Tribhuvana Mahadevi I

In the long and fascinating history of Odisha, one name shines brighter than most: Tribhuvana Mahadevi I, the first woman ruler of the Bhauma Kara dynasty and one of the earliest known female sovereigns in India. Her reign during the 9th century CE was not just a moment of royal succession but a turning point in how power, gender, and governance could coexist in ancient India.

While many school textbooks talk at length about Razia Sultan who was the first woman ruler of India for the Delhi Sultanate, Tribhuvana Mahadevi I’s story remains unknown. It predates her by nearly 400 years. Her legacy is symbolic of strength and intellect and she is one of the most inspiring rulers in the history of Odisha.

Born into the Western Ganga dynasty of Karnataka, Tribhuvana Mahadevi I was the daughter of King Rajamalla I. Her marriage to Santikara Deva I, ruler of the Bhauma Kara dynasty, was more than a political alliance; it was the bridge that connected two powerful kingdoms of ancient India.

The Bhauma Kara dynasty, which ruled large parts of northern and central Odisha, including modern-day Jajpur, Cuttack, and Balasore, was deeply rooted in religious diversity.

After the death of Santikara Deva I around 845 CE, chaos followed. Their son, Shubhakara Deva III, briefly took the throne but died without an heir. The empire was shook by rebellions and external threats, especially from the Pala Empire. During this instability, Tribhuvana Mahadevi I stepped forward, not as a caretaker or regent, but as a true sovereign queen.

Her Dhenkanal copper-plate inscription beautifully describes her ascension: local kings bowed at her feet, acknowledging her as their leader, while peace and loyalty were restored throughout the kingdom. She credited her father, Rajamalla I, for supporting her, but the success was truly her own, driven by diplomacy, courage, and faith.

Tribhuvana Mahadevi I ruled with the wisdom and strength of a seasoned monarch. Unlike rulers who gained fame through conquest, she was celebrated for her ability to create stability and prosperity after years of unrest.

Her administration was both structured and compassionate. Taxes were kept low, easing the burden on farmers and traders. Land grants were issued to Brahmins, scholars, and temples, encouraging agricultural and cultural growth. Her officials were chosen based on merit and integrity, ensuring that corruption was minimised.

Her governance reflected balance. She used diplomacy to manage powerful feudatories like the Sulki and Bhanja clans while maintaining a capable army that safeguarded the borders. Her rule brought internal harmony and external respect, setting the stage for one of the most peaceful eras in the history of Odisha.

Tribhuvana Mahadevi I was a Paramavaishnavi, a supreme devotee of Vishnu. However, her faith did not limit her tolerance. She generously supported Shaiva, Shakta, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, promoting religious harmony at a time when other regions were torn by sectarian conflict.

Under her reign, Odisha witnessed a cultural and architectural renaissance. She is often associated with the construction of the Baitala Deula temple in Bhubaneswar, one of the finest examples of the Khakara-style architecture that combines Dravidian and Kalingan designs. The temple’s intricate carvings and unique structure reflect the queen’s artistic vision and religious inclusiveness.

But perhaps her most extraordinary contribution was toward women’s empowerment. Her rule opened doors for other women to be a part of administration and temple management. Inscriptions reveal that women in her court owned property, issued grants, and received education in scriptures and statecraft.

Tribhuvana Mahadevi I’s leadership was so impactful that after her, five more queens ruled the Bhauma Kara dynasty: Prithivi Mahadevi, Dandi Mahadevi, Vakula Mahadevi, Gauri Mahadevi, and Dharma Mahadevi. Together, they created a rare matrilineal tradition where women’s leadership became normalised rather than exceptional.

While Tribhuvana Mahadevi I is remembered as a benevolent ruler, she was also a strong military strategist. She managed an army of nearly 3,00,000 soldiers. Her military successfully repelled invasions and suppressed rebellions, keeping the kingdom secure.

Her success rested on what her successors described as the “Three Shaktis” or powers that defined her reign:

• Prabhu Shakti: Her divine and personal authority symbolised her strength and leadership.
• Mantra Shakti: The wisdom of her ministers and the strategic guidance of sacred counsel.
• Utsaha Shakti: The enthusiasm and energy of her army and her people.

These three forces worked in harmony, giving her the power to maintain peace with strength.

Despite her achievements and legacy, Tribhuvana Mahadevi I remains unknown in mainstream narratives. Textbooks often skip over eastern India’s dynasties and focus mainly on northern empires such as Delhi Sultanate. Therefore, the first woman ruler of the Bhauma Kara dynasty, and potentially, the first woman ruler in India remains unrecognised.

Tribhuvana Mahadevi I’s story is not just about kings and battles. It is about redefining the fact that a ruler’s strength comes from compassion as much as from command. She blended spirituality with politics, knowledge with action, and humility with power.

During her reign, Odisha became the land of learning, equality, and peace, a society where the goddess was not just worshipped but mirrored in real women who ruled kingdoms. Her reign, rooted in the principles of the three shaktis, remains a timeless example of balanced and ethical governance.

Tribhuvana Mahadevi I is a chapter of India’s past that celebrates women not as exceptions but as equals. Her name deserves a firm place among India’s greatest rulers, a true pioneer who proved that power, when guided by wisdom and virtue, knows no gender.