Toshali Sands

After 1541 A.D. the state of Orissa, particularly Puri ushered in a critical phase. There broke out and internal struggle for the throne. Treachery, intrigue, unrest and blood shed became the order of the day. Al last one, heroic general of the army, Mukunda Deva, captured the throne and consolidated the empire. But unfortunately he was assasinated in 1568 A.D. Towards 1568 A.D., Kalapahar one of the Afghan generals captured Puri came in to the hands of Muslim Governors. Even after the fall of Orissa in 1568 A.D. at the hands of the Turko-Afghans and subsequently by the Mughals in 1590 A.D. the cult of Jagannath at Puri did not lose its importance, Emperor Akbar, realised the political and economic importance of the cult, allowed Ramachandra Deva of the Bhoi dynasty, the king of Khurda to became the custodian of Lord Jagannath. During this time Todar Mall from Delhi and Raja Mansingh with his queen Gaura Rani paid a visit to Puri. It is said that Raja Mansingh had done some benevolent work at Puri.

In the subsequent years, there began a struggle between the King of Khurda and Muslim subedars of Cutack to control the Jagannath Temple at Puri. The Khurda Kings fought for their autonomy and control over Jagannath Temple through ritual privileges to establish their dominant position over the feudatory kings of Orissa. On the other hand, the Muslim governors of Cuttack fought for the annexation of Khurda in order to control the pilgrim centre of Puri for economic gain.