The Chandelas for Uttar Pradesh upper sub-ordinate exam

Facts related to Uttar Pradesh

  • Yashovarman, also known as Lakshavarman, was a king of theChandela dynasty of India. He ruled in the Jejakabhukti region (Bundelkhand in present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh).
  • The Khajuraho inscription also states that Yashovarman turned the riversGanga and Yamuna into his “pleasure-lakes”, and that the waters of these rivers became muddy when his might elephants bathed in them. This suggests that Yashovarman controlled the area around present-day Allahabad.
  • The Chandelas initially ruled as feudatories of thePratiharas of Kanyakubja (Kannauj).

From the ninth century to the 13th century, the Chandelas ruled over central India. Their first capital city was Khajuraho, which was later shifted to Mahotsava Nagar or Mahoba. They are regarded to be Chandravanshi; i.e., the descendents of Soma (Sanskrit literal meaning: moon). The roots of Chandela Rajput can be traced to Sapai, which was popularly known as Samapada Nagar. The title given to them was Rao. They are the only hereditary title holders of Kanpur district. After the Muslim invasion the royals resided in Sapai. It was also called Sampada Nagar.

The kingdom of the Chandels of Khajuraho were always a part of this large empire of the Gurjara Pratiharas, the extent of which varied with the fortunes of the kings. The Chandel rulers for about hundred years that is, from Nannuk till Harsh Dev, were but vassals of the Pratiharas. They proclaimed themselves independent when the Pratihara empire weakened and disintegrated. Earlier, the Pratiharas helped the Chandels and other kings of the region in defending the country from the aggression of Muslim invaders from the Middle East. This collective defence against the invaders rendered security in the region which created favourable circumstances for encouraging art and culture.

The founder of the Chandel dynasty, Nannuk was the ruler of a small kingdom. According to inscriptions, he was the chief of his clan in the first quarter of the ninth century. Epigraphic records show that Khajuraho, then called Khajuravatika -Bearer of Dates or Khajuravatika – Garden of Dates, was the stronghold of Nannuk and his people. Later on, his descendants linked their lineage with the Moon or with Chandratreya of the legend, in order to attribute some divine links to the origin of their dynasty. Vakapati succeeded his father Nannuk during the second quarter of the ninth century.

The celebrated Gurjar king, Mihir Bhoja was his contemporary. Samrat Mihir Bhoj had to fight many battles against his two enemies, the Devapala of Bengal and Kokal, the Kalchuri king. Vakapati the ruler of Khajuraho, had to often assist Pratiharas in the battle field, because he was a vassal of the Pratiharas. The inscription mention the Vindhya Hills, one of the frequent places of warfare, as the pleasure mount (Krida-giri) of Vakapati. It can be inferred on the basis of this inscription that Vakapati managed to extend his territory so as to include some hills of the Vindhyas, Jaishakti and Vijayshakti, the two sons of Vakapti, succeeded him, one after the other. Both the princes were strong and valorous and annexed considerable territories to their kingdom.

Jaishakti, the elder brother who ruled first, was also called Jai Jak and from this name the region ruled by the Chandelas acquired the name of Jaijikbhukti. He was succeeded on the throne by his younger brother, Vajaishakti. According to Khajuraho inscriptions, Vijaishakti fought many battles and subjugated a number of neighbouring areas. The exploits and deeds of bravery of Jai and Vijai are oftern sung in ballands as if the two were joint rulers. Nannuk, Jai and Vijai over a period of time added large chunks of adjoining territories to their domain, and whatever was their status viz a viz The Palas of Bengal and Pratiharas their overlords, they always were the master of the land they held. Rahil, the son of Vijaishakti, ascended the throne after him.

The village Rahilya which is 3 km south west of Mohaba was named after him. There he also built a tank known as Rahilyasagar and a temple on its banks, which is now in ruins. The period of rule of Rahil is said to be of only twenty years and is credited to the end of the ninth century. He was succeeded by his son Harshdev around 900 AD. Harshdev earned for himself a memorable place in the history of Chandel rulers. In the 25 years or so of his rule, he extended his territory and enhanced the prestige of his dynasty. He was the first Chandel prince whose power was to be reckoned with in those times.

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The Chandelas were a Rajput dynasty that ruled over parts of central India from the 8th to the 14th centuries. They were known for their military prowess and their patronage of art and architecture.

The Chandelas were originally a branch of the Pratihara dynasty, which ruled over much of northern India in the 8th and 9th centuries. In the late 8th century, the Chandelas broke away from the Pratiharas and established their own kingdom in Bundelkhand, an area that is now part of the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The Chandelas reached the height of their power in the 11th and 12th centuries. During this time, they built many magnificent temples, including the Khajuraho temples, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chandelas were also known for their military prowess. They fought against the Turks and other invaders, and they were able to maintain their independence for over 500 years.

The Chandelas declined in the 13th century, and they were eventually overthrown by the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century. However, their legacy lives on in the form of their magnificent temples and their contributions to Indian art and architecture.

Origin of the Chandelas

The Chandelas were originally a branch of the Pratihara dynasty, which ruled over much of northern India in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Pratiharas were a powerful dynasty that was founded by Vatsaraja in the 7th century. They were able to extend their rule over much of northern India, and they were a major force in Indian politics for over 200 years.

