Historical background
It is one of the ancient towns of India that has references since period of Mahabharatha. Banavasi is referred to as ‘Vanavasaka’ in the epic Mahabharata , suggesting that the town existed since 4000 B C considering period of Mahabharata. In 1st centaury A.D. Greek geographer Ptomlemy mentioned Banavasi as ‘Banousi’ in his famous book. In the early 4th century A.D. during Kadamba’s period, it was know by the name ‘Jayanthipura’ or ‘Vaijayanthipura’. In the 1100 A.D. inscription found in Davanagere, Banavasi has been mentioned as ‘Nandanavana’. Vijayanagara inscriptions 1552 A.D. have called Banavasi by the name ‘Kanakavathi’. The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshi II calls Banavasi as “Jaladurga”: or water fort. The Varada river flows around the town on three sides. Perhaps the fort was surrounded by the fourth side as well, in ancient times when the river was mighty. The famous European historian Kittel says that the name ‘Banavasi’ has come from two words ‘Bana’ and ‘Vasi’. ‘Bana’ means forest and ‘Vasi’ means spring. Kadamba dynasty (345-525 AD)
Kadamba dynasty is regarded as one of the ancient dynasties of Karnataka. Gangas were contemporaries of Kadamba and ruled regions of modern Southern Karnataka. There are many stories related to the Kadamba dynasty's origin. But most of the writers are of the opinion that Kadamba dynasty might have got its name from the Kadamba tree (Anthocephalus cadamba), which had grown near their house. Though there are many stories about how the kadamba dynasty was built. The Talagunda inscription of Shantivarma gives what may be the most possible cause for the emergence of the Kadamba kingdom. The inscription carved by poet Kubja, which is in Thalagunda’s Pranaveshwara temple clearly suggests that “a brahmin family got name Kadamba from the Kadamba trees grew near their dwellings. The inscription also narrates how Mayurasharma proceeded to Kanchi in 345 C.E., along with his guru and grandfather Veera Sarma to pursue his Vedic studies at Ghatikasthana at Kanchi. There, owing to some misunderstanding between him and a Pallava guard or at a Ashvasanstha (a place of horse sacrifice), a quarrel arose in which Mayurasharma was humiliated. In high rage, the Brahmana discontinued his studies, left Kanchi, swearing vengeance on the impudent Pallavas and took arms. He collected a faithfull group of followers and routed Pallava armies near Srisailam region. After a prolonged period of what may be termed as low intensity warfare against the Pallavas and other smaller kings like the Brihad-Banas of Kolar region he proclaimed independence. Unable to contain him, the Pallavas had to accept his sovereignty. His kingdom comprised the hilly region, western coast and Chitradurga district of Karnataka, with its capital at Banavasi. The recently discovered Gudnapur inscription tells us that Maurya's grandfather was Veera Sharma, who also acted as his preceptor, and that Maurya's father was Bandhushena who developed the character of a Kshatriya.The Talagunda, Gundanur, Chandravalli, Halasi and Halmidi inscriptions are some of the important inscriptions that throw light on this ancient ruling family of Karnataka. Rise and fall of Kadambas
Mayurasharma's successor was his son Kangavarma in 365 who had to fight the Vakataka might to protect Kuntala. He was defeated by Vakataka Prithvisena but managed to maintain his freedom.His son Bhagiratha is said to have retrieved his fathers losses but Vakataka inscriptions do not attest to this. His son Raghu died fighting the Pallavas.
After Kakusthavarma only Ravivarma ( (485-519 AD ) who came to the throne in 485 was able to build upon the kingdom. His rule was marked by a series of clashes within the family, and also against the Pallavas and the Gangas. He is also credited with a victory against the Vakatakas, which extended his Kingdom as far north as the river Narmada. The crux of their kingdom essentially consisted of most of Karnataka, Goa and southern areas of present day Maharashtra. After his death, the kingdom went into decline due to family fueds. The Birur plates of Kadamba Vishnuvarman call Shantivarman "the master of the entire Karnataka region". The Triparvatha branch that broke away in 455 ruled from Murod in Belgaum for some time and merged with the main Banavasi kingdom during rule of Harivarma. The other kings of this dynasty proved to be weak; hence their rule had no great significance. Finally the kingdom fell to the prowess of the Badami Chalukyas.
