'''Chandel''' (synonym:Mādhav, Vrishni & [[Chedi]]) <ref>{{Cite book |last=Dikshit |first=R. K. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=V%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%ABs&f=false |title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti |date=1976 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-046-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=GwzlFdW6kloC&pg=PA412&dq=Offshoot+of+Yadavas+Chand&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLpu_LxZT-AhUQTWwGHQt_AJoQ6AF6BAgDEAM|title=History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement (2 Vols.)|last=Viyogi|last2=Ansari|first2=Naval & M. Anawar|date=2010|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-7835-751-5|language=en}}</ref>({{lang-hi|चन्द+ऐल-चन्देल|lit=[[Moon]] god and Ael, direct descendant of [[Ila|Ila goddess]]}})<ref><nowiki>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=5jpuAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjbnqyeyamDAxVVw6ACHaS1C_sQ6AF6BAgMEAM#%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2</nowiki></ref><ref><nowiki>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=6xQ-AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6+%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6+%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjRopyDyamDAxUnyqACHVmCApQQ6AF6BAgFEAM#%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2%20%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5</nowiki></ref> is a clan of the [[Rajput]] or [[Kshatriya|Kshatriy caste]]. Chandels are the highest clan among the Kshatriyas and is the lord of the [[Moon|Chandravansh]]. Families belonging to this clan ruled many states in India and occupied various feudal estates. The most notable of these Chandel family is [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti|Chandel dynasty of Jejakabhukti]], who ruled many almost entire India from 8th to 15th century from their capital in [[Jejakabhukti|Jejakabhukti region]]. Chandels and it's branches saved Hindus from invaders like Turks, Afghans and Mughals during Aurangzeb even during there decline period.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Yaman ) |first=डॉ अशोक कुमार ‘यमन’ ( Dr Ashok Kumar |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=eT1YEAAAQBAJ&dq=chandel+are+chandravanshi+cv+vaidya&pg=PA13&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=chandel%20are%20chandravanshi%20cv%20vaidya&f=false |title=मध्यकालीन भारतीय संगीत का इतिहास ( Madhyakalin Bharatiya Sangeet ka Itihas ) |date=2022-01-08 |publisher=Kalpana Prakashan |language=hi}}</ref><ref> name=":0">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mcvhwD5QZKEC&pg=PA172 |title=Frontiers in Migration Analysis |author=R. B. Mandal |publisher=Concept |year=1981 |page=172 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=TKvEEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA321&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6+%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8+%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi5woqH9ceDAxWwklYBHUfNA58Q6AF6BAgGEAM#v=onepage&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2%20&f=false|title=Raja Bhoj Parmaron Ki Gorvanshiya Virasat|last=sakalle|first=Jairam Sitaram Pawar & Vinayak|date=2023-06-13|publisher=Blue Rose Publishers|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Taṇḍana |first=Premanārāyaṇa |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=a0shAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF+%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF+%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwieq52v2LaBAxWG1GEKHX_kClE4ChDoAXoECAQQAw#%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%20%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%20%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2 |title=ब्रजभाषा सूर-कोश: Nirdeśaka Dīnadayālu Gupta |date=1962 |publisher=Lakhanaū Viśvavidyālaya |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Kapoor |first=Badrinath |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Brihat_Pramanik_Hindi_Kosh.html?id=hkmDkkI5JYYC |title=Brihat Pramanik Hindi Kosh |date=2006-09-01 |publisher=Lokbharti Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8031-057-7 |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Verma |first=Dr Shyam Bahadur |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Prabhat_Brihat_Hindi_Shabdakosh_Vol_1.html?id=hr9Zl_7g8HAC |title=Prabhat Brihat Hindi Shabdakosh (Vol-1): Bestseller