The Katyuri Kingdom, also known as the Katyuri Dynasty, was a powerful medieval ruling dynasty of the Khasa people. This dynasty ruled over the regions of present-day Uttarakhand in India and parts of western Nepal from approximately 500 to 1200 CE (some sources suggest 700 to 1200 CE). Renowned for their architectural and cultural contributions, the Katyuris left a lasting imprint on the history of the Himalayan region.
Kartikeyapur (Katyuri) Dynasty (700-1050 CE)
Origin and Founding of the Katyuri Dynasty
Katyuri Dynasty
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Vasudev/Basantdev |
| Early Capital | Joshimath |
| Second Capital | Ranachulakot (Bageshwar) |
| Family Deity | Kot Bhramari (Temple in Bageshwar) |
| Religion | Shaivism |
| First Mention of Katyuri Name | By Atkinson |
| Origin of Rulers | Rajasthan |
| Sources of Information | Local folk tales and Jaagar traditions. |
| Rajula Malushahi Tale | Mentions 22 Katyuri brothers. |
| Major Branches | Asantidev Dynasty, Malla of Doti, Rajuars of Askot |
| Golden Period | During King Dhamdev's reign. |
| Famous Dancer | Chhamuna Patar |
The Kartikeyapur Dynasty, also known as the Katyuri Dynasty, was the first historically recorded ruling dynasty of Uttarakhand, India. This dynasty reigned from 700 to 1050 CE, leaving a significant impact on the region's culture, architecture, and governance. The Katyuri rulers initially established their capital at Kartikeyapur (modern-day Joshimath) before shifting it to Baijnath (Bageshwar) and maintaining a winter capital at Dhikuli (Ramnagar).
The founder of the Katyuri dynasty, King Vasu Dev (also spelled Basu Dev), originally followed Buddhism. However, under the influence of Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara (788–820 CE), he later embraced Hindu traditions. The dynasty named their kingdom Kurmanchal, after Kurma, the second avatar of Lord Vishnu. Their first capital was Kartripura, believed to be located in modern-day Uttarakhand.
Also Read - History of Chand Dynasty, Who ruled in Kumaun Uttarakhand
Origins and Rise of the Katyuri Dynasty
By 675 CE, the Brahmapur kingdom, a dominant power in the central Himalayas, had collapsed. During this period, a branch of the ancient Kuninda tribe was expanding its influence in northwestern Garhwal, subjugating smaller kingdoms and establishing itself as a formidable force in the region. This led to the emergence of the Katyuri Dynasty, with its rulers tracing their origins to Ayodhya.
Expansion and Rule
At the peak of their power, the Katyuri dynasty controlled a vast territory extending from Sikkim in the east to Kabul in the west. They were known as Katoor in the Chitral-Gilgit-Hindukush region. Their governance was marked by significant temple construction, showcasing their devotion to Hinduism and Brahminical traditions.
King Bhu Dev played a crucial role in eradicating Buddhist practices from the kingdom. The Bageshwar stone inscription refers to him as "Brahmana Parayana," meaning a follower of Brahmins, and "Parama Shramana Rupu," signifying his opposition to Buddhist monks.
Language and Governance
- Official Language: Sanskrit
- Common Language: Pali
- Inscriptions: Written in Kutila script
The Katyuris were skilled administrators who issued several copper plate inscriptions, many of which have been discovered in Bageshwar, Pandukeshwar, and Baijnath.
Also read - History of Panwar Dynasty
Notable Rulers of the Katyuri Dynasty
The Katyuri Dynasty had a total of 14 rulers, with 9 inscriptions discovered so far.
Basant Dev Dynasty / Kharpar Dev Dynasty
Basant Dev (Founder of the Dynasty)
- The first known ruler of the Katyuri Dynasty.
- His Tribhuwanraj inscription found in Bageshwar confirms his reign.
- Assumed the titles "Param Bhattarak Maharajadhiraj Parmeshwar".
- Built the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath and donated land for the Swarneshwar Temple in Bageshwar.
- Initially ruled under Yashovarman, but gained independence after Lalitaditya of Kashmir defeated Yashovarman.
Kharpar Dev
- Considered the real founder of the Kartikeyapur Dynasty.
- Contemporary of Yashovarman of Kannauj.
