Rajatarangini
Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (Retd.) |
Rajatarangini (राजतरंगिणी) is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western India, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian, Kalhana Pandita (कल्हण) in 12th century AD.
Earliest source on history of Kashmir
Unlike many ancient books, this is a perfect book of history, with accurate dates and events. The Rajatarangini is a Sanskrit account of the various monarchies of Kashmir, prior to the advent of Islam. Like the Shahnameh is to Persia, the Rajatarangini is to Kashmir.
Kalhana's Rajatarangini is the most famous historical poem which records the oldest and the fullest history of the legendary kings of Kashmir as well as gives accounts of the Kashmirian kings of the historical period.[1]
The Rajataringini provides the earliest source on Kashmir that can be labeled as a "historical" text on this region. The broad valley of Kashmir, also spelled Cashmere[2] is almost completely surrounded by the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range.
Kalhana states that the valley of Kashmir was formerly a lake. This was drained by the great rishi or sage, Kashyapa, son of Marichi, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in the hills at Baramulla, derived from Sanskrit वराहमूल (Boar's Molar), वराह (Varaha) meaning Boar + मूल (Mula) meaning deep or root.
Kalhana’s account of Kashmir begins with the legendary reign of Gonarda, who was contemporary to Yudhisthira of the but the recorded history of Kashmir, as retold by Kalhana, begins from the period of the Maurya Empire. Kalhana’s account also states that the city of Srinagar was founded by the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka, and that Buddhism reached the Kashmir valley during this period. From there, Buddhism spread to several other adjoining regions including Central Asia, Tibet and China.
Kalhana (कल्हण) (c. 12th century CE) was the author of Rajatarangini, and is regarded as Kashmir's first historian. In fact, his translator Aurel Stein expressed the view that his was the only true Sanskrit history. Little is known about him except from what he tells us about himself in the opening verses of his book. His father Champaka was the minister (Lord of the Gate) in Harsha of Kashmir's court. Structure
The author of the Rajatarangini history chronicles the rulers of the valley from earliest times, from the epic period of the Mahābhārata to the reign of Sangrama Deva (c.1006 CE), before the Muslim era. The list of kings goes back to the 19th century BCE.[3] Some of the kings and dynasties can be identified with inscriptions and the histories of the empires that periodically included the Kashmir valley, but for long periods the Rajatarangini is the only source.
The work consists of 7826 verses, which are divided into eight books called Tarangas (waves).
Kalhaṇa's account of Kashmir begins with the legendary reign of Gonarda, who was contemporary to Yudhisthira of the Mahābhārata, but the recorded history of Kashmir, as retold by Kalhaṇa begins from the period of the Mauryas. Kalhaṇa's account also states that the city of Srinagar was founded by the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka, and that Buddhism reached the Kashmir valley during this period. From there, Buddhism spread to several other adjoining regions including Central Asia, Tibet and China.
The dynasties and Kings in Rajatarangini
See - Dynasties and Kings in Rajatarangini
Kingdoms and Countries in Rajatarangini
- Here is the list of Kingdoms, Countries and Regions mentioned in Rajatarangini in various sections
- Alakhāna (अलखान) - King of Kashmir Shankaravarmma easily defeated Alakhāna king of Gurjjara who ceded Takka a part of his kingdom to his conqueror. The king of the Thakkiyaka family took service as guard under the king of Kashmira. The latter caused the kingdom of the Thakkiya king which had been usurped by the king of Bhoja to be restored to him. The king of the country which lay between Darat and Turushka, (as the Aryavarta lies between Himalaya and Vindhya,) Lalliya Shahi by name, who was among kings even as the sun is among stars, and was also lord over Alakhāna, did not submit to the king of Kashmira, on which the latter drove him out of his country. (Book V, p.116)
- Angada (अंगद) - Book VIII (ii) (p.315)
- Aryya (आर्य ) - countries, Book VI (p.147). Identified as Ariana - a general geographical term used by some Greek and Roman authors of the ancient period for a district of wide extent between Central Asia and the Indus River.
- Bhuṭṭa (भुट्ट) - Book VIII (ii) (p.264)
- Darad (दरद) - Book VII (p.180,181, 187, 258, 259); Book VIII (p.18, 19,40); Book VIII (ii) ( p.221, 222, 223, 219, 226, 228, 246, 251, 252, 254, 259, 260, 262, 263, 264, 265, 280)
- Darat (दरत) - Book I (p.8), Book V (p.116); Book VII (p.195, 237); Book VIII (p.96); Book VIII (ii) (p.219, 226, 302)
- Darvabhisara (दर्वाभिसार) - Book I (p.14), Book IV (p.104), Book V (p.116, 120), Book VII (i) (p.266); Book VIII (i) (p.131),
- Devasara (देवसर) - kingdom Book VIII (ii) (p.248)
- Devasarasa (देवसरस) - Book VIII (ii) (p.249, 287, 303, 304)
- Dranga (द्रंग) - Book VIII (i) (p.136, 178); Book VIII (ii) (p.245, 255). It may be identified with ancient Drangiana and modern Zaranj in southwestern Afghanistan, near the border with Iran.
- Dravida (द्रविड़) - Book I (p.22); Book VIII (i) (p.219)
- Dvara (द्वार) - country, kingdom, Book I (p.9), Book V (p.121, 161), Book VII (p.210,211, 212, 243), Book VII (i) (p.268, 270, 273); Book VIII (p.16, 26, 36, 38, 49, 54, 61, 65, 68, 85, 89); Book VIII (i) (p.141, 160, 173, 174, 185, 186, 201, 203, 204, 205, 210); Book VIII (ii) (p.223, 224, 227, 241, 253, 259, 260, 264, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 307)
- East Yotisha (प्रागज्योतिष) - Pragjyotisha country, Book II (p.33)
- Ebenaka (एबेनक) - kingdom of Rajavadana Balahara, VIII (ii) p.245,
- Gauda/Gaura (गौड़) - kingdom, Book IV (p.78, 88) ; Book VII (p.210); Book VIII (i) (p.181)
- Gurjjara (गुर्जर) - country, defeated by Shankaravarman, Book V (p.116)
- Kahla (कह्ल) - kingdom, Rajapuri is in the kingdom of Kahla, Book VII (i) (p.264).
- Kalinjara (कलिंजर) - Book VII (i) (p.264); Book VIII(p.53, 78)
- Kalpa (कल्प) - kingdom, Book VII (i) (p.272),
- Kalyānaraja (कल्याणराज) - Book VIII (i) p.188
- Kampana (कंपन) - kingdom, Book V (p.138), Book VI (p.158, 160, 167, 184), Book VII (p.175, 179, 196, 211,237, 254), Book VII (i) (p.273, 274),; Book VIII(p.16) (p.43, 49, 51, 53, 55, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 68, 74, 82, 83, 85, 89), Book VIII (i) (p.123, 127, 130, 136, 140, 144, 145, 161, 175, 179, 180, 184, 188, 195, 216); Book VIII (ii) (p.250, 255, 262, 304, 305, 311)
- Kāndaraja (कांदराज) - Book VIII (p.96),Book VIII (i) (p.115)
- Kantiraja (कांतीराज) - king,Book VII (i) (p.266),
- Kanyakubja (कान्यकुब्ज) - Book VIII (i) (p.181); Book VIII (ii) (p.219)
- Kārapatha (कारपथ) -Book VIII (i) (p.218)
- Karnāta(कर्णाट) - kingdom, Book IV (p.68); Book I (p.19), Book VII (p.218, 238, 253, 254); Book VIII (i) (p.213), Book VIII (ii) (p.223, 227)
- Kashmira (कश्मीर) - country, Book I (p.3),Book II (p.33); Book VIII (p.19, 21, 25, 33, 35, 38, 39, 44, 46,35, 38, 39, 44, 46, 47, 54, 65, 72, 79, 82, 104); Book VIII (i) (p.137, 142, 144, 145, 162, 163, 168, 169, 176, 176,197); Book VIII (ii) (p.221, 223, 220, 310,315)
- Kashyapāgāra (कश्यपागार) - district in which river Nilabhu flows eastward Book VIII (ii) (p.311)
- Keṭṭa (केट्ट) - Rajatarangini has mentioned Rajavadana Balhara's father Ojas as lord of Keṭṭa (Ketta).(VIII (ii), p.262). Singhapura was one of Buddhist Kingdoms visited by Xuanzang in 631 AD. Alexander Cunningham[4] has identified Singhapura with Katas village in the Chakwal district of Punjab (Pakistan).
