In-depth exploration of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty’s legacy, focusing on their influence over Kannauj, and advancements in art, architecture, and governance.

Origin and Background of the Pratihara Dynasty

• The Pratiharas ruled over Kanauj for a long time and are also called Gurjara Pratiharas.
• Most scholars consider that they originated from the Gurjaras, who were pastoralists and fighters, like the Jats.
• The Pratiharas established a series of principalities in central and eastern Rajasthan.
• Epigraphy helps us trace the origin of the Pratiharas.
• Pratiharas were descendants of Lakshmana of the solar race of the great epic, the Ramayana.
• Some scholars opine that they were a branch of the Gurjara race.
• They are mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II, the records of Hieun Tsang, and the Hashacharita of Bana.
• It is known from the Rashtrakuta record that the Pratiharas belonged to the Gurjara stock.
• Some scholars believe that the Gurjaras were central Asiatic nomads who accompanied the Hunas into India.
• Others opine that the Gurjaras were of indigenous origin.
• Another opinion is that the Pratiharas were a tribe from the land called Gurjaradesa.
• The expression "Pratihara" means protector or "one who takes over the enemy or opponent."

Rise of the Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty

• The Gurjara Pratihara dynasty was founded by Nagabhatta I in the region of Malwa in the eighth century C.E.
• He belonged to a Rajput clan.
• Pratihara dynasty gained importance during the reign of Nagabhatta I, who ruled between 730-756 C.E.
• He was successful against the Arabs.
• The Pratiharas, who first had their capital at Bhinmal, gained prominence under Nagabhatta I, who offered stout resistance to the Arab rulers of Sind who were trying to encroach on Rajasthan, Gujarat, the Punjab, etc.
• The Arabs made a big thrust towards Gujarat but were decisively defeated by the Chalukyan ruler of Gujarat in 738.

Expansion and Conflicts

• The early Pratihara rulers' efforts to extend their control over the upper Ganga valley and Malwa were defeated by the Rashtrakuta rulers Dhruva and Gopal III.
• He established an empire extending from Gujarat to Gwalior and defied the Arab invasions towards the east of Sindh.
• He fought against Dantidurga, the Rashtrakuta ruler, as well and was defeated.
• The success of Dantidurga was short-term, and Nagabhatta left a far-reaching empire for his successors, including Gujarat, Malwa, and parts of Rajputana.
• Nagabhatta I was succeeded by his brother's sons, Kakkuka and Devaraja.
• Devaraja was succeeded by his son Vatsaraja, who ruled from C.E 775 to 805.
• Vatsaraja's ambitions to capture Kannauj brought the Pratiharas into conflict with the Pala dynasty of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of the northern Deccan.
• Vatsaraja successfully defeated Pala ruler Dharmapala and Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga for control of Kannauj.
• Vatsaraja was succeeded by Nagabhata II, who was initially defeated by Rashtrakuta ruler Govinda III but later recovered Malwa from the Rashtrakutas.

The Tripartite Struggle

• Satish Chandra mentions that the Rashtrakuta king Dhruva from South India initiated what is known as the Tripartite Struggle, which lasted for about the next hundred and fifty years.
• The Gurjara-Pratiharas continued to maintain their hold over Kannauj till the last.
• Vatsaraja was succeeded by Nagabhata II, who revived the lost prestige of the empire by conquering Sindh, Andhra, and Vidarbha.
• After the defeat of Vatsaraja by Dhruva, the Pratihara empire was limited to Rajputana.
• Nagabhata II revived the policy of conquest and extended the empire by defeating the rulers of Andhra, Saindhava, Vidarbha, and Kalinga.
• He subdued Matsayas in the North, Vatsas in the East, and Turuskka (Muslims) in the West.
• Nagabhata II attacked Kannauj, defeated Chakrayudha, and occupied it.
• He also succeeded in defeating Dharmapala and entered his territories as far as Munger in Bihar.

Mihirbhoja's Reign and Glory

• Although initially defeated by the Rashtrakuta ruler Govinda III, Nagabhata II later recovered Malwa from the Rashtrakutas.
• He rebuilt the great Shiva temple at Somnath in Gujarat, which had been demolished in an Arab raid from Sindh.
• Kannauj became the center of the Gurjar Pratihara state, which covered much of northern India during their peak.
• Mihirabhoja, the greatest among the Pratihara rulers, began expanding the empire in 836 C.E.
• King Mihirabhoja conquered vast areas, bringing Rajputana and several other provinces under his control.
• King Kakkata of Mandsor, a samanta of Nagabhata, became the ruler of this region again.
• Mihirabhoja brought Bahuka under his control after he had defeated several kings.
• Chatasu inscription of Jaipur mentions that Mihirabhoja controlled the southern portion of Rajputana.

