Chandelas of Jejakabhukti

{{Short description|Late medieval Hindu dynasty of India (831–1315)}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use Indian English|date=March 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}} {{Infobox country |conventional_long_name = Chandelas of Jejakabhukti |common_name = Chandela |era = Medieval India |government_type = Monarchy |year_start = {{Circa|831}} |year_end = 1315 |p1 = Kalachuris of Tripuri | s1 = Ghurid dynasty | s2 = Mamluk dynasty (Delhi) |image_map = Map of the Candellas.png |image_map_caption = Territory of the Chandelas during the reign of Vidyadhara circa 1025 CE.<ref name="JS">{{cite book |last1=Schwartzberg |first1=Joseph E. |title=A Historical Atlas of South Asia |date=1978 |publisher=Oxford University Press, Digital South Asia Library|author-link=Joseph E. Schwartzberg |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/reference/schwartzberg/query.py?display_type=image_display&object=183#gsc.tab=0|page=146, Map "j"}}</ref> |map_width = 300px |capital = {{ubl|Khajuraho|Kalanjara|Mahoba}} |common_languages = Sanskrit |religion = {{ubl|Hinduism|Jainism}} |today = India | image_coat = Chandelas of Jejakabhukti. Sallakshana Varman. Circa 1120-1135 CE.jpg | coa_size = 280px | symbol_type = Coinage of Sallakshana-Varman (1120–1135 CE), Chandelas of Jejakabhukti }} The '''Chandelas of Jejakabhukti''' was an Indian dynasty in Central India. The Chandelas ruled much of the Bundelkhand region (then called ''Jejakabhukti'') between the 9th and the 13th centuries. They belonged to the Chandel clan of the Rajputs.<ref> *{{Cite book |author=Upinder Singh|author-link=Upinder Singh|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7DRuAAAAMAAJ |title=The Discovery of Ancient India: Early Archaeologists and the Beginnings of Archaeology |date=2004 |publisher=Permanent Black |isbn=978-81-7824-088-6|page=73|quote=Discussion of the histories of various Rajput clans, such as the Chauhans, Kachhvahas, Chandelas, Pratiharas and Tomaras on the basis of a wide range of sources-literary, epigraphic, numismatic, bardic accounts and local traditions|language=en}} *{{Cite book|last1=Kulke|first1=Hermann|author-link1=Hermann Kulke|last2=Rothermund|first2=Dietmar |author-link2=Dietmar Rothermund|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TPVq3ykHyH4C|title=A History of India|date=2004|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-0-415-32919-4|language=en|page=117|quote="When Gurjara Pratiharas power declined after the sacking of Kannauj by the Rashtrakutas in the early tenth century many Rajput princes declared their independence and founded their own kingdoms, some of which grew to importance in the subsequent two centuries. The better known among those dynasties were the Chaulukyas or Solankis of Gujarat and Kathiawar, the Chahamanas (i.e. Chauhans) of eastern Rajasthan (Ajmer and Jodhpur) and the Tomaras who had founded Delhi (Dhillika) in 736 but had been displaced by the Chauhans in the twelfth century. Rajput descent was also claimed by the Chandelas of Khujuraho and the Kalachuris of Tripuri"}} *{{Cite book |author=Romila Thapar|author-link=Romila Thapar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i6cwDwAAQBAJ |title=Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300 |date=2004|publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-24225-8 |page=420|quote=Other claiming to be Rajputs and descended from the solar and lunar lines, established themselves as local kings in various parts of western and central India. Among them were the Chandellas, prominent in the tenth century in Bundelkhand with their centre at Khajuraho and their territory known as Jejakabhukti|language=en}} *{{harvnb|R. K. Dikshit|1976|pp=8}}: "The Candellas are undoubtedly a Rajput clan and the epigraphic evidences does not show that any inferiority was applied to them in the past. It reveals their matrimonial relationship with important Rajput families from the very beginning of their history"</ref>

