Mathara Dynasty
The Mathara dynasty emerged as a significant political force in Kalinga around the 4th century CE, filling the vacuum left by the decline of earlier powers. They are among the earliest dynasties in post-Kharavela Odisha for which we have substantial epigraphic evidence.
Origins and Territory
The Matharas traced their lineage to a king named Mathara, from whom the dynasty derives its name. They originally ruled from the Pishtapura region (modern Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh) before expanding northward into central and northern Odisha. The early Mathara rulers held the title of Maharaja, but later kings adopted grander epithets like Maharajadhiraja and Parameshvara, indicating growing power and pretensions to imperial status.
Important Rulers
| Ruler | Approximate Period | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Shaktivarman I | Late 4th century | Earliest known Mathara king; issued land grants |
| Prabhanjanavarman | Early 5th century | Extended territorial control |
| Anantavarman | Mid 5th century | Consolidated the kingdom |
| Umavarman | Late 5th century | Issued copper-plate grants from several locations |
| Shaktivarman II | Early 6th century | Continued Mathara rule |
Administration and Land Grants
The Mathara period is well-documented through a series of copper-plate inscriptions. These records reveal:
- A well-developed administrative hierarchy with officials like Mahadandanayaka (chief general), Mahapratihara (chief chamberlain), and Rajuka (revenue officer).
- The practice of granting land (agraharas) to Brahmins, which indicates the growing influence of Brahmanical Hinduism.
- The use of Sanskrit as the language of administration, replacing Prakrit.
- Continuation of trade and urban life, with mentions of guilds (shrenis) and market centres.
Religious and Cultural Contributions
The Matharas were patrons of Brahmanical Hinduism and are associated with the building of early temple structures. However, they continued the Kalingan tradition of religious tolerance, and Buddhist and Jaina establishments continued to function. The Mathara copper plates are also noted for their elegant calligraphy and sophisticated literary Sanskrit, reflecting a revival of classical learning.
The Mathara dynasty laid the administrative and cultural foundations upon which subsequent Kalingan dynasties, notably the Sailodbhavas and Bhaumakaras, would build. Their rule marks the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period in Odisha’s history.