Decline of the Pratihara Dynasty

• Rajatarangini of Kalahana and Pahewa inscription indicate that the Karnal region of the eastern Punjab was under Mihirabhoja's control.
• During Mihirabhoja's reign, the Rashtrakuta kings Amoghavarsa and Krishna II were weak, and Mihirabhoja captured Kannauj, extending his empire up to the Narmada.
• However, Mihirabhoja was later defeated by Dhruva II of Gujarat, and the war between the Rashtrakutas and Bhoja continued for several years.
• King Devapala of the Pala dynasty, a strong ruler during Mihirabhoja’s reign, controlled territories from the Himalayas to the Vindhyas.
• Mihirabhoja conquered many provinces, including Karnal, western and southern Saurashtra.
• Al-Masudi, a foreigner, praised Mihirabhoja’s vast empire, which extended over 1,80,000 villages and had a powerful army.
• Mihirabhoja’s administration was praised by the Arab traveler Suleman.
• Mihirabhoja’s empire was one of the most powerful of the Pratihara dynasty.

Cultural and Religious Contributions

• Mihirabhoja was a great patron of arts and literature, with poet Rajasekhara adorning his court.
• His reign was regarded as the glorious period of Pratihara ascendency.
• Mahendrapala succeeded his father Mihirabhoja and extended the empire further, continuing his father’s patronage of the arts.
• The followers of Shaiva religion worshipped Siva with different names such as Indra, Sankar, Pashupati, Yoga Swami, Shambhu, etc.
• Many kings such as Vatsaraja, Mahendrapala, and Trilochanapala were devotees of Siva.
• The Gurjara-Pratihara rulers were great patrons of arts, architecture, and literature.
• The Teli-ka-Mandir in Gwalior is the oldest surviving large-scale Pratihara work, dedicated to the Shakti cult.
• This era marked the progress of Brahmanical religion, including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Surya worship.
• Shaiva worship was particularly prominent among the rulers.
• Donations for temples were common, and temples served as symbols of grandeur.

Aftermath and Legacy

• After the decline of the Pratihara dynasty, various regional powers such as the Chandelas, Rajputs, and others took their place.
• Dr. R.C. Majumdar observed that the Gurjara Pratihara Empire, which continued in full glory for nearly a century, was the last great empire in Northern India before the Muslim conquest.
• Many historians mistakenly accorded this honor to the empire of Harsha, but the Pratihara Empire was larger and rivaled the Gupta Empire.
• The Pratihara Empire brought political unity and its attendant blessings to a large part of Northern India.
• The Pratihara Empire successfully resisted foreign invasions from the west, from the days of Junaid, which was recognized by Arab writers themselves.

Prominent Rulers of Pratiharas

• The Gurjara-Pratiharas were prominent rulers who came to prominence in the second quarter of the 8th century. They resisted Arab invasions and established a powerful empire.
• The Pratiharas, also known as Gurjara-Pratiharas, ruled over Kannauj for a long time and founded several principalities in eastern and central Rajasthan.
• They engaged in constant conflicts with contemporary powers such as the Palas and Rashtrakutas, fighting for control over regions like Malwa, Gujarat, and Kanauj.
• Notable figures associated with the Gurjara-Pratiharas include Bhoja, Nagabhata II, and Mahendrapala, who significantly contributed to the expansion and consolidation of the empire.
• The Pratihara dynasty saw several prominent rulers who contributed to its expansion and consolidation:
  • Nagabhata I, who successfully resisted Arab invasions and established an empire extending from Gujarat to Gwalior.
  • Vatsaraja, who expanded control over northern India and engaged in conflicts with the Pala and Rashtrakuta rulers.
  • Nagabhata II, who revived the empire's prestige through conquests and reconstructions, such as rebuilding the Somnath temple.
  • Bhoja I, also known as Mihir Bhoja, who reorganized and consolidated the empire, ushering in an era of prosperity.
  • Mahendrapala and Mahipala, who further expanded the empire's territories and influence.

Administration of the Pratiharas

• The administration of the Pratiharas was organized and efficient, with kings holding the highest authority. Various officers and officials were appointed to manage different aspects of governance, including fort administration, representation in samanta states, policing, military affairs, and granting orders and charities.
• The state was divided into bhuktis and mandals for administrative convenience, with local administration managed by Samantas and village elders.
• Councils were responsible for city administration, ensuring the smooth functioning of urban areas.

Social Conditions under Pratihara Rule

• Social conditions under Pratihara rule reflected the prevalent caste system of India. The society was divided into various castes and classes, with notable groups such as Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras. Interactions between these classes and inter-caste marriages were observed, indicating a gradual breaking down of caste barriers.
• While polygamy was practiced among kings and the wealthy, sati pratha (widow burning) was present but not widespread. Women in royal families enjoyed relative freedom, engaging in activities such as music, dance, and painting.
• Ornamentation, cosmetics, and fine clothing were common among the affluent, reflecting the prosperity of the period.

Development of Art and Architecture

• The Gurjara-Pratihara rulers were great patrons of arts, architecture, and literature. They left behind a rich legacy of sculptures, temples, and architectural marvels.
• Notable examples include the Viswaroopa form of Vishnu, the Marriage of Siva and Parvati, and the Sursundari sculpture.
• Architectural works attributed to the Pratiharas include temples at Osian, Chittor, and Roda, showcasing intricate carvings, Latina shikharas, and Phamsana roofs.
• The Teli-ka-Mandir in Gwalior is one of the oldest surviving large-scale Pratihara works, featuring a unique blend of architectural styles.