Bhimdev I was a Solanki ruler who ruled between 1021 AD and 1063 AD. He was son of Durlabhraj's brother Nagraj . Bhimdev's mother was Laxmidevi, a princess of Chauhan of Naddul.[1] Bhimdev I ruled from the city of Anhilwara (present day Patan) which was regarded as one of the largest cities in the world then. Bhimdev was a mandlik of Malav king Bhoj.[2] Shantacharya and Suracharya were two Jain saints during his reign.[1]
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Bhimdev had married to Udaymati, a pricess of Saurastra Narvahan Khengar. He had also married to Bauladevi (also called Chauladevi) who was not a princess. Bhimdev had a son named Karandev from Udaymati and sons named Chemraj and Mulraj from Bauladevi. Mulraj died in very early age. [2]
In December 1025 AD, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Anhilpur (Anhilawara). Bhimdev was unprepared for battle and had to flee and take shelter in Kanthkot fort in Kutch. In January 1026, Sultan Mahmud of Gazani attacked Somnath temple.[1] Bhimdev gathered his forces and attacked Mahmud at Somnath on the third day of the seige, along with other Rajput chiefs consisting mainly of the Gohils of Mangrol, the Valas of Chotila.[3] Bhimdev however, was thoroughly routed after a fierce battle, and Somnath fell to the Mohammedan plunderer. Mahmud destroyed the idol and looted all the riches before commencing his march back to Anhilwara. He decided to pursue Bhimdev to teach him a 'lesson'. He sacked the fort where Bhimdev had fled, and plundered it. Thereafter, Mahmud retired back to Anhilwara, and before commencing his long journey back to Ghazni, he decided to establish a vassal ruler over Anhilwara, who would agree to pay tribute to him.[3] A Dabhi Rajput ruler may have been temporarily installed in Anhilwara by Mahmud, but he was quickly deposed by Bhimdev.[3] United army of all kings of the region under leadership of king Bhoj chased Sultan Mahmud and Anhilwara was once again brought under the control of the Solankis. Bhimdev was one of the foremost participant of the united army. Bhimdev and Bhoj jointly reconstructed Somnath temple.[1]
Apart from reconstruction of Somnath temple, Delwada temples by Vimalshah, Modhera's Sun temple and Stepwell of Udaymati (Rani ki vav) goes to Bhimdev's credit. Bhimdev died in 1064, after a long reign. Karandev I ( Bhimdev's son by Udaymati) came on the throne after Bhimdev's death.[1]
Bhimdev added Saurashtra , Kutchh, Abu and some parts of Khetak mandal and Mahimandals with his kingdom. Bhimdev ruled independently from Raja Bhoj on his death in 1054.