Book by Dr Shyam Bahadur Verma: Prabhat Brihat Hindi Shabdakosh) |date=2010-01-01 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-7315-769-1 |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Thakur ‘Bipin’ |first=Dr Bindeshwari Prasad |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=2Ht3EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA502&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiikYfu2baBAxUddfUHHTlyCisQ6AF6BAgGEAM#v=onepage&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2%20%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2&f=false |title=BHARTIYA SANSKRITI KE GAKAAR PRATEEK |publisher=Sarv Bhasha Trust |isbn=978-93-93605-21-4 |language=hi}}</ref><ref name="MajumdarBhavan1951">{{cite book |author=[[Ramesh Chandra Majumdar]] |title=The History and Culture of the Indian People: The age of imperial unity; 2d ed. 1953 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-3dDAAAAYAAJ |year=1951 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Society |first=Bihar and Orissa Research |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=IahEAQAAMAAJ&q=kharavela+chakravarti&dq=kharavela+chakravarti&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjgorSBt66BAxWSPXAKHWHvDBAQ6AF6BAgNEAM#kharavela%20chakravarti |title=Journal of the Bihar and Orissa Research Society |date=1917 |publisher=The Society |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=UOIJAQAAMAAJ&q=could+not+subjugate+the+freedom+lover+Bundelas+and+Chandelas&dq=could+not+subjugate+the+freedom+lover+Bundelas+and+Chandelas&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjpsfrJuoaEAxWHXGwGHde0BM0Q6AF6BAgGEAM#Mughal%20Chandelas|title=Management in Government|date=2008|publisher=Department of Administrative Reforms, Ministry of Home Affairs|language=en}}</ref>
'''Chandel''' or '''Chandela''' is a [[Rajput]]
clan from [[India]].<ref name=":0">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mcvhwD5QZKEC&pg=PA172 |title=Frontiers in Migration Analysis |author=R. B. Mandal |publisher=Concept |year=1981 |page=172 }}</ref> Families belonging to this clan ruled several kingdoms in north India and held various feudal estates. The most notable of these were the [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti]], who ruled the [[Bundelkhand]] region.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vkkK6SZOo_gC&dq=chandel+chandravanshi&pg=PA1529 |title=People of India: Uttar Pradesh |date=2005 |publisher=Anthropological Survey of India |isbn=978-81-7304-114-3 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dole |first=Manoj |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gVukEAAAQBAJ&dq=chandel+chandravanshi&pg=PA76 |title=Great Indian Army Hero |publisher=Manoj Dole |language=en}}</ref>
==Subclans & Branches==
== History ==
Mahobia, Kahluria, Gidhauriya, Chand, Burhuri & Banafar etc are the subclans while Kalachuris, Meghas & Pallavas etc are separate branches of Chandel Rajputs.
During 10th to 13th century CE, the [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti]] ruled the Bundelkhand region in present-day [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Chandel claim Chandravansh lineage,<ref name=":0" /> Historian R. K. Dikshit does find the Bhar and Gond origin theory convincing: he argues that Maniya was not a tribal deity.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dikshit|first=R. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130|title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti|date=1976|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-046-4|pages=8|language=en}}</ref> According to him, the dynasty's association with [[Gondi_people|Gond]] territory is not necessarily indicative of a common descent: the dynasty's progenitor may have been posted as a governor in these territories.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dikshit|first=R. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130|title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti|date=1976|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-046-4|pages=7|language=en}}</ref>
