The Pratiharas | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

The Gurjara-Pratiharas were a significant dynasty in early medieval India, known for their military prowess and successful resistance to foreign invasions.

Key Information about the Gurjara-Pratiharas

• The word Pratihara means "doorman."
• The Gurjara-Pratiharas emerged as a prominent power in the mid-8th century, especially under Nagabhata I, who successfully resisted Arab invasions.
• Bhoja, the greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty, is regarded as the true founder of their empire.
• The Pratiharas ruled over Kannauj for an extended period, and are often referred to as the Gurjara-Pratiharas.
• In the eastern and central regions of Rajasthan, the Pratiharas established several principalities.
• The expansion of the Gurjara-Pratihara Kingdom involved continuous conflicts with contemporaries like the Palas and Rashtrakutas.
• They clashed with the Rashtrakutas for control over Malwa and Gujarat, and later for Kannauj, which held strategic importance in the upper Ganga Valley.
• Early attempts by Pratihara rulers to expand their control over Malwa and the upper Ganga basin were thwarted by Dhruva and Gopal III of the Rashtrakuta kingdom.
• The Pratiharas were defeated by the Rashtrakutas in 790 and again in 806-07, after which the Rashtrakutas retreated to the Deccan, allowing the Palas to gain influence.
• The renowned poet Rajashekhara was associated with the court of Gurjara-Pratihara kings Mahendrapala and his son Mahipala.

Prominent Rulers of the Pratiharas:

1. Nagabhata I (730–760 AD):

   • Nagabhata I laid the foundation of the Pratihara dynasty's greatness and ruled from 730–756 AD.
   • He is remembered for successfully confronting the Arabs during the period when the caliphate was expanding.
   • Nagabhata I's empire stretched from Gujarat to Gwalior, where he resisted further Arab advances from Sindh.
   • He also fought against the Rashtrakuta ruler Dantidurga, though he was ultimately defeated.
   • Despite his defeat, Nagabhata I left his successors an extensive empire, including Gujarat, Malwa, and parts of Rajputana.
   • Nagabhata I was succeeded by his nephews, Kakkuka and Devaraja.

2. Vatsaraja (780–800 AD):

   • Devaraja's son Vatsaraja became a powerful ruler and reigned from 775 to 805 AD.
   • He consolidated his power and established Ujjain as his capital.
   • Vatsaraja expanded his control over north India, seeking to become its supreme ruler.
   • He annexed territories up to Kannauj and central Rajputra by defeating Bhandi, a dynasty possibly related to the Vardhanas.
   • His ambition to capture Kannauj led to conflicts with the Pala ruler Dharmapala of Bengal and the Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruva.
   • In this tripartite struggle, Vatsaraja initially defeated Dharmapala but was later defeated by Dhruva, who also captured Kannauj.
   • Vatsaraja was succeeded by Nagabhata II.

3. Nagabhata II (800–833 AD):

   • After Vatsaraja's defeat, Nagabhata II revived the Pratihara empire and extended its reach.
   • He conquered Sindh, Andhra, and Vidarbha.
   • Nagabhata II reasserted Pratihara control, defeating several regional rulers and restoring the empire’s dominance.
   • He fought against Chakrayudha and occupied Kannauj.
   • Although he defeated Dharmapala, Nagabhata II’s success was short-lived as he was later defeated by the Rashtrakuta ruler Govinda III.
   • However, Nagabhata II managed to recover Malwa from the Rashtrakutas.
   • He is also credited with rebuilding the great Shiva temple at Somnath, which had been destroyed in an Arab raid.
   • During his reign, Kannauj became the center of the Gurjara-Pratihara state, which at its peak, controlled much of northern India.
   • Nagabhata II was succeeded by his son Rambhadra, who proved to be a weak ruler and lost some territories to the Pala ruler Devapal.
   • Rambhadra was followed by his son Mihirbhoj, a strong and ambitious ruler.

4. Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja (836–885 AD):

   • Bhoja I, the grandson of Nagabhata II, was the most famous ruler of the Pratihara dynasty.
   • He ascended the throne in 836 AD and ruled for over 46 years, during which the Pratihara empire flourished.
   • Bhoja I consolidated and reorganized the empire inherited from his ancestors, ushering in an era of prosperity.
   • Kannauj, also known as Mahodaya, was the capital of his empire.
   • The Barrah Copper Plate inscription mentions the military camp at Mahodaya.
   • Bhoja I was a devout follower of Vaishnavism and took on the title "Adivaraha."
   • The Arabs of Sindh, the Chandalas, and the Kalachuris acknowledged his supremacy.
   • According to Arab travelers, the Pratihara army had the strongest cavalry in India.
   • The Arab traveler Al-Masudi referred to Bhoja I as "King Baura."

5. Mahendrapala (885–910 AD):

   • Mahendrapala expanded the Pratihara empire to its greatest extent, covering regions from the Narmada to the Himalayas, from Bengal in the east to the Sindh border in the west.
   • He was given the title "Maharajadhiraja of Aryavarta", meaning Great King of Northern India.
   • The court of Mahendrapala was graced by the renowned Sanskrit poet and critic Rajashekhara.
   • Among his literary works are Karpuramanjari, Kavya Mimansa, Balabharata, Bhrinjika, and others.