- Khandava Forest (खांडव वन) - Book VIII (p.84); Book VIII (ii) (p.266)
- Khasha (खश) - tribe, country and people, Book VI (p.154), Book VII (p.183, 197, 242), Book VII (i) (p.265, 266, 268),; Book VIII (p.76); Book VIII (i) (p.126, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 152, 153, 154, 155, 164, 166, 177)
- Kheri (खेड़ी) - Book VIII (p.82, 86, 95); Book VIII (i) (p.108)
- Koshala (कोशल) - Book VIII (i) (p.173)
- Kotta (कोट्ट) - Book VIII (i) (p.141, 146, 151, 158, 159, 160, 161, 170, 171, 174, 176, 177, 179); Book VIII (ii) (p.229, 245, 247, 252)
- Koundha (कौंध) - Book VIII (ii) (p.219)
- Kramarajya (क्रमराज्य) - kingdom, Book V (p.112), Book VII (i) (p.262, 268, 269),; Book VIII (p.4, 18, 22, 70, 79, 85); Book VIII (i) ( p.123,176); Book VIII (ii) (p.267). Identified as ancient Karamania or present Kerman Province in Iran.
- Kramavarta (क्रमवर्त) region, Book III (p.45)
- Kramavartia (क्रमवर्तीय) - region,Book V (p.108)
- Kṣharajayya (क्षारजय) - Book VIII (ii) (p.307)
- Kularaja (कुलराज ) - a commander in the army and a celebrated athlete, Book VII (p.241); Book VIII (i) (p.187, p.192, 123, 188, 189, 190, 207, 208. superintendent of the capital Dhanya p.195)
- Kuluta (कुलूत) - kingdom, Book III (p.55). Identified as modern Kullu or Kulu is a city and District in Himachal Pradesh.
- Kuru (कुरु) - Book VIII (i) (p.206)
- Lavaraja (लवराज) - Book VIII (p.93, 101); Book VIII (i) (p.115)
- Lohara (लोहर) - hills, city, kingdom, Book IV (p.70), Book VI (p.163), Book VII (p.220, 223, 233), Book VII (p.178, 211,227, 237, 241, 243,247, 251, 257,), Book VII (i) (p.262, 273, 274, 275, 289, 291, 292, 293),; Book VIII (p.3, 4, 18, 26, 35, 37, 38, 44, 48, 50, 55, 57, 61, 62, 63, 65, 71, 76, 77, 78, 81, 89, 95); Book VIII (i) (p.105, 105, 117, 141, 157, 160, 161, 162, 163, 168, 170, 170, 176, 177, 178, 180, 210); Book VIII (ii) ( p.306, 313, 313)
- Rajapuri (राजापुरी) - Modern Rajauri, mentioned in Rajatarangini: Book VI (p.162, 166), Book VII (p.176, 187, 208,210, 211, 241, 242,245, 256), Book VII (i) (p.264, 268, 292); Book VIII (p.25, 53, 76); ; Book VIII (i) (p.108, 125, 126, 143); Book VIII (ii) (p.264)
- Madava (मड़व) - Book V (p.112, 128, 138), Book VII (p.260), Book VII (i) (p.262, 270),; Book VIII (p. 4, 62, 64, 92, 95, 97, 83, 85); Book VIII (i) (p.158, 182, 184)
- Maḍava (मड़व) - village Book VIII (i) (p. 217); Book VIII (ii) (p.224, 225)
- Maḍavarajya (मड़वराज्य) -Book VIII (p.88, 90); Book VIII (i) (p.132); Book VIII (ii) (p.248)
- Madramaṇḍala (मद्रमण्डल) - kingdom, Book VIII (i) (p.131)
- Magadha (मगध) - kingdom, Book IV (p.73); Book VIII (ii) (p.266)
- Maṇḍala (मण्डल) - kingdom, Book VII (i) (p.262, 269, 271, 273, 274, 281, 287); Book VIII (i) (p.105, 144, 179); Book VIII (ii) (p.304)
- Nata (नाट) country through which passed Mihirakula, Kings of Kashmira/Book I,p.19
- Nilapura (नीलपुर) - [[Nyarvvapura]] kingdom whose king Kirtti came to King of Kashmir in 1087 AD, Book VII (p.211)
- North Kuru (उत्तरकुरु ) - country, Book IV (p.70)
- Pādāgra (पादाग्र) - Book VIII (i) (p.127, 173)
- Panchala (पांचाल) - Book VIII (i) (p.206)
- Panchasattra (पंचसत्त्र) - province, Book V (p.117). Modern Panjshir
- Patala (पाताल) - Patalaloka, Book III (p.56), Book IV (p.76)
- Pragyotisha (प्राग्ज्योतिष) - Book VIII (ii) (p.256)
- Rājasthāna (राजस्थान) - palace Book VIII (p.16, 49, 89); Book VIII (i) (p. 140, 175)
- Samkrandana (संक्रंदन) - [VIII (ii), p.230]
- Saurashtra (सौराष्ट्र) - region, Pravarasena defeated the people of Saurashtra and upset the administration of the kingdom, Book III (p.52)
- Sheḍḍarājasthāna (शेड्डराजस्थान) - Book VIII (p.49)
- Shushkaletra (शुष्कलेत्र) - plains, Book I (p.13)
- Shveta Dvipa (श्वेतद्वीप) - island, Book III (p.56)
- Sindhu (सिंधु) - kingdom, Book IV (p.74, 76), Kupya's son, treasurer of Parvvagupta,Book VI (p.160); Book VIII (i) (p.164, 177, 178, 219)
- Thakkiya (ठक्कीय) - kingdom defeated by Shankaravarmma,Book V (p.116)
- Trigartta (त्रिगर्त) - Book III (p.38, 49); defeated by Shankaravarmana, Rajatarangini of Kalhana:Kings of Kashmira/Book V, p.116; Book VII (p.183); Book VIII (i) (p.131)
- Tripura (त्रिपुर) - Book VIII (i) (p.212)
- Udakpatha (उदक्पथ) - kingdom, queen Sugandha was daughter of Shrisvami, king of Udakpatha, Book V (p.117)
- Udaya (उदय) -
- Uttamaraja(उत्तमराज) -king of Kāshthavāta,Book VII (p.211)
- Uttarapatha (उत्तरपथ) - Hund, Book IV (p.76, 79, 81), Book V (p.121), Book VII (i) (p.278); Book VIII (ii) (p.251)
- Vallapura (वल्लपुर ) - kingdom, place, Book VII (p.184, 211); Book VIII (ii) (p.219)
- Vartula (वर्तुल) -
- Vatsaraja (वत्सराज) - a follower of Vigraharaja,Book VI (p.166)
- Vijjaraja (विज्जराज) - Book VIII (i) (p.208)
Towns and Places in Rajatarangini
- Here is the list of Towns and other places like forts, mountains, temples etc. mentioned in Rajatarangini in various sections
- Abhimanyupura (अभिमन्युपुर) : city built by queen Didda after her son Abhimanyu II (958-972 AD). Didda also setup an image of a god, named Abhimanyusvami.Book VI (p.163). Identification: Town has not been identified.
- Abhundapura (अभून्दपुर): city where was a god named Bhima, Book VII (p.250),
- Abhyantarajayapura (अभ्यंतरजयपुर): City built by king Jayapira. Once the king dreamt that Vishnu asked him to cause a city like Dvaravati to be built surrounded by water, and he built a town so surrounded, which the people, even so , this day, call Abhyantarajayapura. In this city, Jayadeva, who was at the head of the five departments built a monastery ; and A'cha, the son-in-law of Pramoda the king of Mathura, who was subject to the king of Kashmira, set up an image of Mahadeva named A'cheshvara. Book IV (p.92)
- Akaprapā (अकप्रपा) : Book VIII (ii) (p.216)
- Akshapatala (अक्षपटल) :place,Book VII (i) (p.292,293)
- Amareshvara (अमरेश्वर): tank, Book I (p.17)
- Amritabhavana (अमृतभवन): Amritaprabha, queen of king Meghavahana built vihara for Buddhists, Book III (p.36)
- Anangabhavana (अनंग भवन): monastery built by queen Anangalekha, wife of king Durlabhavardhana, daughter of king Baladitya (561-598 AD),Book IV (p.61)
- Anantagrama (अनंतग्राम): village after king Anantadeva, Book VII (p.258)
- Aryanaka (आर्यनक): place where Lalitaditya I perished by an untimely fall of heavy snow in 733 AD, Book IV (p.81)
- Ashoka Palace (अशोक भवन): Palace, built by Ashoka, the great grandson of Shakuni, Book I (p.8)
- Atyugrapura (अत्युग्रपुर ) - City full of combatants, VIII (ii) (p.316)
- Avanāha (अवनाह) :place,Book VII (i) (p.272),
- Avantipura (अवन्तिपुर): town built by Avantivarmma at Vishvoukasara the shrine,Book V (p.109); Book VII (i) (p.274), Book VIII(p.97, 83, 85); Book VIII (i) (p.122, 126, 127, 129)
- Barahamula (बरहमूल) - Book VIII (p.38, 39). Identification = Baramulla.
