Literature

2020-04-27 12:02:31

Kalhan’s Rajtarangini (River of Kings):

Composed in 12th century has 8 books called ==Tarangas==, modern sense of historiography reflected in it was caused by
- distinct geography of Kashmir
- rise of feudalism -> strong regional attachment
- Proximity to Central Asia, China;
- Dev of Buddhism influenced Kashmir through its hagiographical writing
- Turbulent period
Analysed royal charters, edicts, records of land grants, documents, coins, inscriptions etc

Political

History since first Hindu King ==Gonanda to last Jayasimha==
contains genealogies and chronology, achievements in details

Book I - III

52 kings said to have ruled, mentions only 17 kings,
Gonanda’s transplanted by Aditya Dynasty later restored
Traditional rep (Itihasa Purana) of History from battle of Kurukshetra to beginning of Kaliyuga #concept #important
Genealogy not correct

Books IV - VIII

Early 7th to mid-12th century

Book IV

history of 17 kings of ==Karkota== dynasty
Mentions Lalitaditya most powerful ruler, efficient administrator, valiant warrior, conqueror
patron of art/architecture

Book V

accounts of ==Utpala dynasty or Varman Dynasty==

Book VI

history of 10 kings most imp was Didda grand-daughter of Bhima Shahi and daughter of Simharaja of Lohara state and Yashakara dynasty
Ambitious and energetic woman
Queen consort of Ksemagupta, ruled from 980-1003 AD
Other women rulers mentioned are ==Yashovati of Gonanda dynasty==, ==Sugandha of Utpala== dynasty and Didda of Yashaskara
Naravahana minister aided here rise compared her to Indra
Killed her son, 3 grandsons before ascending
Affair w/ courier Tunga, chose successor Sangramaraja her nephew
Founded ==Diddapura, Kankanapura and temple Diddasvamin==
Repairing temples

Kalhan disapproves of her, merciless, deficient in Moral character

Portrayed both royal, non-royal women

Book VII

6 princes from Lohara dynasty, Sangramraja puppet ruler of Tunga

Book VIII

7 kings from Ucchala to Jayasimha
Details of misrules, local feudal elements became strong, suggests King to be strong
Criticized the bureaucracy most of whom were Kayastha
Rich drank wines, ate meat, poor ate vegetables
==Harsha introduced long coat in Kashmir==
Agriculture and water works dams to prevent landslide made by Avantivarman -> econ prosperity

Critical Analysis

Earlier history based on myths, legends
concept of time/age is used as in Itihasa Purana
Assessment of ==literature, Kingship, reign dynasty have high standard of accuracy== showing eminent features of a historian
Impartiality, honest account, ==does not hide errors==, praises enemies for courage
Uses rhetorical elements like similes, puns, poetic skills
Establishes chronology of events, directly influenced by Buddhist and Brahmanical literary sense

PYQs and Answers

Write a short essay on: “Kalhan as a historian” [2003, 20m]

Critical Analysis

Kalhan was a 12th century Kashmiri poet and historian who wrote Rajatarangini, a Sanskrit chronicle of the kings of Kashmir12. He is considered as an important historian of Indian history because:

He was the first to write a historical work based on chronological order, critical analysis, and authentic sources.

Such as:The legendary origin of Kashmir and its early rulers such as Gonanda, Ashoka, Pravarasena etc.
The invasion of Alexander and his encounter with King Abhisara of Kashmir12.
The rise and fall of the Karkota dynasty and its famous kings such as Durlabhavardhana, Lalitaditya, Jayapida etc.
The conflict and alliance between Kashmir and Kannauj under Harsha and Yasovarman12.
The establishment and decline of the Utpala dynasty and its notable kings such as Avantivarman, Shankaravarman, Sussala etc.
The political turmoil and civil wars during the Lohara dynasty and its weak kings such as Ananta, Kalasha, Harsha etc.
The cultural, religious, social, economic, and literary developments in Kashmir under various rulers

He used various types of evidence such as inscriptions, coins, genealogies, legends, oral traditions, etc. to verify his facts.