The Chandelas initially ruled as feudatories of the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Kanyakubja (Kannauj). The 10th century Chandela ruler Yashovarman became practically independent, although he continued to acknowledge the Pratihara suzerainty. By the time of his successor Dhanga, the Chandelas had become a sovereign power. Their power rose and declined as they fought battles with the neighbouring dynasties, especially the Paramaras of Malwa and the Kalachuris of Tripuri. From the 11th century onwards, the Chandelas faced raids by the northern Muslim dynasties, including the Ghaznavids and the Ghurids. The Chandela power effectively ended around the beginning of the 13th century, following Chahamana and Ghurid invasions.

The Chandelas are well known for their art and architecture, most notably for the temples at their original capital Khajuraho. They also commissioned a number of temples, water bodies, palaces and forts at other places, including their strongholds of Ajaigarh, Kalinjar and their later capital Mahoba.

== Origin == The origin of the Chandelas is obscured by mythical legends. The epigraphic records of the dynasty, as well as contemporary texts such as ''Balabhadra-vilasa'' and ''Prabodha-chandrodaya'', suggest that the Chandelas belonged to the legendary Lunar dynasty (''Chandravansha'').{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=3}} A 954 CE Khajuraho inscription states that the dynasty's first king Nannuka was a descendant of sage Chandratreya, who was a son of Atri. A 1002 CE Khajuraho inscription gives a slightly different account, in which Chandratreya is mentioned as a son of Indu (the Moon) and a grandson of Atri.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=4}} The 1195 CE Baghari inscription and the 1260 CE Ajaygadh inscription contain similar accounts.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=5}} The ''Balabhadra-vilasa'' also names Atri among the ancestors of the Chandelas. Another Khajuraho inscription describes the Chandela king Dhanga as a member of the Vrishni clan of the Yadavas (who also claimed to be part of the Lunar dynasty).{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=3}}

[[File:Le temple de Parshvanath (Khajuraho) (8638391942).jpg |thumb|left|upright|Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, Khajuraho.]] The ''Mahoba-Khanda'' legend of the dynasty's origin goes like this: Hemaraja, a priest of the Gaharwar king of Benares, had a beautiful daughter named Hemavati. Once, while Hemavati was bathing in a pond, the moon god Chandra saw her and made love to her. Hemavati was worried about the dishonour of being an unwed mother, but Chandra assured her that their son would become a great king. This child was the dynasty's progenitor Chandravarma. Chandra presented him with a philosopher's stone and taught him politics.<ref name="Asopa1976">{{cite book |author=Jai Narayan Asopa |title=Origin of the Rajputs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I_KznQEACAAJ |year=1976 |publisher=Bharatiya Publishing House |page=208}}</ref>{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=3}} The dynasty's own records do not mention Hemavati, Hemaraja or Indrajit. Such legends appear to be later bardic inventions. In general, the ''Mahoba-Khanda'' is a historically unreliable text.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=4}} ''Prithviraj Raso'' is also considered an historically unreliable text.<ref>{{cite book | editor=K Ayyappap Panikkar | title=Medieval Indian literature: an anthology (Volume 1) | author = Vijayendra Snatak | chapter = Medieval Hindi Literature | chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KYLpvaKJIMEC&pg=PA142 |year=1997 | publisher=Sahitya Akademi | isbn=978-81-260-0365-5 | page=142}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Serving empire, serving nation: James Tod and the Rajputs of Rajasthan |first=Jason |last=Freitag |publisher=BRILL |year=2009 |isbn=978-90-04-17594-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ib93BhAu43gC |pages=3–5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=R. V. Somani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcIBAAAAMAAJ |title=History of Mewar, from Earliest Times to 1751 A.D. |publisher=Mateshwari |year=1976 |oclc=2929852 |page= 30}}</ref>

