Literature: Kalhan’s Rajtarangini | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Rajatarangini Overview

• Title: Rajatarangini ("The River of Kings")
• Author: Kalhana, a Kashmiri historian
• Language: Sanskrit
• Period: 12th century CE

Content and Structure

• Historical Coverage: Documents the history of the Kashmir region from ancient times up to the 12th century.
• Verse Count: Consists of 7,826 verses.
• Books: Divided into eight books called Tarangas ("waves").

Significance

• Marks a new phase in ancient Indian historiography.
• Kalhana is noted not just for his account of Kashmir, but for his modern approach to historiography as seen in Rajatarangini.

Factors which favored growth of sense of history writing in Kashmir

Distinct Geography

• Kashmir's unique geographical position, being separated from mainland India, fostered a distinct cultural identity and a strong sense of regionalism.
• The rise of feudalism also strengthened regional sentiments across India, with local chronicles (gathageet) being written in various regions, though with less historiographical depth than in Kashmir's Rajatarangini.

Proximity to Central Asia and China

• Kashmir's closeness to Central Asia and China, regions with a rich tradition of history writing, influenced its own historical documentation.

Buddhism

• The development of Buddhism in Kashmir, which had a strong tradition of historiography and hagiography, contributed to the region's historical narrative.

Turbulent Period

• Kalhana wrote during a chaotic time after Harsha's reign, marked by wars and struggles. Through the Rajatarangini, he aimed to convey the futility of earthly possessions and pleasures.

Sources

• He drew upon the works of eleven earlier chroniclers from Kashmir as sources for his own writing.
• Kalhana's father, Champaka, served as a minister under King Harsa and later at the court of King Jayasimha, giving him access to valuable contemporary information.
• He examined royal charters, edicts, land grant records, contemporary documents, coins, and inscriptions as part of his research.

Content

Political: Kashmir's history from the first Hindu king Gonanda to AD 1149, covering genealogies and achievements of various dynasties.

• Books I-III: Early rulers, mythical and historical kings, with genealogical lists, including the Gonanda dynasty and others, based on Itihasa-Purana tradition.

Books IV-VIII: More reliable historical accounts from the early seventh century to the twelfth century.

• Book IV: Karkota dynasty's history, including powerful ruler Lalitaditya.
• Book V: Utpala or Varman dynasty's narrative.
• Book VI: History of kings like Yasaskara and Didda, with Didda being a prominent queen.
• Book VII: Lohara dynasty's rulers, including Samgramaraja.
• Book VIII: History of kings from Ucchala to Jayasimha, with eyewitness accounts of the twelfth century.

Misrule in Kashmir: Kalhana's critiques of local feudal elements and bureaucracy, emphasizing the need for strong royal authority.

Social: Descriptions of social life, dress, and economic practices in Kashmir, including agriculture and water works contributing to prosperity.

Kalhan’s views in history 

Kalhana's Views on Historiography and Writing History in the Rajatarangini

• Power of History: Kalhana believes that a good history can transport readers to the past, allowing them to explore events as if they were eyewitnesses. He emphasizes that history involves a unique form of creativity that remains relevant even after centuries.
• Unbiased Judgment: According to Kalhana, historians should be appreciated for their honest judgment of past events, free from personal biases. He stresses the importance of objectivity in historical writing.
• Authenticity through Detail: Kalhana’s detailed accounts of court intrigues are considered authentic due to his close access to the court, inherited from his father, who served in the court of King Harsha of the Lahora Dynasty.
• Lack of Patronage: Despite being under various kings, Kalhana did not receive patronage, which allowed him to write without bias. His work reflects a detailed and objective analysis, unlike other writers who wrote to please their rulers.
• Absence of Rhetoric: Kalhana’s writing is devoid of rhetorical flourishes and excessive praise, setting him apart from other historians who wrote under royal patronage.
• Value of Historians: Kalhana believes that the quality of a good historian surpasses even the value of nectar, as it immortalizes the glory of individuals and society.
• Critique of Earlier Historians: Kalhana criticizes earlier historians for their inaccuracies and for writing eulogies to please their patrons. He points out the shortcomings in their works.
• Criticism of Specific Texts: Kalhana critiques the text “Nripavali” for its lack of historical content and criticizes Suvrat’s writing for being concise to the point of being misleading.
• Narration vs. History: Kalhana argues that mere narration of events is not a valid way to write history, comparing it to a chronicle devoid of validity.
• Importance of Comprehensive Study: Kalhana emphasizes that history should be written only after thorough research and study.
• Technical Expertise: Kalhana demonstrates advanced technical skills by providing sources for his writing, including inscriptions, temple constructions, grant plates, coins, and various texts.
• Use of Records: Kalhana's use of records as reason-based sources is a significant contribution to history. He not only describes events but also seeks to understand and explain the conditions of the time.
• Learning from the Past: Kalhana believes that people should learn from the mistakes of their past, highlighting the importance of understanding historical events and their implications.

Criticism

• He wrote in Sanskrit and used an ornate style, mixing fiction with historical facts.
• There are some chronological inconsistencies in the early chapters, which rely on Puranas and legends.
• In the first three parts, covering over 3000 years, he seems to present folklore. For instance, he gives Ranaditya a reign of 300 years.
• He exaggerated Lalitaditya Muktapida's military conquests in Book IV.
• Regionalism is evident in his writing, such as incorrectly including the Mauryas as rulers of Kashmir.
• He showed gender bias, notably in his harsh criticism of Queen Didda.
• His writing reflects favoritism towards Brahmins.

Conclusion

• Despite some inconsistencies, the Rajatarangini is considered more important and historically significant than other works from the same period. It is regarded as the only authentic source for the history of early Kashmir.
• Kalhana's writing is unique and of higher quality compared to his contemporaries. No other historian from that time can be compared to him in terms of the depth and quality of his work.
• The Rajatarangini is an invaluable source of information about early Kashmir and its neighboring regions. It is widely referenced by later historians.
• Kalhana's work was continued by later writers, such as Jonaraja, but their contributions are considered inferior to his.