Major Dynasties of Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Chhattisgarh officially became a state on November 1, 2000. In ancient times, it was known as Dakshin Kosala, with its mythological history tracing back to the Mahabharata and Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Rama spent part of his 14-year exile in this region. The continuous history of Chhattisgarh, or South Kosala, can be traced to the 4th century AD.
• Apart from its ancient history, the documented history of Chhattisgarh begins in the 4th century AD. During the 6th to 12th centuries, various kingdoms, including the Sarabhpurias, Panduvanshi, Somvanshi, Kalchuri, and Nagvanshi, ruled the area. Originally known as South Kosala, the region became known as Gondwana during the medieval period. Later, it became part of the Kalchuri empire, which controlled the region until the late 18th century AD. Muslim chroniclers of the 14th century AD provided detailed accounts of the dynasties that ruled this region.
• Around the 16th century, Chhattisgarh came under the influence of the Mughals, followed by the Marathas. By 1758, the Marathas had taken control of the entire region, exploiting its natural resources. The term 'Chhattisgarh' gained popularity during the Maratha rule and was first used officially in 1795. In the early 19th century, the British arrived and incorporated most of the territory into the Central Province. After 1854, the British administered the region as a deputy commissionership with Raipur as its headquarters.

Kalchuri Dynasty

• Kalchuri Dynasty, spanning from 875 AD to 1741 AD, marked the beginning of the political landscape in Chhattisgarh, ruling for approximately seven decades.
• The Kalchuris were Haeyeh Rajputs who followed the Shev Dharma. They had two branches in Chhattisgarh: Ratanpur and Raipur, with their rule ending due to Maratha invasions in 1749.
• In the late 9th century, the Kalchuris from the Trivpuri region sought to establish dominion. Shankar II, son of Kookal I, defeated Vikramaditya of the Banvanshi dynasty and claimed the Pali region, making Tumaan the initial capital.
• However, their rule was short-lived as they were vanquished by the Somvanshi king of Sonpur in Orissa. Around 1000 AD, Kalingraj, son of Kookal II, reestablished the Kalchuri dynasty, earning recognition as the true founder.

Ratanpur Branch

• Ratanpur was the primary branch of the Kalchuri dynasty. Shankar II's victory in the Trivpuri region led to the establishment of this branch, with Tumaan as its capital.
• Subsequently, the Somvanshi ruler of Orissa overcame Shankar II's reign.

Raipur Branch

• The Raipur branch emerged as the second offshoot of the Kalchuris. Over time, the Kalchuris of Ratanpur divided into additional branches, with the Accessory branch being established.
• By the late 14th century, Ristedar Lakshmidev Klvatika, a representative of the king of Ratanpur, led to a split. Lakshmidev's son, through victories in 18 battles, declared independence, disregarding Ratanpur's authority.
• Chief Rulers of Ratanpur Branch:
  • Kokkl first (850-890 AD)
  • Klingraj (1000 – 1020 AD)
  • Ratanraj (1045 – 1065 AD)
  • Prithvidev First (1065 – 1090 AD)
  • Jajwlydev First (1090 – 1120 AD)
  • Ratadev II (1120 – 1135 AD)
  • Prithvidev II (1135 – 1165 AD)
  • Jajwlydev II (1165 – 1168 AD)
  • Jagtdev (1168 – 1178 AD)
  • Ratndev III (1178 – 1198 AD)
  • Raghunath Singh (1932 – 1941 AD) – the last ruler
  • The last ruler of the Raipur branch was Shivrajasinghdev (1750 – 1757 AD).

Nal Dynasty

• The Nal Dynasty had its capital in Puskari (Bhopalpatnam) and ruled between the 5th to 12th centuries. 
• The dynasty was founded by Vrahraj (Shishuk) and was spread across the Bastar region.
• The mighty ruler of the Nal Dynasty was BhavduttVarman.
• There was a long-standing conflict with the contemporary Vakataka dynasty.
• NarendraSen of the Vakataka dynasty briefly conquered a part of the Nal Dynasty's territory but lost it to BhavduttVarman.
• Pulakeshin II of the Pallavanshi dynasty later conquered the region, leading to the construction of many temples.
• Successors of Pulakeshin II included rulers like Vikramaditya, Vinayaditya, Vikramaditya II, and Kritiwarmn II.
• Vyagraj was defeated by Samudragupta.
• One of the notable constructions during this period was Vilasatung (712 AD) – Rajim Rajiv Lochan in the Panchayatan style.

Rajarsitulya Dynasty

The Rajarsitulya Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in Chhattisgarh during the 4th to 6th centuries. It was established by Shur and was centered in the capital city of Aarang. The dynasty's existence is supported by the Arang copper plate, associated with Bhimsen II of the Gupta dynasty. The Rajarsitulya rulers operated under the Gupta rulers.
The dynasty comprised six rulers:

• Shur - Founder
• Dayit I
• Vibheeshan
• Bhimsen I
• DayitVarma II
• Bhisen II - Last Ruler

The Rajarsitulya Dynasty was eventually displaced by the Pandu Dynasty, which held power from the 6th to the 7th century.

Sharabhpuriya Dynasty

The Sharabhpuriya Dynasty, also known as the Amrarya or Amraj Dynasty, ruled from 475 to 590 AD with Sharabhpur as its capital and Sirpur as the sub-capital. This dynasty was founded by Sharabh and acknowledged the supremacy of the Gupta dynasty. The Pandu Dynasty later overthrew the Sharabhpuriya rulers.
The key rulers of this dynasty were:

• Sharabh: The founder, mentioned in the Eran inscription of Bhanugupta, the last Gupta ruler.
• Narendra: Noted for his devotion to Vishnu.
• Prasnmatra: A significant king who established Prasnnpur near the Needlariver, Malhar. He is the only known Sharbhpuriya king with discovered gold coins.
• Sudevraj: Expanded the dynasty's influence, making Sirpur the sub-capital. His feudatory was Indrabal.

Pandu Dynasty

• Maikal Range Branch (Capital – Amarkantak)
• DakshinKoshal Branch (Capital – Sirpur, also known as Som Dynasty)

Rulers of Pandu Dynasty

• Udayan: Established the Koshal branch of the Pandu dynasty.
• Indrabal: Regarded as the true founder of the dynasty.
• Tivrdev: Assumed the title of Sakalkoshadipti; contemporary of Kalchuri ruler Prithvidev with the same title.
• Queen Vasta: Daughter of the King of Kannauj, married to Harsh Gupta.
• Mahashivagupta: Son of Harsh Gupta, a prominent ruler known for promoting Shaivism and ushering a golden age in Chhattisgarh.

Ban Dynasty

• Founding: Established in the 9th century by Malldev after being overtaken by Kalchuri ruler Shankargan from Vikramaditya.
• Shiva Temple in Pali: Constructed by Vikramaditya, showcasing the dynasty's religious and architectural contributions.