[[File:Celestial dancer (Devata) mid-11th century, Chandela period, Madhya Pradesh.jpg|thumb|Celestial dancer (Devata) mid-11th century, Chandela period, Madhya Pradesh. Metropolitan Museum of Art.]] British indologist V. A. Smith theorized that the Chandelas were of either Bhar or Gond origin. Some other scholars including R. C. Majumdar also supported this theory.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=6}} The Chandelas worshipped Maniya, a tribal goddess, whose temples are located at Mahoba and Maniyagadh.<ref name="Ali_2008">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iXVNBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA44 |title=World Heritage Monuments and Related Edifices in India |volume=1 |author=Ali Javid and Tabassum Javeed |publisher=Algora |year=2008 |isbn=9780875864822 |page=44 }}</ref> Besides, they have been associated with places that are also associated with Bhars and Gonds. Also, Rani Durgavati, whose family claimed Chandela descent married a Gond chief of Garha-Mandla.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=7}} Historian R. K. Dikshit does not find these arguments convincing: he argues that Maniya was not a tribal deity.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=8}} Also, the dynasty's association with Gond territory is not necessarily indicative of a common descent: the dynasty's progenitor may have been posted as a governor in these territories.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=7}} Finally, Durgavati's marriage to a Gond chief can be dismissed as a one-off case.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=8}}

==History==

=== Early rulers ===

The Chandelas were originally vassals of the Gurjara-Pratiharas.<ref>Radhey Shyam Chaurasia, History of Ancient India: Earliest Times to 1000 A. D.</ref> Nannuka (r. {{Circa|831}}–845 CE), the founder of the dynasty, was the ruler of a small kingdom centered around Khajuraho.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sailendra Sen |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UdW6lAEACAAJ |year=2013 |publisher=Primus |isbn=978-93-80607-34-4 |page=22}}</ref>

According to the Chandela inscriptions, Nannuka's successor Vakpati defeated several enemies.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=27-28}} Vakpati's sons Jayashakti (Jeja) and Vijayashakti (Vija) consolidated the Chandela power.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=30}} According to a Mahoba inscription, the Chandela territory was named "Jejakabhukti" after the Jayashakti.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=28}} Vijayashakti's successor Rahila is credited with several military victories in eulogistic inscriptions.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|pp=30–31}} Rahila's son Harsha played an important role in restoring the rule of the Pratihara king Mahipala, possibly after a Rashtrakuta invasion or after Mahiapala's conflict with his step-brother Bhoja II.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|pp=32–35}}

=== Rise as a sovereign power === [[File:Kirtivarman Chandela visits the temple of Khajurahu.jpg|thumb|A 20th century artist's imagination of Kirtivarman Chandela visiting a Khajuraho temple]] Harsha's son Yashovarman (r. c. 925–950 CE) continued to acknowledge the Pratihara suzerainty, but became practically independent.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=36–37}} He conquered the important fortress of Kalanjara.{{sfn|Sushil Kumar Sullerey|2004|p=24}} A 953–954 CE Khajuraho inscription credits him with several other military successes, including against Gaudas (identified with the Palas), the Khasas, the Chedis (the Kalachuris of Tripuri), the Kosalas (possibly the Somavamshis), the Mithila (possibly a small tributary ruler), Malavas (identified with the Paramaras), the Kurus, the Kashmiris.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=42-51}} These claims appear to be exaggerated, as similar claims of extensive conquests in northern India are also found in the records of the other contemporary kings such as the Kalachuri king Yuva-Raja and the Rashtrakuta king Krishna III.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=42}} Yashovarman's reign marked the beginning of the famous Chandela-era art and architecture. He commissioned the Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho.{{sfn|Sushil Kumar Sullerey|2004|p=24}}

