Rahila | |
---|---|
Nṛpati ("Lord of men") | |
Chandela king | |
Reign | c. 885-905 CE |
Predecessor | Vijayashakti |
Successor | Harsha |
Dynasty | Chandela |
Father | Vijayashakti |
Rahila ( IAST: Rāhila, reigned c. 885-905 CE) was a king of the Chandela dynasty of India. He ruled in the Jejakabhukti region ( Bundelkhand in present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh).
Rahila was the son of his predecessor Vijayashakti. [1] R. K. Dikshit dates his reign approximately to 885-905 CE. [2] In an inscription of one of his successors, his title is given as nṛpati ("Lord of men"). No royal titles have been assigned to him, which suggests that he was a subordinate to the Pratiharas, like other early Chandela rulers. [3]
Not much is known about Rahila's military career. He is mentioned in two Khajuraho inscriptions of his successors. [1] These eulogistic inscriptions praise him as a warrior, but do not provide much information of historical value. For example, the 954 CE Khajuraho inscription states that he gave enemies sleepless nights. Using analogies, it compares a battle to a ritual sacrifice, and states that Rahila was never tired of this sacrifice. [2] The legendary text Paramala Raso, which is of doubtful authenticity, contains a highly exaggerated account of Rahila's military campaigns. For example, it claims that he invaded Rameshvara with a cavalary of 2 million horses, and confiscated a thousand ships from the king of Simhala. [4]
Rahila is believed to have commissioned several public works. Inscriptions at an Ajaygadh temple bear his name. The Rahilya Sagar lake in Mahoba, which has a temple on its bank, is named after him. [1] Paramala Raso states that he established the Rasina (or Rajavasini) township, which is identified with Rasin village near Badausa. [4] This village has a Chandela-style temple. [1]
According to Paramala Raso, Rahila's queen was Rājamatī. [4] The Kalachuri king Kokkala I married a Chandela princess Naṭṭā-devi. According to R. C. Majumdar, this princess might have been a daughter of Rahila's uncle Jayashakti. [5] However, R. K. Dikshit, believes that she was probably a daughter or sister of Rahila. [4]