Kalyanraj
- Son of Kharpar Dev.
- His wife’s name was Laddha Devi, as recorded in Bageshwar inscriptions.
Tribhuvanraj
- Formed an alliance with a Kirat chief.
- Donated land near Vyaghreshwar Temple for aromatic plant cultivation.
- His rule ended with the attack of the Pala rulers, leading to the rise of the Nimber Dynasty.
Nimber Dynasty
Nimber (Founder of the Nimber Dynasty)
- Mentioned in Bageshwar inscriptions as "Nimbart" and in Pandukeshwar copper plates as "Nimvaram".
- Built several temples in Jageshwar, including Lakulesh, Nataraja, Navdurga, and Mahishasurmardini.
- Married Dashu (Nathu) Devi.
Ishta Dev Gan
- Attempted to unify all of Uttarakhand.
- Married Dharadevi.
Lalitshur Dev
- Described as the "Boar Avatar" for saving the land from calamities.
- Married Laya Devi and Sama Devi.
- Issued two copper plate inscriptions found in Pandukeshwar.
- Opposed Buddhism and promoted Hinduism.
Bhoodev
- Known as the "King of Kings".
- Built the Baijnath Temple.
- Born to Laya Devi.
- His Bageshwar inscriptions reflect his devotion to Brahmins.
Salonaditya Dynasty
Salonaditya
- Succeeded Bhoodev.
- His queen was Sindhuvali.
Ichchatdev
- Regarded as the real founder of the Salonaditya Dynasty.
- Married Sindhu Devi.
Deshatdev
- Defeated several enemies.
- His copper plate inscription was discovered in the Baleshwar Temple, Champawat.
- Married Pajhalla Devi.
Padmadev
- Described as a mighty ruler who expanded the kingdom.
- Donated land to the Badrinath Temple.
Subhiksharaj Dev (Last King of the Katyuri Dynasty)
- Established the capital at Subhikshapur (modern-day Tapovan).
- Later, Narasingh Dev shifted the capital to Baijnath.
- The relocation of the capital was driven by natural disasters.
Architectural and Cultural Contributions
The reign of the Kartikeyapur Dynasty was a golden age of architecture and sculpture in Uttarakhand. Many famous temples and inscriptions from this period still exist today:
- Baijnath Temple
- Narsingh Temple (Joshimath)
- Jageshwar Temple Complex
- Badrinath Land Grants
- Copper Plate Inscriptions from Bageshwar, Pandukeshwar, and Champawat
Successors of the Katyuri Dynasty
After the capital shift to Baijnath, historical records become scarce. According to folklore, Pritam Dev, Dham Dev, Brahma Dev, and Veer Dev were later rulers of the dynasty.
The Kartikeyapur (Katyuri) Dynasty played a crucial role in shaping the history and culture of Uttarakhand. Their patronage of temples, inscriptions, and art established a legacy that continues to influence the region's heritage. Despite their decline, their architectural wonders and historical records remain a testament to their glorious reign in the central Himalayas.
Also Read - Land Settlement in Uttarakhand - From the British Period to the Tehri State
Main Facts Related to the Kartikeyapur Dynasty
- During the Kartikeyapur Dynasty, there was significant development in art.
- This period was considered the golden age of Uttarakhand in terms of architecture and sculpture.
- The deity of the Kartikeyapur kings was Lord Kartikeya.
- King Shalivahan is regarded as the founding ruler of the Kartikeyapur Dynasty.
- He was responsible for constructing the Jageshwar Temple.
- Due to the welfare activities of Kartikeyapur rulers, a popular saying in Kumaon states that with the fall of Kartikeyapur, the sun set, and night began.
- During this period, Adi Guru Shankaracharya visited Uttarakhand. The Katyuris, inspired by his teachings, built several temples, including Panch Kedar, Panch Badri, Vyaghreshwar Temple, and Jyotirmath.
- Shankaracharya played a crucial role in ending the influence of Buddhism and reviving Hinduism.
- He renovated the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples and established Jyotirmath (Joshimath).
- In 820 AD, Shankaracharya attained samadhi in Kedarnath, where his shrine still exists.
- He retrieved and reinstated the idol of Lord Vishnu from Narad Kund in Badrinath.
