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{{Short description|11th century Indian Hindu emperor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| name        = Vidyadharavarman
| name        = Vidyādhara varman
| title        =''[[Chakravartin|Chakravartin Samrat]]''<br>''''Paramabhattaraka-Maharajadhiraja-ParamaMaheshvara Parameshvara-Dharmarajika-Rajnyashrestha-Prajapita-Mahobanaresh-Mahishmatipati-Sri-Kalanjaradhipati''''
| title        = Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Parameshvara, Srī-kalanjaradhipati
| reign        = r. c. 1003-1035 CE
| succession  = [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti|Emperor of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti]]
| succession  = 9th [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti|Chandel]] Emperor
| reign        = c. 1003–1035
| predecessor  = [[Gandavarman]]
| predecessor  = [[Ganda (Chandela dynasty)|Gandavarman]]
| successor    = [[Vijayapala|Vijayapalavarman]]
| successor    = [[Vijayapala|Vijayapalavarman]]
| image = File:Art of Vidyadharvarman Chandel and Mahmud of Ghazni.png
| consort      = Satyabhama Devi  
| caption = Imagination art of Vidyadharavarman Chandel and Mahmud of Ghazni
| regnal name =  
| birth_date  =
| full name    = Srīmat Vidyadhara Varman Deva
| birth_place  =
| dynasty      = [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti]]
| death_date  =
| house = [[Chandelvansha]]
| death_place  =
| father      = Gandavarman
| spouse      = Satyabhama-Devi ([[Chahamanas of Shakambhari|Chauhan]] [[Princess]]) {{sfn|Sullerey|2004|p=25}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Indian Archaeology: A Review |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jW1DAAAAYAAJ |year=1975 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |page=55 }}</ref>
| mother      =  
| spouse-type = Maharani
| native_lang1 = [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]]
| spouses      =
| native_lang1_name1 = {{lang|fa|{{nastaliq|श्रीमत-विद्याधर-वर्म-देव }}}}
| spouses-type = Wives
| religion      = [[Hinduism]]
| issue        = *[[Vijayapala|Vijayapalavarman]]
| image              =  
*Jayapalavarman
| image_size        =  
*Ajayapalavarman
| alt                =  
| issue-type  = Sons
| caption            =  
| full name    = '''Shrimanmat Vidyadharavarman Deva Chandel'''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tripathi |first=Rama Shankar |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=2Tnh2QjGhMQC&pg=PA286&dq=Vidyadharadeva&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixhuv24sSCAxXzp1YBHQjOBYMQ6AF6BAgMEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadharadeva&f=false |title=History of Kanauj: To the Moslem Conquest |last2=Tripathi |first2=Rama S. |date=1989 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |isbn=978-81-208-0404-3 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=1xbgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA82&dq=Vidyadharadeva&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixhuv24sSCAxXzp1YBHQjOBYMQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadharadeva&f=false |title=Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal |date=1878 |publisher=Bishop's College Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=kLWRy6gJ2AUC&pg=PA195&dq=Vidyadharavarman&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjB2YWy48SCAxUXsFYBHYXVAeoQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadharavarman&f=false |title=Annales du musée Guimet: bibliothèque de vulgarisation |date=1905 |language=fr}}</ref>
 