Kalhan used different sources of evidence to verify his facts and to write his history. Some of the sources he used were:
The works of 11 chroniclers of Kashmir who preceded him, such as Nilamata Purana, Nrisimha Purana, etc.
The inscriptions, coins, genealogies, and other records of various kings and dynasties3 .
The information about temples, monuments, festivals, customs, etc. that reflected the culture and society of Kashmir.
The oral traditions, legends, myths, anecdotes, etc. that were popular among the people.
His own observation and experience as a court poet and a minister’s son

He was impartial and objective in his narration, and did not hesitate to criticize or praise the rulers according to their merits or demerits.

He gave a vivid description of the political, social, cultural, religious, and economic aspects of Kashmir during his time23.

He established a tradition of historiography in Kashmir that influenced later writers such as Jonaraja, Srivara, Prajyabhatta etc.

Assess Kalhana’s views on History. [2009, 20m]

Critical Analysis

Kalhana’s views of history were:

He believed that history should be based on authentic and rational sources, not on eulogy or exaggeration. He aimed to write a chronological and critical account of the kings of Kashmir, starting from legends to his own time. He considered history as a mirror of past events and a guide for future actions. He valued history as a source of moral lessons and political wisdom. He acknowledged his own limitations and errors, and invited corrections from future historians.

Principles of History according to Kalhana :

History should be based on authentic and rational sources, not on hearsay or imagination1 . History should be written with impartiality and objectivity, free from love or hatred for any person or event. History should be chronological and critical, not just a narration of events. History should reflect the culture and society of the people, not just the deeds of the kings13. History should provide moral lessons and political wisdom for future generations

Mark Aurel Stein, a British-Hungarian scholar who translated Rajatarangini into English, praised Kalhana as a “true son of the soil” who had a keen interest and insight into the history and culture of Kashmir. He also appreciated Kalhana’s critical approach and use of various sources.

Romila Thapar, a prominent Indian historian, regarded Kalhana as one of the first Indian historians to lay down principles for writing history. She also noted that Kalhana was influenced by his own political and social context, and that his work reflected his regionalism and patriotism[^2 ^][ ^3 ^].

Nilakanta Sastri, a renowned Indian historian, admired Kalhana’s poetic skill and historical sense. He also pointed out some of Kalhana’s errors and contradictions in chronology and calculation23.

Robin Donkin, a British geographer and historian, argued that Kalhana was an exception among native Indian literary works for having a developed sense of chronology and place. He also observed that Kalhana’s work was more than a mere chronicle, but rather a “historical poem” with literary merit.

Evaluate Rajtarangini as a source of history. [2012, 10m]

Kalhan’s Rajtarangini (River of Kings):

Rajatarangini is a valuable source of history for several reasons:

It is one of the earliest and most authentic works of its kind that covers the entire span of history in the Kashmir region from the earliest times to the 12th century CE. It is written in Sanskrit verse, which is a rare and remarkable feat for a historical chronicle. It also reflects the literary and cultural achievements of Kashmir. It is based on various sources of information, such as inscriptions, coins, genealogies, chronicles and oral traditions. Kalhana also critically examined and compared these sources for their reliability and accuracy[^. It provides rich details about the political, social, economic, religious and cultural aspects of Kashmir and its rulers. It also mentions some events and rulers from other parts of India, such as Bengal, Magadha, Kannauj, Gujarat and Malwa143. It has been translated into various languages and has inspired later historians to continue the history of Kashmir. It also serves as a source of inspiration for poets and artists12.

Limitations of Kalhana’s Rajtarangini as source of history :

He was not clear about the dates and chronology of many events and rulers. He often used vague terms such as “long ago”, “after some time”, etc. He also made some errors and contradictions in his calculations1.

He was influenced by regionalism and patriotism. He exaggerated the glory and achievements of Kashmir and its kings. He also included some legendary and mythical figures as historical rulers, such as Mauryas, Ashoka, etc.

He was biased towards some dynasties and rulers, such as Utpalas and Jayasimha, whom he praised highly. He was also critical of some others, such as Loharas and Harsha, whom he blamed for the decline of Kashmir.

He did not have access to some important sources, such as foreign accounts, archaeological evidence, etc. that could have given him a broader perspective of Kashmir’s history.

Do you consider the Rajatarangini of Kalhana to be a reliable source of the political history of Kashmir? Why? [2017, 10 Marks]

Political
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