Unlike the earlier Chandela inscriptions, the records of Yashovarman's successor Dhanga (r. c. 950–999 CE) do not mention any Pratihara overlord. This indicates that Dhanga formally established the Chandela sovereignty.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=57}} A Khajuraho inscription claims that the rulers of Kosala, Kratha (part of Vidarbha region), Kuntala, and Simhala listened humbly to the commands of Dhanga's officers. It also claims that the wives of the kings of Andhra, Anga, Kanchi and Raḍha resided in his prisons as a result of his success in wars. These appear to be eulogistic exaggerations by a court poet, but suggest that Dhanga did undertake extensive military campaigns.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=56}}{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=61–65}} Like his predecessor, Dhanga also commissioned a magnificent temple at Khajuraho, which is identified as the Vishvanatha Temple.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=69}}

Dhanga's successor Ganda appears to have retained the territory he inherited.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=72}} His son Vidyadhara killed theking of Kannauj (possibly Rajyapala) for fleeing his capital instead of fighting the Ghaznavid invader Mahmud of Ghazni.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=72–73}}{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=72}} Mahmud later invaded Vidyadhara's kingdom; according to the Muslim invaders, this conflict ended with Vidyadhara paying tribute to Mahmud.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=81–82}} Vidyadhara is noted for having commissioned the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple.{{sfn|Sushil Kumar Sullerey|2004|p=26}}

The Chandela art and architecture reached its zenith during this period. The Lakshmana Temple (c. 930–950 CE), the Vishvanatha Temple (c. 999–1002 CE) and the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (c. 1030 CE) were constructed during the reigns of Yashovarman, Dhanga and Vidyadhara respectively. These Nagara-style temples are representative of the most fully developed style at Khajuraho.<ref name="James_1994">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LwcBVvdqyBkC&pg=PA234 |title=The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent |author=James C. Harle |publisher=Yale University Press |year=1994 |page=234 |isbn=0300062176 }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Nagara-style temples of Khajuraho"> India-5679 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg | Lakshmana Temple File:Le temple de Parshvanath (Khajuraho) (8638423582).jpg|Parshvanatha Temple Vishwanath N-MP-23.jpg | Vishvanatha Temple A view of Kandariya Mahadev Temple Khajuraho India.jpg | Kandariya Mahadeva Temple </gallery>

=== Decline === [[File:Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho.jpg|thumb|Surasundari and vyala, Khajuraho.]] [[File:Le Temple Kandariya Mahadeva (Khajurâho) (8503001895).jpg|thumb|Kandariya Mahadeva temple carvings.]] By the end of Vidyadhara's reign, the Ghaznavid invasions had weakened the Chandela kingdom. Taking advantage of this, the Kalachuri king Gangeya-deva conquered eastern parts of the kingdom.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=89–90}} Chandela inscriptions suggest that Vidyadhara's successor Vijayapala (r. c. 1035–1050 CE) defeated Gangeya in a battle.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=88}} However, the Chandela power started declining during the Vijayapala's reign.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=101}} The Kachchhapaghatas of Gwalior probably gave up their allegiance to the Chandelas during this period.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=90}}

Vijayapala's elder son Devavavarman was subjugated by Gangeya's son Lakshmi-Karna.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=91}} His younger brother Kirttivarman resurrected the Chandela power by defeating Lakshmi-Karna.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=94}} Kirtivarman's son Sallakshanavarman achieved military successes against the Paramaras and the Kalachuris, possibly by raiding their territories. A Mau inscription suggests that he also conducted successful campaigns in the Antarvedi region (the Ganga-Yamuna doab).{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=120-121}} His son Jayavarman was of religious temperament and abdicated the throne after being tired of governance.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=126}}

Jayavarman appears to have died heirless, as he was succeeded by his uncle Prithvivarman, the younger son of Kirttivarman.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=110–111}} The Chandela inscriptions do not ascribe any military achievements to him; it appears that he was focused on maintaining the existing Chandela territories without adopting an aggressive expansionist policy.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=111}}

