An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.t3.3
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s19.t3.3
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v1.c9.s19.t3.3
The Gupta invasion of Orissa had a great impact upon its cultural growth. The upsurge introduced many new political elements, the foremost of them being the Māṭharas whose rule extended roughly from *c.* 350 to 500. The period is particularly noteworthy for the first appearance of Śaivism and Vaiṣṇavism in Orissa. From the epigraphic sources it is known that the rulers espoused the causes of Brāhmaṇism and Vaiṣṇavism, both of which flourished with remarkable popularity, though Buddhism simultaneously retained its hold.