Vaghela dynasty

Vaghela dynasty
1243–1299
Capital		Dholka
Languages		Apabhramsa, Old Gujarati, Prakrit
Religion		Hinduism, Jainism
Government		Monarchy
King
•	c. 1243 - c. 1262	Vīrdhavala (Visala)
•	c. 1262 - c. 1275	Arjunadeva (Vishaldev)
•	c. 1275 - c. 1297	Sarangadev
•	c. 1297-1304	Karandev II
History
•	Established	1243
•	Disestablished	1299
Preceded by Succeeded by Solanki dynasty Delhi Sultanate Khilji dynasty Kathiawar

The Vaghela dynasty, also spelled Waghela, was a short-lived Indian Rajput dynasty who ruled Gujarat from 1243 to 1299 CE. Based in the town of Dholka, present Ahmedabad district, it was also the last Hindu ruling dynasty of the region, before the Muslim rulers, came in. Their rule ended only in 18th-century when Marathas took over the state.

History

The Vaghelas were a branch and feudatories of the Solankis, who ruled Gujarat from the 10th to the 13th centuries. Vaghel was the viilage from which the dynasty gained its name. These lands granted by Solanki king Kumarpal (1143- 1174) to his cousin Anak the grandfather of Virdhaval, who about 1243 founded the Vaghela dynasty. The Solanki went into decline in the thirteenth century, and by 1243 the Vaghelas were firmly in control of Gujarat. Stone inscriptions at the "Dabhoi stone" dating 1253 CE, mention Lavana Prasad, a minister with Solanki king, Bhimdev II (r. 1178 - 1242 CE), and who later established his own independent dynasty.

They restored stability to Gujarat for the latter half of the 13th century. They were based in the town of Dholka. Their dynasty ended with the defeat of Karnadeva Vaghela by Alauddin Khilji in 1299 CE, and the rule of the Delhi Sultanate.

A number of temples were built during their reign by wealthy merchants, Vastupal and Tejapal who also served as ministers and generals, including one of Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu and temple at Mount Girnar. In fact, Kirtikaumudi, the biography of Vastupal, written by Someswaradev (1179-1262), a royal priest, is also an important source of the history of the dynasty.

Rulers

List of Vaghela kings:

• Vīrdhavala (Visala) (c. 1243 - c. 1262)
• Arjunadeva (Vishaldev) (c. 1262 - c. 1275)
• Sarangadeva (c. 1275 - c. 1297)
• Karandeva (II) (c. 1297-1304)

See also

• History of Gujarat