Medieval-indian-history / Major Dynasties of Early Medieval Period / The Pratiharas
The Pratiharas
Sources:
- Prithvirajraso written by Chandbadrai is the first major source for Rajput history.
- According to this book Rajputs were originated from a fire sacrifice performed at Mt.Abu.
- Prithviraj Raso is considered as the one of first book in Hindi language.
- Colnel James Todd wrote “Annals of Rajputana” or “Rajasthan Kathavali”.
- According to James Todd, Rajputs were descendants of HUNs.
- Somadeva suri’s “Kathasaritha sagara” also gives details of Rajputs.
- Rashtrakuta poet Pampa also mentions about Gujara in his book.
Political History:
- Rajputs ruled Rajasthan and Gujarat region.
- They claimed their origin from Laxman.
- Prathiharas acted as bulwarks against Islamic invaders.
- Nagabhatta- 1 was the most famous and prominent king, he came into conflict with Rashtrakuta king Dhruva (tripartite warfare for Kannauj).
- Nagabhtta was followed by Vatsaraja.
- Vatsaraja defeated Dharmapala of Pala dynasty, but lost to Dhruv of Rashtrakuta dynasty.
- Mihirbhoj was the greatest among Prathiharas, he defeated Narayanpala of Pala. He ruled for a long time, 46 years.
- Mihirbhoj was mentioned by Arab travelers. Abu Suleman called him king Juzr, al-Masudi called king Baura.
- The last king Rajyapala was defeated by Krishna 3 of Rashtrakuta and Ghazni Mohammed.
- From 1000 AD onwards, Prathiharas became weak due to internal conflicts and the rise in feudal lords.
- This led to the fragmentation of Rajputs.
Architecture:
- There are notable examples of architecture from the Gurjara-Pratihara era, including sculptures and carved panels.
- They started Maru-Gujara style of architecture.
- Examples:
- Bateshwar Hindu temples complex, located near Gwalior (MP) Dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti.
- Baroli temple complex.
Rajput Kingdoms:
Rajputs formed various kingdoms, and some of them are listed below:
Chauhan Dynasty: They ruled the region of Ajmer and Delhi.
Sisodia Dynasty: They ruled the region of Mewar (Udaipur).
Kachwaha Dynasty: They ruled the region of Jaipur and Amber.
Rathore Dynasty: They ruled the region of Marwar (Jodhpur).
Hada Dynasty: They ruled the region of Kota.
Shekhawat Dynasty: They ruled the region of Sikar.
Bhatti Dynasty: They ruled the region of Jaisalmer.