- Bardhanasvami (बर्धनस्वामी) : temple, Book VI (p.155)
- Bhadāvakāsha (भदावकाश ) - Book VIII (p.43)
- Bhagavanmatha (भगवनमठ ): temple,Book VII (i) (p.298)
- Bhandapura (भाण्डापुर): city built by queen Sugandha, mother of king Gopalavarmma at Shahirajya,Book V (p.122). Identification = Waihind (वैहिंद)
- Bhangila (भंगिल) - Book VIII (p.80). Identification not clear. It may be Bangus Valley.
- Bhattaraka (भट्टारक मंदिर): temple,Book VI (p.159)
- Bhavachchheda (भवच्छेद): village built by Vajrendra, Book III (p.54)
- Brahmamatha (ब्रह्म मठ): monastery built by minister Brahma,
- Bhuṭṭapura (भुट्टपुर) - Bhuṭṭa, minister of Jayasimha, attained, dignified excellence. The offering which he made to Mahadeva the Jyeshtarudra, otherwise called the Bālakeshvara, and set up by Vashishta, was accepted by the god who appeared in person. There he built a town without a defect, named Bhuṭṭapura with maṭhas, religious schools and high buildings. In the capital also he set up a Hara, named Bhuṭṭeshvara, and in the village of Maḍava he excavated a tank named Dharmmavibhramadarpana. (VIII (i), p.217). It is supposed to be the village Butapor in the Machipur pargana in Kashmir. [5]
- Brahmapuri (ब्रह्मपुरी) - Book VIII(p.53), (VIII (i), p.217)
- Chakrachara (चक्रचर): place, Book I (p.16)
- Chakradhara (चक्रधर) - hill, Book I (p.17), Book IV (p.71), Book VII (p.186, 187); Book VIII(p.83, 84, 85, 91)
- Chakramatha (चक्रमठ): shrine for the Saivas,Book V (p.134)
- Chakrapura (चक्रपुर): town built by Chakramardikā, queen of Lalitaditya, Book IV (p.72)
- Chandanadri (चंदनाद्री ): region, Book IV (p.69)
- Chintavihara (चिंतविहार) - Chinta, wife of Udaya, lord of Kampana, adorned the land on the banks of the Vitasta with a vihara (VIII (ii), p.311)
- Chiramochana (चिरमोचन): holy place,Book I (p.11)
- Damodarasuda (दामोदरसुद): city built by king Damodara II, Book I (p.12)
- Daratpura (दरतपुर) - City of Darads, Book VII (p.195, 237); Book VIII (p.98); Identification: It is situated probably in the Kisanganga Valley, may be identified with Gurez,the chief place of the upper Kisanganga Valley.[6] There is also a village Dardpora in Bandipora district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Dard Pora is village in Pattan tahsil of in Baramulla district in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Dard Pora is village in Kupwara tahsil of in Kupwara district in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Darpitapura (दर्पितपुर) : (IV, p.70) - " City of Pride,", When in his pride of conquest, Lalitaditya built this city. Book IV (p.70); VIII (i),p.171. City not yet identified. The ruins of city are supposed to be destroyed by Muslim Invaders.
- Dārvvā (दार्वा) - city Book VIII (i) p.218
- Dashagrama (दशग्राम) - VIII (ii) p.269,270. Dashagrama (दशग्राम) may be identified with Dachigam (दाचीगाम), Srinagar.
- Devasarasa (देवसरस) - Book VIII (p.43, 44, 56, 58, 97);Book VIII (i) (p.107, 109, 115, 130);Book VIII (ii) p.249, 287, 303, 304. May be identified with Devsar Kulgam
- Dhyānoddāra (ध्यानोद्दार) : Book VIII (i) (p.123, 129, 130 )
- Dinnāgrāma (दिन्नाग्राम ) - inhabited by the Khashas VIII (ii) p.267,270,306
- Dokapunya (दोकपुण्य ):place, Book VII (i) (p.273),
- Dugdhadhaāṭṭ (दुग्धधाट्ट) - fort Book VIII (ii) (p.246)
- Durāṅḍa (दुरंड) - Book VIII (ii) p.246
- Falapura (फलपुर): See Phalapura. village, Lalitapira took back from Brahmanas, Book IV (p.101)
- Gadhipura (गधीपुर): (Kanyakubja), Lalitaditya conquered Gadhipura (Kanyakubja) where the women, were hunch-backed. Book IV (p.67)
- Gandharvana (गंधर्वन) - (VIII (i),p.195). Identifies as Ganderbal.
- Gandharvapura (गंधर्वपुर): city, Book I (p.17)
- Gobarddhanadhara (गोवर्धनधर): place,Book VII (i) (p.274),
- Gopalapura (गोपालपुर) - queen Sugandha (904-906 AD) built town after Gopalavarmma, Book V (p.123); where Sussala's head was burnt, Book VIII (i) (p.126). Gopalapura has been identified as modern Guripur, a village on the left bank of the Jhelum below Avantipura).[7]
- Gopalamatha (गोपालमठ): temple, Book V (p.123)
- Hāḍi (हाड़ि) : Book VIII (i) p.136
- Hāstika (हास्तिक): The city where Trilochanapala, The Shahi took shelter and made great efforts to retrieve his fortune. Book VII (p.173)
- Hastikarna (हस्तिकर्ण): village,Book V (p.107), Book VII (i) (p.296),
- Hastishala (हस्तिशल): village, Book I (p.8)
- Hiranyapura (हिरण्यपुर ) : Book VIII (p.62)
- Hushkapura (हुष्कपुर) - Present Ushkara, the same as Baramula. It was founded by Hushka, the Kushan King. Huvishka was younger son of Vasishka. He founded 'Hushkpur' or Hushkapura town in Kashmir in his name, the town is known as Uskpur/Uskar at present.[8] When Xuanzang came to India he stayed at a vihara in Hushkpur. He ruled from 120 - 140 AD. Kabul, Kashmir and Mathura were part of his state. Hushkapura mentioned in Book I (p.13), Book V (p.124), Book VII (i) (p.269), Book VIII (p.34, 61,81)
- Indradevibhavana (इंद्रदेवी भवन): monastery built by Indradevi, another queen of king Meghavahana, Book III (p.36)
- Isvra Palace (ईस्वर भवन): Palace, built by Ashoka, the great grandson of Shakuni, Book I (p.8)
- Jalandhara (जालंधर) : city, Book IV (p.70); (VIII (i),p.145)
- Jamatrisara (जमतृसर): tank built by Naga, Book I (p.17)
- Jayabhattārikā (जयभट्टारिका):temple,Book VI (p.159)
- Jayapura (जयपुर): fort after Jayapira in eastern country, Book IV (p.91), Book VII (i) (p.294)
- Jayasvamipura (जयस्वामिपुर):city built by Jushka,Book I (p.13)
- Jayendra-vihara (जयेन्द्र विहार): Buddhist vihara built by Jayendra, maternal uncle of Pravarasena II, Book III, p.53
- Johila (जोहिल): temple, Book VII (i) (p.293),
- Jushkapura (जुष्कपुर) : City, Founded by Jushka, the Kushan King, Book I, p.13. It has been identified with present Zukru.[9].Zukru, or Zukur is still a considerable village, 4 miles to the north of the capital Srinagar.
- Kailasha (कैलाश) : mountain, Book I (p.3); the heaven of Shiva,Book V (p.107); Book VIII (i) p.213
- Kālenana (कालेनन) : pass Book VIII (i) (p.165)
- Kalyanapura (कल्याणपुर) : City founded by queen Kalyanadevi, wife of king Jayapira, on the field of her husband's victory, Book IV (p.89); Book VII (p.254),; Book VIII (i) p.108; Book VIII (ii) (p.256)
- Kamala (कमल): city founded by by Kamaladevi, queen of Lalitaditya, in reign of Jayapira , Book IV (p.90)
- Kamvaleshvara (कंवलेशस्वर) - village Book VIII (p.22)
- Kānḍiletra (कांडीलेत्र) - village Book VIII (p.80)
- Kankanapura\Kangkanapura (कंकणपुर): city built by queen Didda for the benefit of her dead husband, Book VI (p.163). Identified as Kangan (?) in Ganderbal.