Historian [[Romila Thapar]] states that although the Chandella dynasty claimed a mythological [[Lunar dynasty|Lunar(Chandravansh)]] descent but the origin of the Chandella dynasty was also, "associated with the Gond tribe of central India". It is stated that the dynasty rulers originally worshipped a rock named 'Maniya Deo', that they installed in [[Mahoba]], their first capital. They gave up worshipping the rock and started worshipping deities of the Puranas to form the Rajput Chandella dynasty. Thapar cites this example as one of the many instances where building of Temples was used for mobility in the caste system.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5irrXX0apQC&pg=PA480|quote=A signal of different kind came from the Chandella Dynasty. These kings narrated a complex origin myth linked to the lunar line in their inscriptions but their origin was associated with the Gond tribes of central India. It is said that they originally worshipped a rock, Maniya Deo, installed in their earliest capital of Mahoba. Through the processes of acquiring Rajput status and subscribing to Sanskritic culture, which involved devotion to Puranic deities, they expressed this change by building the temples of Khajuraho which were distinctly different from the shrine of Maniya Deo. This illustrates a shift from a local cult to a patronage of a puranic sect|title=Early India - From the Origins to AD 1300|author= Romila Thapar |page=480|publisher=University of California Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-520-24225-8 }}</ref>
==Origin==
===Gidhaur zamindari===
{{Main|Gidhaur chieftaincy}}
===Early text and inscriptions===
[[File:Gidhaur palace.jpg|thumb|Gidhaur palace]]
The '''[[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti|Chandels]]''' are Bramh-Kshatriyas and synonym or changed name of [[Heheya Kingdom|Haihayavanshi Vrshni]] and Chedi clan of [[Rajputs]]. According to [[Khajuraho]] inscription, the Chandel king Dhangavarman was born in Vrishni yadava clan of [[Yadu dynasty| Chandravanshi Rajputs]] insted of Chandel clan, means Chandel and Vrishni (also Chedi, changed name of Vrishni clan) are synonyms. Also there are many inscriptions which mentioned Chandelas as Chandravanshi.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=3}}
The zamindari estate of [[Gidhaur]] in [[Munger district]], present-day [[Bihar]] was controlled by a branch of the Chandel <ref>{{cite journal | title=Landed Aristocracy and the Peasantry in Medieval Bhagalpur | author=Yogendra Roy | journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume = 59| year=1998 | pages= 279–286|jstor = 44146998}}</ref> They are considered to be one of the oldest ruling families in Bihar. It was established by Bir Bikram Shah whose ancestors came from [[Mahoba]] in Bundelkhand but were driven into Bihar during the 12th century following various Muslim incursions. They managed to gain control of Gidhaur after expelling the various aboriginal chiefs from the region. Bir Bikram Shah slowly started to expand his chieftaincy to encompass the surrounding areas. Other rulers belonging to this lineage include Sukhdev Singh, Ram Naranjan Singh and Darp Narayan Singh.<ref name="Ansari2019">{{cite book|first=Tahir Hussain |last=Ansari|title=Mughal Administration and the Zamindars of Bihar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUueDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT234|year=2019|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-00-065152-2|pages=234–236}}</ref>
Historians Such as CV Vaidya and [[Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha|GS Ojha]] consider these Chandel Rajput to be of Pure [[Lunar dynasty|Chandra]] lineage and Highest clan among [[Kshatriya|Kshatriyas]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Yaman ) |first=डॉ अशोक कुमार ‘यमन’ ( Dr Ashok Kumar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eT1YEAAAQBAJ&dq=chandel+are+chandravanshi+cv+vaidya&pg=PA13 |title=मध्यकालीन भारतीय संगीत का इतिहास ( Madhyakalin Bharatiya Sangeet ka Itihas ) |date=2022-01-08 |publisher=Kalpana Prakashan |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Pandey |first=Dhanpati |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EGR2yLsj1DcC&dq=chandel+are+chandravanshi+cv+vaidya&pg=PA220 |title=Pracheen Bharat Ka Rajneetik Aur Sanskritik Itihas |date=1998 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishe |isbn=978-81-208-2380-8 |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Lal |first=Lallu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G4AIAAAAQAAJ&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2&pg=PA122 |title=Premasāgara |date=1882 |publisher=Navalakiśora |language=hi}}</ref> According to Ballads of [[Chedi]], the Chandel were descendants of Haihaya king [[Mahishman]], who was the founder of [[Maheshmati|Mahishmati Empire]].{{sfn|Upadhyay|1980}}{{pn|date=August 2022}}
