The Paramaras and Raja Bhoj

On a hill beside the Betwa, about 30 km from Bhopal, stands an unfinished temple with one of the largest Shiva lingas in India. Around it, archaeologists have found the original construction drawings engraved on the surrounding rock — plans for a temple that was never completed. The Bhojpur temple is associated with Raja Bhoj, the most celebrated ruler of the Paramara dynasty, who ruled Malwa in the early eleventh century and became a legend of learning and kingship. The Paramaras are a core topic for MPPSC.

Origins

• The Paramaras claimed descent from the Agnikula — the fire-born clans of Mount Abu (see the legend of Rajput origins).
• Historically, they appear first as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas in Malwa, becoming independent in the tenth century.
• Their capitals were Ujjain and, later, Dhar (Dhara Nagari).

The rulers who mattered

Raja Bhoj: the scholar-king

Bhoj is remembered as one of India's most learned rulers. Tradition credits him with works on many subjects:

He is also said to have founded a centre of Sanskrit learning in Dhar, associated with the goddess Saraswati, and is traditionally credited with building a large lake near Bhopal — the city's name is often derived from Bhojpal.

The Bhojpur temple

• Near Bhojpur, Raisen district.
• An unfinished Shiva temple with a massive linga on a huge platform.
• The surrounding rock carries engraved architectural drawings — rare evidence of how medieval temples were planned.
• A great dam once created a lake here, traditionally linked to Bhoj.

Wars and politics

Bhoj fought many neighbours — the Chalukyas of Kalyani and Gujarat, the Kalachuris of Tripuri, the Chandelas. His reign coincided with the raids of Mahmud of Ghazni in north-western India, and some traditions suggest he helped other kings resist Ghaznavid pressure. Near the end of his reign, Malwa was attacked by a coalition of rivals, and Bhoj died around 1055.

Culture of Paramara Malwa

• Sanskrit and Prakrit literature flourished — poets such as Padmagupta, Dhanapala and others.
• Temples at Udaipur (Vidisha), Un (Khargone), Omkareshwar and elsewhere reflect the Bhumija style of temple architecture, in which the tower is made of rows of miniature spires.
• Jain scholars enjoyed patronage.

Decline

After the thirteenth century, Paramara power weakened steadily. In 1305, Alauddin Khalji's general Ain-ul-Mulk Multani conquered Malwa, ending Paramara rule. Malwa later became the base of an independent Sultanate (see our post on Mandu).

Why the Paramaras matter

1. Raja Bhoj — a symbol of learning and kingship in MP's memory.
2. Architecture — the Bhumija style; the Bhojpur temple and its drawings.
3. Literature and science — Sanskrit scholarship in Malwa.
4. Politics — Malwa's central place in eleventh-century India.

Practice

Prelims-style:

1. To which Paramara ruler is the Samarangana Sutradhara traditionally attributed?
2. Where is the unfinished Shiva temple associated with Raja Bhoj?
3. Which Paramara ruler built the Udayeshwar temple?
4. Which poet wrote the Navasahasankacharita?
5. Who conquered Malwa in 1305?

Mains-style (short): Why is Raja Bhoj remembered as a scholar-king?

Mains-style (long): Discuss the contribution of the Paramaras to the culture of Malwa.