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Rastrakutas of Kanyakubja and their Migration to Marwar

By M. L. Mathur

Vol. 20 · No. 2June - 1944pp. 153–166English

Summary

This study reconstructs the history of the Rastrakutas of Kanyakubja (Kanauj) and proposes that a branch of this dynasty migrated to the Marwar region. Using inscriptions and literary references, the author traces the genealogy of Rastrakuta rulers, their alliances and their conflicts with neighbouring powers. Political pressure and dynastic strife in Kanauj likely prompted members of the family to seek new territories. After moving westward, they established themselves in Marwar, where they continued to use their ancestral titles and patronised temples and local arts. The article analyses land grants, copper plates and epigraphs to identify rulers and dates and discusses how the migrants adapted to the socio-political environment of western India. It emphasises the mobility of early medieval warrior lineages and how their movements contributed to cultural diffusion. The research also notes the contributions of the Marwar Rastrakutas to regional administration and their interactions with Rajput clans.

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Conclusion

Based on epigraphic evidence, the author concludes that a Kanauj-based branch of the Rastrakutas relocated to Marwar, integrated with local society and maintained its dynastic identity through titles and patronage. This migration illustrates the fluidity of early medieval Indian politics and the role of mobile lineages in shaping regional histories.

Key passages

Chosen by AI from the article's text. Each one is checked word for word against the text before it is shown.

  • “Tradition has it that after the final overthrow of Jayacandra, by पीट invading arms of Shihb-ud-din Ghori 10 1194 A.D., a handful of the sucvivors, unwilling to submit to the conqueror, saihed forth under the leadership of Rao ડૉગ], said to be a grandson® of Jayacandra, te carve their fortune का the ‘scrub and desert of Rajputana.’”
  • “In view of the above theory some modern scholars® have come to the conclusion that Gaharwirs, when they migrated to Rajputana became known as Rathors, as it is beyond doubt thar Jayacandra was a ‘Gihadavala; while some others® hold that some 5૯૮0100 among पीट Gihadavilas was already known as ‘Rathor’ or ‘Rastrakiita’ and Jayacandra belong to that section of the Gahadavilas.”

Works cited in this article

  1. Tod, dAnnals and Anti. of Raj., Ed. By Crooke, vol. I, p. 161; vol. 11, p. 824.
  2. Bikaner Prasasti of Rai Singhji, the fort Bikaner. Ed. in JASB., vol. XVI (New Series) pp. 262 f.; Tn Singhari Inscription of Duhada ૪.૫. ૧૩૬૬.
  3. Smith, Early Hist. of India, 4th Ed., p. 399.
  4. Cambridge Hist, of India, vol. व, p. 521.
  5. The Hastikund: inscription of Dhawal. EI, vol. 2. pp. 17-24, Imp. Gazetteer of India, V1, p. 247.

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Texts & works

  • Jhansi stone-inscription
  • Surac grant

Dynasties, sects & groups

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