6. Mahipala I (913–944 AD):

   • During the reign of Mahipala I, the Pratihara empire began to decline.
   • The Rashtrakuta king Indra III defeated Mahipala I and sacked Kannauj.
   • Arab records, including those by Al-Masudi, suggest that the Pratihara kingdom lost access to the sea, allowing the Rashtrakutas to dominate Gujarat.

7. Rajyapala (960–1018 AD):

   • Rajyapala was defeated by Krishna III of the Rashtrakutas.
   • When Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Kannauj, Rajyapala fled from battle, and was later killed by Vindyadhar Chandela.

8. Yashpala (1024–1036 AD):

   • Yashpala was the last ruler of the Pratihara dynasty.
   • Around 1090 AD, the Gahadavalas took control of Kannauj.
   • Rajashekhara’s play Viddhashalabhanjika was performed at the court of Yuvaraja to celebrate their victory against the Rashtrakutas.

The Gurjara-Pratiharas played a crucial role in defending northern India from foreign invasions and establishing a prosperous empire in the region, particularly under rulers like Bhoja I and Mahendrapala. Their dynasty was known for strong military capabilities and cultural contributions during their reign.

Administration of the Gurjara-Pratiharas

Role of the King: The king's responsibilities included appointing samantas (feudal lords) and handling charitable grants. Samantas provided military support to the king and fought on his behalf. Although the advice of high-ranking officers was sought, there is no mention of a formal mantriparishad (council of ministers) in the inscriptions of that period.

Key Administrative Officers:

• Kottapala: The highest officer in charge of the fort.
• Tantrapala: The king’s representative in the samanta states.
• Dandapashika: Head of the police department.
• Dandanayaka: Responsible for both military and judicial matters.
• Dutaka: Delivered royal orders and grants to designated individuals.
• Bhangika: Wrote the official orders for charities and grants.
• Vynaharina: A legal expert who provided legal advice.
• Baladhikrat: Chief of the army.

Division of Territory: The empire was divided into multiple bhuktis (provinces), and each bhukti was further divided into mandals (districts), consisting of several cities and villages. This division helped in better administrative management.

Local Governance:

• Samantas were known as Maha Samantahipati or Maha Pratihara and played a significant role in governance.
• Mahattars (village elders) managed village-level administration.
• Gramapati (village officer) advised on village matters.
• City administration was handled by councils like Goshthi, Panchakula, Sanviyaka, and Uttarsobha, as mentioned in Pratihara inscriptions.

This efficient system of governance helped the Pratiharas defend their empire against foreign invaders, especially the Arabs.

Social Conditions under the Gurjara-Pratiharas

Caste Divisions:

• Brahmins were called Vipra, and different terms were used for Kshatriyas.
• Brahmins were divided into groups like Chaturveda and Bhatta.
• Among Vaishyas, groups like Kanchuka and Vakata were significant.

Account of Arab Writer: Arab writer Ibda Khurdadab identified seven castes during the Pratihara period, including Savakufria, Brahman, Kataria, Sudaria, Bandalia, and Labla.

• Kings came from the Savakufria class.
• Brahmins avoided alcohol and formed alliances with Kshatriya families.
• Sudaria were Shudras, often farmers or cattle herders.
• Basuria (Vaishyas) served the higher classes.
• Sandila were involved in low-status work, while Lahuda were wandering tribes.

Caste Flexibility: Over time, caste barriers began to erode:

• Inter-caste marriages became more common, and Vaishyas took on the work of Shudras.
• There was evidence of conversion to Islam in conquered regions, with purification rites allowing Hindus to re-enter society.
• Polygamy was practiced among the royal and wealthy, though most men had only one wife.
• Sati (widow immolation) existed but was not widespread.

1. Role of Women: Women, especially from royal families, were active in cultural pursuits:

   • Women engaged in music, dance, and painting.
   • There was no purdah (veil system) among royal women.
   • They loved ornaments, cosmetics, and fine clothing.

Art and Architecture under the Pratiharas

Mihir Bhoj, one of the greatest rulers of the Pratiharas, played a crucial role in promoting art and architecture.
Sculptures:

• Significant sculptures from this period include the Viswaroopa form of Vishnu and the Marriage of Shiva and Parvati from Kannauj.
• Other prominent works include Sursundari, a beautifully carved female figure exhibited in the Gwalior Museum.

Architectural Sites:

• Osian, Abhaneri, and Kotah have temples adorned with elaborate carvings.
• The Teli-ka-Mandir in Gwalior Fort is the oldest surviving large-scale structure of the Pratiharas.
• Temples in Roda and around Gwalior share similarities with those at Osian.

Temple Design:

• Early temples at Osian have five-bay mulaprasadas (temple towers) with porches and open halls.
• Hari-Hara III and the Surya Temple at Osian display detailed carvings and intricate designs.
• The Shrine portal of Hari-Hara III features mythological figures like Ganga, Yamuna, and Dikpalas.

Later Works:

• The Gyaraspur Temple marks an architectural advance, featuring an ambulatory and a more complex Shikhara (tower) structure.
• The Ambika Matha Temple at Jagat showcases a synthesis of elements like mulaprasada, Phamsana roofs, and purna-kalasha capitals.
• The Vishnu and Someshwara Temples at Kiradu reflect the artistic culmination of Pratihara architecture, with ornate designs and towering Shikharas.

Through these architectural developments, the Gurjara-Pratiharas made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of India, particularly in northern and central regions. Their attention to detail and aesthetic vision is reflected in the grandeur and intricacy of their temples and sculptures.