According to 6th century inscriptions of [[Bilaspur State]] and [[Chedi Kingdom]], a Chandel king Chandravarman became the king of [[Chanderi]], his ancestors rulled Chedi Kingdom continuosly after [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi-Chandel King]] [[Shishupala]] (he changed the name of Chedi clan to Chandel. Chandravarman II (also known as Nannukavarman) re-established the independence of Chandelas in [[Vindhya]] and defeated Pratihara dynasty. He became the 5th king of Chanderi after the Chandel king [[Hariharvarman]] (Harihar Chand in Pahadi) who was also the ancestors of Bir Chand (founder of Kahlur state in 632 A.D.).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brentnall |first=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayYbAvECXQwC&q=chandel+&pg=PA33 |title=The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh |date=2004 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-163-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Pāṇḍeya |first=Trilocana |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oZYKAQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2 |title=Kumāūm̐ kā loka sāhitya |date=1962 |publisher=Alamoṛā Buka Ḍipo |language=hi}}</ref>
The epigraphic records of the dynasty, as well as contemporary texts such as ''Balabhadra-vilasa'' and ''Prabodha-chandrodaya'', suggest that the Chandelas belonged to the legendary [[Lunar dynasty]] (''Chandravansha'').{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=3}} A 954 CE [[Khajuraho]] inscription states that the dynasty's first king [[Chandravarman (Chandel ruler)|Chandrvarman]] was a descendant of sage Chandratreya (Lord Chandra), who was a son of [[Atri]]. A 1002 CE Khajuraho inscription gives a slightly different account, in which Chandratreya is mentioned as a son of Indu (the Moon) and a grandson of Atri.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=4}} The 1195 CE Baghari inscription and the 1260 CE Ajaygadh inscription contain similar accounts.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=5}} The ''Balabhadra-vilasa'' also names [[Atri]] among the ancestors of the Chandelas,Coz Saptrishi [[Atri]] was the Father of Lord Chandrma and the Chandelas were Bramh-Kshatriyas so they proudly accept the name of Atri during ''Rajtilaka'' by [[Bramhins]] priest.
[[File:Le temple de Parshvanath (Khajuraho) (8638391942).jpg |thumb|left|upright|Loving couple, [[Khajuraho]].]]
===Local Fairytales===
The ''Mahoba-Khanda'' legend of the dynasty's origin goes like this: Hemaraja, a priest of the [[Gahadavala|Gaharwar]] king of [[Varanasi|Benares]], had a beautiful daughter named Hemavati. Once, while Hemavati was bathing in a pond, the moon god [[Chandra]] saw her and made love to her. Hemavati was worried about the dishonour of being an unwed mother, but Chandra assured her that their son would become a great king. This child was the dynasty's progenitor Chandravarma. Chandra presented him with a [[philosopher's stone]] and taught him politics.<ref name="Asopa1976">{{cite book |author=Jai Narayan Asopa |title=Origin of the Rajputs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I_KznQEACAAJ |year=1976 |publisher=Bharatiya Publishing House |page=208}}</ref>{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=3}} The dynasty's own records do not mention Hemavati, Hemaraja or Indrajit. Such legends appear to be later bardic inventions. In general, the ''Mahoba-Khanda'' is a historically unreliable text.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=4}} ''Prithviraj Raso'' is also considered an historically unreliable text.<ref>{{cite book | editor=K Ayyappap Panikkar | title=Medieval Indian literature: an anthology (Volume 1) | author = Vijayendra Snatak | chapter = Medieval Hindi Literature | chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KYLpvaKJIMEC&pg=PA142 |year=1997 | publisher=Sahitya Akademi | isbn=978-81-260-0365-5 | page=142}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Serving empire, serving nation: James Tod and the Rajputs of Rajasthan |first=Jason |last=Freitag |publisher=BRILL |year=2009 |isbn=978-90-04-17594-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ib93BhAu43gC |pages=3–5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=R. V. Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 |page= 30}}</ref>
[[File:Celestial dancer (Devata) mid-11th century, Chandela period, Madhya Pradesh.jpg|thumb|Celestial dancer (Devata) mid-11th century, Chandela period, Madhya Pradesh. [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]].]]
