Question

Write a note on the different Rajput dynasties that existed during medieval India.

Answer 1

Instructions:
Name the 6 dynasties that existed and write 1-2 lines about each dynasty.

Solution:
The various Rajput dynasties that existed during medieval India were - Gurjara Pratiharas, Garhwalas, Paramaras, Solankis, Chandelas and Chauhans.

• Gurjara Pratiharas: Nagabhatta is the founder of this dynasty. The Prathiharas ruled Sindh region by keeping Kanauj as their capital city. They fought back the frequent Arab attacks. Mihara Boja and Mahendrapala, were the powerful rulers of this dynasty.
• Garhwalas:Chandradeva, the founder of this dynasty, ruled northern India keeping Varanasi as his capital city. Govinda Chandra is another important ruler of this dynasty.
• Paramaras:Paramaras came to prominence after the decline of Pratiharas.Upendra Krishnaraja, the feudatory king of Rashtrakutas, founded this dynasty. Dharanagar was their capital. Bhoja is the most popular king of Paramaras dynasty.
• Solankis:Moolaraja I is the founder of this dynasty. Though Bheema I is the most famous king of this dynasty, he could not protect the Somanatha temple from Ghazani’s invasion. During the rule of this dynasty, the famous Jain scholar Hemachandra compiled a Prakrith dictionary ‘Deshimala’.
• Chandelas: Dangha is the most famous king of Chandelas who prospered in Bundelkhand. Dhanga who had the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’ (King of Kings) extended military assistance to Hindu Shahi king Jayapala to fight back attacking Turks.
• Chauhans:The Chauhan Dynasty is the most prominent among the Rajputs. The dynasty started its rule in the Ajmer region of Rajasthan. The rulers of this dynasty; Ajaya Raja, Vigraharaja IV and Prithviraja III, made Chauhans the prominent rulers in the 12th Century. Prithviraj Chauhan, known for his bravery, defeated the Chandelas of Bundhelkhand, gaining Maheba and Kalinjer.