Govindachandra | |
---|---|
Ashva-pati Nara-pati Gaja-pati Rajatrayadhipati Shrimad-Govindachandra | |
King of Kannauj | |
Reign | c. 1114–1155 CE |
Predecessor | Madanapala |
Successor | Vijayachandra |
Spouse | Nayanakeli-devi, Gosalla-devi, Kumara-devi, and Vasanta-devi |
Issue | Asphotachandra, Rajyapala and Vijayachandra |
Dynasty | Gahadavala |
Father | Madanapala |
Mother | Ralhadevi |
Govindachandra (IAST: Govindacandra, r. c. 1114–1155 CE) was the King of Kannauj from 1114 to 1155 and was a member of the Gahadavala dynasty.
Govindachandra was the most powerful ruler of his dynasty. As a prince, he achieved military successes against the Ghaznavids and the Palas. As a sovereign, he defeated the Kalachuris of Tripuri, and annexed some of their territories.
The "Vishnu-Hari inscription" recording the construction of a temple during Govindachandra's reign was found among the Babri mosque debris. The authenticity of this inscription is controversial. According to some historians, it proves that Govindachandra's subordinate Anayachandra constructed a temple at the site believed to be Rama's birthplace; this temple was later destroyed and replaced with the Babri mosque by Muslim conquerors. Other historians allege that the Hindu activists planted the so-called Vishnu-Hari inscription at the Babri mosque site, and that the Govindachandra mentioned in it is a different person.