Which record denotes Chauhans as "Vatsgotra Brahmin"?
Bijolia Inscription
The question asks to identify the specific historical record or inscription that describes the Chauhans as "Vatsgotra Brahmin". This refers to a claim about the lineage or gotra (a lineage segment within a clan) of the Chauhan dynasty.
Let's examine the options provided:
Different inscriptions and historical texts offer various accounts regarding the origin of the Chauhan dynasty. Some describe them as originating from Surya (Sun) or Chandra (Moon), while others connect them to ancient sages or Kshatriya lineages.
However, one specific inscription is well-known for stating a particular origin related to Brahmins:
| Inscription | Key Detail Regarding Chauhans |
|---|---|
| Bijolia Inscription | Mentions early Chauhan rulers belonging to the Vatsa gotra and being Brahmins. |
| Pratapgarh Inscription | Not primarily known for this specific claim. |
| Mandor Inscription | Associated with the Pratihara dynasty, not primarily the Chauhans. |
| Ghosundi Inscription | An early inscription related to the Bhagavata cult, not specifically detailing Chauhan lineage. |
The Bijolia Inscription, dated to the reign of Someshwara Chauhan (around 1170 CE), is a significant source for the history of the early Chauhans of Shakambhari (Sambhar). This inscription explicitly refers to the founder of the dynasty, Vasudeva, and his successors as originating from the lineage of the sage Vatsa, thus identifying them as "Vatsgotra Brahmin". This claim in the Bijolia Inscription is a notable point of discussion among historians regarding the origin of the Chauhan dynasty.
Therefore, the record that denotes the Chauhans as "Vatsgotra Brahmin" is the Bijolia Inscription.
Statement I : The rich sculptural tradition of Mathura is distinguished by its principal medium, the white spotted red sandstone
Statement II : The white spotted red sandstone is locally available in Mathura region