=== Revival ===

By the time Prithvivarman's son Madanavarman (r. c. 1128–1165 CE) ascended the throne, the neighbouring Kalachuri and Paramara kingdoms had been weakened by enemy invasions. Taking advantage of this situation, Madanavarman defeated the Kalachuri king Gaya-Karna, and possibly annexed the northern part of the Baghelkhand region.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=132}} However, the Chandelas lost this territory to Gaya-Karna's successor Narasimha.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=135}} Madanavarman also captured the territory on the western periphery of the Paramara kingdom, around Bhilsa (Vidisha). This probably happened during the reign of the Paramara king Yashovarman or his son Jayavarman.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|pp=130–132}}{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|p=112-113}} Once again, the Chandelas could not retain the newly annexed territory for long, and the region was recaptured by Yashovarman's son Lakshmivarman.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=135}}

Jayasimha Siddharaja, the Chaulukya king of Gujarat, also invaded the Paramara territory, which was located between the Chandela and the Chaulukya kingdoms. This brought him in conflict with Madanavarman. The result of this conflict appears to have been inconclusive, as records of both the kingdoms claim victory.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=133}} A Kalanjara inscription suggests that Madanavarman defeated Jayasimha. On the other hand, the various chronicles of Gujarat claim that Jayasimha either defeated Madanavarman or extracted a tribute from him.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|pp=133–134}} Madanavarman maintained friendly relations with his northern neighbours, the Gahadavalas.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=132-133}}

Madanavarman's son Yashovarman II either did not rule, or ruled for a very short time. Madanavarman's grandson Paramardi-deva was the last powerful Chandela king.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=130}}

=== Final decline === {{South Asia in 1175||Location of the Chandelas and neighbouring South Asian polities in 1175, on the eve of the Ghurid Empire invasion of the subcontinent.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schwartzberg |first1=Joseph E. |title=A Historical atlas of South Asia |date=1978 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |pages=37, 147|isbn=0226742210 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/schwartzberg/pager.html?object=074}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Eaton |first1=Richard M. |title=India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765 |date=25 July 2019 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-0-14-196655-7 |page=38 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aIF6DwAAQBAJ&pg=PP31 |language=en}}</ref>|{{Annotation|152|90|35px}}}} Paramardi (reigned c. 1165-1203 CE) ascended the Chandela throne at a young age. While the early years of his reign were peaceful, around 1182–1183 CE, the Chahamana ruler Prithviraj Chauhan invaded the Chandela kingdom. According to the medieval legendary ballads, Prithviraj's army lost its way after a surprise attack by (Ghurid) Turkic forces, and unknowingly camped at the Chandela capital Mahoba. This led to a brief conflict between the Chandelas and the Chauhans, before Prithviraj left for Delhi. Sometime later, Prithviraj invaded the Chandela kingdom and sacked Mahoba. Paramardi cowardly took shelter in the Kalanjara fort. The Chandela force, led by Alha, Udal banaphar, rajputs, of Udal and other generals, was defeated in this battle. Nowadays ahir, caste claims alha udal but according to historians and alha khand and mahoba khand they belongs to banaphar, clan of rajput, caste and their mother was of ahir, which is why they are called of mixed origin.According to the various ballads, Paramardi either committed suicide out of shame or retired to Gaya.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=120–123}}

Prithviraj Chauhan's raid of Mahoba is corroborated by his Madanpur stone inscriptions. However, there are several instances of historical inaccuracies in the bardic legends. For example, it is known that Paramardi did not retire or die immediately after the Chauhan victory. He restored the Chandela power, and ruled as a sovereign until around 1202–1203 CE, when Qutb al-Din Aibak, the Ghurid Empire governor of Delhi, invaded the Chandela kingdom.{{sfn|Sisirkumar Mitra|1977|pp=123–126}} According to ''Taj-ul-Maasir'', a chronicle of the Delhi Sultanate, Paramardi surrendered to the Delhi forces. He promised to pay tribute to the Sultan, but died before he could keep this promise. His dewan offered some resistance to the invading forces, but was ultimately subdued. The 16th-century historian Firishta states that Paramardi was assassinated by his own minister, who disagreed with the king's decision to surrender to the Delhi forces.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=148}}

