Panwar Rule in Garhwal Uttarakhand

Panwar Rule in Garhwal Uttarakhand

Panwar Rule in Garhwal Uttarakhand : The Panwar dynasty ruled over the Garhwal region of present-day Uttarakhand from around 750 CE to 1358 CE. They established their capital at Srinagar (modern-day Pauri) and consolidated their rule over the entire Garhwal region during this period. The Panwar rulers belonged to the Rajput clan and traced their ancestry to the legendary Panwar ruler Parimal. Under their over 600 year rule, Garhwal prospered economically and culturally. The Panwars built several temples, developed infrastructure and expanded agriculture in the region. They also patronized arts, music and literature.

However, the rule of the Panwars in Garhwal came to an abrupt end in 1358 CE when they were defeated and ousted from the region by the Chand dynasty rulers of Kumaon. The Panwar dynasty then shifted their base to Devalgarh near Rishikesh where they continued to rule till the late 16th century.

Origin of the Panwars

The Panwar Rajputs belonged to one of the Agnikula or fire-born Rajput clans. As per legend, the ancestor of the Panwars was Raja Panwar who was born from the ‘Yajna Kunda’ or sacrificial fire pit of the great sage Vashishta. Along with the Parmar and Chauhan clans, the Panwars claimed Agnikula origin.

The Panwars established kingdoms in several parts of North India including Ajmer, Gwalior, Kalinjar and Garhwal. Different branches of the Panwars ruled as feudatories in various princely states under the Mughals and the British. The Panwar dynasty of Garhwal was founded by Raja Parimal who came from Joshimath and established his rule over the region in 750 CE.

Early Rule (750 CE – 11th century)

As per legends and folklore, Raja Parimal defeated and killed the demon king Jalodbhava to establish his kingdom in Garhwal. He made Srinagar, then called Sri Nagar after the local goddess, his capital. Parimal was followed by Raja Kanakpal as the ruler of Garhwal. For the next 300 years, Garhwal was ruled by the descendants of Parimal with occasional raids and attacks from neighbors.

From the 11th century onwards, the Panwar rulers consolidated their control over the entire Garhwal region subduing local chieftains. Raja Bhanu Pratap (1096 – 1137 CE) is credited for establishing firm Panwar rule in Garhwal. He built the Lankra Vir temple near Srinagar. Raja Anand Pal who ruled from 1137 – 1170 CE was another powerful early Panwar king in Garhwal. He further expanded his kingdom and defeated the Chand rulers of Kumaon in battle.

Medieval Rule (12th century – 1358 CE)

The 12th and 13th centuries saw a golden period of the Panwars in Garhwal with the expansion of territory, growth in wealth and development of Hindu temple architecture. Some notable Panwar rulers of this period were:

• Raja Lakshmi Pal (1170 – 1230 CE): The greatest Panwar ruler of Garhwal, he extensively expanded his kingdom conquering neighboring hill states. Lakshmi Pal built the famous Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex at Srinagar.
• Raja Puran Pal (1230 – 1272 CE): He focused on economic development and promoted crafts and trade in Garhwal. Extensive infrastructure works including rest houses, roads and temples were built during his reign.
• Raja Deva Pal (1315 – 1340 CE): He repulsed several invasions by Muslim rulers from the plains and consolidated Panwar rule in Garhwal. Deva Pal renovated old temples and also commissioned new temples like the Raghunath Temple at Srinagar.

In the mid 14th century, the weakening of Panwar rule in Garhwal due to succession disputes led to the rise of the Chand dynasty in neighboring Kumaon. Raja Rudra Chand exploited this opportunity and captured the throne at Srinagar in 1358, decisively ending Panwar rule in Garhwal.

Later Rule from Devalgarh (14th century – 16th century)

After their expulsion from Garhwal, the Panwar rulers shifted their capital to Devalgarh in Tehri state near Rishikesh. From here, they continued to rule this small hill principality for the next 200 years. But the Panwars lost their prominence and failed to regain their former territory.

In 1517 CE, the Panwar ruler of Devalgarh was defeated by the Chand ruler of Kumaon. Subsequently, the Kumaon Chands took control of Devalgarh as well. The Panwar dynasty of Garhwal was thus completely eliminated from their ancient homeland. However, other branches of the Panwars continued to thrive in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and elsewhere.

Administration under the Panwars

The Panwar kings established a hereditary monarchy in Garhwal. The king was the supreme authority supported by a council of ministers and feudal chiefs. Land revenue was the major source of income which was used for the maintenance of royal patronage of temples and priests.

