What is The Role of Madalapanji in the history of Odisha

 

Madala Panaji is the temple of Lord Jagannath of Puri. It describes the historical occasions of Odisha related to Lord Jagannath or Jagannath Temple. Although the actual date of commencement of the Panjis is not known, it is believed that it may have been started from the 12th or 14th century AD.

 This book is a masterpiece and literary work of the first order of Oriya language, parallel to which very few people of India. This can be compared to the dynasty of Sri Lanka, Rajatarangini of Kashmir, or Burunji in Assam.

The earliest use of prose can be found in the Madala Panaji or Palm-Leaf Chronicles of the Jagannath Temple at Pula, dating to the 12th century.

Role of Madalapanji in the history of Odisha

Madalapanji has played a vital role in shaping the history of Odisha by some historians. While writing Oriya history, Sir W.W. Historians such as Hunter and Andrew Sterling considered the facts related to Madala Panaji. Madala Panaji was traditionally written from year to year.

On the day of Vijaya-Dashami, a caste from Odisha, the Karan of Puri (the official history writer, is involved in keeping the chronicle. This ritual is cited as evidence that the tradition of keeping this chronicle is itself the Ori king Raja Anantavarman Chodaganga Started with Dev.

It is said that Madalpanji was destroyed by Muslim invaders including the so-called Kalapahar, but it was rewritten in such a way that legend mixed with history. However, some historians never consider Madalapanji to be a source for writing the history of Odisha as they claim that it is a writing-based only on eulogy.

Therefore, the temple-chronicle of the Jagannath temple at Puri preserves many traditions related to the Bhos of Madalapanji, Saffron (Somavamis), Imperial Ganges, Suryavanshi Prajapati, and Khurdha. It is said to be because records of palm leaves resembling Indian drums (Madala) are tied in large round bundles.

Although it is regarded by some historians as "nothing more than a group of legends", some others believe it. "Some Historical Substratum". In addition, all sections of the record relating to the Jagannath temple contain historical information, some of which, especially the Ganga-Gajapati-Bhoi time, throw light on history. Its Sanskrit and Telugu versions are also available under the titles of "Katakarajavamswali" and "Jagannadham.Kafiyat".