Federalism in Ancient Odia Literature: A Study of Madala Panji

Abstract

This article studies Madala Panji, the temple chronicle of the Jagannath Temple at Puri, as an important text in Odia literature and history. It examines how the text records kings, temple rituals, donations, temple officials, and administrative work, and how these details show a shared form of power in medieval Odisha. The study uses the idea of federalism in a broad and analytical sense, meaning shared authority, local autonomy, and negotiation among different centres of power. The article argues that Madala Panji does not show only royal control. Instead, it presents a layered political order in which the temple, local elites, and the king all had important roles. The study also explains why Madala Panji must be read carefully as both a historical and literary text, because it contains facts, legends, and religious memory together. By doing this, the article shows that Madala Panji is not only a temple record but also a source for understanding political structure, cultural memory, and regional identity in Odisha. This reading gives a new way to understand ancient Odia literature and medieval governance.