===British theory & debunk===
The British indologist [[Vincent Arthur Smith|V. A. Smith]] theorised that the Chandelas were of either [[Bhar]] or [[Gondi people|Gond]] origin, this theory was not supported by some scholars including [[Chintaman Vinayak Vaidya|C V Vaidya]] because this Bhar and Gond Origin theory was based on Marriage of Durgavati to a king of Gond kingdom Dalpat shah who was a Gond and son of King Amandas Gond according to Akbarnama.<ref name="Beveridge 1907">{{Cite book|last=Beveridge|first=H.|url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.55649|title=The Akbarnama Of Abul Fazl Vol.2|date=1907}}</ref> After the decline of Kalchuri Rajput remaining Kalchuri Rajput kingdom adopted tribal's which lead to the beginning of Gond Kingdom in which Dalpat Shah Gond was a son of Gond King Amandas Gond.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-16|title=Rani Durgavati: The symbol of syncretic culture between Rajputs and Tribals|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/rani-durgavati-the-symbol-of-syncretic-culture-between-rajputs-and-tribals/|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Beveridge 1907" /> Historian R. K. Dikshit also not find Bhar and Gond Origin theory convincing: he argues that Maniya was not a tribal deity.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dikshit|first=R.K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130|title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti|date=1976|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-046-4|pages=8|language=en}}</ref> Also, the dynasty's association with Gond territory is not necessarily indicative of a common descent: the dynasty's progenitor may have been posted as a governor in these territories.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dikshit|first=R. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130|title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti|date=1976|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-046-4|pages=7|language=en}}</ref>
==History==
===Mahameghvahana Dynasty===
'''[[Mahameghavahana dynasty]]''', Rule: 1st century BC to early 4th century BC<ref name="Sahu">{{Cite journal|last=Sahu|first=J. K.|date=1977|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|volume=38|pages=49–54|issn=2249-1937|jstor=44139050|title=The Meghas of Kosala}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/187259/13/13_chapter%202.pdf|title=The Meghas of Kosala|last=Sahu|first=J.K.|date=1977|website=shodhganga}}</ref>) was an ancient Indian dynasty of Kalinga after the fall of the Maurya Empire.<ref>For a map of their territory see: {{cite book |last1=Schwartzberg |first1=Joseph E. |title=A Historical atlas of South Asia |date=1978 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |page=145, map XIV.1 (f)|isbn=0226742210 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/pager.html?object=182}}</ref> In the 1st century BCE, Mahameghavahanavarman, a Chandel king of the [[Chedi Empire|Chedi]], conquered [[Kalinga]] and [[Kosala]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.282457|title=Tribes in Ancient India|last=L Bhagawandas Gandhi|date=1927}}</ref> He belonged to the [[Chandel (Rajput clan)|Chedi-Chandel Yadav clan]] of the Chandravanshi Kshatriyas.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Taṇḍana |first=Premanārāyaṇa |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=a0shAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF+%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF+%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwieq52v2LaBAxWG1GEKHX_kClE4ChDoAXoECAQQAw#%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%20%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%20%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2 |title=ब्रजभाषा सूर-कोश: Nirdeśaka Dīnadayālu Gupta |date=1962 |publisher=Lakhanaū Viśvavidyālaya |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dikshit |first=R. K. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=V%E1%B9%9B%E1%B9%A3%E1%B9%87%C4%ABs&f=false |title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti |date=1976 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-046-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Verma |first=Dr Shyam Bahadur |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Prabhat_Brihat_Hindi_Shabdakosh_Vol_1.html?id=hr9Zl_7g8HAC |title=Prabhat Brihat Hindi Shabdakosh (Vol-1): Bestseller Book by Dr Shyam Bahadur Verma: Prabhat Brihat Hindi Shabdakosh) |date=2010-01-01 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-7315-769-1 |language=hi}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite book |last=Kapoor |first=Badrinath |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Brihat_Pramanik_Hindi_Kosh.html?id=hkmDkkI5JYYC |title=Brihat Pramanik Hindi Kosh |date=2006-09-01 |publisher=Lokbharti Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8031-057-7 |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Thakur ‘Bipin’ |first=Dr Bindeshwari Prasad |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=2Ht3EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA502&dq=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiikYfu2baBAxUddfUHHTlyCisQ6AF6BAgGEAM#v=onepage&q=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B2%20%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2&f=false |title=BHARTIYA SANSKRITI KE GAKAAR PRATEEK |publisher=Sarv Bhasha Trust |isbn=978-93-93605-21-4 |language=hi}}</ref><ref name="MajumdarBhavan1951">{{cite book |author=[[Ramesh Chandra Majumdar]] |title=The History and Culture of the Indian People: The age of imperial unity; 2d ed. 1953 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-3dDAAAAYAAJ |year=1951 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Society |first=Bihar and Orissa Research |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=IahEAQAAMAAJ&q=kharavela+chakravarti&dq=kharavela+chakravarti&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjgorSBt66BAxWSPXAKHWHvDBAQ6AF6BAgNEAM#kharavela%20chakravarti |title=Journal of the Bihar and Orissa Research Society |date=1917 |publisher=The Society |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=M2Pr0PCTYV4C&q=kharavela+Agramahishi&dq=kharavela+Agramahishi&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjY4Ze-tq6BAxXYO3AKHaXqBHwQ6AF6BAgOEAM#kharavela%20Agramahishi |title=Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society |date=1946 |publisher=Andhra Historical Research Society |language=en}}</ref>
===Bilaspur State===
According to Bilaspur Past and Present, Bilaspur Gazetteer and Ganesh Singh's book Chandravansh Vilas and Shashivansh Vinod confirm that the foundation of Kahlur Princely State was laid by Chandel prince Bir Chand (Birvarman), His father who reigned [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]] to northern [[Mahismati]] region from Chanderi, Hariharvarman Chandel (Harihar Chand) [[Chanderi]]) made his son Govindvarman Chandel the king of [[Chanderi]] and in old age came north with his son Birvarman and other 3.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayYbAvECXQwC&pg=PA50 |title=The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh |author=Mark Brentnall |publisher=Indus |year=2005 |isbn=9788173871634 |page=50 52 }}</ref>
===Chand dynasty===
[[File:Fort and the capital city of Kali Kumaon, Champawat, 1815.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Fort and the capital city of Kali Kumaon, [[Champawat]], 1815.]]
The '''Chand Dynasty''' [[Hindi|संस्कृत]]: चन्द राजवंश), sometimes '''Chandel of Kumaon'''<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Viyogi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GwzlFdW6kloC&dq=Chandel+or+Chand+of+Kumaon&pg=PA412 |title=History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement (2 Vols.) |last2=Ansari |first2=Naval & M. Anawar |date=2010 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-7835-751-5 |language=en}}</ref> or '''Chand Kingdom''', was a Chandel dynasty of [[Kumaon Kingdom|Kumaon]], which was established by displacing the [[Katyuri kings]]. The Chands ruled over the [[Kumaon Kingdom|Kumaon]] and parts of the Farwestern [[Nepal]] called [[Doti]] (present-day [[Sudurpashchim Province]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Acharya |first=Baburam |date=December 1, 1976 |title=Prithvi Narayan Shah |journal=Regmi Research Series |pages=225}}</ref> Thee dynasty was founded by Somvanshi Chandel Yadava prince Som Chand (Somvarman, the son of Kabirvarman Chandel or Kabir Chand).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Handa |first=O. C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XTfmGNfaoC4C |title=Art & Architecture of Uttarakhand |date=July 2009 |publisher=Pentagon Press |isbn=978-81-8274-417-2 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eS6gtbhj9cIC |title=Census of India, 1991: Una |date=1995 |publisher=Controller of Publications |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Tyagi |first=Nutan |date=1991 |title= Hill Resorts of U.P. Himalaya|publisher=Indus publications |pages=63|isbn=9788185182629 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fcrieQdY3Y0C&dq=Chand+dynasty+rajput&pg=PA63}}</ref>
===Chandelas of Jejakabhukti===
The [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti]] or ''Chandelas of Mahoba'' was a famous [[Hindu]] [[Rajput]] dynasty , which independently ruled Central India from the 8th to the 13th century. The Chandelas of Mahoba was founded by the [[Haihaya|Haihayavanshi Chandel]] king [[Nannuka|Chandravarman]]. They ruled from [[Mahoba]], [[Jejakabhukti]], [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The [[Chandel (Rajput clan)|Chandel]] emperors of [[Kalinjar]] were not only successful conquerors and efficient rulers but also had more inclination towards architecture, religion and love.
[[File:Map of Candellas around 1200 CE.jpg| thumb|Map of Chandel dynasty in 1200 CE... The Chandel Empire during its decline around 1202 A.D.]]