| regnal name  = śrimanmat vidyādharavarman
}}
| house        = [[Heheya Kingdom|Haihaya Yadava]], [[Lunar dynasty|Chandravansh]]
'''Vidyadharavarman''' (r. c. 1003-1035CE), [[IAST]]: Vidyādhara) was the Great Emperor of [[Chandelas of Jejakabhukti|Chandel Empire]]. He expanded his Empire by defeating his neighbour Kingdoms, such as [[Paramaras of Malwa]], [[Kalachuris of Tripuri]], [[Gurjara-Pratiharas|Pratiharas of Kannauj]] and others.{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|pp=74-76}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Majumdar R.c. |url=http://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.527071 |title=The Struggle For Empire |date=1957 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bombay}}</ref> He is most notable for his resistance against the Sultan [[Mahmud of Ghazni]], successfully preventing the permanent establishment of [[Ghaznavid Empire]] in [[Indian subcontinent]].{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|pp=87,96-97}}
| dynasty      = [[Chandelas|Chandel]]
| father      = [[Gandavarman]]
| mother      =
| religion    = [[Shaivism|Shaivite]], [[Hinduism]]
| native_lang1 = [[Sanskrit]]
| native_lang1_name1 = '''श्रीमनमत विद्याधरवर्मन देव चन्देल'''
{{Infobox military person
| embed = yes
| branch = [[Chandela|Chandel Army]]  
| branch_label = Service
| serviceyears = 1003-1035 CE
| serviceyears_label =  
| rank =  
[[Chakravartin]]}}}}
'''Vidyadharavarman''' ([[Hindi]]: विद्याधरवर्मन चन्देल, reign. c. 1003-1035 CE), was a Chakravartin emperor of India from the Chandravanshi [[Chandela|Haihaya-Chandel dynasty]]. He ruled from his capital at [[Kalanjara]] in [[Jejakabhukti]] region (present-day in Uttar Pradesh). During invasion on kannauj, he killed the Ghaznavid governors and a Pratihara king [[Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty|Rajyapala]]. He defeated and imprisoned the Paramara king [[Bhoja]] and Kalachuri king [[Gangeyadeva]] and placed them under the Chandel empire. He was the only Hindu Rajput ruler who resisted [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Mahmud Ghaznavi]] twice in the battle. Later in 1030 CE, he celebrated his success over [[Mahmud of Ghazna|Mahmud Ghaznavi]], [[Bhoja]] etc rulers by building [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple|Kandhariya Mahadev temple]].{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|p=96}}{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=468}}{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=82}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Balakrishna |first=Sandeep |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lzALEAAAQBAJ&dq=the+proud+kshatriya+king+vidyadhara&pg=PT69 |title=Invaders and Infidels (Book 1): From Sindh to Delhi: The 500-Year Journey of Islamic Invasions |date=2020-11-28 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-93-90077-22-9 |language=en}}</ref>


== Ascension ==
== Ascension ==
Until the 1970s, scholars such as R. K. Dikshit assigned the beginning of Vidyadharavarman's reign to 1018 CE.{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|pp=71-72}} However, later, a copper-plate issued by Vidyadharavarman's queen Satyabhama was discovered at [[Kundeshwar]]. This inscription is dated 1004 CE, which proves that Vidyadharavarman was already ruling in 1004 CE. Based on this, scholar S. K. Sullerey dates Vidyadharavarman's reign as 1003-1035 CE.{{sfn|Sullerey|2004|p=25}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Indian Archaeology: A Review |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jW1DAAAAYAAJ |year=1975 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |page=55 }}</ref> In early period he streched Chandel power from Chambal river in the northwest and Narmada River in south. He was a brave and skilled ruler like his grandfather Dhangavarman. According to the Khajuraho inscription, He was born in the lineage of Chandratreya, who was the son of Mahrishi Atri, from whom came this sacred Chandel dynasty of great kings. This great Chandela dynasty is synonymous of the Vrishni or Chedi dynasty of Haihaya-Yadavas (Chandravanshi Rajputs). Vidyadharavarman was married to Chauhan Princess Satyabhama. From Satyabhama he had three sons,Vijayapalavarman, Jayapalavarman, Ajayapalavarman.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=cD1DAAAAYAAJ&q=satyabhama+vidyadhara&dq=satyabhama+vidyadhara&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjOhbjq15OCAxU4xjgGHTXlAxQ4HhDoAXoECAsQAw#satyabhama%20vidyadhara|title=Report|last=Education (1971- )|first=India Department of|date=1971|publisher=Ministry of Education & Social Welfare, Departments of Education and Culture, Government of India|language=en}}</ref> His full name was Vidyadharavarman Dev Chandel.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tripathi |first=Rama Shankar |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=2Tnh2QjGhMQC&pg=PA286&dq=Vidyadharadeva&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixhuv24sSCAxXzp1YBHQjOBYMQ6AF6BAgMEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadharadeva&f=false |title=History of Kanauj: To the Moslem Conquest |last2=Tripathi |first2=Rama S. |date=1989 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |isbn=978-81-208-0404-3 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=1xbgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA82&dq=Vidyadharadeva&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixhuv24sSCAxXzp1YBHQjOBYMQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadharadeva&f=false |title=Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal |date=1878 |publisher=Bishop's College Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=kLWRy6gJ2AUC&pg=PA195&dq=Vidyadharavarman&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjB2YWy48SCAxUXsFYBHYXVAeoQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadharavarman&f=false |title=Annales du musée Guimet: bibliothèque de vulgarisation |date=1905 |language=fr}}</ref>
Until the 1970s, scholars such as R. K. Dikshit assigned the beginning of Vidyadhara's reign to 1018 CE.{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|pp=71-72}} However, later, a copper-plate issued by Vidyadhara's queen Satyabhama was discovered at [[Kundeshwar]]. This inscription is dated 1004 CE, which proves that Vidyadhara was already ruling in 1004 CE. Based on this, scholar S. K. Sullerey dates Vidyadhara's reign as 1003-1035 CE.{{sfn|Sullerey|2004|p=25}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Indian Archaeology: A Review |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jW1DAAAAYAAJ |year=1975 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |page=55 }}</ref>
 
