Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Gajapati-Era Odia Inscription Found Inside Tekkali Royal Palace
Researchers found an old stone with writing inside a royal palace in Tekkali.
The writing is in the Odia language and script.
It mentions Gajapati Kapilendra Deva, who ruled Odisha in the 15th century.
Much of the stone has been damaged over time.
The first line cannot be read at all.
Researchers made a copy called an estampage so they can study it.
They think the inscription may be from the 15th century.
More research is needed to find its exact date and explain why it was created.
Researchers found a centuries-old Odia inscription inside the Tekkali royal palace in Srikakulam district.
The inscription names “Pratapa Kapileswara,” referring to 15th-century Odisha ruler Gajapati Kapilendra Deva.
Deepak Kumar Nayak and Bikram Kumar Nayak located the stone with help from Lalit Kumar Dev.
The stone was found beneath a Tulasi Choura, with its first line fully damaged and other portions missing.
Researchers obtained an estampage, but the inscription’s regnal year and purpose remain undetermined.
- Who
- Researchers Deepak Kumar Nayak and Bikram Kumar Nayak found the inscription with assistance from Lalit Kumar Dev of the Tekkali royal family.
- What
- A damaged stone inscription in Odia script and language, naming Gajapati Kapilendra Deva, was documented.
- When
- It may date to the 15th century; its precise date has not been established.
- Where
- Inside the Tekkali royal palace in Srikakulam district.
- Why
- The discovery adds historical evidence of the region’s links with the Odisha kingdom and supports documentation of Kalinga heritage in South India.
- Inscription language
- Odia script and language
- Named ruler
- Gajapati Kapilendra Deva, also referred to as “Pratapa Kapileswara”
- Estimated period
- Possibly the 15th century
- Discovery location
- Tekkali royal palace, Srikakulam district
- Condition
- The first line is completely damaged, and other portions are missing
- Earlier record
- Referenced in the 1926–27 annual report on Indian Epigraphy
- Documentation
- Researchers obtained an estampage for further study