{{sfn| Early Rulers of Khajur (Second Revised Edition)}}{{sfn| Edwin Thomas Atkinson|1971|p=504}}{{sfn|Kuśa rājavaṃśa pradīpa|kr̥shṇapāla Siṃha, Rāma Sahāya Brahma Bhaṭṭa, Baśīra Ahamada | 1976|p=55}}{{sfn|Nimara ka samskrtika itihasa|Ramnarayan Upadhyay |1980|p=17}}
===Chandels of Mirzapur===
===Chandels of Mirzapur===
Bijaigarh in modern [[Mirzapur district]] of Eastern [[Uttar Pradesh]] was ruled by a family of Chandel Rajputs who traced their line to the Burhur Chandels of Rewa. They were notable for their conflict with the [[Bhumihar]]s of [[Benares state]] and for participating in the [[Indian rebellion of 1857]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Downs |first1=Troy |title=Rajput revolt in Southern Mirzapur, 1857–58 |journal=Journal of South Asian Studies |date=1992 |pages=29-46 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00856409208723166}}</ref>
Bijaigarh in modern [[Mirzapur district]] of Eastern [[Uttar Pradesh]] was ruled by a family of Chandel Rajputs who traced their line to the Burhur Chandels of Rewa. They were notable for their conflict with the [[Bhumihar]]s of [[Benares state]] and for participating in the [[Indian rebellion of 1857]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Downs |first1=Troy |title=Rajput revolt in Southern Mirzapur, 1857–58 |journal=Journal of South Asian Studies |date=1992 |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=29–46 |doi=10.1080/00856409208723166 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00856409208723166|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
===Zaildari===
===Bilaspur Princely State===
The Princely family of [[Bilaspur State]] are Chandel claiming descent from [[Shishupala]], who reigned in Chanderi in southern Palputana . But according to Bilaspur Past and Present, Bilaspur Gazetteer and Ganesh
Singh's book Chandravansh Vilas and Shashivansh Vinod confirm that the foundation of Kahlur Princely State was laid by Birchand in 697 AD who claims its descent from Chandervanshi [[Rajputs]] who reigned at Chanderi in the [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]] to northern [[Mahismati]] region, but this is not completely true, Harihar Chand (71st king of [[Chanderi]]) made his son Govind Chand the king of [[Chanderi]] and in old age came north with Bir Chand.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayYbAvECXQwC&pg=PA50 |title=The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh |author=Mark Brentnall |publisher=Indus |year=2005 |isbn=9788173871634 |page=50 52 }}</ref>
A group of Chandel families claiming a common origin once held the [[zaildar]]is of Ghund, Madhan, and [[Theog]] in present-day [[Himachal Pradesh]]. According to their tradition, their ancestor migrated from [[Chanderi]] to [[Kahlur|Bilaspur]]. After three generations, his descendants moved to Ram Sarai in the [[Garhwal division|Garhwal region]]. After another four generations, four brothers from the family moved to the [[Shimla district|Shimla region]].
=== Zaildari ===
The eldest brother became administrator of Madhan; the third youngest - Jai Chand - became the administrator of Theog; and the youngest became the administrator of Ghund.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayYbAvECXQwC&pg=PA284 |title=The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh |author=Mark Brentnall |publisher=Indus |year=2005 |isbn=9788173871634 |page=284 }}</ref>
A group of Chandel families claiming a common origin once held the [[zaildar]]is of Ghund, Madhan, and [[Theog]] in present-day [[Himachal Pradesh]]. According to their tradition, their ancestor migrated from [[Chanderi]] to [[Kahlur|Bilaspur]]. After three generations, his descendants moved to Ram Sarai in the [[Garhwal division|Garhwal region]]. After another four generations, four brothers from the family moved to the [[Shimla district|Shimla region]]. The eldest brother became administrator of Madhan; the third youngest - Jai Chand - became the administrator of Theog; and the youngest became the administrator of Ghund.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ayYbAvECXQwC&pg=PA284 |title=The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh |author=Mark Brentnall |publisher=Indus |year=2005 |isbn=9788173871634 |page=284 }}</ref>
==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
===Bibliography===
=== Bibliography ===
*
* {{cite book |author=R. K. Dikshit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA3 |title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti |publisher=Abhinav |year=1976 |isbn = 9788170170464}}
{{cite book|author=R. K. Dikshit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA3|title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti|publisher=Abhinav|year=1976|isbn=9788170170464}}