- Kanishkapura (कनिष्कपुर): city built by Kanishka, the Kushan King, Book I (p.13). Alexander Cunningham[10] writes that In the spoken dialects of India it is called Kanikhpur, which in Kashmir has been still further corrupted to Kampur. It is situated 10 miles to the south of Srinagar, on the high-road leading to the Pir Panchal Pass.
- Kantakoutsa (कंटकोत्स): village, Book I (p.13)
- Kantha (कंठ) - Book VIII (ii) (p.223, 227)
- Kalyanapura (कल्याणपुर) - (VIII (i), p.108), VIII (ii), p.256. (Latitude: 25.17, Longitude: 76.15)
- Kaṅkoshapīthina (कंकोषपीथीन) : village Book VIII (i) p.199
- Kanyakubja (कान्यकुब्ज): city, Book IV (p.68, 71, 88)
- Karala (कराल): village, Book I (p.8). Identification: There is a village Kralpora in Bandipora (? or Kupwara) district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Kārkoṭadraṅga (कार्कोटद्रङ्ग) - VIII (i), (p.137, 176)
- Kartikeya (कार्तिकेय): temple temple in the city of Paundravardhana, Book IV (p.85)
- Kashyapāgāra (कश्यपागार) : district in which river Nilabhu flows eastward VIII (ii),p.311
- Kashtavata (काष्टवात) : Kashthavata is Modern Kishtwar Book VIII (p.34, 40). It is identified with Kishtwar town and District in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Katisthali (कटिस्थली) - Book VIII (p.83)
- Khagikhuna (खगिखून): village founded by Khagendra, Book I (p.7)
- Kherītalālasā (खेरीतलालसा ):- (VIII (i), p.121)
- Kinnarapura (किन्नरपुर) : city, Book I (p.15, 17)
- Krirārāma (क्रीराराम) : (Book IV, p.70) - a house for amusement
- Kshemamatha (क्षेममठ) : temple by king Kshemagupta,Book VI (p.155)
- Kshiraprishta (क्षीरप्रष्ट): village,Book VII (p.180)
- Kugrāma (कुग्राम) - village Book VIII (i) (p.106)
- Kula mountains (कुल पहाड़) - The seven great mountains of the ancient Hindus, Book VIII (i) (p.214); Book VIII (ii) (p.230, 304)
- Kurukshetra (कुरुक्षेत्र) - At Kurukshetra hill chiefs assembled Book VIII (p.46). Rajatarangini(Book VIII (i),p.197-198) tells.... But in order to help Nagapala, the king gave him his own army, crushed the pride of his enemies and re-established the stability of the kingdom. In the meantime Koshtaka returned after his ablutions in the Ganges, and taking Mallarjjuna on his side, set about to raise a faction in the kingdom. At the time of the solar eclipse, the prince Mallarjjuna was at Kurukshetra. It was in 1133 AD. [VIII (i),p.197-198]
- Lalitadityapura (ललितादित्यपुर) : city by Lalitaditya, Book VI (p.157)
- Lalitapura (ललितपुर) - city after Lalitaditya,Book IV (p.71) - When Lalitaditya was out in conquest, his viceroy built a town after the king's name. In this town of Lalitapura, there was an image of the sun, to which he bestowed the city of Kanyakubja with the adjoining lands and villages. Town is identified with present Let Pora.[11]
- Lavanotsa (लवनोत्स): city founded by king Vaka (665-602 ), Book I (p.21),Book VI (p.144, 145), Book VII (p.225), Book VII (i) (p.287, 297). It derives name from salt water sources in the area. There was a beautiful garden here. [12]
- Lochanoḍḍāraka (लोचनोड्डारक) - Book VIII (i) (p.122)
- Lochanotsa (लोचनोत्स ) :village, Book IV (p.101)
- Lokapunya (लोकपुण्य) :tank,Book VII (i) (p.262),
- Maḍava (माड़व) - Bhuṭṭa, minister of Jayasimha, attained, dignified excellence. He excavated a tank named Dharmmavibhramadarpana in the village of Maḍava. (VIII (i), p.217). It may be identified with Madwan, town in Sonawari tahsil of Bandipora district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Madhyamata (मध्यमत) : village, Book I (p.15)
- Mahlānapura (महलानपुर) : city, Book IV (p.89)
- Mahlanasvami (महलानस्वामी): god raised by Mahlana, Book IV (p.61)
- Mandāra (मंदार) - hill Book VIII (ii) (p.249, 270)
- Martanda (मार्तंड) : city, Book VII (p.221), Martanda god at Pattana,Book VII (p.251); Book VIII (ii) (p.303, 304, 305)
- Matṛigrāma (मतृिग्राम) - VIII (ii), p.252. Identification: There is also a village Mantrigam in Bandipora district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Meghāchakrapura (मेघाचक्रपुर) - is mentioned in Rajatarangini (Book VIII (i), p.120). Meghavahana built a village named Meghavana and peopled it with Brahmanas and set up a monastery named Meghamatha. Rajatarangini (Book III,p.36-37), VIII (i), p.120
- Meghamatha (मेघमठ) : monastery built by Meghavahana, Book III (p.36)
- Meghavana (मेघवन) : village built by Meghavahana, Book III (p.36)
- Meru (मेरु) - hill Book VIII (ii) (p.312)
- Mihirapura (मिहिरपुर) : city founded by Mihirakula, Book I (p.20)
- Mihireshvara (मिहिरेश्वर) : god, in Shrinagara, Book I (p.20)
- Nandikshetra (नंदीक्षेत्र) - shrine, Book I (p.4), Book II (p.35), Book VII (p.216, 240); Book VIII(p.8); Book VIII (i) (p.218). Twenty-three miles south of Srinagar in Kashmir near the Haramukh mount, including the Gangābal lake and the sacred lake called Nandisara or Nandkol or Kālo daka which is said to be the residence of Shiva and his faithful attendant Nandin. [13]
- Narapura (नरपुर) : village, King Nara I built a town on the banks of the Vitasta, which he laid out with spacious roads, and adorned with the spoils of other countries. It was crowded with rich shops, and graced with fruit and flower gardens, and the river below was covered with boats. Book I (p.15)
- Narendra Bhavana (नरेंद्र भवन) : palace built by Surendra,Book I (p.8)
- Padmapura (पद्मपुर) - Modern Pampur, founded by Padma, The maternal uncle of the king, Book IV,p.102, 103; town in which Shankarabardhana was killed by Chakravarmma, Book V (p.130), Book VII (p.175,192, 226), Book VII (i) (p.273, 274); Book VIII (i), p.119,121, 273; Book VIII (ii),p. 255
- Padmasvami (पद्मस्वामी) : shrine,Book VI (p.157)Book VIII (i) (p.119, 121, 122, 207); Book VIII (ii) (p.255)
- Panchahasta (पञ्चस्त) :village,Book V (p.107)
- Pānchigrāma (पांचीग्राम) - VIII (ii) (p.288). Identification: There are two villages by name Panzigam in Kupwara/Pulwama districts in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Papasudana (पापसुदन) :shrine,Book VII (p.182)
- Parihasakeshava (परिहास केशव) : temple,Book IV (p.78)
- Parihasapura (परिहासपुर) : city built by Lalitaditya, Book IV (p.71,73, 77, 83),Book V (p.117), Book VII (p.169, 243), Book VII (i) (p.270, 271) ; Book VIII (p.8). It has been identified with present Sumbal[14] in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Parnotsa (पर्णोत्स) - Rajatarangini mentions in Book IV, p.70, VIII (i), p.141; Book VIII (p.54, 78, 79); Book VI (p.156), Book VII (p.198), Book VII (i) (p.268). Town is identified with present Punch.[15]
- Paundravardhana (पौंड्रवर्धन) :city now in Bangladesh,Book IV (p.85)
- Phalapura (फलपुर) - Also Falapura, city built by Lalitaditya, Book IV (p.70). phala signifying fruit or effect, And when his conquests were over, and Lalitaditya was enjoying the fruits of his victories, he raised this city. Town is identified with present Shadipur.[16] Phalapura mentioned in Rajatarangini in Book VIII (p.104); Book VIII (i) (p.148)
- Phullapura (फुल्लपुर) : village, adjoining Kotta, VIII (i) p.161, 173)
- Pitrivana (पितृवन) :forests , Book VII (i) (p.295),
- Plakshaprasravana (पलक्षप्रश्रवन) : forest, Book IV (p.82)
- Prakashika (प्रकशिक) : Vihara built by queen Prakasha, wife of Chandrapira,Book IV (p.66)
- Pratapagaurisha (प्रतापगौरीश) : temple,Book VII (i) (p.295),
- Pratapapura (प्रतापपुर) - town built by Pratapaditya, Book IV (p.61)
- Pravarapura (प्रवरपुर) : the city built by king Pravarasena, Book IV (p.77). It is identified with present Srinagar town.
