Political History of Early Medieval Kalahandi State (From 6th century A.D to 13th century A.D)-

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The book discusses the Political History of Early Medieval Kalahandi State (from 6 century AD to 13 century A.D) which is, however, a sub regional study. The research intends to understand the political condition, social life, temple art and architecture in the then Kalahandi district.
Kalahandi was a Princely State before Indian Independence. On 16 December 1947, the last ruler of erst-while Kalahandi, Late Maharaja PK Deo signed the merger agreement with the Govt of India as the Maharaja, and the ruler of KARONDA On 1 January 1948, Odisha government took over its administration and formed a separate district under Orissa province such as, Kalahandi, Sonepur and Bolangir districts. On 1" November 1949, Kalahandi district was formed separately in Orissa. It thus appears that in pre independence period. Kalahandi was well known as Karunda.
The present research work is mainly based Archaeology, epigraph, numismatic and Literary sources.
The landmass was designated in various names in early medieval period like: Mahakantara, Trikalinga and Kamala - mandala etc. The book consists of seven chapters viz, first chapter is introduction. It deals with the geographical aspects of the concerned landmass it's rivers, hill, flora and fauna of the district. Kalahandi was one among the cradles of civilization and culture of mankind. Second chapter speaks about the dynastic rule over Kalahandi such as, the reign of Parvatadwäraka and its subjugation by Eastern Gangas during the 6 century A.D. Third chapter sheds light on the sovereignty of the Somavamûis over Kalahandi. The chapter is divided into two parts viz, Part-I and part-II. First part, describes about the rule of the Somavamsi power over Kalahandi. The second part deals with the Rashtrakuta rule over Kalahandi. Fourth chapter deals with the Gangas and the Kalachuri sovereignty over Kalahandi. Fifth chapter covers the social condition of the period. Sanskritization is another socio-cultural study in early medieval Kalahandi. The emergence of Stambheswari worship during 5/6 century C.E was a milestone in Odisha, pertaining to the Sanskritization process. Sixth chapter Temple Art and Architecture testifies the monumental workmanship in the concerned landmass during this period. Räjä Tustikära or Sri Nandaraja Deva, seems to have started temple building activity in Kalahandi during 5" 16 century A.D. as part of the policy of Sanskritization. Royal patronage to Brahamana and deities brought into existence of socio-cultural technology, which was marked in the context of Varnasrmadharma and Art and Architecture of the concerned land. Introduction of metal currency, both in gold. The last or seventh chapter bears the Conclusion of the whole dissertation.

Gitanjali Routa (b,1973) (Completed M.A from Berhampur University (1995), M.Phil and Ph.D. from Sambalpur University. (2012 & 2020) At present, the author is serving as Guest Lecturer in the Dept. of History, Archaeology & Museology of Govt. College Autonomous, Bhawanipatna (Now Kalahandi University) Presented research findings in a good deal of national and state seminars, annual sessions and conferences on History, culture and archaeology during the preceding years. Her research papers have been published in peer review journals, edited volumes and proceedings. Mrs. Routa is the Co-editor of Atavi: A Study of Archaeology, History and Culture: A Dialogue between Past and Present (A Tribute to Dr. Baba Mishra). (in press) B.R World of Books, New Delhi. That she is also the co-author of Nagavamsa Charita of Kalahandi (Odia) to be released.

The Thesis on The Political History of Early Medieval Kalahandi State (from 6 century A.D to 13th century AD) is a sub-regional study. The research intends to understand the political condition, social life, temple art and architecture in the then Kalahandi. Nevertheless, the investigation has its limitation. Rapid modernization, slackness of the people and the Government towards our local heritage has already resulted in the loss of many valuable relics and extinction of settlement sites as well as temples. Under such backdrop, the present research is undertaken to reconstruct the past of the landmass, which has been well known for its terra-incognita status in the domain of historical research.
Kalahandi was a Princely State before Indian Independence. On 16th December 1947, the last ruler of erst-while Kalahandi, Late Maharaja P.K Deo signed the merger agreement with the Govt of India as the Maharaja, and the ruler of KARONDA On 1 January 1948, Odisha government took over its administration and formed a separate district under Orissa province such as, Kalahandi, Sonepur and Bolangir districts. On 1" November 1949, Kalahandi district was formed separately in Orissa. It thus appears that in pre independence period Kalahandi was well known as Karunda. It was named as Kalahandi after its merger with the Orissa Province. This naming of the district is according to the identification of the former Nagavamsi capital modern Junagarh as, Kalahandi -Nagara during the 18th century A.D.
The land is bounded by the districts like: Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Bolangir and Boudh Kandhamal of Orissa state. The landmass is full of mountains, hills, forests and valleys. Its eco system partly shares the climatic condition of Deccan plateau. Mighty river like Tel and Indravati with its number of feeders drains into this region. The district, moreover, has been studded with varieties of minerals, and gemstones. The district has good deal of scenic spots with towering hills and deep valleys. It is also full of forests and mountains. The mountain system shares the Chhotanagpur mountain system. Its eco-system partly shares the eco system of Deccan plateau. The primitive tribes like: Gadava, Kondh, Saura, Paraja, BanJaras. Mundas have been dwelling in Kalahandi since time immemorial.