== Invasion of Kannauj ==
{{See also|Ghaznavid invasion of Kannauj}}
In 1018, the [[Ghaznavid]] king [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] invaded [[Kannauj]], whose [[Gurjara-Pratihara|Pratihara]] king (possibly Rajyapala) fled the city, allowing the Ghaznvids to sack it without facing much resistance. According to the 12th century Muslim historian [[Ali ibn al-Athir]], Bida, the king of [[Khajuraho]] killed the king of Kannauj as a punishment for this cowardice. Bida is believed to be a variant of "Vidya" (that is, Vidyadhara). Some later Muslim historians misread this name as "Nanda", based on which [[British India|British-era]] scholars identified the killer of the Kannauj king as Vidyadhara's predecessor Ganda. However, an inscription discovered at Mahoba confirms that it was Vidyadhara who defeated the ruler of Kannauj.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=72-73}}{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|p=72}} The Dubkund inscription of Arjuna of [[Kachchhapaghata dynasty|Kachchhapaghata]] family claims that Arjuna killed Rajyapala in a great battle. The Kachchhapaghatas were feudatories of the Chandelas, so it appears that Arjuna was acting as an agent of Vidyadhara.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=74-75}}
 
== Struggle against the Ghaznavids ==
 
It is possible that Vidyadhara appointed Rajyapala's successor Trilochanapala on the Pratihara throne.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=75}} In 1019, Mahmud launched a fresh invasion of India, and defeated the [[Hindu Shahi|Kabul Shahi]] ruler Trilochanapala (not to be confused with the Pratihara ruler of same name). He then advanced towards Bari, the new Pratihara capital. According to [[Abu Sa'id Gardezi]]'s ''Zayn al-Akhbar'', the Pratihara ruler Trilochanapala fled from the town. After sacking Bari, Mahmud encountered the army of Vidyadhara (variously named "Bida" or "Nanda" in Muslim chronicles).{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=78}}
 
According to [[Nizamuddin Ahmad]]'s ''Tabaqat-i-Akbari'', the two armies were encamped on the opposite banks of a river. Mahmud sent an envoy to Vidyadhara (called "Nanda" by Ahmad), asking him to accept [[Islam]] and Mahmud's suzerainty. Vidyadhara refused to make a submission. After seeing the Chandela ruler's vast army from an elevated spot, Mahmud became worried. However, at night, Vidyadhara withdrew with some of his companions, leaving behind his army. According to this account, there was no fight between the two armies. After Vidyadhara's withdrawal, Mahmud's army sacked his camp, and procured a great amount of wealth, including 580 elephants. Gardezi, in his ''Zayn al-Akhbar'', states that the Chandela ruler (called "Ganda" in this account) had already deserted his camp by the time Mahmud's envoy reached there. [[Ali ibn al-Athir]] offers a different account, stating that the two armies fought a battle before retreating at the nightfall. {{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=78-79}}
 
In 1022, Mahmud invaded the Chandela kingdom again, besieging the [[Gwalior Fort]] (Gopadri), which was controlled by a [[Kachchhapaghata dynasty|Kachchhapaghata]] feudatory of Vidyadhara. This feudatory is identified with Kirtiraja. According to ''Tabaqat-i-Akbari'' Mahmud lifted the siege after four days, in return for a tribute of 35 elephants. He then proceeded to besiege the Chandela fortress of [[Kalanjara]]. After a long siege, the Kalanjara ruler (called "Nanda" in this account), offered Mahmud a tribute of 300 elephants and "begged for safety". According to [[Firishta]]'s account, the Chandela king intoxicated the elephants and sent them to Mahmud's camp without any riders. These wild elephants were tamed by Mahmud's [[Tatars|Tatar]] soldiers. The Chandela king, on seeing this act of bravery, sent a [[panegyric]] praising Mahmud and his army. In return, Mahmud also complimented the Vidyadhara, and awarded him 15 fortresses and other presents before turning to his capital [[Ghazna]].{{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=80-82}}
 
S. K. Mitra theorizes that the encounter between Vidyadhara and Mahmud ended with an "exchange of gifts", which must have been depicted as "tribute" by the Muslim historians.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=82}}


