Thread by @ramitmkaul

From today onwards, I am going to tweet about Kalhana's Rajatarangini. In case you are interested, please follow and spread the word. Rajatarangini is a Chronicle of the Kings of #Kashmir. I will keep adding the tweets in this thread and wish to accomplish this task on twitter.

KRT1: I am using a translation given by M A Stein, whose first visit to #Kashmir was in the summer of 1888. As per him, Rajatarangini is the oldest and fullest record of #Kashmir history.

KRT2: Before we start learning the history, it is important to understand the author of this great Chronicle, Kalhana. Kalhana, like many other authors, lives solely in his work. There is no record of to tell us life of scholer-poet to whom Kashmir owes the knowledge of history.

KRT3: Kalhana wrote an introduction of Chronicle in year 4224 of the Laukika era or AD 1148-49. He completed his work next year. Considering the time of King Harsa (AD 1089-1101), evidence supports that Kalhana’s father was Lord Canpaka, one of Chief officials of King Harsa.

KRT4: It is difficult to ascertain the particular literary work that Kalhana knew & studied. However, it is almost certain that he has carefully studied the ‘Vikramankadevacarita’, the historic poem of his fellow countryman Bilhana.

KRT5 ‘Vikramankadevacarita’ was written in about 8th decade of 11th century. Kalhana also refers in at least 2 passages to historical incidents which are mentioned by Bilhana.

KRT6: Another and earlier work which Kalhana appears to have closely studied is Bana’s ‘Harsacarita’, the well known historical romance describing the exploits of King Harshavardhana of Kanauj & Thanesar. Many rare words & phrases are common with Rajatarangini.

KRT7: Kalhana also had intimate knowledge of Mahabharata. Whenever he desires to illustrate his narrative by a reference to a similar event or to emphasize a point of moral judgement, he turns to this vast store-house of traditional lore.

KRT8: Kalhana also seems to be well acquainted with the Ramayana though his quotations from it are less numerous.
We can easily trace the connection between this close study of Sanskrit epic literature and Kalhana's work as Chronicler.

KRT9: M A Stein has also checked if the chronicle we possess is the same as Kalhana left it. Stein’s answer is affirmative.
Kalhana has written in introduction that he is writing in year 1070 (S’aka Era) or [42]24 of the Laukika era which is year 1148-49 AD. #Rajatarangini

KRT10: At the end again, he takes care to indicate the Laukika year [42]25 or 1149-50 AD. The interval between two dates is the minimum amount of time which must be allowed for the composition of work comprising nearly 8K verses. #Rajatarangini

KRT11: The Laukika or Saptarsi era is still in current use among population not only in #Kashmir but also in the hill territories to the south-east, such as Chamba, Kangra etc.
Prof Buhler was first to prove the commencement of Laukika era as year 3076-75 BC. #Rajatarangini

KRT12: To check the fact given in tweet 11, I checked the date given in Vijyeshwar Panchang (most common among Kashmiri Hindus). Check the attached pic

KRT13: Kalhana takes starting date as indicated in Varahamihira’s Brhatsamhita for the coronation of Yudhisthira, Pandava hero of the epic, viz year 653 of the Kali era.
The date is same as accession of Gonanda-I, the first of Lost Kings of Kashmir. #Rajatarangini

KRT14: Gonanda’s name was recovered by Kalhana from Nilamanta Purana. The exact reason for the equation of dates is nowhere given. However, Kalhana regarded Gonanda I as a contemporary of ‘Kauravas & Pandavas’ #Rajatarangini

KRT15: Kalhana next assumes a period of 2268 years as the aggregate length of the reigns of Gonanda I & his successors. The details will be given when I will start tweeting about Book 1. For this 2268 years, He does not adduce his authority. #Rajatarangini

KRT16: Though these years are one of the main basis for his chronology. Thus he has taken good trouble to prove its correctness. He does it by adding 2268 to 653 years from the commencement of Kali era to Gonanda I #Rajatarangini

KRT17: Further, 1328 years represent the rough total of reigns described in Books ii-vii, we arrive at an aggregate of 4249 years which corresponds exactly to 4249 years of Kali-yuga, the date when Kalhana wrote his introduction. #Rajatarangini

KRT18: It is very important to note that Kalhana indicates the length of reigns only from Gonanda III, whose name was the first in the regular list of Kings supplied by earlier Chronicles. #Rajatarangini

KRT19: Reading Chapter IV of the Vol-I book, page 64 & 65 clearly explains some errors on part of Kalhana in identifying few kings and their reigns. Some notable errors are Asoka who can be placed a 1K years before his real date as per Chronicle. #Rajatarangini

KRT20: Another notable difference is about Kalhana’s Mihirakula, the cruel king of Kashmiri tradition, is identical with White Hun or Ephthalite ruler of that name. From inscriptions, the coins and Chinese records, Mr Fleet established.. Contd… #Rajatarangini @TrueIndology

KRT21: ... Mihirikula ruled within 1st half of 6th century of our era. Yet Calculations from figures given by Kalhana, Mihirakula’s rule was in years of 704-634 BC. The difference between the Kalhana’s record and true one is fully 12 hundred years. #Rajatarangini @TrueIndology

KRT22: Kalhana mentions Narenaditya I who was Gokarna’s son and 19th successor of Gonanda III. He was also known as Khinkhila. This unIndian name is also found as Khingila on a unique silver coin. The coin is from 5th to 6th century. .. cont...

