Symbol of Odia pride

Kapilendra Deva instituted a robust administrative system. Evidence from inscriptions at Sri Kurmam and Andhra's Mahavishnu temples show how Telugu-speaking areas were governed by Odia officers

- BISHNU MOHAN ADHIKARI

At a time in medieval Indian history when the brutality of Islamic rule was rampant in many parts of the subcontinent, it was Gajapati Kapilendra Deva who fearlessly raised the banner of Odia identity across more than half of India.

Epigraphic evidence proves that his royal titles were unparalleled in the Indian subcontinent. He was widely known by his regal epithets such as:

Gajapati Goudeswara, Vijita Navakoti Karnata Kalavargeswara, Maharajadhirajeswara, Parama Maheswara, Parama Vaishnava, Parama Bhattaraka, Jaganmoolakarana Purushottama Putra, Durga Putra, Malava-Dhvamsa-Leelakari, Dillin-dra-Garva-Dhvastakari, Bhamaravara Nrupa, Utkala-Adhisha, Samara-mukha-aneka-ripu-darpa-mardana, Bhuja-bala-parakrama, Trayee-Basundhara-Sammuddharana, Durdama Mahavaraha, Dharma-raksha-daksha, Maryada Mahodadhi Prachanda, Shri Ramagunala krita Shri Surya-Vanshavalambana-Stambha, Veera Shri Shri Shri Pratapa Kapileswara Deva.

These titles clearly reflect how vast portions of India were under Odia sovereignty during his reign.

Rise of the Kshatriya flame