Medieval History of Kashmir
Utpala Dynasty
Ø The most momentous ruler of this dynasty was Avantivarman. He was also the founder of the Utpala dynasty.
Ø There was peace, tranquility, and prosperity during the period of Avantivarman.
Ø He was the one who saved Kashmir from political issues and economic disorder.
Ø Sheru was the Prime minister of Avantivarman.
Ø Avantiverman was also the founder of Avantipora, which was on the banks of the Jehlum. It is 25 kms away from the main city Srinagar. He was adorned with two temples, one dedicated to Shiva and other to Vishnu.
Ø Avantiverman’s reign is incomplete without mentioning the best engineer of ancient times named “Suyya”. He was the best engineer Kashmir produced ever.
Ø Suyya played an important role in checking the recurring floods and deprivation in the valley.
Ø After Avantiverman his son “Shankarvarman” succeeded him, but then it was the decline of the Utpala dynasty.
Ø Shankarvarman’s queen ascended the throne after im and she was later deposed.
Ø Suryavarman was the last ruler of the Utpala dynasty.
Gupta Dynasty
Ø The founder of this dynasty was Pravagupta.
Ø He was succeeded by his son Kshemagupta.
Ø Kshemagupta was a man of mediocre ability. He married a princess Didda. She was the daughter of the ruler of the Lohara dynasty.
Ø Queen Didda was the in fact ruler of the state. She was very dominating and avail immense influence over her husband. Kshemagupta was a trivial minion In her hand and was epithet as Deed-Kheema.
Note:
Ø Queen Didda (Didda Rani) struck the historical scene first as queen and then as a mother and was an ultimate ruler.
Ø The Kashmiris still use the term as Ded for mother or lady who is highly contemplative.
Ø Kshemagupta was succeeded by his infant son Anhimanyu and when he died, Didda placed his grandson one after on the throne.
Ø Didda was a ruthless and planned lady and led very everlasting life. But even with these drawbacks who was an able ruler, who firmly ruled the valley.
Ø She died in 1003 AD. She left her undisputed successive throne of Kashmir to her family.
Ø She imparts the crown to Sangram Raja, son of her brother Udairaj, the ruler of Lohara (Poonch). Because her children had died young.
Note: It was the time of Queen Didda, when she was on the throne and Mahmud of Ghazni tried to capture the valley two times but the fort of Lohara was remarkable for its height and strength and proved impregnable. The Sultan was obliged to abandon the conquest.
Lohara Dynasty
Ø The Lohara dynasty was created by Sangram Raja who was the son of Queen Didda. The Lohara dynasty was found amid Loharan.
Ø During the reign of Lohara Badshah, a plague broke out in the country and a terrible flood occurred which destroyed the entire crop. A few steps were taken that could help people.
Ø Harsha and his son Bhoja were killed by someone and the throne was given to two princesses, Uchhala and Sussala. The thinking of both princesses was similar to that of Harsha.
Ø The most powerful and able ruler of the Lohara dynasty was Jaisimha. The days before that were quite difficult because civil war and political unrest were going on during that time.
Ø Jaisimha somehow completed his 27 years of rule. Who was a very good and better Hindu leader.
Ø King Jaisimha got many temples and shrines to be repaired and the rest of the foundations were also laid during his reign.
Ø People heaved a sigh of relief after a long time.
Ø Jaisimha is said to be a great leader of Hindu times.
Ø The great historian Kalhana Pandit also completed his book (Rajtarangani) in the time of Jaisimha.
Ø The last ruler of the Lohara dynasty was Vanitadeva, who died in 1171 AD.
Decline of the Hindu rule.
Ø After the Lohara dynasty 1171 AD – 1339 AD there were many weak Kings.
Ø One of the kings at that time was Sahadev, who ruled Kashmir from 1301 to 1320 AD.
Ø Kashmir was invaded by a Tartar Chief Zulqadar Khan or zalachu (Dulucha) from Central Asia during the reign of Sahadev.
Who was Dulucha?
In the start of the 14th century, a barbarous Mongol Dulucha invaded the valley through the northern side of Zojilla Pass with an army of 60000 men. Dulucha carried swords and fire, destroyed towns and villages, and slaughtered thousands. His savage attack practically ended the Hindu rule in Kashmir.
During Sahadev's reign, a strange adventure was made, Shah Mir came from Swat territory, Richen came from Ladakh and Lankar Chak came from Dard territory which is close to Gilgit, they came to Kashmir and they played a very important role in the political history of Kashmir.
The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Udyan dev. It was chief queen Kota Rani who practically governed the state. She was the wife of Udyan Dev. She was very brave and an able leader. Odds were too heavy for her but though she tried to save her kingdom.