Part 4 - Bhima I (A.D. 1108-1127)

With Bhima alias Mummadi Bhima, according to the Padamakkena inscription, the chronology of the Kota dynasty becomes more definite. Bhima’s earliest inscription is from Velhpur, dated A.D. 1108, mentions Kota Bhima and Gonka and refers to the former’s conquest of the Kalingan king whom he subordinated to Choda. The relationship between Bhima and Gonka is not apparent. Another imscription, damaged and undated, seems to refer to king Bhima. His reign may have lasted till A.D. 1127 the earliest date for his successor, Beta. The suggested identity of Bhima with Mummaddeva of Dralcsharama branch of the Kotas is untenable on chronological grounds for both are separated by a century.

His Political Relations

Bhima’s Kalingan conquest was achieved by A.D. 1108-the date of his Velpur inscription. This must have occurred when he participated in the first Kalingan war against Anantavarman chodaganga undertaken by Vikramachola in A.D 1090—the Chola viceroy of Vengi in the reign of Kulottunga I. The Choda to whom Bhima claims to have made the king of Kalinga a subordinate refers to either Kulottunga I or Vikrama chola to whom the Ganga king consequent on the Chola victory appears to have become a subject for a time as attested by this Kota as well as some Ganga records at Draksharama.. Thus Kota Bhima owed allegiance to the Chola emperor Kulottunga and loyally served his master and distinguished himself in the Kalingan war along with many other local rulers in Vengi. His assistance to the Cholas in subduing the Kalinga may be a reference to his part in the first or the second war.' Nothing is known of any events in the latter part of his reign.