In 540 A.D Pulakeshi-I of Badami Chalukyas defeated Krishnavarma, and then onwards Kadambas contiunued to rule Banavasi under the control of Chalukyas. After 900 A.D. different branches of Kadamba dynasty ruled different parts of the kingdom. ‘Hanagala Kadambas’ and ‘Goa Kadambas’ were the prominent among them. ‘Hanagal Kadambas’ ruled from Hanagal. From the mid of 6th to the mid of 8th centuary Banavasi was under the control of Chalukyas. From 757 to 973 A.D. it was under the control of Rashtrakutas. After Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Kalachuriyas, Yadavas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara kings, Sonda Kings, Haider Ali and Tippu Sulthan gained control over the Banavasi respectively. After the death of Tippu British took the control of Banavasi till independence. Administration
The Kadamba kings called themselves Dharmamaharajas like the Satavahana kings. Dr. Mores has identified various cabinet and other positions in the kingdom from inscriptions. The prime minister (Pradhana), Steward (Manevergade), seceretary of council (Tantrapala or Sabhakarya Sachiva), scholarly elders (Vidyavriddhas), physician (Deshamatya), private secretary (Rahasyadhikritha), chief secretary (Sarvakaryakarta), chief justice (Dharmadhyaksha) and other offcials (Bhojaka and Ayukta). The army consisted of officers like Jagadala, Dandanayaka and Senapathi. A crown prince from the royal family helped the king in administration. Princeses of the royal family were appointed as governors of various provinces. King Kakusthavarma had appointed his son Krishna as viceroy of Thriparvataha region. This later proved detrimental to the kingdom as it gave opportunity for break away factions in the kingdom. Land Division
The kingdom was divided into Mandalas (provinces) or Desha. Under a Mandala was Vishayas (districts). A total of nine Vishaya have been identified. Under a Vishaya were Mahagramas (Taluk) and Dashagramas (Hobli). Mahagrama had more villages than Dashagramas. One sixth of land produce was collected as tax. Taxes were collected as Perjunka (levy on load), Vaddaravula (social security tax for royal family), Bilkoda (salex tax), Kirukula (land tax), Pannaya (betel tax) and other professional taxes on traders etc. Kadambas were the first rulers to use Kannada as an additional official administrative language, as evidenced by the Halmidi inscription of 450. In all, three Kannada inscriptions from their independent rule have been discovered. Recent discovery of 5th century CE Kadamba copper coin in Banavasi with Kannada script inscription Srimanaragi on it proves this further. Culture
The Kadambas were followers of Vedic Hinduism. The founder, Mayurasharma was a Brahmin by birth but later his successors changed their surname to Varma to indicate their Kshatriya status. Some Kadamba kings like Krishna Varman performed the horse sacrifice (Ashwamedha). Their Talagunda inscription starts with an invocation of Lord Shiva while the Halmidi and Banavasi inscriptions start with an invocation of Lord Vishnu. They built the Madhukesvara temple which is considered their family diety. Many records like the Kudalur, Sirsi records speak of grants made by them to scholarly Brahmins. Grants wre also made to Buddhist viharas. The Kadambas also patronised Jainism and built numerous Jain temples that are scattered around Banavasi, Belgaum, Mangalore and Goa. Kings and Queens of the dynasty were renowned for their support of literature, arts and liberal grants to temples and educational institutions. Several descendants are scattered around present day Goa, Belgaum, Mangalore and Bangalore. Adikavi Pampa highly spoke of this kingdom in his writings. Following are his famous quotes on Banavasi: Aaramkushamittodam nenevudenna manam banavasi deshamam (I shall cherish the sweet memories of Banavasi even when tortured), Maridumbiyagi mEN Kogileyagi puttuvudu nandanadol Banavasi deshadol (As a bee or as nightingale should one born here in this beautiful country of Banavasi). Architecture
