Part 6 - Kesavadeva (A.D. 1196-1233)

Probably Kesava was named after God Kesava at Ellore, Among all the Saronathas, he issued the largest numter of Inscriptions. Two records of his initial year A.D. 1196 mention his as mahamandaleavara kolanimandalika kesavadeva and his mother chamambika mahadevi and queen Sommambi-katnahadevi. Kesava’s palakol inscription dated A.D. 1197 gives him the epither Bhujabala Bhima. His sister was Tantasani. His Draksharama record dated 1200 A.D. mentions his father Viddebhupa, and his palakol Inscription dated A.D. 1212 mentions him as the ruler of the country from the Himalayas to the Ocean and a destroyer of enemies, and his son Pota, the lord of Varijakarapura. Kesava’s record from Nattaramesvaram dated A.D. 1218 mentions his two sons—the eldest Kommayakumara and Somaya kumara, besides Potaya. The next record is from Elurpadu dated A.D. 1228. In one of his record from Palakol dated A.D. 1229, Kesava is mentioned as Dharani valayamkudukesava. His last record is from Palakol dated A.D. 1233.

His Political Relations

Kesava had a reign of forty years- He bore the usual kolani prasasti. Of his sons—Potaya, and Somaya were probably provincial governors and Kommaya the crown prince in his reign and find mention in records dated between the years. A.D. 1212 and 1218. Kesava must.have strengthened his power at the expense of the Velanandusi who were declining in this period. He does not seem to have recognised the Choda overlordship, nor that of the Kakatiyas. In a palakol inscription dated A.D. 1231. Ellore appears as Kolanuvidus.