- Prayaga (प्रयाग) : city, Book IV (p.84), Book VII (i) (p.282),
- Purapura (पुरपुर) : Book VIII (p.82). It may be identified with Iranshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran.
- Pushkaletra (पुश्कलेत्र) :village where Jayāpira had war with his brother-in-law Jajja, who had usurped his throne of Kashmir, Book IV (p.89)
- Pushpānaḍa (पुष्पानड़) - village Book VIII (p.82)
- Pushpananada : Book VIII (p.88)
- Rajagiri (राजगीर) :castle,Book VII (i) (p.265)
- Rajāgrahāra (राजाग्रहार) : built by Shachinara, Book I (p.8)
- Rajakalasha (राजकलश) : house,Book VII (p.170)
- Rājānagarden (राजान उद्यान) ) - Book VIII (p.65, 77)
- Rajapuri (राजापुरी) - Modern Rajauri, mentioned in Rajatarangini: Book VI (p.162, 166), Book VII (p.176, 187, 208,210, 211, 241, 242,245, 256), Book VII (i) (p.264, 268, 292); Book VIII (p.25, 53, 76); ; Book VIII (i) (p.108, 125, 126, 143); Book VIII (ii) (p.264)
- Ramanyatavi (रमन्यातवी) : destroyed villages, Book I (p.17)
- Raneshvara (रानेश्वर) : shrine,Book VII (p.176)
- Ranggavāta (रंगवात) :place,Book VII (i) (p.296),
- Ratnapura (रत्नपुर) : a town of great value founded by Ratnadevi, queen of Jayasimha (VIII (i), p.218)
- Ratnasvami (रत्न स्वामी) :temple by Ratnadevi, queen of Jayasimha , Book IV (p.104)
- Ratnavarsha (रत्नवर्ष) : a hill fort Book VIII (p.44)
- Sakhelakhagikahai: village, Book I (p.22)
- Samāngāsāshanāra (समांगासाशनार) :built by Shachinara, Book I (p.8)
- Samarasvami (समरस्वामी) : temple, god setup by Samara, Book V (p.107,115), Book VII (p.252)
- Samudradhāra (समुद्रधार) - VIII (ii), p.253
- Saṅkaṭa (संकट) - hill Book VIII (i) (p.145, 146)
- Sannāramulaka (सन्नारमूलक) - VIII (ii), p.269
- Shamālā (समाला) - Book VIII (p.85, 86, 96); Book VIII (ii) ( p.256, 287, 289)
- Sharitaka (शरितक) : village founded by Pravarasena, Book III (p.53)
- Shilikākoṣhta (शिलिकाकोष्ट) - village Book VIII (i) (p.137)
- Shirahshila (शिरहशिल) - fort Book VIII (ii) (p.223)
- Shralhakka:place, Book V (p.128)
- Shri Parvata (श्रीपर्वत) :hill,Book IV (p.83)
- Shrikantha (श्रीकंठ) :temple,Book VI (p.155)
- Shripadmashri (श्रीपद्मश्री) :a place for the distribution of water,Book VII (i) (p.290)
- Shukhavardhamana (सुखवर्धन): village, Book IV (p.73)
- Shukradanta (शुक्रदंत) : house of charity,Book IV (p.90)
- Sinhadvara (सिंहद्वार) :the Lion-gate,Book VI (p.159)
- Sinharotsika (सिंहरोत्सिक) : village, Book III (p.55)
- Sinoasvami:god,Book VI (p.163)
- Skanda (स्कन्द) :god, temple, Book VI (p.151), Book VII (p.170);
- Skanda - temple Book VIII (i) (p.124)
- Skandapura (स्कंदपुर) : village, Book I (p.22)
- Somananda (सोमनन्द) :Book VII (i) (p.295),
- Someshvara (सोमेश्वर) :god,Book VII (i) (p.295),
- Srivijayesha (श्रीविजयेश) : temple, the great grandson of Shakuni, Book I (p.8)
- Sthaneshvara (स्थानेश्वर) : god, Book VI (p.161)
- Subhatamatha (सुभातमठ) :temple,Book VII (p.181)
- Sullāvihara (सुल्लाविहार) - vihara repaired by Simharaja, Book VIII (ii) (p.307)
- Shuramatha (शुरमठ) :shrine,Book VI (p.157)
- Shura-matha (शूरमठ): temple , Book V (p.108)
- Shurapura (शुरपुर) : also Surapura, city, town built bySura. Alexander Cunningham[17] writes that Surapura, the modern Supur or Sopur, is situated on both banks of the Behat River, immediately to the west of the Great Wular Lake. It was originally called Kumbuva, and under this name it is mentioned in the chronicles of Kashmir as early as the beginning of the fifth century.[18] It was rebuilt by Sura, the minister of Avanti Varmma, between A.D. 854 and 883, after whom it was called Surapura. Mentioned in Rajatarangini: Book III (p.45),Book V (p.108), Book VII (p.209), Book VII (i) (p.272,273); Book VIII (p.96); (VIII (i), p.108, 120, 130, 136); Book VIII (ii) (p.254) . Surapura: city, Book VII (i) (p.285),
- Shrikalyanapura (श्री कल्याणपुर) : Book VIII (p.97); Book VIII (i) (p.210)
- Shṛiṅgārabhaṭṭa (शृंगारभट्ट ) : matha of near that of Bhaṭṭāraka, Book VIII (i) (p.217)
- Shvabhia (श्वाभिय) : fort Book VIII (i) (p.164)
- Siddhachchhatra (सिद्धच्छत्र) : where rough out caste people of Dravida formerly lived, Book VIII (i) (p.219)
- Simhapura (सिंहपुर) : village Book VIII (i) (p.218). Alexander Cunningham[19] has identified Singhapura with Katas village near Choa Saidanshah in the Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan.
- Sugandhapura (सुगंध पुर) :town built after queen Sugandha (904-906 AD), Book V (p.123)
- Sumeru (सुमेरु) : Book VIII (ii) (p.293)
- Sun temple (सूर्यमन्दिर) :Book VII (p.221)
- Suryyapura (सूर्यपुर) - VIII (ii), p.288
- Sunishchitapura (सुनिश्चितपुर) (IV, p.70) - " City of Certainty.", When Lalitaditya set out on his expedition, he felt certain of conquest, and built this town. The ruins of city were destroyed by Muslim Invaders. It has not yet been identified by historians but it may be identified with Sunti Pora village in Kupwara tahsil in Kupwara district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Sureshvara (सुरेश्वर) :shrine, Book VI (p.152)
- Sureshvari (सुरेश्वरी) :shrine , Book V (p.108)
- Suvarna-mani (सुवर्णमणी) : canal, Book I (p.8)
- Suvarnapārshva (सुवर्णपार्श्व) : village, Book IV (p.101)
- Suvarnasānura (सुवर्णसानुर):village,Book VII (i) (p.285),
- Suvarnasanu (सुवर्णसानु) - village Book VIII(p.96)
- Suyyakundala (सुय्य कुंडल) :city built bu Suyya on Vitasta,Book V (p.114)
- Taramula (तरमूल) : place,Book VII (i) (p.273),
- Taramulaka (तरमूलक) - place, Book VII (i) (p.269, 271); VIII (ii) (p.260, 271, 286, 288)
- Thalyoraka (थाल्योरक) - village Book VIII (p.57)
- Trigrāmi (त्रिग्राम) - place from where Sindhu flowed to the left, Book V (p.113); Book IV (p.78); VIII (ii) p.311
- Tripura (त्रिपुर) - Book VIII (ii) (p.270)
- Tripuresha (त्रिपुरेश) :hill, Book V (p.115)
- Udipapārnvāla (उदिपपार्णवाल): mentioned in Rajatarangini (Book VIII (i), p.121]]).