The Chandelas were a feudatory of the Pratiharas, and they ruled over a small territory in Bundelkhand. In the late 8th century, the Chandelas broke away from the Pratiharas and established their own kingdom. This was a time of great political instability in India, and the Chandelas were able to take advantage of this to expand their territory.

Rise of the Chandelas

The Chandelas reached the height of their power in the 11th and 12th centuries. During this time, they built many magnificent temples, including the Khajuraho temples, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chandelas were also known for their military prowess. They fought against the Turks and other invaders, and they were able to maintain their independence for over 500 years.

The Chandelas were able to expand their territory by defeating their enemies in battle. They also made alliances with other powerful dynasties, such as Cholas/”>The Cholas and the Palas. This allowed them to consolidate their power and expand their kingdom.

The Chandelas were also patrons of art and architecture. They built many magnificent temples, including the Khajuraho temples, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These temples are famous for their erotic sculptures, which are some of the finest examples of Indian art.

Chandela rule

The Chandelas ruled over Bundelkhand for over 500 years. During this time, they were able to maintain their independence from the Delhi Sultanate and other powerful dynasties. They were also able to expand their territory and build many magnificent temples.

The Chandelas were a powerful and influential dynasty. They were able to maintain their independence for over 500 years, and they made a significant contribution to Indian art and architecture.

Decline of the Chandelas

The Chandelas declined in the 13th century, and they were eventually overthrown by the Delhi Sultanate in the 14th century. This was a time of great political instability in India, and the Chandelas were unable to withstand the attacks of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Chandelas were also weakened by internal conflicts. There were several SUCCESSION disputes, and this weakened the dynasty. The Chandelas were also affected by the Mongol invasions. The Mongols raided Bundelkhand several times, and this further weakened the dynasty.

Legacy of the Chandelas

The Chandelas left a lasting legacy on Indian history. They were a powerful and influential dynasty, and they made a significant contribution to Indian art and architecture. The Khajuraho temples are a testament to their artistic and architectural skills. The Chandelas also played an important role in the history of Bundelkhand. They were able to maintain their independence for over 500 years, and they made a significant contribution to the development of the region.

The Chandelas were a Rajput dynasty that ruled over Bundelkhand in central India from the 8th to the 16th centuries. They were known for their military prowess and their patronage of art and architecture.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Chandelas:

  1. Who were the Chandelas?
    The Chandelas were a Rajput dynasty that ruled over Bundelkhand in central India from the 8th to the 16th centuries. They were known for their military prowess and their patronage of art and architecture.

  2. When did the Chandelas rule?
    The Chandelas ruled over Bundelkhand from the 8th to the 16th centuries.

  3. Where did the Chandelas rule?
    The Chandelas ruled over Bundelkhand, which is a region in central India.

  4. What was the capital of the Chandela kingdom?
    The capital of the Chandela kingdom was Khajuraho.

  5. What were the Chandelas known for?
    The Chandelas were known for their military prowess and their patronage of art and architecture.

  6. What are some of the famous monuments built by the Chandelas?
    Some of the famous monuments built by the Chandelas include the Khajuraho temples, the Ajaigarh Fort, and the Kalinjar Fort.

  7. What happened to the Chandelas?
    The Chandelas were overthrown by the Mughals in the 16th century.

  8. What is the legacy of the Chandelas?
    The Chandelas left behind a rich legacy of art, architecture, and culture. Their monuments are still admired today for their beauty and craftsmanship.

  9. What are some of the challenges facing the Chandelas today?
    Some of the challenges facing the Chandelas today include POVERTY, illiteracy, and lack of development.

  10. What are some of the efforts being made to address these challenges?
    Some of the efforts being made to address these challenges include government programs to provide Education and EMPLOYMENT opportunities, as well as initiatives to promote tourism.

  1. The Chandelas were a Rajput dynasty that ruled over Bundelkhand in central India from the 10th to the 16th centuries.
  2. The Chandelas were known for their military prowess and their patronage of art and architecture.
  3. The Chandelas built many temples and forts in Bundelkhand, including the Khajuraho temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  4. The Chandelas were eventually overthrown by the Mughals in the 16th century.

Here are some MCQs on the Chandelas:

  1. Which of the following is not a city that was ruled by the Chandelas?
    (A) Khajuraho
    (B) Mahoba
    (C) Kalinjar
    (D) Gwalior

  2. Which of the following is not a temple that was built by the Chandelas?
    (A) Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
    (B) Lakshmana Temple
    (C) Vishwanath Temple
    (D) Jagannath Temple

  3. The Chandelas were overthrown by which of the following dynasties?
    (A) The Mughals
    (B) The Marathas
    (C) The British
    (D) The Rajputs

  4. The Chandelas were known for their:
    (A) Military prowess
    (B) Patronage of art and architecture
    (C) Both (A) and (B)
    (D) Neither (A) nor (B)

  5. The Chandelas ruled over Bundelkhand from the:
    (A) 10th to the 16th centuries
    (B) 11th to the 17th centuries
    (C) 12th to the 18th centuries
    (D) 13th to the 19th centuries

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