Studies in the Geography of Ancient and Medieval India c10.7

c10.7

In this connection, we have to trace the gradual expansion of the geographical connotation of the name Vaṅgāla. This name is often found in records and works of the period later than the 10th century A. D. Reference to Vaṅgāla is found in the Tirumalai inscription (1024 A. D.) of Rājendra Cola,¹ which speaks of king Govindacandra as the lord of Vaṅgāla-deśa. The Ablur inscription of Kalacurya Vijjala² (1157-67 A.D.) mentions Vaṅga and Vaṅgāla separately. This differentiation seems to be supported by a work called Ḍākārṇava which makes separate mention of Vaṅgāla and Harikela (=Vaṅga, according to the Abhidhānacintāmaṇi of the 12th century lexicographer Hemacandra),³ and by the Hammīramahākāvya of Nayacandra Sūri (15th century), which mentions Vaṅga and Vaṅgāla side by side.⁴ In the 16th century, however, Abul Fazl says, "The original name of Bangāl (=Vaṅgāla) was Bang (=Vaṅga). Its former rulers raised mounds measuring ten yards in height and twenty in breadth, throughout the province, which were called āl. From this suffix the name (i.e. Bangāl) took its rise and currency."⁵ This identification of Vaṅga and Vaṅgāla has to be reconciled with the evidence referring to them as two different countries.