The Chandela power did not fully recover from their defeat against the Delhi forces. Paramardi was succeeded by Trailokyavarman, Viravarman and Bhojavarman. The next ruler Hammiravarman (r. c. 1288–1311 CE) did not use the imperial title Maharajadhiraja, which indicates that the Chandela king had a lower status by his time. The Chandela power continued to decline because of the rising Muslim influence, as well as the rise of other local dynasties, such as the Bundelas, the Baghelas and the Khangars.{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=179}}

Hammiravarman was succeeded by Viravarman II, whose titles do not indicate a high political status.{{sfn|Peter Jackson|2003|p=199}}{{sfn|Om Prakash Misra|2003|p=11}} One minor branch of the family continued ruling Kalanjara: its ruler was killed by Sher Shah Suri's army in 1545 CE. Another minor branch ruled at Mahoba: Durgavati, one of its princesses married into the Gond royal family of Mandla. Some other ruling families also claimed Chandela descent (see Chandel).{{sfn|Romila Thapar|2013|p=572}}

== Art and architecture ==

The Chandelas are well known for their art and architecture. They commissioned a number of temples, water bodies, palaces and forts at various places. The most famous example of their cultural achievements are the Hindu and Jain temples at Khajuraho. Three other important Chandela strongholds were Jayapura-Durga (modern Ajaigarh), Kalanjara (modern Kalinjar) and Mahotsava-Nagara (modern Mahoba).{{sfn|Sushil Kumar Sullerey|2004|p=17}}

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Chandela architecture"> Khajuraho Dulhadeo 2010.jpg | Dulhadeo temple, Khajuraho 0B Ajaigarh 4 sides temple.jpg | Ajaigarh temple Yajna mandap in kulpahar.jpg | A yajna mandapa at Kulpahar </gallery>

Other smaller Chandela sites include Chandpur, Deogarh, Dudahi, Kakadeo, Madanpur and Aharji.{{sfn|Sushil Kumar Sullerey|2004|p=17}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Titze |first1=Kurt |last2=Bruhn|first2=Klaus |title=Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence |url={{Google books|loQkEIf8z5wC|page=123|plainurl=yes}} |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |edition=2 |year=1998 |isbn=978-81-208-1534-6 | page=128 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Reddy |first=P. Chenny | author-link=P. Chenna Reddy |title=Kalyana Mitra: A treasure house of history, culture and archaeological studies | volume=5 |url={{Google books|prCqEAAAQBAJ|page=197|plainurl=yes}} |publisher=Blue Rose Publishers |year=2023 |isbn=978-93-5741-111-0 | page=197 }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Chandela sculptures"> Brahma and his consort.jpg | Brahma and his consort, Khajuraho Ajaygarh Alians ship.jpg | Stone carving, Ajaigarh Ajaygarh Neel Swarshwati.jpg | Jain tirthankaras and Sarasvati, Ajaigarh Ajaygarh seven heavens of Jain.jpg | Jain heavens, Ajaigarh Ajaygarh Shramanas Egyptian style rock cut.jpg | Jain shramanas, Ajaigarh Ajaygarh treasure sign.jpg | Cattle with treasure sign, Ajaigarh 35. Khajuraho Visvanath apsara.jpg | Surasundari Apsara, Khajuraho Khajuraho 126.jpg | Dancing Ganesha, Khajuraho

Le temple de Parshvanath (Khajuraho) (8638393390).jpg | Parshvanatha temple carvings Le Temple de Lakshmana (Khajurâho) (8498182643).jpg | Lakshmana temple carvings </gallery>