KRT23: .. the date deducted from kalhana’s chronology would be 250-214 BC. Thus assuming historical identity of Khingila with the Narendraditya-Khinkhila of Rajatarangini we can find a chronological error of at least 600 years

KRT24: Kalhana has borrowed from Nilamatapurana a fundamental date for his chronological system. In Nilamata, sage Vaisampayana answers question of King Janamejaya on why no King of #Kashmir took part in Great war of Kurus and Pandus, The Mahabharata? #Rajatarangini

KRT25: As per #Rajatarangini Gonanda I, the powerful ruler of #Kashmir being called upon by his relative Jarasamdha, king of Magadha, besieged Krsna, in the town of Mathura. After prolonged contest, Gonanda I was slain by Balabhadra, Krsna’s brother.

KRT26: Damodra I, son of Gonanda I, wished to avenge father’s death & attacked Krsna and Yadu scions, at a Svyamvara to which he was invited in neighbouring territory of Gandhara. Krsna killed Damodara and had Yasowati, King’s pregnant wife, installed on throne. #Rajatarangini

KRT27: In due time, queen bore a son, Gonanda II, who was crowned king when recieving the birth sacraments. He was still an infant at the time when the Great War took place, and was hence “taken by neither the Kurus nor by the Pandavas, to assist them in their war” #Rajatarangini

KRT28: After Gonanda II, Kalhana says that 35 kings ruled Kashmir whose “names and deeds have perished through the destruction of records”. This gap represents the remainder of the traditional number of lost Kings whose names were never recovered. #Rajatarangini

KRT29: Kalhana’s account, in full agreement with historical fact as vouched for by Asoka’s own famous inscriptions, represents the King as follower of Budha. The mention of S’uskaletra and Vitastatra in particular where Asoka had erected Viharas and Stupas. #Rajatarangini

KRT30: Asoka’s connection with Valley is made quite certain by record of Chinese pilgrims. Kalhana attributes to Asoka foundation of Srinagari, the old capital, which can be shown to have occupied a site in close vicinity of present Srinagar, & left name to latter. #Rajatarangini

KRT30-A: I am researching little more around this area as I may be able to see if Amarnath yatra has been been written in Rajtarangini and would break the myth that a shepherd found the cave. More as I get details

KRT31: JALAKUTA whom Kalhana represents as Son of Asoka, appears as popular hero of many wonderful stories. He is described as warrior, who cleared the land of oppressing Mlecchas and effected extensive conquests. #Rajatarangini

KRT32: Jalakuta is also believed to have bought settlers from subdued regions. He is credited to have established a complete system of administration for the first time. He was also a fervant worshipper at the shrines of S’iva Vijaysvara and Nandisa. #Rajatarangini

KRT33: It is impossible what historian elements are in Kasmirian tradition regarding Jalakuta. The name cannot be traced to any other available source. The only historical reference is to the Agrahara founded by Jalakuta at the hamlet of Varabala #Rajatarangin

KRT34: Also important is names of three Turuska Kings, Huska, Juska and Kaniska. Identity of Kaniska with great Kusana or Indo-scythian ruler of North-western India, so well known from Buddist traditions, coins, inscriptions, has been recognised long ago. #Rajatarangini

KRT35: the name of Huska, too, frequent enough in form of Huviska on coins and inscriptions has been verified by epigraphical evidence. Juska alone remains to be searched for. Reign of 3 kings, have ruled simultaneously, preserves data genuine historical tradition. #Rajatarangini

KRT36: The 3 are clearly described as princes of Turuska, i.e. Turkish nationality, as powerful sovereigns and faithful patrons of Bhuddhist Church. On these points, statements of chronicle are fully supported by the evidence of more authentic records. #Rajatarangini

KRT37: The continued existence of three places, Kaniskapora (Kanispora now), Huskapura and Juskapura (present day Zakura) are described as foundations of these kings. #Rajatarangini

KRT38: Kashmir was also part of wide dominion of great Kusana dynasty. Evidence is in form of Bhuddhist records, coins, copper pieces of Kaniska and Huviska being found in remarkable abundance at many old sites of Kashmir. #Rajatarangini

KRT39: There is a very interesting and distinctly anti-bhuddist coloring in the account given of Abhimanyu I ‘s reign. This name is taken from Chavillakara’s list cannot be traced otherwise. #Rajatarangini

KRT40: Under Abhimanyu, Baudhas guided by Bodhisattva Nagarjuna are supposed to have such preponderance that traditional customs and rites of land fell into abeyance. This evoked wrath of Nagas, the tutelary deities of the valley. #Rajatarangini

KRT41: Nagas revenged themselves by causing excessive snowfall which destroyed Bauddhas & obliged King to reside for six months in cold season. Finally a Brahman through help of Nilanga, the lord of Nagas, restored traditional cult as prescribed in Nilamantapurana. #Rajatarangini

