The book discusses the Political History of Early Medieval Kalahandi State (from 6 century AD to 13 century A.D) which is, however, a sub regional study. The research intends to understand the political condition, social life, temple art and architecture in the then Kalahandi district. Kalahandi was a Princely State before Indian Independence. On 16 December 1947, the last ruler of erst-while Kalahandi, Late Maharaja PK Deo signed the merger agreement with the Govt of India as the Maharaja, and the ruler of KARONDA On 1 January 1948, Odisha government took over its administration and formed a separate district under Orissa province such as, Kalahandi, Sonepur and Bolangir districts. On 1" November 1949, Kalahandi district was formed separately in Orissa. It thus appears that in pre independence period. Kalahandi was well known as Karunda.