Karkota dynasty

Karkota dynasty
625–855
CapitalParihaspur
Religion
Hinduism
GovernmentMonarchy
Historical eraClassical India
• Established
625
• Disestablished
855
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Alchon Huns
Gonanda dynasty (II)
Utpala dynasty
Today part ofAfghanistan
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh

The Karkota dynasty (c. 625 − 855 CE) ruled over the Kashmir valley and some northern parts of the Indian subcontinent during 7th and 8th centuries. Their rule saw a period of political expansion, economic prosperity and emergence of Kashmir as a centre of culture and scholarship.[2][3]

The Karkota rulers constructed several shrines to Vishnu in their dominions.[4] They however also allowed Buddhism to flourish under them. Stupa, Chaitya and Vihara can be found in the ruins of their capital. Martand Sun Temple in the Anantnag district was built by Lalitaditya. It is the oldest known Sun temple in India and was also one of the biggest temple complexes at the time.[5]

Avanti Varman ascended the throne of Kashmir in 855, establishing the Utpala dynasty and ending the rule of Karkota dynasty.

  1. ^ Schwartzberg, Joseph E. (1978). A Historical atlas of South Asia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 146, map XIV.2 (f). ISBN 0226742210.
  2. ^ Larson, Gerald James (2007). "Nagas, Monks, Tantrics and Poets". In Pal, Pratapaditya; Ames, Frank (eds.). The Arts of Kashmir. Asia Society ; 5 Continents. pp. 36–37.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :24 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Sanderson, Alexis (2009). "The Śaiva Age: The Rise and Dominance of Śaivism during the Early Medieval Period". In Einoo, Shingo (ed.). Genesis and Development of Tantrism. Institute of Oriental Culture Special Series: 23. Tokyo: Institute of Oriental Culture, University of Tokyo. pp. 60–61, 73, 298–300. ISBN 978-4-903235-08-0.
  5. ^ Siudmak, John (5 April 2013). The Hindu-Buddhist Sculpture of Ancient Kashmir and its Influences. BRILL. ISBN 978-9004248328.