Gajapati (Kapilendra Deva)

Gajapati
Map by ExplosiveWatermelon
Leader	Kapilendra Deva
Capital	Cuttack
Start Bias	None
Religion	Hinduism Vaishnavism (HR)
Civilopedia

Gajapati led by Kapilendra Deva is a custom civilization mod by ExplosiveWatermelon.

Overview

Gajapati

The Gajapati dynasty, based in Cuttack, was a dynasty founded by Kapilendra Deva in 1434 lasting over 100 years. The term 'Gajapati' roughly means 'Lord of Elephants' or 'King with an Army of Elephants', and was the title adopted by kings of pre-colonial Odisha. When the Gajapatis took over the region, then known as Kalinga, it simply occupied the territory then-owned by the Eastern Gangas dynasty. However, under the leadership of the first Gajapati, Kapilendra Deva, their territory began expansion. While most of the conquests were focused on southern domination, taking over cities such as Vijayanagara and stretching towards Tamil Nadu, there were expeditions towards Bengal. The Gajapati military was well-organized, with them inheriting the military of the Eastern Gangas and having it expanded upon by Kapilendra Deva. Although the state was mainly built on its military prowess, it also served as a cultural renaissance for Odisha, as Odia literature began to form. Sarala Das, who translated the Mahabharata into Odia and is widely regarded as the first Odia-language poet, served in the court of Kapilendra Deva and gave an extensive overview of the Gajapati military. The elephantry of Gajapati lived up to their name, as well- records report it numbering up to 200,000 elephants, which was unusually high even for the period.

Kapilendra Deva

Kapilendra Deva has multiple theories about the start of his life, with one known story being about a brahmin known as Kasia predicting that he would eventually be king. Eventually, he was appointed as a general, and later overtook the Eastern Ganga dynasty, installing himself as ruler of Odisha after a coronation in Bhubaneswar. From this position, he consolidated his empire by suppressing rebellions, created a highly organized military, and expanded the Jagannath temple at Puri. During his reign, the Odia-language poet Sarala Das was patronized in Kapilendra Deva's court. After a life full of conquest, consolidation, and construction, Kapilendra Deva died in 1467 after choosing his youngest son, Purushottama Deva, as heir.

Dawn of Man

Art by ExplosiveWatermelon

May victory follow you, lord Kapilendra Deva of the Gajapati Dynasty. It was you who founded the state that would reign from Odisha, stretching from Bengal in the North to Tamil Nadu in the south. Through your enlightened leadership, the state experienced prosperity that Odisha had hardly seen before- an age of cultural renewal and worship. You renovated the temple of Jagannath at Puri, showing devotion to your lord, and these temples still bear inscriptions of your gallant leadership.

Though the Gajapatis may have fallen, their indelible mark on history cannot be denied. It was a renaissance that the citizens of Odisha needed strongly, and one that has born fruits ever since. Now, it’s up to you to bring back that height- can you fortify your temples and stretch your empire from the Ganges to the Kaveri? Can your devotion lead you to newfound fortunes? Can you build a civilization that will stand the test of time?

Now, it is time once again for you to lead your comrades to the streets. Your people need a voice, and lungs to give their anger life! Can you push back against the Republican rule once more? Can you defend the streets of Paris as you did in life and death? Can you build a Civilization that will stand the test of time?

Introduction: "Greetings. I am Kapilendra Deva, first of the Gajapatis, and ruler of Odisha. Come, let's speak."

Introduction: "I am Kapilendra Deva, first of the Gajapatis. Fear not, I am always happy to tolerate other visions in my empire."

Defeat: "Treachery has been a constant in this life of leadership. If I do not bring such vengeance upon you, then perhaps another will do it in my stead."

Unique Attributes

Gajapati (Kapilendra Deva)
Art by ExplosiveWatermelon Servant-King of Jagannath Defensive Buildings and Courthouses receive a Great Work of Writing slot. Generate Great Writer points in the Capital upon constructing a Building with a Great Work slot.
Art by ExplosiveWatermelon Sahani (Knight) +4 Combat Strength Does not require Horses Acts as a Great General when near a City following your Religion. +30 Production Cost
Art by ExplosiveWatermelon Deula (Amphitheater) Grants +1 Faith for every Great Work of Writing Slot in this City. Grants +10% Production towards Mounted Units for every Great Work of Writing in this City.

City List Cuttack Puri Bhubaneswar Konark Vijayanagara Jajpur Ganjam Potnur Udayagiri Khorda Kondavidu Simhalacham Vijayawada Balangir Chandragiri Masulipatnam Addanki Paralakhemundi Brahmapur Kasimkotta Rajamahendravaram Pithapuram Jinji Kondapalli Tiruchirapalli Valluru Padavidu Nellur Kanchipuram Ellur Vizianagaram Gopalpur Thiruvadi Kuvalala Gandikotta Mahur Sendamangalamm Khammam Thanjavur Gar Mandaran

Spy List Siddheswara Purushottama Hamvira Ananta Dasa Balarama Parvati Rupambika Belama Padmavati Ila

Strategy

Mod Support

Mod Support
Additional Achievements	Unknown
Civ IV Traits	No
Cultural Diversity	Yes
Enlightenment Era	Unknown
Ethnic Units/R.E.D.	No
Events and Decisions	No
Historical Religions	Unknown
Map Labels	No
Rise to Power	Yes?
Unique Cultural Influence	No
YnAEMP	Yes

Full Credits List

Steam Workshop
Latest Version:	v 1
Last Updated:	25 November 2024

• Explosive Watermelon: Lead Author, Design, Code, Art