KING MIHIR BHOJ
1. Context
Recently, 35 local BJP leaders in Haryana’s Kaithal offered to resign in protest after the 9th-century king Mihir Bhoj was referred to as ‘Gurjar Pratihar Samrat Mihir Bhoj’ while his statue was being unveiled by district party leaders. The controversy around the lineage of Mihir Bhoj has surfaced earlier too, in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with both Gurjars and Rajputs claiming he belonged to their community.
2. King Mihir Bhoj
- King Mihir Bhoj, also known as Mihir Bhoja, was a prominent ruler and a legendary figure in ancient Indian history. He reigned over the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, which was one of the most influential dynasties in North India during the 9th and 10th centuries.
- Mihir Bhoj was a skilled and ambitious king who expanded his empire through successful military campaigns and strategic alliances. He is credited with re-establishing the glory of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty after it faced several setbacks in the previous centuries. His rule was marked by stability, prosperity, and significant cultural advancements.
- One of the notable achievements of King Mihir Bhoj was his patronage of the arts and learning. He was a great patron of scholars, poets, and artists, and his court was renowned for its cultural richness and literary excellence. Many renowned scholars and poets thrived under his patronage, contributing to the development of Sanskrit literature and other arts during his reign.
- Mihir Bhoj's reign is also associated with significant architectural achievements. He commissioned the construction of several grand temples and buildings, showcasing the architectural prowess of the time. Some of the notable temples built during his reign were the Saraswati Temple at Thanesar and the Somnath Temple in present-day Gujarat.
- The legacy of King Mihir Bhoj continues to be celebrated in Indian history and literature. Several ancient inscriptions and literary works refer to his contributions, portraying him as a just and benevolent ruler who brought prosperity to his people.
- However, the historical details of King Mihir Bhoj's life are sometimes clouded in myths and legends. Due to the scarcity of contemporary records, some aspects of his reign remain a subject of debate among historians and scholars.
- Nevertheless, King Mihir Bhoj remains an important figure in Indian history, symbolizing the greatness of ancient Indian kingdoms and their contributions to art, culture, and literature. His legacy endures as a reminder of the rich heritage and accomplishments of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty during its golden era.
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3. What do historians say about his lineage?
- Mihir Bhoj belonged to the Gurjar Pratihara group, which is considered both Rajputs and Gurjars, according to M Rajivlochan, a history professor at Panjab University.
- Gurjars were initially a nomadic tribe in ancient India, mainly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat regions, and Mihir Bhoj was believed to belong to this tribe.
- Mihir Bhoj claimed Kshatriya status for himself, as it was thought that only a Kshatriya (warrior) could become a king in ancient India.
- Caste identities in ancient India were not as rigid as they are perceived today, and clear caste lines emerged much later in history.
- Recent controversies about ancient rulers' castes are a product of modern-day politics and do not have a significant historical basis, according to experts.
4. The current controversy in Haryana
- The Gurjar community in Kaithal, Haryana, planned to unveil a statue of Mihir Bhoj, calling him a Gurjar Pratihar Samrat (king).
- The Rajput community objected to this and held protests against the Gurjars' move.
- The local administration intervened and held meetings between both communities, but the situation remained unresolved.
- On July 19, the police lathi-charged the Rajputs who were opposing the unveiling of the statue.
- Despite protests, Gurjar community leaders unveiled the statue on July 20, leading to an upset among 35 BJP leaders who offered to quit.
- The BJP's Kaithal MLA, Lila Ram Gujjar, asserted that Mihir Bhoj was a Gurjar Samrat with historical evidence and criticized the Rajput community for attempting to alter history to prove their point.
5. About Prathihara Dynasty
- The Pratihara dynasty, also known as the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, was a prominent and powerful ruling dynasty in North India during the early medieval period. The dynasty reigned from the 6th to the 11th centuries, and its territory encompassed significant parts of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- The origins of the Pratihara dynasty are traced back to the Gurjar tribe, which was believed to have been nomadic and spread across regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. The founder of the dynasty was Harichandra, and later rulers expanded their influence and consolidated their power over a vast empire.
- Under the reign of Nagabhata I (730-756 CE), the Pratihara dynasty experienced a golden period of growth and military prowess. Nagabhata I successfully defeated the Arab invaders, known as the Umayyad Caliphate, and his victory was seen as a significant milestone in protecting India from foreign invasions.
- The most illustrious ruler of the Pratihara dynasty was Raja Bhoja, also known as Mihir Bhoj, who reigned during the 9th and 10th centuries. He is celebrated for his patronage of arts, culture, and literature, and his court was a center of learning and intellectual activity. Mihir Bhoj's reign is associated with notable architectural achievements, and his kingdom flourished economically and culturally.
| For Prelims: Prathihara Dynasty, King Mihir Bhoj, the Saraswati Temple at Thanesar, and the Somnath Temple in present-day Gujarat. |
Previous year Question1. Consider the following events in the history of India: (UPSC 2020)
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman I
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka I
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
A. 2 - 1 - 4 - 3
B. 3 - 1 - 4 - 2
C. 2 - 4 - 1 - 3
D. 3 - 4 - 1 - 2
Answer: C
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Source: The Indian Express
