The Karkota Dynasty (c. 625 to 855 CE)
The Karkota dynasty was the first great historical dynasty of Kashmir. It traced itself to the Karkota Naga and ruled for about 230 years. Under it, Kashmir became a power in north India and a centre of art and learning.
Rulers at a glance
| Ruler | Period (c.) | Remembered for |
|---|---|---|
| Durlabhavardhana | 625 to 661 | Founder. Son-in-law of the last Gonanda king, Baladitya. Hiuen Tsang visited in his time (631). |
| Durlabhaka (Pratapaditya II) | 661 to 711 | Long, peaceful reign. Built Pratapapura. |
| Chandrapida | 711 to 719 | Received Chinese recognition (713 CE) as King of Kashmir. |
| Tarapida | 719 to 724 | Harsh ruler. Kalhana says Brahmin priests killed him by magic rites. |
| Lalitaditya Muktapida | 724 to 760 | Greatest king. Empire builder; Martand Sun Temple; Parihaspora. |
| Jayapida | 779 to 813 | Scholar-king; patron of poets and grammarians. |
| Utpalapida | to 855 | Last Karkota, a puppet of his ministers. |
Hiuen Tsang's Kashmir
- The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang came to Kashmir in about 631 CE and stayed about two years.
- He found about 100 monasteries and about 5,000 monks, a great centre of Buddhist learning, and a king (Durlabhavardhana) who respected learning.
- He described the cold climate, the land of saffron and the gentle people.
Chinese contacts
- Chinese Tang records say that in 713 CE Emperor Xuanzong recognised Chandrapida as king.
- Another Kashmiri envoy reached China in 736 CE, in the reign of Lalitaditya, asking for help against the Tibetans.
More about the early Karkotas
- Durlabhavardhana ruled for about 36 years and was followed by his son. Some books date the start of the dynasty to 627 CE, others to 625 CE; both are in use.
- Pratapaditya (Durlabhaka), son of Durlabhavardhana (661 to 711 CE), founded Pratapapura (now Tapar, Baramulla). His coins have been found in Uttar Pradesh, which shows Kashmir's economic and political links with the plains.
- He had three sons, who ruled in turn:
- Chandrapida (Vajraditya), 711 to 719. Some exam notes say he was invaded by Muhammad bin Qasim (the Arab invasion of Sindh was at this time).
- Tarapida (Udayaditya), 720 to 724.
- Muktapida (Lalitaditya), 724 to 760.
Keep practising
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Prepared for exam revision from standard sources, official publications and the Census. Figures and recent developments change, so check official sources before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.