Pal Dynasty
- According to the inscriptions found in Baijnath, in the 11th and 12th centuries, rulers named Lakhanpal, Tribhuvanpal, Rudrapal, Udaypal, Charunpal, Mahipal, and Anantpal ruled Katyur.
- In the 13th century, the Pal dynasty abandoned Katyur and moved to Uku, near Askot, where they established their rule.
Malla Dynasty
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Emergence | 13th century in Nepal, followers of Buddhism. |
| Major Conquests | In 1223 AD, King Krachalladev defeated the Kartikeyapur rulers. |
| Founding Ruler | Ashokchalla (considered the real founder). |
- According to Atkinson, the Gopeshwar inscription of Nepalese conqueror Ashokchalla is dated 1191 AD, but another inscription on the trident at Gopeshwar, indicating his conquests, lacks a date.
- In the 13th century, the Buddhist Malla Dynasty emerged in Nepal.
- The Bageshwar inscription states that in 1223 AD, Krichalladev defeated the rulers of Kartikeyapur (Katyur), who ruled from Dullu.
- Numerous inscriptions from Dullu and Jumla suggest that from the 13th to the 15th century, the Katyuri kingdom was referred to in folk legends of Kumaon and Garhwal.
- The real founder of this empire was Ashokchalla.
Katyuri Dynasty
- Founder: Vasudev/Basantdev
- First Capital: Joshimath
- Second Capital: Ranchulakot (Bageshwar)
- Family Deity: Kot Bhramari
- Religion: Shaivism
- The Kot Bhramari temple is located in Bageshwar.
- The term "Katyuri" was first used by Atkinson.
- The Katyuri kings originated from Rajasthan.
- Information about the Katyuri Dynasty comes from oral folk tales and local ballads.
- The "Rajula Malushahi" ballad mentions that the Katyuris were 22 brothers.
- The Katyuri kingdom was divided into several branches, including the Asantidev dynasty, the Mall rulers of Doti, and the Rajwars of Askot.
Asantidev Dynasty
- Asantidev established the Asantidev Dynasty.
- The handwritten scripture "Gurupaduka", found in Joshimath, lists his ancestors: Agnivarai, Phinvarai, Subtivarai, Keshavvarai, and Bagadvarai.
- Asantidev shifted his capital from Joshimath to Ranchulakot in Katyur.
- On the advice of Nathpanthi saint Narasimha, Asantidev established his capital in the Katyur Valley at Ranchulakot.
- Successive rulers of Katyur included Vasanjirai, Gorarai, Sanvalarai, Ilyandev, Teelandev, Preetamdev, Dhamdev, and Brahmadev.
- The last ruler, Brahmadev, was extremely tyrannical.
- In folk ballads, he is referred to as "Biramdev."
- In 1191 AD, Ashokchalla attacked the Katyuri kingdom and captured some of its territories.
- In 1223 AD, Krichalladev of Dullu (Nepal) also invaded Kumaon and took control of the Katyuri kingdom.
- According to the folk legend of Jiarani, in 1398 AD, Timur Lang attacked Haridwar, where he was confronted by Brahmadev. This marked the end of the Katyuri Dynasty.
- Golden Period of the Katyuri Dynasty: The reign of Dhamdev is considered the golden period.
- Famous Dancer: Chamuna Patar.
Administrative System of the Katyuri Period
Administration of Provinces under Katyuri Rule
| Administrative Division | Head |
|---|---|
| Province | Governed by "Uparik" (Governor). |
| Smaller Regions | Managed by "Ayuktak". |
| Vishay (Sub-region) | Controlled by "Vishaypati". |
Officials of Katyuri Period
| Position | Role |
|---|---|
| Rajatmaya | Chief advisor to the king. |
| Mahasamant | Head of the army. |
| Mahakartitika | Chief overseer of state affairs. |
| Udadhila | Equivalent to a modern superintendent. |
| Saudabhangadhikrit | Chief architect for royal constructions. |
| Prantpal | Border security officer. |
| Varmapal | Monitored movement in border areas. |
| Ghatpal | Guarded mountain passes and entries. |
| Narpati | Controlled river crossings and checked suspicious people. |
-
Village Administration:
- Villages were called "Pallika."