- Udipapura (उदिपपुर): is mentioned in Rajatarangini (Book VIII (i), p.122). It is identified with present Odi Pora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Udiyakradita (उदीयक्रदित) :village,Book VII (p.261)
- Uijjayani (उज्जयनी) -Book VIII (ii) (p.318)
- Vaddivasaparnotasa:village,Book VI (p.164)
- Vahnipuraka:village,Book VII (i) (p.284)
- Vainyasvami (वैन्यस्वामी) : where Vitasta and Sindhu on the right were made to meet one another, Book V (p.113)
- Vakkashtatavi (वाक्कश्ततवी) : place, Book II (p.29)
- Valeraka (वलेरक) :tank, Book VII (i) (p.262)
- Valgamatha (वल्गमठ) :temple,Book VI (p.163)
- Vallapura (वल्लपुर) : City, Book VII (p.184, 211); Book VIII (ii) (p.219)
- Vanagrāma (वनग्राम ) : (VIII (i),p.123). Identification: There is a village Wanagam in Bandipora district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Vāṇalinga (वाणलिंग) : set up by Sangiya, Book VIII (ii) (p.310)
- Vāṇashala (वाणशल) - fort Book VIII (i) (p.144)
- Vanikāvāma (वनिकावाम) - (VIII (i), p.165)
- Varaha (वराह) : shrine of Varaha in the neighbourhood of Hushkapura, Book VI (p.155, 156), son of Prasidapala,Book VII (p.183), an incarnation of Vishnu,Book VII (i) (p.269),
- Varahamula (वराहमूल) : place, Book VII (i) (p.269),
- Varanasi: city, Book III (p.50, 51), Book VII (p.216); VIII (i), p.105)
- Varahavartta (वराहव्रत) - Book VIII(p.17)
- Varhanachakra (वरहनचक्र) - village Book VIII (p.22)
- Vaṣhṭuka (वषटुक) - village in the province of Kheri, Book VIII (i) (p.108, 125)
- Vijayakshetra (विजयक्षेत्र) - temple of Mahadeva, Book I (p.17), Book VII (p.192, 194, 199,206, 221, 222), Book VII (i) (p.274, 284),; Book VIII (p.16, 78, 44, 83, 85, 89, 90, 91, 97); Book VIII (i) (p.129, 148, 155); Book VIII (ii) (p.305)
- Vijjavihara (विज्ज विहार) : Dhanya had commenced building a Vihara named Vijja, after the name of his beloved wife Vijja, Book VIII (ii) (p.310)
- Vimalashva (विमलाश्व) : village, Book IV (p.104)
- Vinayaditya (विनयादित्य): Name adopted by Jayapira, Book IV p.92
- Vinayadityapura (विनयादित्यपुर) : city in the east founded by Vinayaditya (Jayapira), Book IV p.92
- Vishālāṇṭa (विशालाण्टा) - Book VIII (p.58, 60, 96);
- Visharākuta (विश्राकूट) : in Mandala,Book VIII (p.38)
- Vishokakota (विशोककोट): hill, Book IV (p.61)
- Yakshadara (यक्षदर) : place in in Kramarajya,Book V (p.112)
- Yashaskarasvami (यशस्कर स्वामी) : temple,Book VI (p.151)
Note - The Book - Encyclopaedia of Ancient Indian Geography, Volume 1 By Subodh Kapoor may help to identify these places.
Rivers and Lakes in Rajatarangini
- Here is the list of Rivers mentioned in Rajatarangini in various sections
- Balaharī - River Book VIII (ii), p.265
- Bhattaranadvala:River,Book VII (p.246)
- Chandrabhaga River - Book III (p.56); Book IV (p.99) ; Book VIII (p.47, 53)
- Chandrakulya: river, Book I (p.19)
- Dharmmavibhramadarpana - Bhuṭṭa excavated a tank at village Maḍava Book VIII (i) p.217
- Dugdhapravaha - river Book VIII (i) p.229
- Gambhira River - Book VIII (i) p.128
- Ganges - river, Book I (p.5), Book III (p.45, 52, 54, 60), Book IV (p.84), Book VI (p.156), Book VII (p.203, 212, 236); (Book VIII (i),p.197-198) tells.... But in order to help Nagapala, the king gave him his own army, crushed the pride of his enemies and re-established the stability of the kingdom. In the meantime Koshtaka returned after his ablutions in the Ganges, and taking Mallarjjuna on his side, set about to raise a faction in the kingdom. At the time of the solar eclipse, the prince Mallarjjuna was at Kurukshetra. It was in 1133 AD. Ganges is mentioned in Book VIII (p.5, 84); Book VIII (i) (p.138, 141, 143, 144, 197, 198, 203, 213); Book VIII (ii) (p.222, 238, 298, 310, 311, 313, 315)
- Indus River - Book VIII (ii) (p. 290)
- Kālagandikā: river, Book IV (p.94), 95)
- Karnejapa River - Book VII (p.260),; Book VIII (p.11)
- Kaveri : river, The army of king Lalitaditya then rested on the banks of the Kaveri, beneath the palm trees, drinking the water of coconuts, Book IV (p.69)
- Kshiptika - Book VIII (p.63, 81, 85, 86, 90, 95, 96, 99); Book VIII (i) ( p.192); Book VIII (ii) ( p.289)
- Kuntavahini: river, Book IV (p.76)
- Madhumati River - Book V (p.112, 128, 138), Book VII (p.260), Book VII (i) (p.262, 270); Book VIII (ii) (p.223, 225, 246, 263)
- Mahapadma - lake, Book V (p.114); Book VIII (ii) (p.288)
- Narmada River: Mentioned in the reign of Sandhimati (22 BC), Book II (p.32)
- Nilabhu - Kashyapāgāra, district in which river Nilabhu flows eastward VIII (ii),p.311
- Paroshni - Book VIII (i) (p.177) = Parushni
- Sindhu River - Book V (p.113), Book VII (p.237), Book VII (i) (p.291; Book VI (p.163); Book VIII (p.35, 43, 89, 91, 96); Book VIII (ii) (p.223)
- Sohāradānā - river VIII (ii) p.315
- Vaitarani:river,Book VII (i) (p.273)
- Vitasta River - Book I (p.8, 12), Book III (p.53,54), Book IV (p.71, 76, 83, 90, 104), Book V (p.112, 113, 114, 125), Book VI (p.150, 163), Book VII (p.181, 183, 205, 211, 237), build a bridge on, Book VII (p.250), Book VII (i) (p.274, 283, 291); Book VIII (p.20,29, 35, 36, 43, 49, 61, 85, 90, 91, 96, 100, 101), Book VIII (i) (p. 129, 151,218); Book VIII (ii) (p. 290); Book VIII (ii) (p.290, 310, 311)
Jat history
Gonanda (गॊनन्द) was a King mentioned in Mahabharata (IX.44.60). Rajatarangini (I.59) lists Gonanda I as the first king of Kashmir. Many Jat clans have originated from Gonanda like:
Godhara of another family ruled Rajatarangini (I.95). Godhara or Godara are Jat clans.
Jalauka - Ashoka the Great (273-232 BCE) built many stupas in Kashmir, and was succeeded by his son Jalauka. Bhim Singh Dahiya[22] writes that Here we must note that Dahla or Dhila, Phur, Juna, and of course Chandragupta Maurya-all are Jats of the Dhillon, Por/Phor, Juna and Maurya clans. It is possible that Juna of Muslim writers may be the Jalauka of Rajatarangini of Kalhana who expressly states that Jalauka, the successor of Asoka in Kashmir, conquered the country up to Kanauj (Kanya Kubja.)(Rajat, 1. 117) "This implies that the successor of Asoka at Pataliputra in Magadha, lost his hold over the western half of India, up to Kanya Kubja" This remark of Kalhana makes it clear that Kanya Kubja was the dividing line between the dominions of the successors of Asoka in Kashmir and Magadha." This fact of conquest of Kanauj, by Juna/Jalauka of the Por clan, after Asoka, is thus confirmed from two sources, viz., Farishta and Kalhana. The third confirmation comes from Parishishta Parvan of Hema Chandra which says that Samprati, successor of Asoka in Magadha, ruled over the eastern half of India, including the Deccan. This Will clear a lot of confusion about the successors of Asoka Maurya.
