The Era of the Bhauma-Karas of Orissa
Summary
Focusing on the Bhauma-Kara dynasty of Odisha, this paper seeks to determine the starting point and nature of the era used in their inscriptions. By analysing copper‑plate charters and correlating recorded lunar dates with astronomical calculations, the author proposes that the Bhauma-Kara era began around the 730s CE and was distinct from better‑known eras such as the Vikram Samvat. Earlier scholars had identified it with the Harsha era, but the article shows that Bhauma-Kara dates correspond to different events and suggests that the era may commemorate the dynasty’s foundation. The study emphasises the importance of understanding regional dating systems to reconstruct local history and challenges assumptions that regional eras always align with imperial chronologies.
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Conclusion
The investigation clarifies that the Bhauma-Kara dynasty inaugurated its own chronological era, highlighting the autonomy of regional powers in early medieval India. Establishing this era’s starting point enables more accurate dating of inscriptions and contributes to a better grasp of Odisha’s political history.