The Matharas of Pishtapura

Written by Alok Mohan on December 12, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized

The Matharas of Pishtapura
Matharas ruled most of eastern india from their capital Simha-pura, during 4th and 5th centuries CE. Their territory included Kalinga region, parts of Orissa  area and Andhra Pradesh.
Matharas defeated Pitribhakta dynasty.
Mathara were devotees of lord Narayana. The important rulers of this dynasty were
1 .Shankara-varman
2. Shakti-varman
3. Prabhanjana-varman
4. Ananta-shakti-varman

Inscription number 12.
Ragolu Plates of Sakti-varman, Regnal Year 13.
Provenance: Ragolu, near chicacole, Ganjam District, Orissa.
Script: Brahmi early southern type.
Language: Sanskrit
References: E Hultzsch, Ep-Ind, XII, pp.1-3.
They seem to have held sway over central and southern Kalinga in the 5th and 6th century A.D.
Footnote 1.
1. From Ep.Ind., XII, Plates. 1b and iiia, between pp- 2 and 3.
2. Hultzsch reads, Mathara, the gotra-pravara, Rishi of
Sakti-varman, and Vasishtha, the
gotra-pravara of his mother, both are listed as such in the Gotra pravara Nibandha Kadamba. (Ep.Ind, XXVIII, pp.230, n.1)
English Translation of the inscription.
Let there be success ! Hail! From the victorious, Pishtapura, the lord of Kalinga, the son of  vasishthi, the
glorious Maharaja Sakti-varman, who desires to adorn the Mathara family commands all the immigrants, and the indigenous people in the village of Rakaluva, in the Kalinga vishaya
(i.e, Province):-
This small village has been given by us for the increase of our merit, life and power having made it an agrahara for as long as the moon and the stars (shall exist) to the Brahmana Kumarasarman, a student of the vajasaneyi ( Sakha of the Yajurveda) a descendant of five rishis, and of savarna gotra and to his eight sons thus to this lineage, not to be entered by soldiers and exempted from all taxes an dues. Knowing this You ought to wait on (him) and to supply  to him, measurable (produce)and cash (lit gold) etc. according to the old established rules. And the descendants of our family should be told. He who through negligence or through greed, will confiscate this grant, will be guilty of the five great sins and (he requests those who (happen to be) other kings (than our descendants) that they should preserve this (grant) considering that it is the duty of a king.
And with reference to this there are formerly pronounced verses:-
(Here follow three of the customary verses)
In the thirteenth year, on the full moon (tithi) of Vaisakha. Excecuted by myself. Written by the minister
Arjunadatta. Seal” of Maharaja Sri Sakti-varman.
Footnote.
1. Modern Pithapuram in the Godavari district. It is also mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription of
Samudragupta (Fleet, Gupta Inss. pp.13, D.C. Sircar, Sel.Inss, I, pp-264, Also supra) the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin 2 (Ep.Ind., III, pp.11, verse 27) and Timmapuram plates of Vishnuvardhana 1 (Ep.Ind,. IX pp.319).

Alok Mohan

The admin, Alok Mohan, is a graduate mechanical engineer & possess following post graduate specializations:- M Tech Mechanical Engineering Production Engineering Marine engineering Aeronautical Engineering Computer Sciences Software Engineering Specialization He has authored several articles/papers, which are published in various websites & books. Studium Press India Ltd has published one of his latest contributions “Standardization of Education” as a senior author in a book along with many other famous writers of international repute. Alok Mohan has held important positions in both Govt & Private organisations as a Senior professional & as an Engineer & possess close to four decades accomplished experience. As an aeronautical engineer, he ensured accident incident free flying. As leader of indian team during early 1990s, he had successfully ensured smooth induction of Chukar III PTA with Indian navy as well as conduct of operational training. As an aeronautical engineer, he was instrumental in establishing major aircraft maintenance & repair facilities. He is a QMS, EMS & HSE consultant. He provides consultancy to business organisations for implimentation of the requirements of ISO 45001 OH & S, ISO 14001 EMS & ISO 9001 QMS, AS 9100, AS9120 Aero Space Standards. He is a qualified ISO 9001 QMS, ISO 14001 EMS, ISO 45001 OH & S Lead Auditor (CQI/IRCA recognised certification courses) & HSE Consultant. He is a qualified Zed Master Trainer & Zed Assessor. He has thorough knowledge of six sigma quality concepts & has also been awarded industry 4, certificate from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Knowledge Hub Training Platform  He is a Trainer, a Counselor, an Advisor and a Competent professional of cross functional exposures. He has successfully implimented requirements of various international management system standards in several organizations. He is a dedicated technocrat with expertise in Quality Assurance & Quality Control, Facility Management, General Administration, Marketing, Security, Training, Administration etc. He is a graduate mechanical engineer with specialization in aeronautical engineering. He is always eager to be involved in imparting training, implementing new ideas and improving existing processes by utilizing his vast experience.