The Eastern Ganga Dynasty ruled most parts of southeast India during the 11th century. Their capital was known by the name Kalinganagar, which is the modern
Srimukhalingam in
Srikakulam District of
Andhra Pradesh.
During their reign (1076-1435) a new style of temple architecture came into being, commonly called as Indo-Aryan architecture. This dynasty was founded by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva (1077–1147). He was a religious person and a patron of art and literature. He is credited for having built the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri in Orissa.
King Anantavarman Chodaganga deva was succeeded by a long line of illustrious rulers. Among them was
Narasimha I (1238-1264), who built the famous Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. The rulers of Eastern Ganga dynasty defended their kingdom from the constant attacks of the Muslim rulers. This kingdom prospered through trade and commerce and the wealth was mostly used in the construction of temples. The rule of the dynasty came to end under the reign of King Bhanudeva–IV, in the early 15th century.
