Patnagarh The Hub of The Chauhans In Western Orissa

Abstract

The Chauhan territories of Patnagarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Khaniar, Barpali and Jharsuguda constitute at present parts of western Orissa. The present thesis that furnishes an historical account of these Chauhans along with the cultural life in their dominions, is entitled quotPatnagarh -The Hub of Chauhans in Western Orissaquot was a part of the erstwhile South Kosala empire. Traces of pre-historic culture have been discovered in few pockets of Balangir district. The discovery of few gold coins of the Sarabhapuriyas indicates that before the establishment of the Chauhans rule in Patnagarh, the mighty Sarabhapuriya rules this region. The Somavamsi rule started in this region in the reign of Mahabhavagupta Janmejaya I and continued till the beginning of 12th century A.D. The Somavamsis were followed by the Telugu Chodas and the Chindaks Nagas, Telugu- Chodas, Kalachuris. But the Kalachuris suffered defeat at the hand of the Gangas. Gradually, the Gangas handed over the administration of the border territory to some feudatory chiefs. newline