Madalapanji

Madalapanji is the traditional chronicle of the Jagannath temple of Puri with immense historical value. While the exact origin dates are not known, it is generally traced between the 12^th and 14^th century C.E. Etymologically the name comes from its unique shape. Since the palm-leaf records are tied together in the form of a ‘madala’ or drum, hence the name. Considered a literary classic, the madalapanji is believed to be the finest traditional text written in Oriya language, often equated in literary style and historical value with Rajvansham of Sri Lanka, Rajtarangini of Kashmir or Burunji of Assam. The earliest use of prose in Oriya language can be found in the Madalapanji or the Palm-leaf Chronicles of the Jagannatha temple at Puri, which date back to the 12th century.The Madalapanji was traditionally written on a year-to-year basis by the Karana caste of Orissa which was entrusted with the task of maintaining this chronicle. It is a rich repository of legends and traditions relating to the Kesaris (Somavamsis), the Imperial Gangas, the Suryavamsi Gajapatis and the Bhois of Khurdha. Although it is considered by some historians as “nothing more than a farrago of legends”; some others consider it to possess “some historical substratum” and has been referred to by W.W. Hunter while depicting the history of Orissa and the temple.Madalapanji exists in Sanskrit and Telegu versions as well, known as “Katakarajavamsavali” and “Jagannatham.Kaifiyat” respectively.