== List of rulers ==  <mapframe text="Chandela territory, as indicated by the find spots of inscriptions issued during the Chandela reign{{sfn|Harihar Vitthal Trivedi|1991|pp=335-552}}" width="300" height="300" zoom="5" longitude="80.5" latitude="25.5"> { "type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [ { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Ahar, Tikamgarh" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.98821, 24.73148] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Ajaygarh (Ajaygadh)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [80.26977, 24.88974] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Augasi" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [80.73114, 25.67960] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Bamni (Bamhni)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.74840, 23.86925] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Bateshwar (Baṭēśvara)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.54203, 26.93506] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Charkhārī" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.75010, 25.40188] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Deogarh (Dēogaḍh)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.23765, 24.52637] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Dhurehati (Dhurēti)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [81.36057, 24.47131] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Dobh (Ḍubkuṇḍ)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [77.04493, 25.73075] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Dudhai (Dudāhī)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.38907, 24.42695] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Gadha, Chhatarpur (Garrā)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.38879, 24.75469] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Gwalior" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.18283, 26.21829] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Ichhawar, Banda district (Ichchhāvar)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [80.49383, 25.87669] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "star", "title": "Kalinjar (Kālañjar)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [80.33032, 25.48933] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "star", "title": "Khajuraho" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.91985, 24.83185] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "star", "title": "Mahoba" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.87242, 25.29210] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Mau, Jhansi district" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.11251, 25.25011] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Nanora", "description": "Also known as Nanaora or Nanyaurā" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [79.69932, 25.19433] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Narwar" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [77.91103, 25.64879] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Pachar (Pachhār)" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.75612, 25.58556] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Sagar – Laxmipura" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.73203, 23.83160] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": { "marker-symbol": "monument", "title": "Semra Sanodha" }, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [78.99104, 24.31841] } } ] } </mapframe>

Based on epigraphic records, the historians have come up with the following list of Chandela rulers of Jejākabhukti (IAST names in brackets):{{sfn|R. K. Dikshit|1976|p=25}}{{sfn|Sushil Kumar Sullerey|2004|p=25}}{{sfn|Peter Jackson|2003|p=199}}

{| class="wikitable" |+List of Chandela rulers of Jejākabhukti ! S.N. ! Ruler's regional name (IAST name in bracket) ! Reign (CE) |- |1 |Nannuka |831–845 |- |2 |Vakpati (Vākpati) |845–865 |- |3 |Jayashakti (Jayaśakti) and Vijayashakti (Vijayaśakti) |865–885 |- |4 |Rahila (Rāhila) |885–905 |- |5 |Shri Harsha (Śri Harśa) |905–925 |- |6 |Yasho-Varman (Yaśovarman) |925–950 |- |7 |Dhanga-Deva (Dhaṅgadeva) |950–999 |- |8 |Ganda-Deva (Gaṇḍadeva) |999–1002 |- |9 |Vidyadhara (Vidyādhara) |1003–1035 |- |10 |Vijaya-Pala (Vijayapāla) |1035–1050 |- |11 |Deva-Varman |1050–1060 |- |12 |Kirtti-Varman (Kīrtivarman) |1060–1100 |- |13 |Sallakshana-Varman (Sallakṣaṇavarman) |1100–1110 |- |14 |Jaya-Varman |1110–1120 |- |15 |Prithvi-Varman (Pṛthvīvarman) |1120–1128 |- |16 |Madana-Varman |1128–1164 |- |17 |Yasho-Varman II |1164–1165 |- |18 |Paramardi-Deva |1165–1203 |- |19 |Trailokya-Varman |1203–1245 |- |20 |Vira-Varman (Vīravarman) |1245–1285 |- |21 |Bhoja-Varman |1285–1288 |- |22 |Hammira-Varman (Hammīravarman) |1288–1311 |- |23 |Vira-Varman II |1311–1315 |}