The Panwar kings granted large land estates called Jagirs to members of the royal family, feudal lords and military commanders in lieu of their services. The Jagirdars acted as vassals of the king and provided military support during wars.

Justice was administered through royal edicts and local customs. Temple authorities also enjoyed certain judicial powers over the nearby population. Slavery was prevalent while the practice of Sati was also followed occasionally.

Overall, the long Panwar rule saw significant progress in Garhwal. Temple architecture flourished while agriculture and pastoralism sustained the economy. However, their defeat at the hands of the Chand dynasty ended the Panwar legacy in Garhwal.

Socio-Cultural Developments

The Panwar rulers strongly patronized art, architecture and culture in their kingdom. Stone and wooden temples in Nagara style of architecture with towering sloping roofs were built throughout Garhwal. These temples had extensive stone carvings depicting deities, dancers, musicians as well as scenes from mythology.

The Panwar kings also promoted literature and music by supporting poets, scholars and musicians at their court. The great Sanskrit drama ‘Nagananda’ is believed to have been written during the rule of Raja Lakshmi Pal. Musicians and dancers enjoyed royal patronage. Folk arts and music also flourished at the village level.

Various Hindu religious movements like Shaivism and Vaishnavism spread in Garhwal under the Panwars. The worship of local deities was also incorporated within the Hindu fold. Caste system became more rigid and orthodox Hindu practices dominated society.

Thus, the six century long Panwar rule ushered in major cultural developments in Garhwal which shaped the further evolution of Garhwali identity. Their political demise however led to a temporary setback in this process.

Decline and Fall of the Panwars

A variety of factors contributed to the decline and sudden fall of the Panwar dynasty in the 14th century ending their over 600 year rule:

• Factional conflicts within the royal family over succession weakened the Panwar kingdom.
• The rise of ambitious and aggressive Chand rulers in neighboring Kumaon who eyed expansion into Garhwal.
• Repeated raids and plundering attacks in border areas by the Delhi Sultanate and other Muslim rulers disturbed stability in the kingdom.
• Loss of control over distant hill chiefs who stopped paying tribute to the Panwar kings.
• Lack of an assertive and strong ruler in the last years of Panwar rule accelerated their decline.

Finally taking advantage of the internal dissensions within the royal family, Raja Rudra Chand of Kumaon captured the Garhwal throne in 1358 CE bringing Panwar rule to an abrupt end. Garhwal then faced subjugation by Kumaon for the next hundred years.

Conclusion to Panwar Rule in Garhwal Uttarakhand

Panwar Rule in Garhwal Uttarakhand, the Panwar dynasty established a strong kingdom in Garhwal which lasted for over 600 years. Starting with Raja Parimal, the early Panwars overcame many challenges to consolidate their rule. Medieval Panwar rulers like Lakshmi Pal and Puran Pal raised Garhwal to new heights of power and prosperity. Extensive temple construction, development of crafts and trade, expansion of agriculture and pastoralism were notable achievements of Panwar rule. However, by the 14th century, multiple factors caused the decline of the once powerful Panwar kingdom leading to its rapid demise. Though the Panwars continued to rule a small hill principality for some more time, they never recovered their past glory. Nevertheless, the Panwar age remains an important epoch in the history of Garhwal.

FAQ’s Panwar Rule in Garhwal Uttarakhand :

What was the origin of the Panwar Rajputs who ruled Garhwal?

The Panwars belonged to the Agnikula or fire-born lineage of Rajputs. As per legend, the ancestor Raja Panwar was born from the sacrificial fire pit of sage Vashishta.

Who was the founder of the Panwar rule in Garhwal?

Raja Parimal, who came from Joshimath, defeated the demon king Jalodbhava and established the Panwar kingdom in Garhwal in 750 CE.

When did the Panwar rule in Garhwal come to an end?

In 1358 CE, taking advantage of succession disputes, Chand ruler Raja Rudra Chand invaded Garhwal and decisively ended the Panwar rule.

What were the major achievements of the medieval Panwar rulers?

Medieval rulers like Lakshmi Pal, Puran Pal expanded the Garhwal kingdom greatly. They built iconic temples, developed trade and infrastructure.

Where did the Panwars shift their capital after their expulsion from Garhwal?

The Panwars shifted their capital to Devalgarh near Rishikesh where they continued ruling for next 200 years before being vanquished by the Chands.