==Military Career==
== Triumph over Bhoja Paramara of Malwa ==
===Invasion on Kannauj===
An inscription of Kirtiraja, the [[Kachchhapaghata dynasty|Kachchhapaghata]] ruler of Gwalior, claims that he defeated the forces of the [[Malwa]] ruler. At that time, Malwa was ruled by the powerful [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara]] king [[Bhoja]]. It is unlikely that Kirtiraja could have defeated him alone. Thus, S. K. Mitra theorizes that Kirtiraja must have received help from his overlord Vidyadhara in this campaign. One possibility is that Bhoja invaded the Chandela kingdom, but was forced to retreat by Kirtiraja.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=83-84}}  
In 1018 CE, the [[Ghaznavid]] king [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] invaded [[Kannauj]], whose [[Gurjara-Pratihar|Pratihara]] king (possibly Rajyapala) fled the city, allowing the Ghaznvids to sack it without facing much resistance. According to the 12th century Muslim historian [[Ali ibn al-Athir]], Bida, the king of [[Khajuraho]] killed the king of Kannauj as a punishment for this cowardice. Bida is believed to be a variant of "Vidya" (that is, Vidyadharavarman). Some later Muslim historians misread this name as "Nanda", based on which [[British India|British-era]] scholars identified the killer of the Kannauj king as Vidyadharavarman's predecessor Gandavarman. However, an inscription discovered at Mahoba confirms that it was Vidyadharavarman who defeated the ruler of Kannauj.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=72-73}}{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|p=72}} The Dubkund inscription of Arjuna of [[Kachchhapaghata dynasty|Kachchhapaghata]] family claims that Arjuna killed Rajyapala in a great battle. The Kachchhapaghatas were feudatories of the Chandels, so it appears that Arjuna was acting as an agent of Vidyadharavarman.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|pp=74-75}}


