Karkoṭa Empire

Karkota Empire
625 CE–885 CE
Extent of the Karkota Empire during the reign of Lalitaditya Muktapida (8th century), according to Kalhana's Rajatarangini. Note that Kalhana highly exaggerated the conquests of Lalitaditya.[1][2]
Capital		Srinagar(625-724) Parihaspore(724-760) Srinagar(760-885)
Religion		Hinduism Buddhism
Government		Monarchy
Samraat (Emperor)		Durlabhvardhana
		Durlabahaka
•	724 CE–760 CE	Lalitaditya Muktapida
Historical era		Classical India
•	Established	625 CE
•	Disestablished	885 CE
Succeeded by Utpala dynasty
Today part of		Afghanistan  India  Pakistan

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Ancient Neolithic, c. 7600 – c. 3300 BCE Indus Valley Civilization, c. 3300 – c. 1700 BCE Post Indus Valley Period, c. 1700 – c. 1500 BCE Vedic Civilization, c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE Early Vedic Period Rise of Śramaṇa movement Later Vedic Period Spread of Jainism - Parshvanatha Spread of Jainism - Mahavira Rise of Buddhism Mahajanapadas, c. 500 – c. 345 BCE Nanda Dynasty, c. 345 – c. 322 BCE Maurya Dynasty, c. 322 – c. 185 BCE Shunga Dynasty, c. 185 – c. 75 BCE Kanva Dynasty, c. 75 – c. 30 BCE Kushan Dynasty, c. 30 - c. 230 CE Satavahana Dynasty, c. 30 BCE - c. 220 CE
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Karkota Empire (c. 625 - 885 CE) was a major power from the Indian subcontinent; which originated in the region of Kashmir.^[3] It was founded by Durlabhvardhana during the lifetime of Harshavardhan. The dynasty marked the rise of Kashmir as a power in Central Asia and Northern India.^[4] Avanti Varman ascended the throne of Kashmir on 855 A.D., establishing the Utpala dynasty and ending the rule of Karkota dynasty.^[5]

Lalitaditya Muktapida, the dynasty's strongest ruler captured parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan and Punjab with Chinese help.^[6] According to Kalhana's Rajatarangini, Lalitaditya was able to extend the power of Kashmir beyond the normal mountain limits and in about 740 AD inflicted a defeat upon Yashovarman, the King of Kannauj. Lalitaditya was able to vanquish the Turks, Tibetans, Bhutias, Kambojas and others. According to historians, Kalhana highly exaggerated the conquests of Lalitaditya.^[1][2]

The Karkota emperors were primarily Hindu.^[7] They built spectacular Hindu temples in their capital Parihaspur.^[8][9] They however also allowed Buddhism to flourish under them. Stupa, Chaitya and Vihara can be found in the ruins of their capital. Martand Sun Temple in the Anantnag district were built by Lalitaditya. It is the oldest known Sun temple in India and was also one of the biggest temple complexes at the time.^[10]

Extent of the Karkota Empire during the reign of Lalitaditya Muktapida (8th century), according to Kalhana's Rajatarangini. Note that Kalhana highly exaggerated the conquests of Lalitaditya.[1][2]  Martand Sun Temple Central shrine, dedicated to the Sun-God Surya. Built by Lalitaditya Muktapida, it is one of the largest temple complex on the Indian Subcontinent.  Restored impression of temple by J. Duguid, 1870-73

Notes

References

• André Wink (2002). Al-Hind, the Making of the Indo-Islamic World. 1. BRILL. ISBN 9780391041738. 
• Chadurah, Haidar Malik (1991). History of Kashmir. Bhavna Prakashan. 
• Hasan, Mohibbul (1959). Kashmir Under the Sultans. Aakar. ISBN 9788187879497.