A Central Indian dynasty called the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti ruled the region between the 10th the 13th centuries. The Chandelas dominated a large portion of the Bundelkhand region (formerly known as Jejakabhukti). They were Rajputs, members of the Chandel clan. In this article, we will discuss Chandela Dynasty (10th to 12th Century) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Chandela Dynasty - Extent of Empire

• The Chandelas were initially feudatories of the Kanyakubja Gurjara-Pratiharas (Kannauj).
• The Chandelas ruled independently between Yamuna and Narmada, Bundelkhand, Mahoba and the south western part of Uttar Pradesh.
• The Chandela ruler Yashovarman became practically independent in the 10th century although he continued to recognise Pratihara suzerainty,
• The Chandelas were a sovereign power by the time of his successor Dhanga. As they fought battles with neighbouring dynasties, particularly the Paramaras of Malwa and the Kalachuris of Tripuri, their power rose and fell.
• The Chandelas faced raids by northern Muslim dynasties such as the Ghaznavids and Ghurids beginning in the 11th century.
• Following Chahamana and Ghurid invasions, Chandela power effectively ended around the early 13th century.
• The Chandelas are famous for their art and architecture, particularly the temples in their original capital of Khajuraho.
• They also built temples, water bodies, palaces, and forts in other places, such as their strongholds of Ajaigarh, Kalinjar, and their later capital Mahoba.

Rulers

Dhanga

• Dhanga (r. c. 950–999 CE) was an Indian monarch of the Chandela dynasty, inscribed as Dhagadeva.
• He was the ruler of the Jejakabhukti area (Bundelkhand in present-day Madhya Pradesh).
• The Chandelas, who had been the Pratiharas' vassals up until Dhanga's rule, gained their independence.
• His work on the Vishvanatha temple and other exquisite Khajuraho temples is equally noteworthy.

Vidyadhara

• Vidyadhara was a Chandela king of central India who reigned from around 1003 to 1035 CE. He was the ruler of the Jejakabhukti region (Bundelkhand in present-day Madhya Pradesh).
• Vidyadhara was Ganda's successor, and he expanded Chandela power between the Chambal River in the northwest and the Narmada River in the south.
• The Ghaznavid king Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Kannauj in 1018 CE, and the city's Pratihara king (possibly Rajyapala) fled, allowing the Ghaznvids to sack it without much resistance. According to the 12th century Muslim historian Ali ibn al-Athir, Bida, the king of Khajuraho, as a punishment for his cowardice, killed the king of Kannauj.
• Vidhyadhara's kingdom was later invaded by Mahmud, and the conflict ended with Vidhyadhara paying tribute to Mahmud.
• The Ghaznavid invasions had weakened the Chandella Kingdom by the end of Vidhyadhara's reign. Taking advantage of this, the Kalachuri king Gangeya-deva conquered the kingdom's eastern parts.
• Vidhyadhara is best known for commissioning the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.

Parmal

• King Paramardi or Parmal of the Chandela dynasty of central India ruled from approximately 1165 until 1203 CE.
• He controlled the Jejakabhukti territory (Bundelkhand in present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh) as the final strong Chandela ruler.
• The final lord to engage in combat with Prithviraj Chauhan was Paradi dev (Parma). Alha and Udal Fighters of the naval force chanted the Bundelkhand anthem when the battle evolved into a battle of Mahoba. Parmal Raso is the author of the narrative.

Administration and Society

Administration

• At that time, the King held the highest rank and exercised great power. Kingship was a hereditary position.
• When a monarch passed away without producing a son, his brother took over as ruler. There are also certain instances of son-to-son succession conflicts; for instance, Kirtivarman became king after winning the war of succession.
• Chandellas were essentially Samantas of some emperors in the early periods of the.
• Because Dhanga had established himself as an independent king, he and his successors adopted the names "Parmeshwara," "Param bhattaraka," etc.
• The king frequently appointed ministers to aid with his administrative tasks. Ministerial positions were also inherited.
• The minister for Dhanga and Ganda was Prabhasa. His son Sivanath succeeded him as the minister for Mahipala and Vijayapala.
• A chief or prime minister used to preside over a council of ministers made up of ten members.
• Typically, the purohita, pandit, dharmadhikari, Sachiv, amatya, koshadhikaradhipatya, senapati, and kayastha made up this mantrimandala or council of ministers.
• Visaya and village respectively, were the state's highest and lowest administrative subdivisions.
• The Samantas oversaw the administration of the Mandals and Visayas; members of the royal family could be chosen as Samantas.