===Against Mahmud of Ghazna===
The fragmentary [[Mahoba]] inscription of the Chandelas states that Bhoja and Kalachuri-Chandra, like scared pupils, worshipped Vidhyadhara, a master of warfare.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=75}} Kalachuri-Chandra (literally "Moon of the Kalachuris") is identified with the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri|Kalachuri]] king [[Gangeyadeva|Gangeya-deva]]. According to one theory, Bhoja, aided by Gangeya, invaded the Chandela kingdom, but Vidyadhara Varman forced them to retreat.  
It is possible that Vidyadharavarman appointed Rajyapala's successor Trilochanapala on the Pratihara throne.{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=75}} In 1019 CE, Mahmud launched a fresh invasion of India, and defeated the [[Hindu Shahi|Kabul Shahi]] ruler Trilochanapala (not to be confused with the Pratihara ruler of same name). He then advanced towards Bari, the new Pratihara capital. According to [[Abu Sa'id Gardezi]]'s ''Zayn al-Akhbar'', the Pratihara ruler Trilochanapala fled from the town. After sacking Bari, Mahmud encountered the army of Vidyadhara (variously named "Bida" or "Nanda" in Muslim chronicles).{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=78}} According Dr. Katare in J.H.Q, Vidyadharavarman defeated Mahmud soon after the latter's invasion of Kannauj.{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|p=96}} According to C.V. Vaidya, the invasions of the Yaminis ([[Ghaznavid]]) had completely changed the political map of Northern India. The empire of the [[Gurjara-Pratihara]]s and the kingdom of the [[Hindu Shahi]]s the valiant defenders of the North-West had disappeared, along with a whole host of minor states. Chandels alone survived the or deal. They not only halted the triumphal career of [[Mahmud of Ghazna]], but also emerged as the dominant power to the North of the [[Vindhya range|Vindhyas]] and the credit for that undoubtedly goes to the sagacious policy of Vidyadharavarman.{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|p=97}} After an unsuccessful invasion of Kalinjar in 1019 CE, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] again invaded the [[Chandela|Chandel kingdom]] in 1022 CE and the war was fought outside of [[Kalinjar Fort|Kalinjar fort]]. After a long battle Mahmud surrendered and made a peace with Kalinjar. Later, [[Vidyadhara (Chandela ruler)|Vidyadharavarman]] celebrated his success over Mahmud of Ghazni, [[Bhoja]] and other rulers by building [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple|Kandhariya Mahadev temple]].{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=468}}{{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=82}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Balakrishna |first=Sandeep |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lzALEAAAQBAJ&dq=the+proud+kshatriya+king+vidyadhara&pg=PT69 |title=Invaders and Infidels (Book 1): From Sindh to Delhi: The 500-Year Journey of Islamic Invasions |date=2020-11-28 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-93-90077-22-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gopal |first=Dr Krishna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GAfgAAAAMAAJ&q=Vidyadhar+Chandel |title=Fairs and Festivals of India |date=2003 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-212-0810-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Chakraberty |first=Chandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w-g9AAAAIAAJ&q=Vidyadhara+Chandel |title=The Racial History of India |date=1944 |publisher=Vijaya Krishna Brothers |language=en}}</ref> Also, an inscription of the [[Chandela|Chandel]] emperor [[Jayavarman]] also states that Vidyadharavarman defeated [[Mahmud of Ghazna|Mahmud Ghaznavi]] after his invasion of [[Kanyakubja]] (Kannauj).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dikshit |first=R. K. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA96&dq=Vidyadhara+Jayavarman&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi-6oDNlt6EAxVEwzgGHSQIDSwQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=Vidyadhara%20Jayavarman&f=false |title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti |date=1976 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-046-4 |language=en}}</ref>
===Against Paramaras & Kalachuris===
Paramara Bhoja, as part of his campaigns, attacked King Kitiraja of the Kachchhapaghat dynasty of Gwalior and Kachchhapaghat was a vassal of the Chandels. Although Bhoj tried to woo him, he considered it wrong to betray his beloved king and declined the invitation. By then the Chandel army arrived and Bhoja had to retreat. According to the inscriptions at [[Mahoba]], Debkund and [[Tripuri, Madhya Pradesh|Tripuri]], in 1027 AD Vidyadharadeva planned an attack on the Chandel kingdom with the combined forces of [[Malwa]] and Tripuri. In the war, Vidyadharvarman defeated the Parmara king [[Bhoja]] of Malwa and the [[Kalachuri]] king Gangeydeva of Tripuri, captured them and put them in the prison of Kalinjar. Then Bhojdeva (Bhoj Paramara), along with the moon of Kalachuuri i.e. Ganga deva, worshiped this guru of war, i.e. Vidyadharavarman deva, filled with fear like a disciple, After singing praises of his greatness and pleading again and again that the king will remain under you, Vidyadharavarman took pity on Bhoja and Gangeyadeva and released them.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Boot_Hooves_and_Wheels.html?id=ywfsCgAAQBAJ|title=Boot, Hooves and Wheels: And the Social Dynamics behind South Asian Warfare|last=Bose|first=Saikat K.|date=2015-06-01|publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-93-84464-54-7|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Comprehensive_History_of_India_pt_1_2.html?id=ucQKAQAAIAAJ|title=A Comprehensive History of India: pt. 1-2. [no special title|date=1992|publisher=Orient Longmans|isbn=978-81-7007-121-1|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Dynastic_History_of_Northern_India_e.html?id=zAduAAAAMAAJ|title=The Dynastic History of Northern India (early Mediaeval Period)|last=Ray|first=Hem Chandra|date=1973|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Political_History_of_Northern_India_from.html?id=CpMBAAAAMAAJ|title=Political History of Northern India, from Jain Sources (c. 650 A.D. to 1300 A.D.) With a Foreword by Vasudeva Sarana Agrawala|last=Choudhary|first=Gulab Chandra|date=1954|publisher=Sohanlal Jaindharma Pracharak Samiti|language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, the kings of Parmar and Kalachuri dynasty remained feudal kings under the Chandela Empire, although from time to time they rebelled and became independent, But after a few days they were defeated by the royal Chandel army. After the death of Vidyadharavarman, the fame and power of the Chandel Empire started declining but it was re-established by his grandson Kirtivarman.{{sfn|Lakshmīkānta Mālavīya, ‎Pradhī Mālavīya sfn}}{{sfn|Vimala Candra Pāṇḍeya |1962 sfn}}
{{sfn|Uttarī Bhārata kā itihāsa: History of northern India |2007 sfn}} An inscription of Gwalior  [[Kachchhapaghata dynasty|Kachchhapaghata]] king Kirtiraja, who was vassal of Chandels, tell us that he defeated the forces of the [[Malwa]] ruler. At that time, Malwa was ruled by the powerful [[Paramara dynasty|Paramara]] king [[Bhoja]]. It is unlikely that Kirtiraja could have defeated him alone. Thus, S. K. Mitra theorizes that Kirtiraja must have received help from his overlord Emperor Vidyadharavarman in this campaign.<ref>{{Cite book |last=नागोरी |first=एस एल |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b2wMAQAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A8+%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4+%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE+%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D+%E0%A4%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8:+Guptottarak%C4%81l%C4%ABna+Bh%C4%81rata |title=प्राचीन भारत का वृहत् इतिहास: Guptottarakālīna Bhārata |date=2007 |publisher=पोइन्टर पब्लिशर्स |isbn=978-81-7132-509-2 |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Pāṇḍeya |first=Vimala Candra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XULRAAAAMAAJ&q=Vimala+Candra+P%C4%81%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Deya |title=Prācīna Bhārata kā itihāsa, 500 ī.-1200 ī. dakshiṇa sahita: vikrama, Jabbalapura tathā anya viśvavidyālayoṃ ke liye |date=1962 |publisher=Kedāra Nātha Rāma |language=hi}}</ref> The [[Mahoba]] inscription of the Chandelas states that Bhoja and Kalachuri-Chandra, like scared pupils, worshipped Vidhyadhara, a master of warfare. {{sfn|Mitra|1977|p=75}} Kalachuri-Chandra (literally "Moon of the Kalachuris") is identified with the [[Kalachuris of Tripuri|Kalachuri]] king [[Gangeyadeva|Gangeya-deva]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Awasthi |first=A. B. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fb05AQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0+ |title=प्राचीन भारत का इतिहास: राजपूत राजवंश |date=1969 |publisher=Kailāśa Prakāśana |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Mālavīya |first1=Lakshmīkānta |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6xQ-AAAAMAAJ&q=Uttar%C4%AB+Bh%C4%81rata+k%C4%81+itih%C4%81sa:+History+of+northern+India |title=Uttarī Bhārata kā itihāsa: History of northern India |last2=Mālavīya |first2=Pradhī |date=1971 |publisher=Prakāśana Kendra |language=hi}}</ref>


