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Picture Courtesy: TOI

Context:

Recently in Murumanehalli village of Chikkamagaluru's Teguru gram panchayat, an 899-year-old inscription from the Ganga dynasty was discovered.

About the Ganga dynasty:

The Ganga dynasty consists of two parts: Eastern and Western.

The Eastern Ganga dynasty ruled Kalinga from 1028 to 1434-35 and the Western Ganga dynasty ruled Mysore (Gangavadi) or the ancient Karnataka from about 250 to 1004 CE.

Kolar and Talakadu were the capitals of the Ganga dynasty.

Founder of Western Ganga: Kirtivarman I (350–370 CE)

Founder of Eastern Ganga: Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078–1147)

Other major rulers of Western Ganga: Durvinita, Bhattaraka, Avinita, Madhava

Other major rulers of Eastern Ganga: Ananga Bhima Deva, Narasimha Deva, Bhanu Deva

Economy: 

The economy was mainly based on agriculture.

To boost agricultural production and stable water supply, they constructed irrigation systems, including tanks and canals.

They also encouraged trade within and outside their territories as they had access to sea routes from the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Gold, silver, and copper coins with various denominations were minted.

They also encouraged various crafts and guilds which helped in the production of textiles, metalwork, woodwork, pottery, jewellery, etc.

Revenue policy:

 A percentage of the agricultural produce depending on the crop type and land fertility.

Administration:

Hereditary monarchy with feudal system.

Society: 

Respectable position for women.

Devadasi system in temples.

Strictly regulated education system.

Presence of intercast marriage, child marriage, Swayamvar.

Architecture:

Influence of Indigenous Jain elements and Pallava and Badami Chalukya features.

The Gomateshwara monolith of Karnataka is a classic example of prehistoric Karnataka architecture.

Source:

TOI

Practice Question Q:Consider the following statements regarding the society of the Ganga dynasty: The society during the Ganga dynasty was highly patriarchal. Intercast marriage was prohibited. Education was well-developed and strictly regulated. How many of the above-mentioned statements are correct? a. Only one b. Only two c. All the three d. None Answer: a Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. In the society of the Ganga dynasty, women had a very respectable position with right of inheritance. Statement 2 is incorrect. Intercast marriage was allowed during the time of the Ganga dynasty. Statement 3 is correct. Education was strictly regulated and included classes in political science, riding elephants and horses, archery, medicine, poetry, grammar, theatre, literature, dancing, singing, and musical instrument use.