SATHEE: Gujara-Pratiharas

Gujara-Pratiharas

Founded by: Nagabhata I
Founded around: 7th century CE
Capital: Ujjain (initially) → Later moved to Kannauj
Region: Covered parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
Expansion:
- Extended their influence into Gujarat by the 8th century
- Controlled the Sutlej to Kaveri region
- Became a dominant power in North India by the 9th century
Key Factor for Expansion:
- Control over the Ghaznavid and Chalukya territories
- Strategic control over trade routes and river systems

King	Reign Period	Key Contributions
Nagabhata I	7th century CE	Founder of the dynasty
Mihir Bhoj	836–885 CE	Most prominent ruler; expanded territory, built Mihirkot
Raja Bhoj	9th century CE	Known for Rajasekhara
Mandhata	9th century CE	Consolidated power in Gujarat
Kirtivarman	9th century CE	Extended influence in Western India

Conflict with Rashtrakutas:
- Rivalry for dominance in Deccan and North India
- Notable battles: Battle of Pratapgarh (816 CE) and Battle of Kajrahar (817 CE)
Conflict with Palas:
- Rivalry in Bengal and Bihar
Conflict with Chalukyas:
- Fought for control over Deccan and Malwa
Conflict with Gurjars:
- Internal strife and power struggles within the Gurjar community
Conflict with Delhi Sultanate:
- Decline of the dynasty led to invasion by Mohammad Ghaznavi (1001 CE)

Causes of Decline:
- Internal power struggles and succession disputes
- Invasions by Delhi Sultanate (e.g., Mohammad Ghaznavi, Muhammad of Ghor, Iltutmish, and Balban)
- Loss of control over Gujarat to Solanki rulers
- Economic decline due to trade disruptions and foreign invasions
Key Event:
- Ghaznavi’s invasion (1001 CE) marked the beginning of the end of the dynasty
End of the Dynasty:
- The Gujara-Pratihara dynasty ceased to exist by the 11th century
- Their territories were divided among various local rulers and invading dynasties

Gujara-Pratiharas were the main rivals of Rashtrakutas in the 9th century.
Mihir Bhoj is known for his military campaigns and administrative reforms.
Raja Bhoj is associated with the Rajatarangini, a historical chronicle.
The Gujara-Pratiharas controlled the Ghaznavid and Chalukya territories.
The Delhi Sultanate played a key role in the decline of the Gujara-Pratiharas.
The Gujara-Pratiharas were the first to use the term “Pratihara” in their inscriptions.

Aspect	Gujara-Pratiharas	Rashtrakutas
Region	North India, Gujarat	Deccan, South India
Rivalry	With Rashtrakutas, Palas, Chalukyas	With Gujara-Pratiharas, Chalukyas
Key Ruler	Mihir Bhoj, Raja Bhoj	Amoghavarsha I, Krishna III
Literary Patronage	Raja Bhoj supported Rajasekhara	Amoghavarsha I supported Kavi Kulashekara

The Gujara-Pratiharas were the main power in North India during the 8th–11th centuries.
Mihir Bhoj is the most important ruler of the dynasty.
The Delhi Sultanate led to the decline of the Gujara-Pratiharas.
Raja Bhoj is known for Rajatarangini and Rajasekhara.
The Gujara-Pratiharas controlled the Ghaznavid and Chalukya territories.