Early Medieval Age – Rajput Clans

Early Medieval age – Rajput clans discussed by Harsh

After the fall of Guptas as a major power in North India, the new regional principalities emerged in Indian subcontinent. The early Medieval denotes an intermediate period between the ancient and medieval period of Indian history. This period was roughly from 6th century AD to 12^th century AD. The Rajput clans was dominating the regions of west and north India during the early Medieval age.

The term Rajaputra was used for specific clans or used as a collective term for various clans, many of them emerged by 12^th century AD. The Agnikula Rajputs included the Pratiharas, Chaulukyas, Paramaras and Chahamans.

Also Read : Early Medieval Age – Eastern India, Kashmir and North-Western India

Feudal System (Samanta System) of Early Medieval India

Early Medieval Age – Sources and Political Narrative & Structure

Gurjara-Pratiharas

Gurjara-Pratiharas were among the various dynasties which were emerged in north India after the fall of Guptas. The dynasty was founded by a Brahman named Harichandra in Jodhpur. The word Pratiharas means “doorkeepers”. There is conflict about the origin of Gurjara tribes. Gurjara- Pratiharas came into prominence in second quarter of 8^th century AD as they resisted Arabs during the reign of Nagabhatta.

He ruled over Malwa, Rajputana and Gujarat. Nagabhatta, the second, moved to Kannauj and involved into constant conflict with Rashtrakutas and Palas. Bhoja, the grandson of Nagabhatta, came into power before c. 836 AD and ruled for 46 years. He was defeated by Rashtrakutas and Palas but later he won against them. Sulaiman, an Arab traveler gave military details of Bhoja. After that Mahipal faces setback by defeat of Rashtrakutas.

Chandellas

Chandellas established themselves in Bundelkhand region, founded by Nannuka in first quarter of 9^th century AD. Khajuraho was the capital of Chandellas. They expanded steadily under Jayashakti and Vijayashakti. They took advantage of the decline of Pratiharas. Dhanga was first independent Chandella king and adopted the title of Maharajadhiraja. They were boarded with Kalachuris of Chedi.

Kalachuris of Chedi

 They were neighbors of Chandellas. Kokkara was the earliest king of the dynasty during the c. 845 AD. Poet Rajashekhara who was associated with Mahendrapala, Mahipala and Pratiharas, was also associated with Kalachuris court. They suffered defeats from Chaulukyas and Paramaras of Malwa.

Paramaras of Malwa

They were adjacent to Kalachuris and originally based at Mt. Abu. Upendra was the earliest known king of the dynasty. Their capital was Dhara. They ruled in first quarter of 9^th century AD. They failed to emerged as an important power.

Chaulukyas of Gujarat

They at-least had three branches. The oldest branch ruled from Mattamayura in central India which included the kings like Simhavarman, Sadhanva and Avanivarman. Another branch was founded by Mularaja at Anahilapataka. Third branch was founded by Barappa in Lata at Broach. They were defeated by Paramaras and Chahamanas.

Chahamanas

They were oldest and ruled in Lata (southern Gujarat) till mid-8^th century AD. Later, another branch was founded by Lakshmana at Naddula in south Marwar. Third branch also there which was founded by Vasudeva at Shakambari in 7^th century who were originally were the subordinates of Pratiharas. They assumed independence during the reign of Simharaja.

Tomara Kingdom

They were adjacent to the Chahamanas. They ruled Hariyana country from Dhillika (Delhi). They were involved in conflict with Chahamanas and rule till 12^th century AD. They were overthrown by Vigraharaja of Chahamanas. Prithviraj was the nephew of Vigraharaja.

Thus, the Rajput clans played significant role in politics of north and west India during the early Medieval India age.