Motupalli Port & Inscription- UPSC Notes

Motupalli

Motupalli is an ancient port in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. It rose to prominence during the medieval kingdom of the Kakatiyas, which ruled the region between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Motupalli Port History

The Greek geographer Ptolemy (100-170 CE) mentions Mousopalli (for Motupalli port) as a metropolis and an inland city of pirates

In the early medieval period, Motupalli port became a primary sea-borne international trading centre and a cosmopolitan city. As a result, various kings took steps to ensure the security of the locals, merchants and traders from the pirate. However, its riches attracted invasion from other kingdoms, destabilizing its trade around 1100 CE.

In middle medieval times, Motupalli port was known as Desyuyakkonda Pattanam and Mutfili. Dynasties like Kakatiyas of Warangal, Reddis of Kondaveedu, and Sangamas of Vijayanagara promoted trade and commerce via Motupalli port. Foreign merchants were also welcome at this Port. Several Inscriptions like famous Motupalli Inscription tell about the importance of this port.

Motupalli Inscription was Issued by Whom?

The Motupali Inscription was issued by the Kakatiya ruler, Ganapati Deva. This historical document highlights the significance of the Motupalli Port during the Kakatiya dynasty, illustrating its role in trade and the administrative foresight of Ganapati Deva in promoting commerce and connectivity.

Motupalli Inscription 

Motipalli Inscription was dated 1244-45, issued by the Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva, carved on the pillar of the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple.

• Abhaya Sasana: The Abhaya Sasana is a royal charter of Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva, dated 1244-45 CE, carved on a pillar of the mandapa in front of Veerabhadra Swamy temple in Telugu and Sanskrit. It promised the sea-borne merchants security of their cargoes and a minimal duty on their shipments.

• On another pillar of the Veerabhadra Swamy temple is a similar charter of the Reddi king Annapota Reddi in Telugu and Tamil. Reddis recaptured Motupalli after Muhammad bin Tughlaq had taken control of the Kakatiyas after defeating Prataparudradeva in 1323 CE.
• Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara empire revised the charter of Annapota Reddy in 1390 CE.

Art facts found at Motupalli:

Several art forms were found at Motupalli Port:

• The Venetian (Italy) traveller, Marco Polo, who visited the Kakatiya kingdom during the reign of queen Rudramadevi, mentions diamonds, delicate cotton, fine silk clothes, muslin etc., as export items from Mutfili or Motupalli. Motupalli was described as a flourishing port.
• Coins of Rajaraja of the Chola dynasty
• Chinese coins of the Ming dynasty
• European roulette and stamped ware indicate that the Motupalli port existed since the 2nd century BCE and carried trade with Europe, China and South-East Asian Countries.