Sūrya-vaṁśa*.⁴ The inscriptions of Kapileśvara, the founder of the Solar dynasty, show that his reign commenced from *Śaka* 1356-57, or A.D. 1434-35. The history of Orissa from the foundation of the Solar dynasty till its conquest by the Muslims is comparatively well known. The five kings of this lineage ruled for more than a century (*c.* 1434-1542 A.D.).¹ They were then followed by the four kings of the Bhoi dynasty, who reigned for about 17 years (*c.* 1542-1539 A.D.).² The last Bhoi king was murdered by Mukundadeva Haricandra, a Telugu by birth.³ It was during the reign of this Telugu ruler that Ilahābād Kālāpāhāṛ, the general of Sulṭān Sulaymān Karrānī of Bengal, invaded the country. In the confusion that followed Mukundadeva was killed. The Muslims annexed Orissa about 1568 A.D.