- Village rulers were called "Mahattam."
- The equivalent of a modern revenue officer was "Kulcharik."
-
Law and Order:
- Gupta: Security officer.
- Akshapatlik: Auditor.
- Mahadandanayak: Chief commander of the army.
Military System of the Katyuri Period
The Katyuri army was divided into four parts:
- Infantry (Padatik): Led by Gaulmik.
- Cavalry (Ashwarohi): Led by Ashwabaladhikrit.
- Elephant Corps (Gajarohi): Led by Hastibaladhikrit.
- Camel Corps (Ushtrarohi): Led by Ushtrabaladhikrit.
Police System in the Katyuri Era
- Dandik & Khadgik: Soldiers responsible for the protection of people and property.
- Dosaparadhik: The highest officer responsible for catching criminals.
- Dushadhyasadhanik: Head of intelligence services.
Revenue System of the Katyuri Period
The main sources of income during the Katyuri rule were agriculture, minerals, and forests.
Sources of Income in Katyuri Rule
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Primary source of income. |
| Mining & Forestry | Managed by Khadapati & Khandraksha officials. |
| Land Revenue | Overseen by Kshetrapal & Prabhatar. |
- Kshetrapal: Oversaw agricultural development and land measurement.
- Uparchalik/Patrakoshcharik: Maintained land records.
- Khandapati & Khandrakshasthanadhipati: Managed minerals, forests, and industries.
Taxes During the Katyuri Rule
Taxes in Katyuri Rule
| Tax Officer | Role |
|---|---|
| Bhogpati & Shulkik | Collected taxes. |
| Bhat & Char-Prachar | Collected forced labor. |
- The younger princes of the Doti family were called "Ranka."
- The Katyuri kingdom was divided into provinces, governed by "Uparik" (Governors).
- The provinces were further divided into administrative regions led by "Vishayapati."
Decline and Fragmentation
The decline of the Katyuri dynasty began under King Dham Deo and Vir Deo. King Vir Deo imposed heavy taxes and enslaved his people. His tyranny reached an extreme when he forcibly married his maternal aunt, Tilottama Devi. This led to widespread unrest, and the popular Kumaoni folk song "Mami tile dharo bola" is believed to have originated from this event.
Following Vir Deo’s death, civil war erupted among his sons, leading to the fragmentation of the kingdom. Various offshoots of the Katyuri dynasty established independent kingdoms in Askot, Doti (Nepal), Baijnath, Dwarahat, Baramandal, and Lakhanpur. Over time, the Chand dynasty displaced the Katyuris, taking control of the region.
Architectural and Cultural Contributions
The Katyuris were prolific builders, known for constructing several Hindu temples across Uttarakhand. The Basdeo temple, the oldest stone temple in Uttarakhand, is attributed to King Vasu Dev. The dynasty’s architectural style closely resembled the Pala Empire, indicating cultural exchanges and influences.
The Brahmdeo Mandi in present-day Nepal was established by King Brahmdeo of the Katyuri dynasty. This trading and business hub still exists, preserving the historical legacy of the Katyuri reign.
Origins and Lineage Debate
Scholars have debated the origins of the Katyuris. Some theories suggest:
- Kumaoni Origin: Historian E.T. Atkinson traces their roots to Karvirpur, an ancient ruined town near the Gomati River in Kumaon.
- Shalivahana Descent: Historian Badri Datt Pandey links the Katyuris to the Shalivahana ruling house of Ayodhya.
- Kuninda Connection: Some historians claim the Katyuris descended from the Kunindas, an ancient ruling dynasty known for their coins found in the region.
- Khasa and Shaka Link: Rahul Sankrityayan suggests the Katyuris were of Khasa origin, influenced by the Shakas, who had settled in the Himalayas.
The strong presence of the Khasa people across the Himalayas from Afghanistan to Nepal supports the theory that the Katyuris were originally Khasa rulers who intermingled with local communities over time.
The Katyuri dynasty played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of Uttarakhand and western Nepal. From their early Buddhist roots to their later Hindu influences, the Katyuris were instrumental in establishing temple architecture, administrative systems, and cultural traditions that persist to this day. Although their rule ended by the 12th century, their legacy continues through the temples, folklore, and historical sites associated with their reign.
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