Jayasimha (Chudasama dynasty)

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Jayasimha was an early Chudasama king known only from the ballads and folklore of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India.

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In bardic legends

The bards explain that the names Dyas and Gario are both titles, Dyas meaning the giver and Gario (Grahario) the seizer. They say that the real name of this chieftain was Jayasimha but that his seizing on Kanauj obtained for him the title of Gario and his munificence caused him to be known as Dyas. His seizure of Kanauj is thus explained: Jayasimha was a connection of the celebrated Jayachandra of Kanauj and is said to have been left by that chieftain in charge of Kanauj when Jayachandra went forth to war with Prithviraj Chauhan. On Jayachandra's return defeated. Jayasimha refused to permit him to enter and retained possession of the place. For this achievement, he was called Grahario or Gario. Subsequently terms were arranged between Jayachandra and Jayasimha and the latter returned to Sorath conquering Gwalior on his return journey and defeating the Raja of Mewar. Jayasimha afterwards joined the Chaulukya king Bhimdev in his warfare with Prithviraj and is alluded to in the Prithviraj Raso as Chudasama Jayasimha according to the Ras Mala of Alexander Kinloch Forbes. On the death of this chieftain his queen committed sati. He was succeeded by his son Raisimha. [1] [2]

The historical accuracy of these bardic legends is doubtful.

Dates and succession

It is difficult to decide the correct dates of the king as the information about him is derived only from bardic tales and folklore. According to the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Jayasimha reigned from 1152-1180 CE and he was succeeded by Raisimha (1180-1184 CE) followed by Gajaraja/Mahipala (1184-1201 CE). Though these dates are not reliable. [1] [2]

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Khengara was a Chudasama king of Saurashtra region of western India who reigned in the 12th century. His capital was at Junagadh. He was a contemporary of Jayasimha Siddharaja, the Chaulukya ruler of Anahilapataka. According to bardic tales, he was a son of Navaghana and had succeeded him.

Ranakadevi was a legendary 12th century queen of Khengara, the Chudasama ruler of Saurashtra region of western India. She is mentioned in the bardic tragic romance representing the battle between Chudasama king Khengara and Chaulukya king Jayasimha Siddharaja. However, this legend is not credible.

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The Gohil,Guhilas of Saurashtra ruled parts of Saurashtra region of present-day Gujarat state of India as subordinates or independents starting 12th century. Their origin is traced to Guhila dynasty of Mewar and they had migrated to Saurashtra in 12th century. The earliest known inscription of Gohils is found from Mangrol so they must be ruling in southwest of peninsula under Chaulukya dynasty. They later moved to the east coast where they established themselves and the region came to be known as Gohilwad and ruled till the independence of India in 1947. The erstwhile princely states of Bhavnagar, Palitana, Lathi, Vala and Rajpipla belonged to Gohil rulers.

References

  1. 1 2 Harold Wilberforce-Bell (1916). The History of Kathiawad from the Earliest Times. London: William Heinemann. pp.  54–83.PD-icon.svgThis article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. 1 2 Watson, James W., ed. (1884). Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency : Kathiawar. VIII. Bombay: Government Central Press. p. 495.PD-icon.svgThis article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.