Part 2 - Jannigadeva (A.D. 1258-1271)

Janardanu alias Jannigadeva, the eldest son of Ambkashmappa by Chandala devi, the sister of Gangayasahini, succeeded to the throne, in A.D. 1258. His two younger brother were Tripurari and Ambadeva. He was experienced in governing a kingdom as he was an important person in Gangaya’s reign; and in his turn he associated Tripurantaka in. carrying on the Government.

His Kingdom

The Kayastha kingdom retained the same extent as in Gangaya’s reign. Jannigadeva’s earliest record is from Durgi,dated A D. 1258 mentioning the reign of Ganapati and the governship of Janniga. His next record is from Tripurantakam dated A.D. 1259, mentioning Ganapati. His record dated A.D 1260 is from Polandalur in the Bahuda in Pottapinatisima—Janniga’s next record is at Annalur dated A.D. 1261. Two records. from Karemudi and Nandalur are dated A.D. 1264, in the reigns of Ganapati and Rudrama respectively and mention Janniga’s subordinate Gandapendara Maidevaraja and minister Nagarasa. The Virapalle inscription of A.D. 1266 mentions Janniga’s ruling over Panugallu, Plainadu, Eruva, Kali, Mulikonadu. Bhurajadi etc. and his minister Perumalladeva. In A.D. 1269 Janniga figures as the minister of Rudrama. Janniga's last record is dated A.D. 1270. An undated inscription of Janniga at Duggapattna mentions him as the minister of Rudrama called here—Ganapatideva’s pattoddhati i.e. one who was elevated to the crown.

His Political Relations

Janniga is mentioned as Mahamandalesvara Gandapendara Jannigadeva maharaja, brahmarakshasa Gandapendra Janniga deva and Janardhana in his records. Some titles in his prasasti were—Murarinarayana, and Chelamartiganda, besides brahmarakshasa, gandapendara etc.

In A.D. 1259 and the 61st year of Ganapati, Jannigadeva and Natavadi Kumaraganapati made gifts at Tripurantakam.From two records dated A.D. 1264 and 1269, Janniga appears as the prime minister of Rudrama ruling over the entire Kayastha kingdom from Panugal to Marjavadi. “The terms in which Jannigadeva is described in the latter (Karempudi) inscription, show that he was practically wielding the scaptre on behalf of queen Rudramadevi.” Ruling Mulikmadu, Pattapinadu and Gandikota, Janniga was like the right arm to Rudrama.

Janniga is said to have defeated Kulottunga choda and Siddayadevachoda. The former is probably a Velanadu prince and the latter was obviously a Telugu Chola. Tradition speaks for the popularity and importance of Janniga as a ruler. For the Kaifiyat of Vallur mention Janardanraja i.e. Janniga among its rulers. A record at Venkatasaripalle—with date lost—mentions Brahmarakshasa Nanniyadeva, Evidently in this Janniga is meant.