| Maukhari Empire | ||||
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| Capital | Kannauj | |||
| Language(s) | Sanskrit | |||
| Religion | Hinduism Buddhism |
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| Government | Monarchy | |||
| Maharajadhirajas | Yagna Varman | |||
| Isana Varman | ||||
| Avanti Varman | ||||
| Historical era | Classical India | |||
| - Established | CE 550s | |||
| - Disestablished | CE 700s | |||
The Maukhari Dynasty, classically called the Megar Dynasty, was a royal Indian dynasty that controlled vast areas of Northern India for over six generations. They earlier served as vassals of the Guptas as well as related to Harsha and his short-lived Vardhan dynasty. The Maukhari's established their independence at Kannauj, during the sixth century. The dynasty ruled over much of Uttar Pradesh and Magadha, however, around 606 A.D. large areas of their empire was reconquered by the Later Guptas.[1]
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Maukhari are gotra of Jats in India. Thakuri, the rulers of Nepal, also had relations with Maukharis as well as Harsha the ruler of Thanesar; due to the clans having marital relations.
The game of chess (then called Chaturanga, meaning "army") was crystallized during their rule in the 6th century.
There is definite evidence of Maukharis as an imperial power from 6th century A.D. Probably, Yagna Varman founded the dynasty. He was succeeded by Sardula Varman and in turn by Ananta Varaman. It is only during the reign of Isana Varman that the family rose to power and prestige. The empire is located in the modern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is only from Isana Varman onwards that the family ceased to be feudatories.
Isana Varman along with the Later Guptas took advantage of the destruction of the Gupta Empire, but they kept challenging each other for the bid of power. This led to a long war which continued for more than half a century and ultimately led to the destruction of Maukharis. It was Kumargupta of the later Guptas who defeated Isana Varman.
It is said that Isana Varman defeated the Andhras and forced the Gaudas to remain in their proper realm. He issued coins in imitation of Toramana, the Huna chief. These were close copies of the imperial Gupta coins, but distinguished by a date. Varman was succeeded by his son Sarva Varman. Both Saarva Varman and his successor son Avanti Varman were styled as Maharajadhirajas. According to Banabhatta, Prabhakara Vardhana of Kannauj gave his daughter Rajyasri in marriage to the son of Avanti Varman (Grahavarman), who was later treacherously killed by the Devgupta, ruler of Malwa, and had imprisoned Rajyasri. Later, this led to battle between Rajyavardhana, brother of Rajyasri, and Devgupta in which Devgupta was defeated. However, Rajyavardhana was treacherously put to death by Shashanka, ruler of Bengal, an ally of Malwa.