15th Century Odisha Rulers’ Inscriptions Found in Guntur Temple | 19 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

A 15th-century inscription linked to the Gajapati rulers of Odisha has been discovered on a stone pillar at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Ramachandrapura Agraharam, Guntur, highlighting strong historical ties between Odisha and the Andhra region during the late medieval period. 

Key Points: 

• Discovery of Inscriptions: The inscriptions were found in a temple complex in Guntur district. 
• Link to Odisha Rulers: The inscriptions are associated with the Gajapati dynasty of Odisha. 
  • The Gajapati rulers were powerful kings who controlled large parts of eastern and southern India during the medieval period 
• The Rulers: The inscriptions are attributed to the reign of Gajapati Kapilendra Deva (the founder of the Gajapati dynasty) and his son Purushottama Deva. 
• Language & Script: The inscriptions are carved in Medieval Odia and Telugu scripts, reflecting the linguistic synthesis of the region during that era. 
• Content: One inscription records the grant of land and villages to the Malleswara Swamy Temple for its daily rituals and maintenance. 
  • The second inscription details a remission of taxes for the local weaving community (Kaikala) and merchants, a common administrative practice to ensure loyalty in newly conquered territories. 
• Date: The epigraphs are dated to the Saka Era, corresponding to the mid-to-late 15th century (approx. 1460–1480 CE). 
• Significance:Confirms that Odisha rulers had political control over parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh. 
• Cultural Exchange:Use of multiple scripts (Telugu and Odia) shows linguistic and cultural interaction