According to Barhari inscription, around 1028 CE, Vidyadhara defeated the united forces of Paramara king [[Bhoja]] and kalachuri king [[kalachuris of Tripuri|Gangeya-deva]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cfgdAAAAMAAJ&q=Gv%C4%81liyara+dar%C5%9Bana+-+Volume+1+-+%7C1980 |title=Gvāliyara darśana |date=1980 |publisher=Gvāliyara Śodha Saṃsthāna, Jīvājī Viśvavidyālaya |language=hi}}</ref>
[[K. M. Munshi]] believe that the Mahoba inscription is merely a boastful exaggeration.{{sfn|Singh|1984|p=69}} But historians like R.K. Dixit, R.C. Majumdar, Nemai Sadan Bose etc. accepted the fact that the Paramara king [[Bhoja]] and the Kalachuri king [[Gangeyadeva]] both were defeated by Vidyadhar Varman and accepted the Chandela supremacy, while the Kalachuris of Tripuri became the feudals of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti.{{sfn|Dikshit|1976|pp=74-76}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Majumdar R.c. |url=http://archive.org/details/dli.ernet.527071 |title=The Struggle For Empire |date=1957 |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bombay}}</ref>


== Cultural contributions ==
== Cultural contributions ==
[[File:A view of Kandariya Mahadev Temple Khajuraho India.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]], commissioned by Vidyadharavarman]]
[[File:A view of Kandariya Mahadev Temple Khajuraho India.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]], commissioned by Vidyadhara]]
Vidyadharavarman commissioned the [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]] at Khajuraho.{{sfn|Sullerey|2004|p=26}} Vidhyadhara celebrated his success over [[Mahmud of Ghazni]], [[Bhoja]] and other rulers by building the Kaṇḍāriyā Mahādeva Temple, dedicated to his Kuldeva (family deity) Nilkantha Shiva. Epigraphic inscriptions on a [[pilaster]] of the [[mandapa]] in the temple mentions the name of the builder of the temple as Virimda, which is interpreted as the pseudonym of Vidhyadharavarman.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=468}} Its construction is dated to the period from 1025 and 1050 AD.{{Sfn|Abram|2003|pp=420–21}}
 
Vidyadhara commissioned the [[Kandariya Mahadeva Temple]] at Khajuraho.{{sfn|Sullerey|2004|p=26}} Epigraphic inscriptions on a [[pilaster]] of the [[mandapa]] in the temple mentions a king called "Virimda", which is interpreted as another name of Vidhyadhara.{{sfn|Deva|1990|p=370}}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


