Medieval Indian, Himalayan History Features of Purushottam Singh the King of Kamadesh (Kali Kumaon)

History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar) - Part 131

     Himalayan, Indian Medieval Age History of Katyuri Imperialism of Karvipur (Uttarakhand, India) – 12

            (History of Kumaon from 1000-1790)

          (Himalayan, Indian Medieval Age History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar, Doti Nepal (Uttarakhand, India))- (740-1300 AD)

                                              By: Bhishma Kukreti

                    Purushottam Singh (1170-1210); a Strong King of Singh Dynasty

                         Purushottam Singh was son of Kamdev Singh and grandson of Jaytung Singh who ruled over Kaliganga valley. Purushottam Singh ruled Kaliganga valley under the super rule of Ashok Challa. Dr. Dabral suggested the rule of Jaytung Singh from 1160 AD and the rule of Kamdev Singh till 1170.Purushottam ruled Kali Kumaon from 1170-1210.

There are inscriptions available about Ashok Challa and Purushottam Singh-

1-Bodhgaya, Rock inscription by Ashokchalla

2-Bodhgaya, rock inscription by Sahanpal

3- Bodhgaya, rock inscription by Purushotttam Singh

4-Gopeshwar, Trident inscription by Ashokchalla

5-Gopeshwar, Trident inscription by Ashokchalla

6-Barahat, Trident inscription by Ashok Challa

7- Nala, Vijay Stambh or Pillar inscription by Ashokchalla

8- Jageshwar , metal sculpture of Ashok Challa

                    Capital of Kamadesh of Purushottam Singh (1170-1210);

   The Bodhgaya inscriptions of Purushottam Singh state that he ruled on Kamadesh. His capital was ‘Chakraval’.  Dr Dabral suggested this place as present Charal Patti east of present Champawat.

                 Gandhkuti construction in Bodhgaya by Purushottam Singh

                   Manikya Singh the grandson (daughter’s son) of Purushottam Singh expired in his early age. For paying ribute to his grandson, Purushottam Singh built a very beautiful Kuti in Bodhgaya. Mahadhiraj of Purushottam Singh -Ashok Challa and Chinda King helped Purushottam Singh in building Gandhkuti.  Rajguru and religious priest Yati the court scholar of Kamadesh was there to look after the construction of Gandhkuti. The construction of Gandhkuti at Bodhgaya was started in 1205 and was completed in 1209. Purushottam Singh established Buddha idol there. Purushottam Singh appointed a beautiful singer and dancers for singing and dancing before Buddha sculpture in morning, afternoon and evening.  

   Purushottam Singh arranged daily food for needy ones in Gadhkuti at Bodhgaya.  The scholars and religious pundits used to stay in Gadhkuti.

                  Respect for Scholars

          Purushottam Singh was believer on Buddhism. In low numbers, but Buddhism was still alive there in Uttarakhand.

          Purushottam Singh had great respects for scholars, art and artists. His Rajguru Yati was great scholar. The Sanskrit poet Manju Nandi created sholkas for Bodhgya inscriptions. Jeev Nag the father of Manju Nandi and Vasudev the grandfather of Manju Nandi were scholars. A scholar Indra Nandi was record keeper.

                      Territory of Purushottam Singh Rule

               Kamdesh or Kalikumaon was the territory of Purushottam Singh. Purushottam Singh  was ruler and Ashok Challa was over ruling King.

Jay Singh and Khang Singh were successors of Purushottam Singh.

  Purushottam Singh was founder of Singh dynasty in Kumaon.

Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti -bckukreti@gmail.com 30/8/2013

(The History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar write up is aimed for general readers)

                           

History of Garhwal – Kumaon-Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) to be continued… Part -132

 Himalayan, Indian Medieval Age History of Karvipur Katyuri to be continued…

  (Himalayan, Indian Medieval Age History (740-1300 AD to be continued…)

Notes on Indian, Himalayan Medieval History; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Doti Nepal; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Pithoragarh; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Nainital; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Almora; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Bageshwar; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Udham Singh Nagar; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Lohaghat Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Charal Patti Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Tanakpur Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Bajkot Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Sela Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Lepra Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Kali Valley Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Dhunaghat Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Sukhidhang Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Dayuri Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Devidhura Champawat; Indian, Himalayan Medieval History of Uttarakhand;