Vijaya Gandagopala

Viajaya Ganda Gopala is a Telugu King who ruled over Kanchi.

His full name as it appears in inscriptions is 'Tribhuvanachakravathi Vijayagandagopaladeva'. He called himself 'Lord of Kanchi'. His rule commenced in AD 1250 and is largely an independent King. His kingdom witnessed crucial developments during 1250–1291. Kanchi changed hands in rapid succession among Telugu Chodas, Kakateeyas, kadava kopperunjinga and The Pandyas. The change of rule however, often meant only the de jure change of the overlords. He remained as the local chieftain of Kanchi. His reign was coeval with Rajendra III, Jatavarman sundara pandya, kopperunjinga and Kakateeya Ganapathi.

His epigraphs numbering about 20 and issued in his own regnal years ranging from 2nd to 31st year are found in Varadaraja swami Temple. i.e. between 1253 and 1291. But this long rule was interrupted by external intrusions. For example Kopperunjunga is recognized as King of Kanchi in 1253–1254 AD and again in May 1257 and again in 1260. Curiously in the same years, Vijaya GandaGopala is also recognized as ruler of kanchi. This may not only show the rapid changes in political fortunes of Kanchi but perhaps show that at one time, the rival kings were severely supported by their adherents.

In 1260AD, Jatavarman II overran Viaya Gandagopala Territory and marched as far as Nellore where he performed 'Virabhisheka'. He anointed himself as king of kanchi.

Source:

1.Early Inscriptions Vol 1 Authored by Subrahmanya Sastry. S, Published by TTD. Soft copy available in Archive.org ^[1]

2. Sri Varadarajaswami Temple, Kanchi: A Study of Its History, Art and Architecture By K.V. Raman ^[2]

References