===Bibliography===
=== Bibliography ===
{{ref begin}}
{{ref begin}}
* {{cite book|last=Abram|first=David|title=Rough Guide to India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kAMik_6LbwUC&pg=PA420|year=2003|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-84353-089-3}}
* {{cite book |last=Deva |first=Krishna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4OzVAAAAMAAJ |title=Temples of Khajuraho |volume=1 |year=1990 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India }}
* {{cite book|last=Deva|first=Krishna|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Temples_of_Khajuraho/4OzVAAAAMAAJ|title=Temples of Khajuraho|volume=1|year=1990|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India}}
* {{cite book |last=Dikshit |first=R. K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA25 |title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti |publisher=Abhinav |year=1976 |isbn=9788170170464 }}
* {{cite book|last=Dikshit|first=R. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA25|title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti|publisher=Abhinav|year=1976|isbn=9788170170464}}
* {{cite book |last=Mitra |first=Sisirkumar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irHN2UA_Z7gC&pg=PA27 |title=The Early Rulers of Khajurāho |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1977 |isbn=9788120819979 }}
* {{cite book|last=Mitra|first=Sisirkumar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irHN2UA_Z7gC&pg=PA27|title=The Early Rulers of Khajurāho|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|year=1977|isbn=9788120819979}}
* {{cite book |last=Singh |first=Mahesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uPsgAAAAMAAJ |title=Bhoja Paramāra and His Times |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan |year=1984 }}
* {{cite book|last1=Ring|first1=Trudy|last2=Salkin|first2=Robert M.|last3=Boda|first3=Sharon La|title=International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vWLRxJEU49EC&pg=PA468|year=1994|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-884964-04-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Sullerey |first=Sushil Kumar |title=Chandella Art |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rj8RusFpYHIC&pg=PA25 |year=2004 |publisher=Aakar Books |isbn=978-81-87879-32-9 }}
* {{cite book|last=Singh|first=Mahesh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uPsgAAAAMAAJ|title=Bhoja Paramāra and His Times|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan|year=1984}}
* {{cite book|last=Sullerey|first=Sushil Kumar|title=Chandella Art|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rj8RusFpYHIC&pg=PA25|year=2004|publisher=Aakar Books|isbn=978-81-87879-32-9}}
{{ref end}}
{{ref end}}


Latest revision as of 08:34, 7 May 2026

Vidyādhara varman
Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Parameshvara, Srī-kalanjaradhipati
Emperor of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti
Reignc. 1003–1035
PredecessorGandavarman
SuccessorVijayapalavarman
Names
Srīmat Vidyadhara Varman Deva
Sanskritश्रीमत-विद्याधर-वर्म-देव
HouseChandelvansha
DynastyChandelas of Jejakabhukti
FatherGandavarman
ReligionHinduism

Vidyadharavarman (r. c. 1003-1035CE), IAST: Vidyādhara) was the Great Emperor of Chandel Empire. He expanded his Empire by defeating his neighbour Kingdoms, such as Paramaras of Malwa, Kalachuris of Tripuri, Pratiharas of Kannauj and others.[1][2] He is most notable for his resistance against the Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, successfully preventing the permanent establishment of Ghaznavid Empire in Indian subcontinent.[3]

Ascension[edit | edit source]

Until the 1970s, scholars such as R. K. Dikshit assigned the beginning of Vidyadhara's reign to 1018 CE.[4] However, later, a copper-plate issued by Vidyadhara's queen Satyabhama was discovered at Kundeshwar. This inscription is dated 1004 CE, which proves that Vidyadhara was already ruling in 1004 CE. Based on this, scholar S. K. Sullerey dates Vidyadhara's reign as 1003-1035 CE.[5][6]

Invasion of Kannauj[edit | edit source]

See also: Ghaznavid invasion of Kannauj

In 1018, the Ghaznavid king Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Kannauj, whose Pratihara king (possibly Rajyapala) fled the city, allowing the Ghaznvids to sack it without facing much resistance. According to the 12th century Muslim historian Ali ibn al-Athir, Bida, the king of Khajuraho killed the king of Kannauj as a punishment for this cowardice. Bida is believed to be a variant of "Vidya" (that is, Vidyadhara). Some later Muslim historians misread this name as "Nanda", based on which British-era scholars identified the killer of the Kannauj king as Vidyadhara's predecessor Ganda. However, an inscription discovered at Mahoba confirms that it was Vidyadhara who defeated the ruler of Kannauj.[7][8] The Dubkund inscription of Arjuna of Kachchhapaghata family claims that Arjuna killed Rajyapala in a great battle. The Kachchhapaghatas were feudatories of the Chandelas, so it appears that Arjuna was acting as an agent of Vidyadhara.[9]

Struggle against the Ghaznavids[edit | edit source]

It is possible that Vidyadhara appointed Rajyapala's successor Trilochanapala on the Pratihara throne.[10] In 1019, Mahmud launched a fresh invasion of India, and defeated the Kabul Shahi ruler Trilochanapala (not to be confused with the Pratihara ruler of same name). He then advanced towards Bari, the new Pratihara capital. According to Abu Sa'id Gardezi's Zayn al-Akhbar, the Pratihara ruler Trilochanapala fled from the town. After sacking Bari, Mahmud encountered the army of Vidyadhara (variously named "Bida" or "Nanda" in Muslim chronicles).[11]