The contribution of the Kadambas to the architectural heritage of Karnataka is certainly worthy of recognition. The Kadamba style can be identified and that it has a few things in common with the Chalukyan and the Pallava styles. They also drew from the architectural tradition of the Satavahanas. The most prominant feature of their architecture, basic as it was is their Shikara called Kadamba Shikara. The Shikara is pyramid shaped and rises in steps without any decoration with a Stupika or Kalasha at the top. This style of Shikara are used several centuries later in the Doddagaddavalli Hoysala temple and the Mahakuta temples in Hampi. Some of their temples also use perforated screen windows. It has also been pointed out that in architecture and sculpture, the Kadambas contributed to the foundation of the later Chalukya-Hoysala style. Madhukeshwara temple
The temple is naturally a synthesis of several schools of architecture. With a blend of different styles, Madhukeshwara Temple provides a real treat to the admirers of architecture. The innermost sanctum sanctorum is built in a very plain style with minimal carving on the door and the lintel. The Sankalpa Mantapa, in front, reveals the influence of the Chalukya style. There is a seven-foot huge Nandi idol made of a single stone. The dancing hall was added during the Hoysala period and has exquisite carving on the pillars and the ceiling. This is the spot where the legendary Natyarani Shantala challenged the famed musician Allama Prabhu. These diverse forms in different parts of the temple amply prove that the temple has taken several centuries and contributions from many dynasties to reach its present shape. Though presently a shivalinga of ancient times is there, it is believed that original shrine was that of Vishnu. The statues of Keshava (Vishnu) and Kartikeya are also there, which are attributed to Kadamba times. There are many smaller idols of different deities, added from time to time in the renovated temple. A unique 'Ardha Ganapathi' which literally portrays vertically-half Lord Ganesha, symbolises the bachelorhood of Ekadanta standing without the Ardhangi.The famous five-hooded Naga sculpture with the Prakrit inscription of 2nd century AD was installed by princess Sivaskanda Nagashri when she got constructed a Vihara and tank as per the inscription in second century AD. In the compound of Madhukeshwara temple, there are two monuments. The mantapa and a stone cot are beautifully carved monolithic structures, which are contributions of Sonda rulers. There are twenty temples and monuments round about Banavasi. These are mainly Shaiva Vaishnava, Shakti (Parvati and her local image, mari). Buddhism and Jainism
Suggested reading...
EXTERNAL LINKS Kadambas of Banavasi , Dr. Jyotsna Kamat History of Karnataka by Dr.Arthikaje Indian Inscriptions - Archeological Survey Of India Article on 5th century Kannada coinage A Concise History of Karnataka from pre-historic times to the present - Dr.Suryanath U. Kamat |
He was succeeded by his brother Kakusthavarma who was the most ferocious and powerful ruler of the kingdom. The Kadamba kingdom reached its zenith under Kakusthavarma (405-430 AD), who was a great builder. His prominence can be gauged from the fact that Skandagupta (scion of the famous Gupta dyansty) married one of his daughters. King Madhava of the Ganga dynasty married another of his daughters. Such matrimonial alliances helped to foster strong diplomatic ties and friendship with other kingdoms in the vicinity. He maintained similar relations with the Bhatari, the Alupas of South Canara and the Western Ganga Dynasty of Gangavadi according to the Talagunda inscription. The great poet Kalidasa had visited his court.
Madukeshwara temple is the most important monument of the place. Originally built by the Kadambas, it has undergone many additions and renovations, from the Chalukyas to rulers of Sonda over a period of a thousand years. ‘Madhu’ means ‘honey,’ and since the Shiva Linga is of the colour of honey, the temple is named Madhukeshwara Temple.
There are Jaina and Buddhist relics, attesting that Banavasi was homeland of all sects and creeds. Huen Tsang the Chinese traveler-monk who was in India between 630-644 C.E, visited Konkanapura or Banavasi. He has recorded that there were a hundred monasteries of both Hinayana and Mahayana sects with 10,000 Buddhist monks and priests. A monastery was dedicated to Sarvana Siddha (Buddha). A huge sandalwood image of Buddha- Mitreya had miraculous powers. Sandalwood was the prime product of Banavasi region (Malenad). Huen Tsang's special mention of sandalwood Buddha makes carvers of sandalwood (Gudigars) famous since ancient times. The Buddhist work Mahavamsa states that Emperor Ashoka sent missionaries to Banavasi.