Society

• There were four castes in the society. In the society, brahmans had the highest position. Brahmans lived a holy life and frequently became teachers. They were free to choose any other occupation, though, without any restrictions. In certain passages, Brahmans are described as Senapati of Dharmadhikari.
• The Kshatriyas were mostly warriors, although they had also begun farming and other occupations. The Kshatriyas were categorised into numerous classes and given the names of their respective families.
• The Kayasthas had established themselves into a caste during the time of the Chandellas. Vaisyas and Sudras were not a thing at this time. They were probably called by their commercial names.
• People who opposed the caste system were present at this time. High-ranking positions in society were not held by women. Queens' works are only occasionally mentioned in texts.
• At that time, there were some references to the sati system as well. Typically, men married girls from families like their own.

Architecture

• The Chandelas are well-known for their art and architecture. They commissioned a number of temples, water bodies, palaces, and forts in various locations.
• During the reign of the Chandellas, architecture advanced significantly.
• Some of the architectural creations of Khajuraho temples are world famous. The temples of Kandariya Mahadeva, Chaturbhuja, and Parsvanath are the most prominent among them.
• The Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho are the most famous examples of their cultural achievements.
• Three other important Chandela strongholds were Jayapura-Durga (modern Ajaigarh), Kalanjara (modern Kalinjar), and Mahotsava-Nagara (modern Mahoba).

Dulhadeo Temple, Khajuraho

Conclusion

For a brief time, Chandellas ruled over Bundelkhand. Because they were a minor nation, Chandellas' expansion was blocked by other large, powerful empires. The ongoing Muslim invasions also had an impact on the kingdom's development by weakening its economy. During this time, Hindu divisions increased, bringing an end to the Chandella Dynasty. During Chandellas' dominion, the arts and architecture flourished. UNESCO has designated the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh as a World Heritage Site.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who among the following was a prominent ruler of the Chandela Dynasty?

A) Rajendra Chola
B) Dhanga
C) Raja Bhoja
D) Harsha

2. The Khajuraho temples were built by which dynasty?

A) Chola
B) Pallava
C) Chandela
D) Rashtrakuta

3. Which of the following was a major reason for the decline of the Chandela Dynasty?

A) Invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni
B) Internal revolts
C) Delhi Sultanate invasions
D) Weak administration

4. What is the primary architectural style seen in the Khajuraho temples?

A) Dravidian
B) Nagara
C) Vesara
D) Indo-Islamic

5. Which of the following was a cultural contribution of the Chandela rulers?

A) Construction of Ajanta caves
B) Patronage of Carnatic music
C) Development of Khajuraho temples
D) Establishment of the Nalanda University

GS Mains Questions and Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the Chandela Dynasty in Indian history, focusing on their contributions to art and architecture.

Answer: The Chandela Dynasty played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of medieval India. Their contributions to art and architecture, especially the construction of the Khajuraho temples, stand as a testament to their legacy. These temples are not only architectural marvels but also serve as cultural artifacts that provide insights into the religious and social life of the period. The intricate carvings on the temples represent a fusion of spiritual and secular themes, making them unique in Indian history. The Chandela rulers were also known for their patronage of literature, music, and dance, fostering a rich cultural milieu in their kingdom.

Q2: Analyze the impact of foreign invasions on the decline of the Chandela Dynasty.

Answer: The Chandela Dynasty's decline was largely due to foreign invasions, particularly those from the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century. The Chandelas initially resisted these invasions, but over time, their weakened military and administrative capabilities made them vulnerable. The destruction of key forts and territories further diminished their power, eventually reducing them to vassals of stronger northern powers. These invasions disrupted the Chandela administration and led to the abandonment of their capital at Mahoba, signaling the end of their political dominance in central India.

Q3: Evaluate the importance of Khajuraho temples in understanding the religious and cultural history of India.

Answer: The Khajuraho temples are an invaluable source for understanding the religious and cultural history of medieval India. Built during the reign of the Chandela Dynasty, these temples reflect the syncretic nature of Indian society, where both Hinduism and Jainism flourished. The temples’ carvings depict deities, mythological scenes, and human experiences, showcasing the complexity of religious practices and beliefs during this period. Additionally, the temples are a testament to the technical and artistic achievements of the time, providing scholars with insights into the craftsmanship, social norms, and religious diversity of medieval India.

Previous Year Questions on the Chandela Dynasty

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018:

Question: The Khajuraho temples were built by which dynasty?

A) Chola
B) Pallava
C) Chandela
D) Rashtrakuta

Answer: C

Explanation: The Chandela rulers constructed the Khajuraho temples between the 10th and 12th centuries, and these temples are famous for their Nagara style of architecture and intricate carvings.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Analyze the architectural and cultural significance of the Khajuraho temples built during the Chandela Dynasty."

Answer: The Khajuraho temples, built by the Chandela rulers, are a significant part of India's architectural and cultural heritage. They represent the pinnacle of temple architecture in medieval India, particularly the Nagara style. The temples are renowned for their intricate carvings that depict both religious and secular themes, making them an important source for understanding the religious, social, and artistic life of the time. These temples reflect the integration of spirituality with everyday human experiences, showcasing the openness of medieval Indian society to diverse artistic expressions.