Gurjara-Pratiharas
Realm 05: The Defenders of the West and Lords of Kannauj
WORLD B — MAJOR DYNASTIES, 750–1200
MICRO-REALM 01
Origins & Lineage
- Agnikula Rajput myth.
- Descended from Lakshmana.
- "Pratihara" means door-keeper.
- Ujjain/Marwar early centers.
MICRO-REALM 02
Nagabhata I
- Founder of imperial power.
- Defeated Arab invasions.
- Saved Western India.
- Capital at Ujjain.
MICRO-REALM 03
The Kannauj Triangle
- Tripartite struggle focal point.
- Fought Palas & Rashtrakutas.
- Symbol of imperial sovereignty.
- Strategic Gangetic control.
MICRO-REALM 04
Vatsaraja & Nagabhata II
- Expanded into North India.
- Captured Kannauj briefly.
- Defeated by Rashtrakuta Dhruva.
- Rebuilt imperial strength.
MICRO-REALM 05
Mihira Bhoja
- Greatest Pratihara king.
- Took title 'Adivaraha'.
- Vast stabilized empire.
- Ruled for half-century.
MICRO-REALM 06
Rajasekhara & Literature
- Court poet of Mahendrapala.
- Wrote Karpuramanjari (Prakrit).
- Wrote Kavyamimamsa.
- Sanskrit literary zenith.
MICRO-REALM 07
Imperial Cavalry
- Finest cavalry in India.
- Central Asian horse trade.
- Al-Masudi praised military.
- Mobile strike force.
MICRO-REALM 08
Administration
- Decentralized feudal structure.
- Powerful Samantas (feudatories).
- Mandalas and Bhuktis.
- Gramapatis ruled villages.
MICRO-REALM 09
Art & Architecture
- Maha-Maru architectural style.
- Teli ka Mandir (Gwalior).
- Osian temple complex.
- Intricate pillared pavilions.
MICRO-REALM 10
Decline & Fall
- Rashtrakuta Indra III's sack.
- Rise of independent feudatories.
- Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion.
- Empire fragments (11th century).