Paramaras of Malwa: Sovereignty, Splendor and Spiritual Legacy

The Paramaras of Malwa, a dynasty that flourished from the 9th to the 14th century AD, emerged as a formidable power in Central India. Originating as vassals of the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas, they established their sovereignty under rulers like Siyaka and Munja. Renowned for their military prowess, cultural patronage, and administrative acumen, the Paramaras left an indelible mark on the history and heritage of the region.

1. The Rise of the Parmaras:

• Origins as Vassals: They were originally vassals of the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas. They emerged as an independent power in the second half of the 10th century. 
• Founder: Upendra (Krishnaraja) (800-818 AD) founded it with Dhar as its capital.
• Siyaka: the first independent sovereign, emerged from a Rashtrakuta feudatory and defeated the successor to the Rashtrakuta throne, leading to the decline of the Rashtrakutas.
• Munja/Vakapatiraja II (972-990 AD): Siyaka’s successor, achieved military successes against various neighboring kingdoms.
  • He was a patron of art and literature and various poets who graced his court were:
    • Dhananjaya: wrote Dasharupakam.
    • Padmagupta: wrote Nava-sahasanka-charita.
    • Other poets include Halayudha and Dhanika.
  • He was ultimately defeated and killed by the Western Chalukya king, Tailapa II.

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• Sindhuraja: Munja’s brother, recovered lost territories and won battles against several neighboring rulers.
• Raja Bhoja: Sindhuraja’s son, The dynasty reached its zenith under his reign.
  • Military Support Against Mahmud Ghazni: In 1008, he sent an army to assist Anandapal against Mahmud Ghazni and provided shelter to Anandapala’s son Trilochanpal.
  • Conflicts: He faced attacks from Chalukya and Kalachuris.
  • Confederacy Against Turkish Conquests: In 1043, he joined the confederacy of native chiefs that conquered Hansi, Thanesar, Nagarkot and other areas from the Turks.
  • Bhojapur: He founded the city of Bhojapur near Bhopal.
  • Scholarly Works: He authored books on subjects like medicine, astronomy, religion and architecture.
    • Shringar Prakash, a book on grammar.
    • Samrangan Sutradhar a popular book on civil engineering
    • Champu Ramayana (prose and poetry)
  • faced defeats against the Chandela king Vidyadhara and the Chaulukya king Jayasimha I.

2. The Decline of the Parmaras

• Jayasimha I and Udayaditya: Successors of Bhoja, faced invasions and defeats from neighboring kingdoms.
• Lakshmadeva: Udayaditya’s son, claimed extensive military conquests, although these claims are considered exaggerated.
• Naravarman: Udayaditya’s younger son, faced defeats from the Chandelas and Chaulukyas.
  • Subsequent rulers faced invasions from various kingdoms, leading to the decline of the Parmara power.
• Mahālakadeva (died 1305 AD): the last ruler of the Paramara dynasty, was defeated by the forces of Alauddin Khalji.

3. Administration

• Monarchical Authority: The king was the top authority in the government, with a body of ministers headed by the Prime Minister assisting him.
• Advisory Council: The Prime Minister advised the king on state matters, but the king could choose to ignore the advice
• Army: a substantial military force comprising infantry, cavalry, and elephants.
• • Munja, Sindhurja, and Other Rulers: were known for their elephant forces, which played a crucial role in battles.
  • Various Weapons: like bows, arrows, swords, and war-drums were used, with soldiers stationed in forts across the country.
• Revenue: sources included shares from agricultural produce, house tax, rent, market tolls, ferry tolls, and salt imports.

4. Religion

• Brahmanical Worship: Parmara kings were devout followers of Shiva.
  • Shiva temples were built by Udayaditya and Naravarman.
  • Worship rituals: bathing and anointing of deity images, offering perfumes, incense, food, and flowers.
• Promotion of Brahmanism: Malwa served as a significant center for Brahmanical religion.
  • The caste system: was strongly supported by the Paramara kings.
  • Hindu monasteries: were established to promote religious scripture studies, each headed by learned superintendents.
• Religious Ceremonies: Vasantotsava, the Spring festival, was a major religious celebration, often accompanied by various amusements and occasionally dramas.
• Jainism in Malwa: Jainism gained influence north of the Vindhya mountains.
  • Naravarman was inclined towards Jainism, showing respect to Jain teachers like Samudraghosa and Vallabha.
  • Jainism flourished in Gujarat under the patronage of the Chalukya Kumarpal, extending its influence to Malwa.
  • Jainas organized strongly across Northern India, with Gujarat as a central hub.

5. Art and Architecture

• City Building: Paramara kings were known for constructing cities, lakes, and temples.
  • Bhoja rebuilt Dhara: a prosperous city, continuing as a significant Malwa city during Muslim rule.
  • Bhojpur: founded by Bhoja, had a renowned lake believed to have been created to cure the king’s illness.
• Architecture and Engineering: Bhojpur Lake was created by Bhoja’s engineers, drawing water from numerous springs, and supplemented by redirecting river courses.
  • The Nilkanthesvara Temple: at Udayapur, built by Udayaditya, was praised for its beauty and miraculously spared from destruction by Muslim rulers.
  • The MehIdpur temples and the Siva Temple: at Bhojpur are notable architectural sites, reflecting the Paramara era’s grandeur.
• Literature and Learning: patronized learning and literature, contributing significantly to the literary movement of the time.
  • Kings like Siyaka and Bhoja were warriors as well as poets and scholars, promoting poetry, reasoning, and eloquence.
  • King of Poets: referred to Bhoja, was credited with composing numerous books, fostering a vibrant literary culture in his court.

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Conclusion

The Paramaras of Malwa represented a golden age of governance, culture, and architectural splendor in Central India. Despite facing challenges from neighboring kingdoms and eventual decline, their legacy endures through their contributions to religion, literature, and the built environment. Today, their reign stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and creativity that defined medieval Indian civilization.