Paramara Dynasty, Origin, Rulers, Administration, Decline

The Parmara Dynasty was a Rajput kingdom that ruled the Malwa region of present-day central India. It belonged to the Agnikula or Agnivansha. According to the Agnikula myth, the founder of the Paramaras came from the firepit of sage Vasishtha on Mount Abu. Vishwamitra, the sage, is said to have stolen Vashishtha's kama dhenu (wish-granting cow). Vashishtha sacrificed his cow on Mount Abu to retrieve it. From this sacrifice fire, a hero who captured his cow and was given the name Paramara (slayer of enemies) emerged.

• Founder: It was founded in the early ninth century by Upendra (Krishanaraja). Siyaka II made it an independent kingdom. After defeating Rashtrakuta King Khotigga, Siyaka II succeeded the Rashtrakutas of Manykheta.
• Extent of rule: The Paramara dynasty ruled from the 10th century to the 14th century in central and western parts of India, with Dhar and Mandu as their capitals. 
  • They ruled Malwa and the surrounding areas of west-central India. They extended from Chittor in the north to Konkan in the south and from the Sabarmati River in the west to Vidisha in the east.
  • The Paramaras' main spheres of influence were dispersed across the contemporary towns and cities of Ujjain, Dhar, Bhilsa, Bhojpur, Shergarh, Udaipur, Mandu, and Depalpur.
• Sources: The Harsola copper plates of Siyaka II mention a king called Akalavarsha. Additionally, Nava-sahasanka-charita mentions the story title ‘Paramar’.

Paramara Dynasty Important Rulers

The Paramara rulers were known for their military prowess and patronage of art, architecture, and literature. The following are some of the important rulers of the Paramara dynasty. 

Upendra of Paramara Dynasty

Upendra is often considered the founding ruler of the Paramara Dynasty. Not much is known about his reign, but he is credited with establishing the Paramara rule in the Malwa region. Upendra was succeeded by rulers who expanded the dynasty's influence over the years.

Siyaka II of Paramara Dynasty

Siyaka II was a pivotal ruler who strengthened the Paramara power by taking advantage of the weakening Rashtrakuta Empire. In 972 CE, he attacked and sacked the Rashtrakuta capital of Manyakheta, marking the ascendancy of the Paramaras as a regional power.

Prithvi Vallabha / Munja of Paramara Dynasty

Munja is credited with defeating the Kalachuris, the Huns, the Guhilas, the Nadulas, and the Tailapa. He was defeated and killed by western Chalukyaking Tailapa II. He adopted the titles of Amoghavarsha, Prithvi Vallabha, and Sri Vallabha.

Sindhuraja of Paramara Dynasty

Sindhuraja, a brother of Munja, ruled from 990 to 1010 CE. He defeated Satyashraya of the Western Chalukyas, the Somavanshis of south Kosala, the Shilaharas of Konkana, and the ruler of Lata.

• Source: His biography “Nava-Sahasanka- Charita” is written by his court poet Padma Gupta. 
• Literature: Literature during his period includes 'Dasharupaka' written by Dhanajaya, 'Yashorupa valika' by Dhanika and 'Tilak-manjari' by Dhanapala.

Bhoja of Paramara Dynasty

Bhoja is arguably the most famous ruler of the Paramara dynasty. His reign from 1010 CE to 1055 CE marked the zenith of Paramara's power and cultural achievements.

• Military conquests: He defeated the Chalukyas of Lata (present-day Gujarat), Shilahara of Konkan, and Chahamanas of Shakambhari. He increased his power among the Dubkund Kachchhapaghatas and the Chandela feudatories. He adopted the title of Parameshvara-Parama Bhattaraka.
• Sources: He has been described as “Kaviraj” in Udaypur Prashasti. Modasa copper plates are the earliest historical record of Bhoja's reign.
• Contribution to Architecture: He founded the city of Bhojpur, constructed the Bhojeshwar Temple, and builtthree dams in the area. He also founded the Bhoj Shala, a centre for Sanskrit studies in Dhar. 
• Contribution to Literature: He was a great patron of art and literature and adorned many court poets. He authored the Sarasvati-Kanthabharana, a Sanskrit Grammar treatise. His other works include Bhujabala-Bhima, Charucharya, Shalihotra, and Shringara-Prakasha.
  • Dasabala, the court poet of Bhoja composed Chintamani-Sarnika.

Naravarman of Paramara Dynasty

Naravarman's reign (1094-1133 CE) witnessed a significant decline in the power of the Paramara Dynasty. Dewas grant inscription mentions the succession of Naravarman after Udayaditya on the throne. He wrote the Nagpur Prashasti and restored the Ujjain Mahakala temple.

Mahalakadeva of Paramara Dynasty

Mahalakadeva was the last significant ruler of the Paramara Dynasty. His reign saw the dynasty's final collapse with the invasion of the Delhi Sultanate. In 1305, Mahalakadeva was defeated and killed by the forces of Alauddin Khilji, marking the end of the Paramara rule in Malwa.

Paramara Dynasty Administration

The Paramaras had a centralised system of administration, with the king holding the highest authority. The administrative framework was hierarchical, with ministers and officers responsible for various departments, such as revenue, justice, and military affairs. 

• Administrative Division: The kingdom was divided into several provinces, each governed by a feudatory chief or a governor appointed by the king. Local self-governance at village levels was encouraged, and village councils played a vital role in managing resources and resolving disputes.
• Army: The Paramara military was composed of infantry, cavalry, and war elephants, typical of Indian armies of the time. The dynasty maintained a strong military to defend their kingdom from external threats. Fortifications were built in major cities like Ujjain, Dhara, Bhilsa, and Mandu.

Paramara Dynasty Decline

After Raja Bhoja's death, the Paramara dynasty began to decline. By the 13th century, it had lost much of its power and territory. Weak rulers, invasion from other dynasties and invasion of Alauddin Khilji resulted in the end of Paramara rule in Malwa.

• Weak rulers: Rulers after Bhoja were weak and could not manage the empire. 
• Invasions: The Parmara Dynasty faced invasions from neighbours such as the Western Chalukyas, the Yadavas, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Vaghelas.
• Last Ruler: The last Paramara king, Mahalakadeva, was defeated and killed by the army of Ayn al-Mulk Multani (Governor of Alauddin Khilji) in 1305 CE.

Paramara Dynasty UPSC PYQs

Question 1: Consider the following pairs: (UPSC Prelims 2022)

King Dynasty

1. Nannuka Chandela
2. Jayashakti Paramara
3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

Answer: (b)

Paramara Dynasty FAQs

Q1. Who was the founder of the Paramara dynasty?

Ans. The founder of the Paramara dynasty was Upendra, also known as Krishnaraja, who likely ruled as a vassal of the Rashtrakutas in the early 9th century CE.

Q2. Who was the most famous Paramara king?

Ans. The most famous Paramara king was Bhoja, who ruled from 1010-1055 CE. He built the city of Bhojpur and the Bhojeshwar Temple.

Q3. Which is the capital of Paramaras?

Ans. The capital of the Paramara dynasty was Dhar (Dharanagar), a city in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

Q4. What is the time period of Paramaras?

Ans. The Paramara dynasty ruled from the 9th/10th century to the early 14th century CE, with their power declining after the 1305 CE invasion by Alauddin Khilji.

Q5. Who was the last king of Paramara dynasty?

Ans. Mahalakadeva was the last king of the Paramara dynasty. He was killed in 1305 during Alauddin Khilji's invasion.