The Early Rulers of Khajuraho

Summary

This article summarises the history of the early rulers of Khajuraho, focusing on the Chandela dynasty that built the famous temple complex. According to Chandela inscriptions, the dynasty’s progenitor was Nannuka, who ruled around 831–845 CE. The early Chandelas were originally vassals of the Gurjara‑Pratiharas. Nannuka’s successor Vakpati is praised in inscriptions for defeating several enemies. Vakpati’s sons, Jayashakti and Vijayashakti, consolidated Chandela power and gave their territory the name Jejakabhukti. They were followed by Rahila, whose son Harsha aided the Pratihara king Mahipala against rivals. The article then discusses the rise of Chandela sovereignty under Yashovarman (c. 925–950 CE). Although Yashovarman initially acknowledged Pratihara suzerainty, he became practically independent, capturing the fortress of Kalanjara and commissioning the Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho. His son Dhanga (r. 950–999 CE) assumed full sovereignty; his inscriptions no longer mention a Pratihara overlord. Dhanga is credited with extensive military campaigns and with constructing the Vishvanatha Temple. The article also notes subsequent rulers such as Ganda and Vidyadhara, the latter of whom famously resisted the raids of Mahmud of Ghazni. Throughout, the article integrates epigraphic evidence with legend, pointing out that bardic texts like the Mahoba‑Khanda and Prithviraj Raso contain unreliable myths about Chandela origins.