OR CUTTACK. 279 



then retired, with the same degree of rapidity as he had advanced, to Con- 

 dapilly, where he humbled his other opponent Rai TJria. 



This inroad, which supposing the chronology of the two histories to be 

 correct, must have happened (if at all) towards the close of Raja Kapil In- 

 dra Deo's reign, is not noticed in the meagre imperfect sketch of the events 

 of that period, given in the Orissan annals. They make their Raja return 

 however from the Deccan to Pursottem Chatter, about the date in question, 

 when he consults the god as to which of his seven sons, all distinguished 

 for their princely qualities and accomplishments, he should appoint his suc- 

 cessor in the Raj. He was instructed to elect Pursottem Rai, though the 

 youngest and born of a concubine. The choice was justified by his superior 

 merit, and as the will of Sri Jeo at all events could not be disputed, the 

 Raja named Pursottem Rai his successor, and took the favored youth with 

 him on his last expedition to the banks of the Kistna, where he died as be- 

 fore stated A. D. 1478. 



The Raja elect, having been acknowledged by the army on the Kistna as 

 their sovereign, under the title of Pursottem Deo, returned with what speed 

 he could to Cuttack, where his presence was necessary to counteract the in- 

 trigues and opposition of his six brothers, all indignant at their supercession. 

 Their enmity and machinations long disturbed the peace of his Court, but 

 he at last succeeded in expelling them, and they then retired to various 

 quarters, where they built forts and established principalities for them- 

 selves. 



The reign of Raja Pursottem Deo is rendered memorable by the most 

 striking exploit recorded in the annals of Orissa, viz. the expedition to 

 and conquest of Conjeveram. The circumstances of that transaction de- 

 serve to be rescued from oblivion, as well for the curious picture which 

 they afford of the manners and opinions of the age and nation, as from 

 their connection with an historical incident of some importance. The 



