According to Kalhana's Rajatarangini, identify the correct sequential order of the following dynasties in the Jammu and Kashmir r…

Question

According to Kalhana's Rajatarangini, identify the correct sequential order of the following dynasties in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

I. Gonanda dynasty

II. Utpala dynasty

III. Karkota Dynasty

IV. Lohara dynasty

1. A. I-II-III-IV
2. B. I-II-IV-III
3. C. I-IV-III-II
4. D. I-III-II-IV (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — D

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option D.

Key Points

• Kalhana's Rajatarangini (12th century, Sanskrit) is the celebrated chronicle of the kings of Kashmir and a rare example of early Indian historical writing.
• The dynastic order it records is:
• 1. Gonanda dynasty — the legendary earliest line.
• 2. Karkota dynasty (c. 625-855 CE) — the height of Kashmir's power under Lalitaditya Muktapida, who is credited with the Martand Sun Temple.
• 3. Utpala dynasty (c. 855-1003 CE) — founded by Avantivarman, whose engineer Suyya carried out major flood control on the Jhelum; Avantipur is named after him.
• 4. Lohara dynasty (c. 1003-1320 CE) — the last major Hindu dynasty of Kashmir, which Kalhana himself lived under.

Exam Tip

• the sequence Karkota → Utpala → Lohara is the one to memorise; Gonanda is always first as the legendary line.
• Kalhana wrote during the Lohara period, which is why his account of it is most detailed.

Additional Information

• Kalhana's Rajatarangini (c. 1148 CE) is the earliest surviving history of Kashmir and among the few Sanskrit works written in a genuinely historical rather than mythological mode.
• The dynastic sequence it records runs Gonanda → Karkota → Utpala → Lohara, with Lalitaditya Muktapida (Karkota) the greatest conqueror and Avantivarman (Utpala) the great builder.
• Its eight books are a standard source for J&K General Knowledge questions on early Kashmiri history.