🛡️ Gurjara-Pratiharas (Agnikula Rajputs)
Time Period: 8th to 11th Century AD
Founder: Harichandra
Arab Name: Called Al-Jurz by Arab travelers
Capital: Initially Bhilmal, later Kannauj (also known as Mahodaya)
🌍 Extent & Political Significance:
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By the 9th century, they controlled Madhyadesh and Kannauj.
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Played a key role in the tripartite struggle with Palas and Rashtrakutas for control of Kannauj.
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Known for resisting Arab invasions from the west.
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Maintained a strong military and administrative system.
👑 Important Rulers & Achievements:
| Ruler | Reign | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Nagabhata I | 730–760 AD | Expanded into Rajasthan, Malwa, Gujarat; repelled Arab invasion. |
| Vatsaraja | 780–800 AD | Defeated Dharmapala of Bengal, expanded empire further. |
| Nagabhata II | 800–833 AD | Clashed with Govinda III (Rashtrakuta); briefly lost Kannauj; later recovered it and revived power. |
| Mihira Bhoja | 836–885 AD | Greatest ruler; ruled from Punjab to Magadha; took title Adi Varaha (Vishnu devotee); Kannauj became political and cultural capital. |
| Mahendrapala I | 885–910 AD | Further expanded into Magadha and Bengal; patronized literature. |
| Mahipala I | 913–944 AD | Rebuilt the empire after setbacks; patronized Rajashekhar, a major Sanskrit literary figure. |
📚 Literature and Culture:
🖋️ Rajashekhar – Famous Court Poet
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Patronized by Mahendrapala I and Mahipala I.
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Notable Works:
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Karpuramanjari (Prakrit play, dedicated to his wife Avantisundari)
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Kavya Mimansa (Sanskrit treatise on poetics and composition)
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Others: Vidhasalabhanjika, Balaramayana, Balabharata, Bhusan Kosh
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🎭 Cultural Impact:
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Promoted Sanskrit and Prakrit literature.
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Kannauj under the Pratiharas became a major center of cultural renaissance.
🔻 Decline of the Gurjara-Pratiharas
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Reasons for Decline:
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Successive weak rulers.
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Internal divisions and continuous wars with Palas and Rashtrakutas.
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Rise of powerful regional Rajput clans such as:
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Chalukyas of Gujarat
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Chandelas of Bundelkhand
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Paramaras of Malwa
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Gahadavalas of Kannauj
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Tomars, Kalachuris, Guhilas, Chahmanas (Chauhans)
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📆 Timeline of Key Events:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 730 | Nagabhata I establishes foundation |
| 780–800 | Vatsaraja defeats Palas |
| 800–833 | Nagabhata II clashes with Rashtrakutas |
| 836–885 | Mihira Bhoja’s rule (zenith of power) |
| 885–910 | Mahendrapala I extends empire eastward |
| 913–944 | Mahipala I restores stability |
| 10th century | Decline begins; regional kingdoms emerge |
📌 Additional Important Points for UPSC:
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Tripartite Struggle: Key event involving Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Pratiharas for control of Kannauj.
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Mihira Bhoja’s Barah Copper Plate mentions Kannauj as Skandhavara (military camp).
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First major Indian dynasty to effectively resist Arab invasions in western India.
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Belonged to the Agnikula Rajput lineage, like Chahmanas and Parmaras.
📝 MCQs for Practice:
1. Which Pratihara ruler took the title "Adi Varaha"?
A) Mahipala I
B) Mihira Bhoja
C) Nagabhata II
D) Vatsaraja
👉 Answer: B) Mihira Bhoja
2. Who was the author of "Karpuramanjari"?
A) Kalidasa
B) Dandin
C) Rajashekhar
D) Banabhatta
👉 Answer: C) Rajashekhar
3. The capital of the Pratihara empire was shifted from Bhilmal to:
A) Ujjain
B) Kannauj
C) Delhi
D) Varanasi
👉 Answer: B) Kannauj
4. What was the major reason for the decline of the Pratiharas?
A) Buddhist revolts
B) Invasion by the Huns
C) Rise of regional Rajput kingdoms
D) Economic depression
👉 Answer: C) Rise of regional Rajput kingdoms