== Family tree ==

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Nannuka''' (1) r. {{circa}} 831-845|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Vakpati''' (2) r. {{circa}} 845-865|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | |A02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Jayashakti''' (3) r. {{circa}} 865-885|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700| A02='''Vijayashakti''' (4) r. {{circa}} 865-885|boxstyle_A02=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Rahila''' (5) r. {{circa}} 885-905|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Harsha''' (6) r. {{circa}} 905-925|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Yashovarman I''' (7) r. {{circa}} 925-950|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Dhangadeva''' (8) r. {{circa}} 950-999|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Gandadeva''' (9) r. {{circa}} 999-1002|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Vidyadhara''' (10) r. {{circa}} 1003-1035|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Vijayapala''' (11) r. {{circa}} 1035-1050|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | |A02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Devavarman''' (12) r. {{circa}} 1050-1060|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700| A02='''Kirttivarman''' (13) r. {{circa}} 1060-1100|boxstyle_A02=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | |A02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Sallakshanavarman''' (14) r. {{circa}} 1100-1110|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700| A02='''Prithvivarman''' (16) r. {{circa}} 1120-1128|boxstyle_A02=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | |A02 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Jayavarman''' (15) r. {{circa}} 1110-1120|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700| A02='''Madanavarman''' (17) r. {{circa}} 1128-1165|boxstyle_A02=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Yashovarman II''' (18) r. {{circa}} 1165|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | |A02 | |A03 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Paramardi''' (19) r. {{circa}} 1165-1203|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700| A02='''Viravarman''' (21) r. {{circa}} 1245-1285|boxstyle_A02=border-color:#FFD700| A03=Child of Yashovarman}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}

{{Tree chart|border=1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01 | |A02 | |A03 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | A01='''Trailokyavarman''' (20) r. {{circa}} 1203–1245|boxstyle_A01=border-color:#FFD700| A02='''Hammiravarman''' (23) r. {{circa}} 1288-1311|boxstyle_A02=border-color:#FFD700| A03='''Bhojavarman''' (22) r. {{circa}} 1285-1288|boxstyle_A03=border-color:#FFD700}}

== References == {{reflist}}

=== Bibliography === {{refbegin}} * {{cite book |author=Harihar Vitthal Trivedi |title=Inscriptions of the Paramāras (Part 2) |series=Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum Volume VII: Inscriptions of the Paramāras, Chandēllas, Kachchapaghātas, and two minor dynasties |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8B4LAQAAMAAJ |year=1991 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India }} * {{cite book |author=Om Prakash Misra |title=Archaeological Excavations in Central India: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0ISjDDWJwQC&pg=PA11 |year=2003 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-874-7 }} * {{cite book |author=Peter Jackson |author-link=Peter Jackson (historian) |title=The Delhi Sultanate: A Political and Military History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lt2tqOpVRKgC&pg=PA199 |year=2003 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-54329-3 }} * {{cite book |author=R. K. Dikshit |title=The Candellas of Jejākabhukti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a9j9ZJGJOV0C&pg=PA130 |publisher=Abhinav |year=1976 |isbn=9788170170464 }} * {{cite book |author=Romila Thapar |author-link=Romila Thapar |title=The Past Before Us |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aei9AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA571 |year=2013 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-72651-2 }} * {{cite book |author=Sisirkumar Mitra |title=The Early Rulers of Khajurāho |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irHN2UA_Z7gC&pg=PA113 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1977 |isbn=9788120819979 }} * {{cite book |author=Sushil Kumar Sullerey |title=Chandella Art |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rj8RusFpYHIC&pg=PA25 |year=2004 |publisher=Aakar Books |isbn=978-81-87879-32-9 }} {{refend}}

== External links == * {{commons category-inline|Chandelas of Jejakabhukti}}

Category:Chandelas of Jejakabhukti Category:Medieval Indian dynasties Category:Hindu dynasties Category:Bundelkhand Category:Rajput dynasties Category:9th-century establishments in India Category:14th-century disestablishments in India