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Last edited December 11, 2025

Vasudev Katyuri (Kumaoni: वासुदेव कत्यूरी)[1] was the founder and the emperor of the Katyuri dynasty,[2][3] based east Himachal Pradesh, Kumaon, Garhwal, Doti[4][note 1] in the Indian subcontinent.[1][2]

Origin[edit | edit source]

Vasudev Katyuri, founder of the Katyuri dynasty,[2] established his rule at Jyotirmath in the Alaknanda valley. he unified smaller Himalayan principalities into a single kingdom during the early medieval period.

Ancient[edit | edit source]

7th-century Nataraja relief on Temple 1 of Jageshwar Temples; Ganesha in upper right corner, Skanda-Kartikeya on his peacock in upper left, Parvati in lower left and a musician playing vadya in lower right.[6]

The Katyuri dynasty was founded by Vashudev Katyuri (sometimes spelled Vasu Dev or Basu Dev);[7] the ancient Basdeo temple in the city - the oldest stone temple in Uttarakhand - is attributed to him.[8] His reign is most commonly believed to be from 850 to 870 CE.[8] The Kingdom was then named Jyotiryana, and had its capital at Joshimath in the Alaknanda Valley.

Regin and death[edit | edit source]

His reign is most commonly believed to be from 850 to 870 CE.[8][9] The Kingdom was then named Jyotiryana, and had its capital at Joshimath in the Alaknanda Valley.[10] Vasu Dev was of Buddhist origin, but later started following Hindu practices. The Hindu practices of Katyuri kings in general is sometimes attributed to a vigorous campaign of Adi Shankara (788-820 CE).[8]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. The Katyuri dynasty, part of the Khasa lineage, ruled a vast region from Nepal to Kabul about 2,500 years ago. Originating in Uttarkoshal, they later formed a distinct kingdom in Kumaon. Known for their influence, they possibly ruled before or after the Khasa kings, with Kanakdeva being a notable ruler. [5]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Miśra, Nityānanda (1994). Source Materials of Kumauni History. Shree Almora Book Depot. ISBN 978-81-85865-24-9.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hāṇḍā, Omacanda (2002). History of Uttaranchal. Indus Publishing. ISBN 978-81-7387-134-4.
  3. Pāṇḍe, Badarī Datta (1993). History of Kumaun: English Version of "Kumaun Ka Itihas". Shyam Prakashan. p. 151. ISBN 978-81-85865-01-0.
  4. Negi, Sharad Singh (1998). Discovering the Himalaya. Indus Publishing. p. 532. ISBN 978-81-7387-079-8.
  5. Pāṇḍe, Badarī Datta (1993). History of Kumaun: English Version of "Kumaun Ka Itihas". Shyam Prakashan. pp. 150–152. ISBN 978-81-85865-01-0.
  6. Nachiket Chanchani 2013, pp. 139-141.
  7. Handa 2002, p. 25
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Handa 2002, p. 26
  9. Hāṇḍā, Omacanda (2002). History of Uttaranchal. Indus Publishing. p. 26. ISBN 978-81-7387-134-4.
  10. Hāṇḍā, Omacanda (2002). History of Uttaranchal. Indus Publishing. p. 4. ISBN 978-81-7387-134-4.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]