Dharma Mahadevi facts for kids

Dharma Mahadevi was a powerful queen who ruled an ancient Indian kingdom called Toshala. She was part of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty and ruled around the years 940 to 950 CE. Her reign marked an important time in the history of this region of India.

Dharma Mahadevi: A Queen of Ancient India

Dharma Mahadevi was a significant ruler in the Bhauma-Kara dynasty. This dynasty controlled the Kingdom of Toshala, which is in the modern-day Indian state of Odisha. She ruled as a queen regnant, meaning she held full ruling power herself, not just as a queen married to a king. Her time on the throne was relatively short, lasting about ten years.

Her Family and Rise to Power

Dharma Mahadevi was born a princess into another royal family, the Bhanj dynasty. This shows that she came from a background of power and leadership. Later, she married Santikaradeva III, who was also a ruler from the Bhauma-Kara dynasty.

She became queen after another queen named Vakula Mahadevi. This suggests a line of strong female rulers within the Bhauma-Kara dynasty, which was quite unique for its time.

What Did She Do as Queen?

During her rule, Dharma Mahadevi issued two important official documents called "charters." One charter was for a place called Angul, and the other was for Taltali. Charters were like official orders or grants from the ruler. They often dealt with land, taxes, or special permissions. While we know she issued these, not many other details about her daily rule have survived through history.

The End of Her Rule

Dharma Mahadevi was the very last ruler of the Bhauma-Kara dynasty. Her rule ended around 950 CE. After her time, the Somavamshi dynasty took control of the Toshala region. This change in power brought a new ruling family to the area.