Ranasimha Paramara
Summary
The article by Ram Vallabh Semsani examines the reign of Ranasimha Paramara, a ruler of Abu and Chandravatti who seized power during a period of local rebellion against the Chalukya king Kumarapala. The main argument is that Ranasimha successfully usurped the throne of Chandravatti by exploiting the absence of the legitimate ruler, Dharavarsa Paramara, who was occupied fighting in Malwa. The author establishes the chronology of Ranasimha's rule between V.E. 1223 (1167 A.D.) and V.E. 1228 (1171 A.D.) through a detailed analysis of several epigraphic sources. Key evidence includes the Rohida and Pali plates, which provide the genealogical link between Ranasimha and the displaced king Vikrama Simha, and the Ajmer and Devkeetra inscriptions. The text also discusses the Afari inscription of V.E. 1223, the Acalefvara inscription of V.E. 1225, the Acalcivara temple inscription of V.E. 1228, and two inscriptions from the Juni temple of Kojas, which mention local chiefs and ministers. The author concludes that Ranasimha's rule was eventually terminated by Dharavarsa Paramara, who regained the throne during the reign of the Chalukya king Ajayapala, a fact supported by the Pindawara and Chandravat inscriptions dated to V.E. 1232 and V.E. 1233. The article further notes that Dharavarsa had the active assistance of his brother Prahaladana in his military campaigns, as described in the Suratnossava, Prartha-Parakrama-Vysyoga, and the Abu inscription of V.E. 1287.
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Conclusion
This article establishes the historical timeline and territorial extent of Ranasimha Paramara’s rule between V.E. 1223 and 1228. By analyzing various inscriptions, it demonstrates that Ranasimha successfully captured Chandravatti during a period of local rebellion and the prolonged absence of Paramara Dharavarsha. His reign, though brief, is confirmed by epigraphic evidence, including the Acalefvara and Acalisvara temple grants, which also indicate an unwielded administration. The study clarifies the political dynamics of the era, highlighting Ranasimha’s usurpation of power and the subsequent restoration of Dharavarsha under Chalukya Ajayapala. Ultimately, the findings provide crucial epigraphic data for understanding the complex power struggles between the Chalukyas and the Paramaras in the Malwa and Abu regions during the twelfth century.