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Chawras
 
            The end of "Pratihar" rule was the beginning for Chawda dynasty. Their capital  "Ahilyapatak" (Ahilyavaad" was established under new name as "New Pattan" (presently Patan). Before that during "Maitrak" period, "Chaap" dynasty (another name of chawda) ruled over "Gurjardesh". Even in "Vadhvan"  "Diu" & "Dwarka" there were few rulers of same dynasty. They were also known as "Chapotkat" or "Chawda". 
              In addition to this there was Chawda rule in Saurashtra and Kachchh. Thus rulers of Chawda dynasty played an important role in the history of Gujarat, during "Maitrak" and post "Maitrak" era.
              Gujarat attained its prosperity in political as well as cultural field in the long period from 942 A.D - 1300 A.D, during the reign of Solanki rule, who established their kingdom at "Ahilyavaad", the land of Chawda. 
                The description of Vanraj Chawda is found in the literature of Solanki dynasty. But no description of ancestors of Vanraj Chawda is found in any ancient literature. Although Jaishikhari, father of Vanraj has been described in Krishna Kavi's Hindi composition "Ratnamala" written during 17th - 18th century.
         It is quite difficult to determine the exact beginning of Chawda rule in "Panchasar".

 The End of Solanki Era

         Kumarpal Solanki died without an heir. His brother's son Ajaypal succeeded the throne. Ajaypal strongly hated Jain religion. Hence he started harassing Jain sadhus. This made him unpopular among his subjects and was murdered. After that Mulraj came to the throne. Since Mulraj was young, Paternal Uncle (kaka) Bhimdev ran the administration on behalf of the king
          Bhimdev was very restless and innocent. With such a nature he spend so much of money that state's treasure was almost over. Moreover because of his innocence the administration became weak. All the "samant"(feudatory chief) under him became free and started acting according to their will.
          Bhimdev was very brave. At that time Shahbuddin Ghori ruled Delhi. Once he attacked Gujarat and Bhimdev bravely defeated him and sent him back to Delhi. After a while, his nephew Mulraj - the real king of Patan, died. Hence now Bhimdev became the king.
Mohammed Ghori didn't forget the defeat of Gujarat. He sends Qutubuddin, one of his disciples to attack Gujarat. During his life Bhimdev often fought with Muslims. He was brave but he didn't have the political insight. And because of that he couldn't live peacefully in his whole life.
        Two years after the death of Bhimdev, Vishaldev, a son of one of his samanth, defeated his son Tribhuvanpal. And ruled the throne.
In this way Solanki era started by Mulraj with the death of Samanthsingh - the last ruler of Chawda dynasty, came to an end. 

Samantsingh and Mulraj

         Samanthsingh the last ruler of Chawda dynasty was a drunkard/tippler. His nephew was Mulraj, son of Raj and Leeladevi. Raj was a prince of some foreign land. He along with his brother on his return from the religious tour of Somnath visited Patan. On seeing his insight and recognition for horses Samanthsingh asked him to marry his sister Leeladevi. But he was killed by Lakha, the king of Kutch and Leeladevi died after giving birth to a child. Hence Samnthsingh brought up Mulraj. 
             Under the influence of alcohol, Samanthsingh used to make fun of Mulraj by making him the king and once he is out of the influence, he'll remove him from the position. Mulraj was frustrated with this mockery.  Hence slowly he included some of the courtiers on his side. One day under the influence of alcohol when Samnathsingh asked Mulraj to succeed as a king, accidentally with his sword, Mulraj killed Samanthsingh. Mulraj succeeded the throne.
           Thus was the beginning of Solanki era in Gujarat.  Mulraj elegantly adorned the throne of Patan during his rule. 

Vanraj

            After Vanraj, his son Yograj succeeded on the throne of Patan. Yograj was a real ascetic/devotee, belived in justice, religion and simplicity. But his sons were a total contradiction. They hold the conduct of robbery. The concept that Vanraj followed the path of theft and robbery to obtain back his father's kingdom played an important role in corrupting their mind. With their religious activities and good conduct Vanraj as well as Yogiraj had ignored it. But his son made all these efforts go in drain and were trying to prove this impression true.
            Once at the port of Prabhas Patan few ships got entrapped. Having got this information, Yogiraj's son Shemraj became greedy: I'll have so much of wealth, if entire stuff comes in my hands. Shemraj went to Yogiraj and explained "We'll obtain 1000 horses, 150 elephants and countless wealth without paying any price. If you give permission, I'll go and rob those ships." Yogiraj said, "My son, we've to remove the basic impression of Chawda from people's mind. We are king. We should protect our subjects and not exploit them.
            Shemraj left without listening to his father. He attacked the ships with his team and robbed horses, elephants and all the wealth. Yogiraj, a saint man couldn't tolerate this in his life. He sacrificed food and water and entered in the burning pyre and was burned to death. To penance the sinful action of his son, he sacrificed his own life. 