According to Nizamuddin Ahmad's Tabaqat-i-Akbari, the two armies were encamped on the opposite banks of a river. Mahmud sent an envoy to Vidyadhara (called "Nanda" by Ahmad), asking him to accept Islam and Mahmud's suzerainty. Vidyadhara refused to make a submission. After seeing the Chandela ruler's vast army from an elevated spot, Mahmud became worried. However, at night, Vidyadhara withdrew with some of his companions, leaving behind his army. According to this account, there was no fight between the two armies. After Vidyadhara's withdrawal, Mahmud's army sacked his camp, and procured a great amount of wealth, including 580 elephants. Gardezi, in his Zayn al-Akhbar, states that the Chandela ruler (called "Ganda" in this account) had already deserted his camp by the time Mahmud's envoy reached there. Ali ibn al-Athir offers a different account, stating that the two armies fought a battle before retreating at the nightfall. [12]

In 1022, Mahmud invaded the Chandela kingdom again, besieging the Gwalior Fort (Gopadri), which was controlled by a Kachchhapaghata feudatory of Vidyadhara. This feudatory is identified with Kirtiraja. According to Tabaqat-i-Akbari Mahmud lifted the siege after four days, in return for a tribute of 35 elephants. He then proceeded to besiege the Chandela fortress of Kalanjara. After a long siege, the Kalanjara ruler (called "Nanda" in this account), offered Mahmud a tribute of 300 elephants and "begged for safety". According to Firishta's account, the Chandela king intoxicated the elephants and sent them to Mahmud's camp without any riders. These wild elephants were tamed by Mahmud's Tatar soldiers. The Chandela king, on seeing this act of bravery, sent a panegyric praising Mahmud and his army. In return, Mahmud also complimented the Vidyadhara, and awarded him 15 fortresses and other presents before turning to his capital Ghazna.[13]

S. K. Mitra theorizes that the encounter between Vidyadhara and Mahmud ended with an "exchange of gifts", which must have been depicted as "tribute" by the Muslim historians.[14]

Triumph over Bhoja Paramara of Malwa[edit | edit source]

An inscription of Kirtiraja, the Kachchhapaghata ruler of Gwalior, claims that he defeated the forces of the Malwa ruler. At that time, Malwa was ruled by the powerful Paramara king Bhoja. It is unlikely that Kirtiraja could have defeated him alone. Thus, S. K. Mitra theorizes that Kirtiraja must have received help from his overlord Vidyadhara in this campaign. One possibility is that Bhoja invaded the Chandela kingdom, but was forced to retreat by Kirtiraja.[15]

The fragmentary Mahoba inscription of the Chandelas states that Bhoja and Kalachuri-Chandra, like scared pupils, worshipped Vidhyadhara, a master of warfare.[10] Kalachuri-Chandra (literally "Moon of the Kalachuris") is identified with the Kalachuri king Gangeya-deva. According to one theory, Bhoja, aided by Gangeya, invaded the Chandela kingdom, but Vidyadhara Varman forced them to retreat.

K. M. Munshi believe that the Mahoba inscription is merely a boastful exaggeration.[16] But historians like R.K. Dixit, R.C. Majumdar, Nemai Sadan Bose etc. accepted the fact that the Paramara king Bhoja and the Kalachuri king Gangeyadeva both were defeated by Vidyadhar Varman and accepted the Chandela supremacy, while the Kalachuris of Tripuri became the feudals of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti.[1][17]

Cultural contributions[edit | edit source]

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, commissioned by Vidyadhara

Vidyadhara commissioned the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho.[18] Epigraphic inscriptions on a pilaster of the mandapa in the temple mentions a king called "Virimda", which is interpreted as another name of Vidhyadhara.[19]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dikshit 1976, pp. 74-76.
  2. ↑ Majumdar R.c. (1957). The Struggle For Empire. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bombay.
  3. ↑ Dikshit 1976, pp. 87,96-97.
  4. ↑ Dikshit 1976, pp. 71-72.
  5. ↑ Sullerey 2004, p. 25.
  6. ↑ Indian Archaeology: A Review. Archaeological Survey of India. 1975. p. 55.
  7. ↑ Mitra 1977, pp. 72-73.
  8. ↑ Dikshit 1976, p. 72.
  9. ↑ Mitra 1977, pp. 74-75.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Mitra 1977, p. 75.
  11. ↑ Mitra 1977, p. 78.
  12. ↑ Mitra 1977, pp. 78-79.
  13. ↑ Mitra 1977, pp. 80-82.
  14. ↑ Mitra 1977, p. 82.
  15. ↑ Mitra 1977, pp. 83-84.
  16. ↑ Singh 1984, p. 69.
  17. ↑ Majumdar R.c. (1957). The Struggle For Empire. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bombay.
  18. ↑ Sullerey 2004, p. 26.
  19. ↑ Deva 1990, p. 370.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

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