Vanraj Chavda
Vanraj Chavda was the most prominent king of the Chavda Kingdom a Hindu Kshatriya dynasty which ruled Gujarat from 746 AD to 942 AD.[1]
History
Vanraj Chavda's father was Jayshikhari Chavda, king of northern Gujarat, who was assassinated before Vanraj was born. The state's capital was Panchasar (first capital of Gujarat, currently located near Shankheshwar, Patan district).
Vanraj's mother fled to the forests of Radhanpur, to a place known as the Temple of Koyalma. There she gave birth to a boy, who was named Vanraj ("King of the forest"). Vanraj was educated by Jain priests and gained an academic as well as a military education. He eventually raised an army of Bhil tribal men and helped by his friend lieutenant Anhil, regained his father's lost kingdom.
Vanraj Chavda founded the city of Anhilpur Patan, naming it in honour of Anhil, and made it the capital of his kingdom. It went on to be the most prosperous cities of its time in India. He also founded the city of Champaner, in honour one of his generals, Champa.
Vanraj Chavda was succeeded by his son, Kshemraj Chavda.
References
- ↑ Chintaman Vinayak Vaidya (1979). History of mediaeval Hindu India, Volume 1. Cosmo Publications. p. 355.
External links
- District Map of Patan (includes brief history) at mapsofindia.com