Our purpose here is not to write history but to identify the ethnic group to which the various Indian rulers and clans belonged, and to find out whether their descendants are still existing. It is our contention that practically nothing is completely wiped out from the earth and this applies to matter as well as to the people in fact much more to the people than to matter. The search should be to find out the present descendants of the ancient ruling clans. It wil1 be found that only in rare cases, has a whole clan or ruling group, lost its identity leaving behind no trace of It. As a rule the ancient people wil1 be still found existing in better or worse surroundings. The present Por Jats are the descendants of ancient Pauras and belong to the same clan as that of Poros the great adversary of Alexander and the Paur kings of Puranas and Strabo. It is for the historians to find out their actual history. For the Muslim form Phur/Fur we must remember that in Arabic script, the letter 'p' is written as 'f'. 135 Buddha Prakash has given evience from Shahanama and other sources showing the relations of Poros With Darius III. How Darius sought help from Poros whom he cal1ed "the ruler of the men of Hind, the man of wisdom, red and ardent soul" ....how Poros sent help to Darius against Alexander, but too late is al1 described by the learned author and need not be repeated here.136 We conclude this chapter on identification of Poros by quoting from McCrindle's Invasion to say that, "the name of Poros .... is formed from Paura or Paurava ....with the Greek termination 'os' added" 137. The Por/Phor Jats are still existing and belong to this noble clan of Poros.
Mauryas are the Mor clan of Jats.
Kushanas: Hushka, Jushka and Kanishka (127–147 CE) of the Bactrian Kushan Empire are mentioned in Jat History as Kaswan Jats.
Dhanchak: Bhim Singh Dahiya[23] refers Rajatarangini which says that after defeating Yashovarman of Kannauj, king Lalitaditya Muktapiḍa of Kashmir created five new high offices of treasury, etc., and these offices were given to Shahi princes Shahi is again a Jat clan. Even Daṇehaka (the present Dhanchak Jats) is mentioned as Commander-in-Chief of Army.
According to Bhim Singh Dahiya[24] the Gondal clan represents the “Go-nanda” dynasty of Kashmir, the Lohar jats are the descendants of the Lohar kings of Kashmir, just as the Lalli, the Sahi, the Balhara, the Bring, the Takhar, the Dhonchak, the Samil, the Kular, and so on represent the people mentioned in the Rajatarangini of Kalhana.
Tokhara: Bhim Singh Dahiya writes that another Jat, named Chankuna (चणकुण), of Tokhara clan, was chief minister of Lalitaditya. Why all these Jats were holding predominant positions unless the rulers themselves were Jats of Lohar and other clans? [25]
External Links
- Full text of "Rajatarangini of Kalhana - English - Jogesh Chunder Dutt Volumes 1 & 2"
- Online Read only Format
ललितादित्य के नेतृत्व में मध्य एशिया तक विजय
Ref - Shankhnaad Website
- विजीयते पुण्यबलैर्बर्यत्तु न शस्त्रिणम
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वहां (कश्मीर) पर शस्त्रों से नहीं केवल पुण्य बल द्वारा ही विजय प्राप्त की जा सकती है। वहां के निवासी केवल परलोक से भयभीत होते हैं न कि शस्त्रधारियों से। - (कल्हणकृत राजतरंगिणी, प्रथम तरंग, श्लोक 39)
इतिहासकार कल्हण ने कश्मीर की गौरवमयी क्षात्र परंपरा और अजेयशक्ति पर गर्व किया है। विश्व में मस्तक ऊंचा करके चार हजार वर्षों तक स्वाभिमानपूर्वक स्वतंत्रता का भोग कश्मीर ने अपने बाहुबल पर किया है। इस धरती के शूरवीरों ने कभी विदेशी आक्रमणकारियों और उनके शस्त्रों के सम्मुख मस्तक नहीं झुकाए थे। इस पुण्य धरती के रणघोष सारे संसार ने सुने हैं। यहां के विश्वविजेता सेनानायकों के युद्धाभिमानों का लोहा समस्त विश्व ने माना है। आधुनिक इतिहास के पन्ने भी साक्षी हैं कि कश्मीरी खड्ग के वार मध्य एशिया के सुदूर क्षेत्रों तक हुए थे।
कश्मीर का सर्वत्र बोलबाला महाभारत युद्ध से प्रारंभ हुआ कश्मीर का ज्ञात इतिहास संस्कृत के राजतरंगिणी नामक महाग्रंथ में आज भी उपलब्ध है। सम्राट अशोक, शिव उपासक जालौक, मेघवाहन, दुर्लभ वर्धन, चन्द्रापीड़, ललितादित्य, अवंति वर्मन, शंकर वर्मन, संग्राम राज, त्रिलोचन पाल, जय सिंह, महारानी दिद्दा एवं कोटारसी इत्यादि सैंकड़ों राजा-महाराजा हुए हैं, जिन्होंने कश्मीर की दिग्विजयी सांस्कृतिक और मानवीय धरोहर को अक्षुण्ण बनाए रखा। आठवीं शताब्दी के सबसे शक्तिशाली भारतीय सम्राट ललितादित्य के समय कश्मीर और कश्मीरियत का बोलबाला पूरे भारत सहित आज के मध्य एशिया तक था।
ललितादित्य जब अपनी सेना के साथ पंजाब के कूच पर निकला तो पंजाब की जनता ने उसके स्वागत में पलक पांवड़े बिछा दिए। पंजाब के शासक यशोवर्मन को पदच्युत करके पंजाब को कश्मीर राज्य की सीमाओं में मिलाया गया। ललितादित्य ने अपने सैन्य अभियान से बंगाल, बिहार, उड़ीसा तक अपने साम्राज्य का विस्तार किया। यह सैनिक कूच गुजरात, मालवा और मेवाड़ तक सफलतापूर्वक आगे ही आगे बढ़ता गया। ललितादित्य के इन सफल युद्ध अभियानों के कारण भारत ही नहीं समूचे विश्व में कश्मीर की धरती के पराक्रमी पुत्रों का नाम यशस्वी हुआ। कश्मीरी लोगों के क्षात्र तेज के आगे बड़े-बड़े साम्राज्य नतमस्तक हुए।
दिग्विजयी कश्मीरी प्रतिभा सुदूर दक्षिण तक विजय प्राप्त करके सम्राट ललितादित्य अब और भी ऊंचे शिखरों को नापने के लिए लालायित हो उठे। इतिहासकार मजूमदार के शब्दों में, 'दक्षिण की इन महत्वपूर्ण विजयों के बाद ललितादित्य ने कश्मीर की उत्तरी सीमाओं पर स्थित क्षेत्रों का ध्यान दिया। उस समय भारत से चीन तक के कारवां मार्गों को नियंत्रित करने वाली कराकोरम पर्वत श्रृंखला के सबसे अगले स्थल तक उसका साम्राज्य फैला था। उल्लेखनीय है कि आठवीं सदी के शुरू होते ही अरबों का आक्रमण काबुल घाटी को चुनौती दे रहा था। इसी दौरान सिंध के रास्ते से मुस्लिम शक्ति उत्तर की ओर बढ़ने का प्रयास कर रही थी। जिस समय काबुल और गांधार का शाही साम्राज्य इन आक्रमणों में व्यस्त था, ललितादित्य के लिए उत्तर दिशा में पांव जमाने का एक सुंदर अवसर था। अपनी विजयी सेना के साथ वह दर्द देश (दर्दिस्तान) में से तुर्किस्तान (तुर्की) की ओर बढ़ा। असंख्य कश्मीरी भिक्षुओं तथा मध्य एशियाई नगरों के कश्मीरी लोगों के प्रयासों के फलस्वरूप पूरा क्षेत्र कश्मीरी परंपराओं तथा शिक्षा से समृद्ध था। अतएव यह समझना कठिन नहीं है कि ललितादित्य के मार्गदर्शन में कश्मीरी सेना ने वहां सरलता से विजय प्राप्त कर ली। टैंग शासन की समाप्ति तथा भीतरी असैनिक युद्धों आदि के कारण जिस चीनी साम्राज्य के अधीन वह आए थे वह पहले ही खंड खंड हो रहा था।' (आर.सी.मजूमदार, एशिएंट इंडिया पृ.383)
