The Bhanjas of Khinjali-Mandala
Summary
Focusing on the Bhanja kings of Khinjali‑mandala, this article reconstructs the dynasty’s history through inscriptions and charters. Early grants were issued from Dhrtipura, but later records come from Vanjulvaka in the Ganjam region, suggesting that the Bhanjas migrated from upper Orissa to the eastern coast. Genealogical lists reveal a sequence of rulers and show that the dynasty shifted its capital to Kumārapura and eventually to Kolada, where later charters were issued. The paper analyses place names and titles to chart this movement and argues that the Bhanjas were initially independent but later became vassals of more powerful neighbours. By tracing the evolution of their political centre, the author sheds light on regional dynamics in medieval Orissa and emphasises how charters can illuminate shifts in geography and power.
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Conclusion
Through careful examination of inscriptions, the article shows that the Bhanja dynasty’s political centre migrated from Dhrtipura to Vanjulvaka and finally to Kolada. These movements reveal changing alliances and suggest that the Bhanjas adjusted to larger political forces. The study demonstrates the value of charters and genealogies for understanding regional history and mapping the trajectories of lesser‑known dynasties.