SOAS Research Online

Abstract

After the collapse of the imperial power of the Guptas, Northern India was split up into a number of independent states. They were governed by numerous ruling dynasties till they were conquered by the Moslems In the latter part of the thirteenth century A.D. The history of India of this period, as a matter of fact, is the narrative of the rise and fall of these ruling houses. The Paramâras were one of those dynasties, who ruled in Malwa, Arthuna and Chandravati. Upendra, the founder of the family, was a member of the Rastrakuta race. He, with the help of the Râstrakuta Govinda III, established his authority in Malwa, about 810 A.D., by the total expulaion of the Gurjara-Pratihâras. Upendra's son, Dambarasimha, was the founder of the Arthuna branch. The fifth king, siyaka-Harsa, exalted the family to the imperial rank by defeating the Râstrakutas of the Deccan. Since then the family, following the custom of the age, assumed the mythical name Paramâra. Siyaka's son, Munja, was the founder of the Chandravati, Jalor and Bhinmal branches. Munja's nephew, Bhoja, was well known for his military success and literary achievements. The Paramâras lost their political power in the early years of the fourteenth century A.D. During their magnificent rule, Malwa rose to the acme of its glory, being enriched by literatures and adorned by beautiful temples and lakes.