Parmaras of Malwa

The Paramaras of Malwa were a prominent Rajput dynasty that ruled over the Malwa region of Central India between the ninth and thirteenth centuries CE. Known for their patronage of art, architecture, and literature, as well as their valiant resistance against foreign invasions, the Paramaras played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of early medieval India. Their capital at Dhar (Dhara Nagari) emerged as a major centre of learning and culture during their reign.
Origin and Early History
The origins of the Paramaras are traced through both legendary accounts and historical evidence. According to later traditions recorded in texts such as the Nava-sahasanka-charita by Padmagupta, the Paramaras were said to have emerged from a sacrificial fire-pit (agnikula) on Mount Abu, along with other Rajput clans like the Solankis, Chauhans, and Pratiharas. This myth symbolised their divine and martial origins.
Historically, the Paramaras first appear as feudatories under the Rashtrakutas and later the Pratiharas. The earliest known ruler was Upendra (Krishna Raja), who probably ruled in the late ninth century CE. His successors gradually asserted independence as the Pratihara power weakened.
The dynasty’s independent status was firmly established under Siyaka (r. c. 948–972 CE), who successfully challenged the Rashtrakuta overlordship and laid the foundation for a sovereign Paramara kingdom in Malwa.
Political Expansion and Zenith under Bhoja
The Paramara dynasty reached its zenith under Raja Bhoja (r. c. 1010–1055 CE), one of the most celebrated rulers in Indian history. His reign represents the golden age of the Paramaras in both political and cultural terms.
- Bhoja’s Political Achievements: Bhoja extended his dominions across Malwa, parts of Gujarat, and northern Maharashtra. He fought against the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the Kalachuris of Tripuri, and the Chandellas of Bundelkhand, often forming shifting alliances to maintain regional dominance.His capital Dhar became the nucleus of a powerful and prosperous state, supported by strategic control of trade routes and fertile lands.
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Bhoja as a Patron of Learning: Bhoja was not only a warrior-king but also a renowned scholar and polymath. He is credited with the authorship of several Sanskrit works on subjects ranging from grammar, architecture, and medicine to poetics and astronomy.His best-known works include:
- Samarangana Sutradhara – a treatise on architecture and mechanical engineering, including descriptions of flying machines and automata.
- Shringara Prakasha – on aesthetics and poetics.
- Raja Marga and Ayurveda Sarvasva – on polity and medicine respectively.Under his rule, Dhar and Ujjain emerged as centres of scholarship comparable to ancient Nalanda and Taxila.
- Bhojeshwar Temple and Bhojpur: Bhoja’s architectural legacy survives in the Bhojeshwar Temple near Bhopal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although unfinished, the temple’s massive Shivalinga and grand design reflect the artistic excellence of Paramara architecture.
Successors of Bhoja and Decline
After Bhoja’s death around 1055 CE, the Paramara kingdom faced renewed invasions and internal instability. The Chalukya ruler Someshvara I and the Kalachuris of Tripuri invaded Malwa soon after Bhoja’s death.
- Udayaditya (r. c. 1059–1086 CE), Bhoja’s successor, managed to restore a measure of stability. He repelled attacks by the Chalukyas and defended the dynasty’s core territories.
- Naravarman (r. c. 1086–1097 CE) and Yashovarman followed but faced continuous pressure from neighbouring powers such as the Chalukyas, the Paramaras of Bhinmal, and the Chandellas.
By the twelfth century, the Paramaras’ power waned under the combined onslaught of the Chaulukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat and the Kalachuris.
Later Rulers and Final Decline
Despite their decline, the Paramaras maintained regional significance under rulers like Vindhyavarman (r. c. 1175–1194 CE), who restored some of the lost territories and reasserted independence. His successor Subhatavarman even raided Gujarat but was defeated by the Solanki ruler Bhima II.
The final notable ruler was Mahadeva (r. c. 1200–1218 CE), during whose reign the Paramaras faced invasions by the Delhi Sultanate’s early Turkish forces and the Yadavas of Devagiri.
The dynasty’s last king, Jayavarman II (r. c. 1255–1274 CE), lost Malwa to the Chahamanas of Ranthambhor and later to Ala-ud-din Khalji’s expanding Sultanate around the early fourteenth century. By then, the Paramara rule had effectively ended, and Malwa came under Delhi’s control.
Administration and Economy
The Paramaras followed the typical Rajput model of governance, with a hereditary monarchy supported by feudatory chiefs and a council of ministers.
- The kingdom was divided into administrative units called vishayas (districts) and mandalas (provinces).
- Land revenue formed the main source of income, and inscriptions indicate the existence of agraharas (tax-free land grants) to Brahmins and scholars.
- The economy of Malwa was prosperous due to its fertile black soil, which supported the cultivation of cotton and cereals, as well as its location on major trade routes connecting northern and southern India.
Art, Architecture, and Culture
The Paramaras were great patrons of temple architecture, sculpture, and literature, contributing immensely to India’s cultural heritage.
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Architectural Style: The Paramara temples exhibit the Māru-Gurjara (Western Indian Nagara) style, characterised by intricate carvings, tall shikharas (spires), and ornate mandapas (halls).
- Important examples include the Bhojeshwar Temple (Bhojpur), Amjhera Temple, and temples at Udaypur (near Dhar) and Maheshwar.
- The ruins of Dhar Fort and Ujjain’s temples also reflect the dynasty’s artistic taste.
- Cultural Achievements: The Paramara court was home to distinguished scholars and poets such as Padmagupta (Parimala Kavi), Dhanapala, and Ballalasena.Literary works flourished in Sanskrit and Prakrit, covering a wide range of subjects including grammar, logic, and philosophy.The period also witnessed the blending of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism, reflecting the religious tolerance of the dynasty.
Relations with Contemporary Powers
The Paramaras’ history is marked by constant warfare and diplomacy with neighbouring dynasties:
- Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas: Early rivals who contested control over the Deccan and Malwa.
- Chandellas of Bundelkhand: Frequent adversaries in central India.
- Solankis of Gujarat: Competitors in western India who occasionally allied with the Paramaras.
- Kalachuris of Tripuri: Persistent foes, particularly during the reigns of Siyaka and Bhoja.
Despite these challenges, the Paramaras maintained political relevance for nearly four centuries — a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen.
Legacy
The Paramaras of Malwa left a profound and lasting legacy in Indian history:
- They transformed Malwa into a cultural heartland of medieval India, renowned for its architecture, scholarship, and art.
- Their ruler Raja Bhoja became a legendary figure in Indian folklore, often portrayed as the archetype of a wise and just monarch comparable to King Vikramaditya.
- Their architectural and literary contributions continue to symbolise the vibrancy of early medieval Indian civilisation.