Mingling of Cultures (H): The Mudgalas of Dakṣiṇa Toṣāla

Mudgalas ruled the region of North Toṣālī, the river Mahānadī served as the border between North and South Toṣālī in Odisha. However, in c. 603 CE, they captured South Toṣālī from the Vigrahas who ruled there during second half of 6th century.^[1] The inscription titled as Pātiākellā Grant of Mahārājā Śiva rāja (c. 602 CE)^[2] issued by the King Śambhūyasa of Mudgala of Dakṣina–Toṣālī dynasty records a land grant to several vedic brāhmaṇa. In Soro plates, Mahārāja Śambhūyasa is described as the great devotee of Gods (Parama-Daivata), and he did not, however, accept any other title or no sectarian epithet is attributed to him. However, the Pātiākellā plates attribute the epithet Parama-Māheśvara to Śiva rāja. In this record, Śiva rāja is described as one whom the evils of Kali age could not reach because of his virtue. This statement is an apparent attempt made by Śiva rāja to get the religious sanction to his rule. Almost all the epigraphs of the Mudgalas record donations in favor of brāhmaṇas.