KRT42: This story may be based on an ancient legend told in Nilamantapurana, which relates the deliverance of Kashmir from the plague of the Pisacas through the rites revealed by Nilanaga. #Rajatarangini

KRT43: Abhimanyu was followed by Gonanda III. With him begins the continuous list of rulers. The existence of Gonanda dynasty in Kashmir may be looked upon as a historical fact vouched for a genuine tradition. #Rajatarangini

KRT44: Next four kings are Vibhisana I, Indrajit, Ravana and Vibhisana II. Only names and reign are recorded for four. Next in line is NARA or KIMNARA. Kalhana has written eight verses for him. A legend says great catastrophe was brought through King’s wickedness. #Rajatarangini

KRT45: Kalhana’s mention of ruins and actual finds of coins in locality are indications that there once stood an old town on the banks of Vitasta below the plateau of Chakradhara. #Rajatarangini

KRT46: Next is SIDDHA, Nara's son, a contrast to his father & in conformity with his name (meaning ‘saint’), is described as very pious prince. Of UTPALAKSA, HIRANYAKSA, HIRANYAKULA & VASUKULA, the next 4 kings (father 2 son), only names & reign are recorded. #Rajatarangini

KRT47: Hiranyaksa figured as founder of Hiranyapura, now a small place at the entrance of the Sind Valley (Ranyil). The present name can be Wayil en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayil,_Ja…
Help needed from @TrueIndology #Rajatarangini

KRT48: Next is MIHIRAKULA, son and successor of Vasukula. From epigraphical and other evidences, Mihirakula had succeeded about A.D. 515 as ruler of wide dominion which ranged between kabul valley and central India. #Rajatarangini

KRT49: Mihirakula has also been identified as Ephthalite or White Hun, thus some records also show him as successor of Toramana. About 530A.D. Mihirakula was ousted by hostile alliance of territories & forced to retire northwards towards Kashmir. #Rajatarangini

KRT50: Mihirakula was known for violence and cruelty. One story describes him as ‘trikotihan’ “the killer of three crores”. Another relates destruction of hundred elephants on ancient pass of Pir Pantsal (Pir Panjal). Stories still survive in some traditions. #Rajatarangini

KRT51: He is also believed to have reached Ceylon for conquests. This expedition has figured in the popular tradition long before Kalahan’a time and outside Kashmir, proven by its record in a story of ‘Mujmalu-t-Tawarikh’ #Rajatarangini

KRT52: BAKA was son & successor of Mihirakula, is painted as most virtuous prince & comforter of humanity. Kalhana has otherwise nothing to say except connection with certain localities which contain the name ‘Baka’ #Rajatarangini

KRT53: The next 4 kings, KISTINANDA, VASUNANDA, NARA II, & AKSA are each disposed with a single line. The only information is that Vasunanda composed a handbook on erotics and Aksa founded the village of Aksvala. #Rajatarangini

KRT54: GOPADITYA is next in line. He was founder of Agraharas at a series of well-known places. Popular belief attributed to him the temple of Jyesthesvara (Zaethyar) on the hill near Srinagar. #Rajatarangini

KRT55: GOKARNA, successor of Gopaditya, is believed to have laid foundation of unknown shrine of Siva Gokarnesvara. Gen Cunningham believed that King;s name was found on a coin of the Kidara type. #Rajatarangini

KRT56: Though further research found Gokarna name on coin doubtful, there is no doubt about his son named KHINKHILA also called Narendraditya. This ephthalite ruler called himself on his coin “Deva S’ahi Khingila” #Rajatarangini

KRT57: Kalhana’s first book closes with an account of the reign of Yudhisthira I, known by a nickname as Andha - Yudhisthira who is supposed to have brought an end to the first Gonanda dynasty. #Rajatarangini

Start of Book II

KRT58: The six Kings whose reigns are chronicled in Book-II, are represented as unconnected with Gonanda’s dynasty and of different lines of descent.
PRATAPADITYA-I,is the first among them, and relative of King Vikramaditya. #Rajatarangini

KRT59: Pratapaditya-I is said to have been brought to Kasmir from abroad by discontented ministers. Kalhana rejects other chronicles that Vikramaditya referred in last tweet is identical with Vikramaditya Sakari, the traditional vanquisher of Sakas. #Rajatarangini

KRT60: Kalhana has not given any clue that help us ascertain which Vikramaditya he is referring to. Given other information, it can be assumed that he discussed great Harsa-Vikramaditya of Ujjayini who ruled in first half of 6th century. #Rajatarangini

KRT61: Of Pratapaditya-I & his successor JALAUKAS, Kalhana has otherwise nothing to tell but they ruled justly and for exact period of 32 years each. #Rajatarangini

KRT62: TUNJINA-I is next in the list, & is accounted for a great famine in which people were saved by charity of King and miraculous intercession of his saintly wife, Vakpusta. Kavi Candaka who is stated to lived in their reign, bear a historical character. #Rajatarangini