Two Short Notes on the Paramiras of Malwa

Summary

This article comprises two brief epigraphic notes concerning the Paramāra (Paramira) dynasty of Malwa. The first note re‑examines a controversial verse from the Bagumra plates of the Rāṣṭrakūṭa king Indra II. Earlier scholars interpreted the verse—which states that “Upendra, having defeated the Pāṇḍava king’s descendant, went to heaven” —as referring to the Paramāra founder Upendra, thereby linking the Paramāras with the Rashtrakūṭas. The author argues that this interpretation is untenable. He points out that “Upendra” is a common epithet of the god Viṣṇu (meaning the younger brother of Indra) and of Kṛṣṇa, and that the verse more plausibly celebrates Indra III’s victory over a rival king rather than the achievements of a historical Paramāra founder. The note further observes that known Paramāra inscriptions refer to their progenitor as Vāśi or Vairisimha, not Upendra. Consequently, the Bagumra plates cannot be used to identify an early Paramāra ruler. The second note addresses the genealogy and chronology of the early Paramāras. It criticises the view of some historians that Upendra and his son Vākpati were successive rulers in the ninth century. By analysing inscriptions and literary sources, the author contends that Vākpati belonged to a later generation and that the Paramāras of Malwa originally ruled in the Arbuda (Abu) region before migrating to Malwa. He cites evidence that an inscription from a Paramāra ruler of Abu predates known Malwa rulers. The note also discusses the titles and feats of kings such as Vairisimha, Munja and Bhoja and emphasises the need to distinguish between mythological and historical references. In conclusion, both notes advocate for careful interpretation of epigraphic sources and caution against equating deific epithets with personal names. They highlight the complexities of reconstructing early Paramāra history and the dangers of relying on tenuous identifications.