* {{cite book |last=Sen |first=Shailendra Nath |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&pg=PA172 |title=Ancient Indian History and Civilization |publisher=New Age International |year=1999 |isbn=9788122411980 }}
*{{cite book|last=Sen|first=Shailendra Nath|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&pg=PA172|title=Ancient Indian History and Civilization|publisher=New Age International|year=1999|isbn=9788122411980}}
Chandel or Chandela is a Rajput
clan from India.[1] Families belonging to this clan ruled several kingdoms in north India and held various feudal estates. The most notable of these were the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, who ruled the Bundelkhand region.[2][3]
During 10th to 13th century CE, the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti ruled the Bundelkhand region in present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Chandel claim Chandravansh lineage,[1] Historian R. K. Dikshit does find the Bhar and Gond origin theory convincing: he argues that Maniya was not a tribal deity.[4] According to him, the dynasty's association with Gond territory is not necessarily indicative of a common descent: the dynasty's progenitor may have been posted as a governor in these territories.[5]
Historian Romila Thapar states that although the Chandella dynasty claimed a mythological Lunar(Chandravansh) descent but the origin of the Chandella dynasty was also, "associated with the Gond tribe of central India". It is stated that the dynasty rulers originally worshipped a rock named 'Maniya Deo', that they installed in Mahoba, their first capital. They gave up worshipping the rock and started worshipping deities of the Puranas to form the Rajput Chandella dynasty. Thapar cites this example as one of the many instances where building of Temples was used for mobility in the caste system.[6]
The zamindari estate of Gidhaur in Munger district, present-day Bihar was controlled by a branch of the Chandel [7] They are considered to be one of the oldest ruling families in Bihar. It was established by Bir Bikram Shah whose ancestors came from Mahoba in Bundelkhand but were driven into Bihar during the 12th century following various Muslim incursions. They managed to gain control of Gidhaur after expelling the various aboriginal chiefs from the region. Bir Bikram Shah slowly started to expand his chieftaincy to encompass the surrounding areas. Other rulers belonging to this lineage include Sukhdev Singh, Ram Naranjan Singh and Darp Narayan Singh.[8]
The Princely family of Bilaspur State are Chandel claiming descent from Shishupala, who reigned in Chanderi in southern Palputana . But according to Bilaspur Past and Present, Bilaspur Gazetteer and Ganesh
Singh's book Chandravansh Vilas and Shashivansh Vinod confirm that the foundation of Kahlur Princely State was laid by Birchand in 697 AD who claims its descent from Chandervanshi Rajputs who reigned at Chanderi in the Chedi to northern Mahismati region, but this is not completely true, Harihar Chand (71st king of Chanderi) made his son Govind Chand the king of Chanderi and in old age came north with Bir Chand.[10]
Zaildari
A group of Chandel families claiming a common origin once held the zaildaris of Ghund, Madhan, and Theog in present-day Himachal Pradesh. According to their tradition, their ancestor migrated from Chanderi to Bilaspur. After three generations, his descendants moved to Ram Sarai in the Garhwal region. After another four generations, four brothers from the family moved to the Shimla region. The eldest brother became administrator of Madhan; the third youngest - Jai Chand - became the administrator of Theog; and the youngest became the administrator of Ghund.[11]
↑Romila Thapar (2004). Early India - From the Origins to AD 1300. University of California Press. p. 480. ISBN978-0-520-24225-8. A signal of different kind came from the Chandella Dynasty. These kings narrated a complex origin myth linked to the lunar line in their inscriptions but their origin was associated with the Gond tribes of central India. It is said that they originally worshipped a rock, Maniya Deo, installed in their earliest capital of Mahoba. Through the processes of acquiring Rajput status and subscribing to Sanskritic culture, which involved devotion to Puranic deities, they expressed this change by building the temples of Khajuraho which were distinctly different from the shrine of Maniya Deo. This illustrates a shift from a local cult to a patronage of a puranic sect
↑Yogendra Roy (1998). "Landed Aristocracy and the Peasantry in Medieval Bhagalpur". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 59: 279–286. JSTOR44146998.
