King Gangadeva (Tirhut)

Introduction of King Gangadeva

King Gangadeva, the son of King Nanyadeva ruled the Tirhut Kingdom in Nepal from 1148 A.D. to 1188 A.D. He is a lesser-known King of Tirhut Kingdom. Moreover, he brought needed Stability and Prosperity in the Mithila Region. Further, he developed the Military of Tirhut Kingdom and instilled forts and other forms of Protection for Internal Security.

Life and Reign of King Gangadeva

King Gangadeva was the youngest son of King Nanyadeva among his two sons who became the King of Tirhut Kingdom after the death of his father in 1148 A.D. The Reign of King Gangadeva was quite peaceful for his 40 years of reign from 1148 A.D. to 1188 A.D.

He was a peaceful king who focused on administration and religion rather than Conquest and War.

Being the son of King Nanyadeva, a well-respected and known King of the Mithila Region, Gangadeva had to live up to and rule to the expectations set by his father.

Unlike his Father, he decided to improve the administration of the Tirhut Kingdom and establish their Dynasty.

Despite these minor changes, only a few pieces of evidence exist to support his reign. The Son of King Gangadeva was King Narasinghdeva who, unlike his father was a courageous ruler who desired to conquer Nepal.

Development of Tirhut

During the reign of Gangadeva, much Infrastructural Development was introduced including ponds, wells, and other sources. Some have assumed that he shifted the Capital City from Simraungadh to Darbhanga.

Protection of Tirhut

King Gangadeva saved Simraungadh under the Mithila kingdom when all the other kingdoms in India were defeated by the army of Ajeyashatru.

Tirhut Kingdom was located in the Terai Region and lacked any hills or large forests for protection. Thus, in 225 years of its existence, Tirhut Kingdom was attacked multiple times until its eventual defeat.

Administrative Reforms

Gangadeva set the Administrative Tradition of appointing a Chaudhary for each area to collect revenue and establish a Panchayat for the purpose of collecting Disputes. The Decision to conduct elections of Panchayat should be considered highly progressive as it was initiated 1000 years ago.

Religious Reforms

Gangadeva was also known for his religious reforms. He appointed Vardhaman Upadhyay as Dharmadhikari to oversee the religious initiatives. He also promoted Hinduism and managed religious activities.

Conclusion

King Gangadeva of Nepal, the son of King Nanyadeva (who separated Tirhut from the Chalukya Dynasty), was a lesser-known Tirhut King.

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