Yograj

             After Vanraj, his son Yograj succeeded on the throne of Patan. Yograj was a real ascetic/devotee, belived in justice, religion and simplicity. But his sons were a total contradiction. They hold the conduct of robbery. The concept that Vanraj followed the path of theft and robbery to obtain back his father's kingdom played an important role in corrupting their mind. With their religious activities and good conduct Vanraj as well as Yogiraj had ignored it. But his son made all these efforts go in drain and were trying to prove this impression true.
            Once at the port of Prabhas Patan few ships got entrapped. Having got this information, Yogiraj's son Shemraj became greedy: I'll have so much of wealth, if entire stuff comes in my hands. Shemraj went to Yogiraj and explained "We'll obtain 1000 horses, 150 elephants and countless wealth without paying any price. If you give permission, I'll go and rob those ships." Yogiraj said, "My son, we've to remove the basic impression of Chawda from people's mind. We are king. We should protect our subjects and not exploit them.
            Shemraj left without listening to his father. He attacked the ships with his team and robbed horses, elephants and all the wealth. Yogiraj, a saint man couldn't tolerate this in his life. He sacrificed food and water and entered in the burning pyre and was burned to death. To penance the sinful action of his son, he sacrificed his own life. 

Vanraj chawda 

        While on the other hand queen Rupsundari gave birth to a son and named him Vanraj. Loyal to their king, the bhil community gave utmost respect and took great care of their queen mother Rupsundari. One day, while passing through the jungle, Jain sadhu Shilgunsuri saw Vanraj sleeping in the cradle. On seeing the lines of conduct on the child's face, Jati uttered his future: "This child will become a great king in future and will be the savior of Jain religion".
           When Vanraj grew up, his maternal uncle Surpal taught him the art of archery, sword and horse riding. After hearing the stories from his mother and uncle, and with the guidance of Surpal, Vanraj decided to take back his father's kingdom. Thus he became "Bharvatiyu", an avenger (one who withdraws himself outside the limits of the state with a view to harass and molest it by frequent raids and compel it to come to the terms with them). He started attacking regions under the reign of King Bhuvad, robbed them and started collecting wealth. And where possible he added brave men in his team to form an army. In that course they came across an "Ahil", who was well acquainted with all the jungle paths, valleys and caves. One day they were waiting silently for some prey, suddenly they saw a merchant coming towards them with an earthen jug filled with ghee. He had a bow an arrow in his other hand.
              Vanraj Challenged him "Stay where you are, Vania (a caste in gujarati famous for trading). If you move you will die."
"I'm right here. But if you want to die come forward". After saying this Champo broke two out of 5 arrows from his arrow case and put one of his arrow on the bow.
Seeing this all three became surprised.
"Wait, we also know the art of archery. But why did you break your two arrows?" asked Surpal.
"Since you are three, three arrows are enough for Me." replied Champo
"Oh! Great, you look brave. What's your name?" asked Vanraj
"Champo" came the reply.
"Champo, let's stop this argument and hand over whatever you have. You alone cannot fight with three of us", said Anhil.
"Well so what you are three. Because of increase in no. Of dacoits in this foreign land, I'm not afraid of any fight", replied Champo.
"Foreign rule? So you mean there weren't any robbery or theft in previous rulers kingdom?" asked Surpal.
"Previous rule" trusting them Champo said "O, Brother gone are those days when after hearing aloud the challenge to fight from King Jaishikhari and Surpal dacoits used to loose their courage."
"Then listen, I'm Surpal standing in front of you and he is Vanraj - the only heir of King Jaishikhari. Would you like to join hands with us? Will you help us in attaining back Vanraj's kingdom?" Champo was astonished with this statement from Surpal.

"Oh! The crown of Panchasar" the weapons fell from his hands and he embraced Vanraj.

             In this way Vanraj got a brave and rich companion/colleague. After that Vanraj and Surpal made proper plans, collected big army and obtained back the kingdom after defeating Bhuvad in the battle.
             Vanraj made Patan his capital. In appreciation for his friend he named it "Anhilppur Patan". Moreover he also established another city by name "Champaner" to appreciate the help of another companion in the valley of Pavagadh, near Vadodara.
             Pachasara, Parshvanath's Jain temple was built on the desire of Acharya Shilgunsurini, who uttered bright future for Vanraj and helped him. With the request from all the subjects, a statue of Vanraj was erected, which is seen even today.
             Vanraj lived 110 years and ruled for 60 years. 

Jaishikhari

             Quite close to the present Randhanpur, was a town named "Panchasar"; ruled by Jaishikhari. Once Shankar Barot from Panchasar went in the court of King Bhuvad of Kalyani and sang verses of Jaishikhari's bravery and the prosperity of his kingdom. Listening to the prosperity of Gujarat, King Bhuvad became greedy. So under the leadership of his commander Mihir, he sent a big army to gain victory over Jaishikhari.
              On learning the intention of Mihir, Jaishikhari sent his brother-in-law and his brave commander, Surpal to fight against him. Mihir couldn't withhold the strong opposition of Surpal. So he ran away. Annoyed with this King Bhuvad, along with a very big army attacked Panchasar. For 52 days he encircled the fort of Panchasar. Neither food nor any supplies or material could enter the fort. Everybody became frustrated as food supplies were almost over. There was no other alternative but to face the risk of war.
               At this time the king asked Surpal to take his queen Rupsundari into the jungle and the leader of Bhil community vowed to take proper care of the queen. While in the fort Jaishikhari did "Kesariya"(to make one last and desperate effort in the battle, so called because men on such occasion take large doses of opium and sprinkle saffron water on their bodies.) The doors of the fort were opened and soldiers from the fort ran out shouting the slogan of "Har Har Mahadev" to attack the enemy. Though Jaishikhari fought very bravely, but in front of Bhuvad's big army, he died in the end. And Panchasar went in the hands of Bhuvad..

http://www.chawra.com/kgk/history1.htm

 
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