सार्वजनिक आदर्शों की नींव ललितादित्य ने अपने सैनिक जीवन के अतिरिक्त भी अनेक क्षेत्रों में रुचि दिखाई। उनके शासनकाल में व्यापार एवं कला को महत्व दिया गया। धार्मिक उत्सवों के आयोजन होते थे। चित्रकला, मूर्तिकला के क्षेत्रों में ललितादित्य ने विशेष प्रोत्साहन एवं सुविधाएं प्रदान कीं। ललितादित्य एक सफल लेखक और वीणावादक भी थे। इतिहासकार बामजाई लिखते हैं- 'ललितादित्य की सैनिक विजयों को उसके विभिन्न शासनकालीन वर्णनों में महत्वपूर्ण स्थान मिला है। बाद के समय में भी उसे कश्मीरियों का हीरो बताया गया है। निर्माण कला व जनकल्याण के उसके महान कार्यों, शिक्षा के प्रति प्रेम, विद्वानों के संरक्षण और दयालु विजेता रूपी गुणों के कारण उसकी गणना कश्मीर के बड़े-बड़े शासकों में होती है।'
उस समय का भारतीय कश्मीर सार्वजनिक जीवन के प्राय: सभी क्षेत्रों में विकास का मुख्य केन्द्र था। प्रत्येक नागरिक को उन्नति के समान अवसर उपलब्ध थे। सम्राट ललितादित्य ने जहां एक ओर धर्म की स्थापना तथा संरक्षण के लिए शक्ति की उपासना की, वहीं दूसरी ओर उसने सह अस्तित्व, सत्य, अहिंसा जैसे सिद्धांतों की रक्षा के भी अनेक प्रयास किए।
सर्वश्रेष्ठ हिन्दू निर्माण कला सम्राट ललितादित्य का अत्यंत सुंदर एवं चिरस्मरणीय कार्य है उनके द्वारा निर्मित विशाल मार्तण्ड मंदिर जिसे सम्राट ने भगवान भास्कर सूर्यदेव (आदित्य) के सम्मान में बनवाया था। उल्लेखनीय है कि सम्राट ललितादित्य स्वयं भी सूर्यवंशीय क्षत्रिय थे। मंदिर निर्माण की अतुलनीय शैली और इसे बनाने की अतुलनीय क्षमता विश्व के इतिहास में दुर्लभ है।
इतिहासकार स्टैंन कहता है 'ललितादित्य कालीन नगरों, कस्बों तथा भग्नावशेषों को पूरे विश्वास के साथ ढूंढ निकालना संभव नहीं है। परंतु इनमें से जो जो पाए गए हैं उनके भव्य भग्नावशेषों से उस प्रसिद्धि का पता चलता है जो निर्माता के रूप में ललितादित्य को प्राप्त थी। मार्तण्ड के भव्य मंदिर के अवशेष जिसे सम्राट ने इसी नाम के तीर्थ स्थल पर बनवाया था, आज भी प्राचीन हिन्दू निर्माण कला का सबसे अनूठा उदाहरण है। अपनी वर्तमान क्षत-विक्षत अवस्था में इन भग्नावशेषों को उनके आकार-प्रकार तथा निर्माण कला संबंधी डिजाइन व सुंदरता के कारण सराहा जाता है।' (स्टैंन ट्राशलेशल आफ राजतरंगिणी पृ.60)
सुखी सम्पन्न समाज रचना इतिहासकार यंगहस्बैंड के अनुसार 'विश्व के महान निर्माण कला नमूनों में मार्तण्ड का बहुत ऊंचा स्थान है। यह केवल कश्मीरी निर्माण कला का सर्वश्रेष्ठ उदाहरण ही नहीं है, बल्कि इसे विश्व के सबसे बढ़िया स्थल पर बनने का गौरव प्राप्त है। पॉर्थीनान, ताजमहल, सेंटपीटर्स, एक्सक्यूरियल भवनों से भी उमदा स्थलों पर। हम इसे शेष सभी महान भवनों का प्रतिनिधि या इनके सभी गुणों का जोड़ मान सकते हैं। इसी से हमें कश्मीरी लोगों की सर्वश्रेष्ठता का ज्ञान हो सकता है।
'ललितादित्य के शासनकाल में समाज बहुत सुखी एवं सम्पन्न था। एशिया के प्राय: सभी देशों के साथ खुली व्यापार व्यवस्था थी। खेती के लिए अनेक सुविधाएं थीं और अनेक नवीन खोजें की गईं। जलसंचार योजना को महत्व दिया गया। ललितादित्य ने विदेशों में अपने विजय स्मृति स्थल बनवाए। सुनिश्चितपुर और दर्पितपुर नामक दो महानगरों का वर्णन राजतरंगिणी में आता है, यद्यपि इन नगरों के खंडहर तक भी मुस्लिम हमलावरों ने समाप्त कर दिए हैं। उसने फलपुर और पर्णोत्सव नाम के भी दो नगर बसाए। फलपुर आजकल शादीपुर गांव है और पर्णोत्सव नगर आजकल का पुंछ है। ललितादित्य ने ललितपुर में जो आजकल का लेतापुर है एक बड़ा मंदिर बनवाया। हुष्कपुर में जो आजकल उशकुर है, सम्राट ने एक बड़ा विहार एवं बौद्ध मंदिर का निर्माण करवाया। कश्मीर के इतिहास में मार्तण्ड का मंदिर और परिहासपुर शहर अमर है। आजकल के शादीपुर के पास ही परिहासपुर नगर था।' (कश्मीर, गोपीनाथ श्रीवास्तव, पृ.25)
आतंकी जिहाद की कालिमा ललितादित्य ने विदेश के अनेक प्रतिभाशाली लोगों को कश्मीर आने का निमंत्रण दिया। विदेशी इतिहासकार अलबरूनी के लेखन से पता चलता है कि सम्राट ने एक तुर्क सरदार कान्यकुन्य को अपना मंत्री बनाया। बाद में इस सरदार ने बौद्ध मत को स्वीकार कर लिया। इसी समय से कश्मीर में एक वार्षिक उत्सव की प्रथा चली। यह विजयोत्सव सम्राट ललितादित्य की तुर्किस्तान पर हुई विजय की स्मृति में अनेक शताब्दियों तक मनाया जाता रहा। ललितादित्य के साथ कश्मीर में हिन्दू स्वाभिमान का स्वर्ण युग प्रारंभ हुआ। हिन्दू धर्म की विशालता, सहिष्णुता का प्रतीक बन गया था सम्राट ललितादित्य। इस आभा को बाद के मुस्लिम आक्रांता शासकों ने बर्बाद कर दिया।
See also
- Rajatarangini of Kalhana Pandita Vol.I, 1887 - Complete Vol. 1 online p.303
- Rajatarangini of Kalhana Pandita Vol.II, 1887 - Complete Vol. 2 online p.320
- List of Persons and and Places in Rajatarangini Vol.1
- List of Persons and and Places in Rajatarangini Vol.2
References
- ↑ Stein, M. A. (Tr.) (2007), Kalhana's Rajatarangini: A Chronicle of the Kings of Kashmir 1–3 (Reprint ed.), Srinagar, India: Saujanya Books, ISBN 81-8339-043-9
- ↑ "Kashmir." The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.
- ↑ Koenraad Elst: Update on the Aryan Invasion Debate 1999
- ↑ The Ancient Geography of India/Singhapura, pp. 127
- ↑ Encyclopaedia of Ancient Indian Geography, Volume 1 By Subodh Kapoor,p.152
- ↑ History of the Chamar Dynasty: From 6th Century A.D. to 12th Century A.D. By Raj Kumar,p.273
- ↑ Culture and Political History of Kashmir, Volume 1, By P. N. K. Bamzai,p.140
- ↑ Sir Alexander Cunningham: The Ancient Geography of India, p.91
- ↑ Alexander Cunningham: The Ancient Geography of India/Kingdom of Kashmir, p.101
- ↑ The Ancient Geography of India/Kingdom of Kashmir, p. 99
- ↑ Shankhnaad Website
- ↑ Aitihasik Sthanavali by Vijayendra Kumar Mathur,p.814
- ↑ Encyclopaedia of Ancient Indian Geography, Volume 2, Subodh Kapoor, p.489
- ↑ Alexander Cunningham: The Ancient Geography of India/Kingdom of Kashmir, p.101-102
- ↑ Shankhnaad Website
- ↑ Shankhnaad Website
- ↑ The Ancient Geography of India/Kingdom of Kashmir,p.99
- ↑ Ibid., iii. 227.
- ↑ The Ancient Geography of India/Singhapura, pp. 127
- ↑ Mahendra Singh Arya et al.: Adhunik Jat Itihas, Agra 1998, p. 237
- ↑ Mahendra Singh Arya et al.: Adhunik Jat Itihas, Agra 1998, p. 237
- ↑ Jats the Ancient Rulers (A clan study)/Porus and the Mauryas,pp. 172-173
- ↑ Jats the Ancient Rulers (A clan study)/Harsha Vardhana : Linkage and Identity,p.224
- ↑ Jats the Ancient Rulers (A clan study)/Introduction,p.xi
- ↑ Jats the Ancient Rulers (A clan study)/Harsha Vardhana : Linkage and Identity,p.225
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