1.2 Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty (c. 8th–11th century CE)

1.2 Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty (c. 8th–11th century CE)

• Founder: Traditionally Nagabhata I (c. 730–760 CE), who checked Arab advances from Sindh into Malwa/Gujarat.
• Capital: Kannauj (after Nagabhata II shifted power there).
• Greatest ruler: Mihira Bhoja (Bhoja I) (c. 836–885 CE)
  • Title "Adivaraha" found on his coins.
  • Devotee of Vishnu (Varaha incarnation).
  • Described by Arab traveller Al-Masudi as ruler of a vast, prosperous kingdom with a strong army, especially cavalry.
• Mahendrapala I (successor of Bhoja I) further expanded the empire; his court poet was Rajashekhara.
• Decline: weakened by continuous wars with Rashtrakutas and Palas; later plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century (sack of Kannauj, 1018 CE).
• Later, many Rajput clans (Chauhans/Chahamanas, Chandelas, Solankis/Chaulukyas, Paramaras, Pratiharas of Mandore) trace descent from or emerged out of Gurjara-Pratihara political fragmentation — origin of the "Agnikula" (fire-born) legend of Rajput origin.

Key Facts / Quick Revision Points

• Gurjara-Pratiharas were staunch rivals of Arab expansion from Sindh — acted as a barrier protecting North India for nearly 3 centuries.
• Bhoja I's title: Adivaraha.
• Al-Masudi = Arab traveller who visited Bhoja's court.
• Kannauj sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni (1018 CE) — marked Pratihara decline.