34

THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.

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latter, however, is glaringly incorrect: the dura tion of the reigns of successive rājās never agrees with the period given in the dates of each succession; while Parmál Deo's reign is dated 1044 Sambat, or a discrepancy of over 200 years from the date mentioned above. The date given by the Persian MS. of the succession of Sabhājit, son of Parmal Deo, 1223 Sambat, agrees more closely with that of the Hindi M.S. The Persian MS. probably errs in excess of

[FEBRUARY, 1873.

The Mahoba–

founded by Madan Varma (Persian MS.) Măn Varma (Hindi M.S.) The Kanauj, founded by Sabhājit. The Sheorājpār, founded by Sheorāj Singh. Of these five dynasties, those preceding the Mahoba line are pre-historic. Instead of the 18 rājās of Mahoba given in Elliot's Glossary,

the Persian MS. gives but 8, and the Hindi MS. but 14.

names; as, for instance, when brother succeeds

I give them here.

Măn Varma.

brother on the gaddi, and the reign of the second is reckoned as that of a separate genera

Gyán Varma.

can be assigned to any tribe in the long pedigree

Ján Varma (? Nandā, Ganda—Ell. Gloss.) Gaj Varma. Kil Warma (? Kirat Varma—Ell. Gloss.)

till the invasion of the Muhammadans.”

Sakat Varma.

Chandra Varma, then, the reputed son of Chandra, established his dynasty after a series of battles waged, according to the Hindi M.S., by countless hosts of horsemen, who were paid from

Bhagat Varma.

tion.

It is clear, however, that no correct date

Jagat Varma. Rahlia Varma.

Sūraj Varma. Rúp Varma.

extravagantly exaggerated treasures in Chande Chandawal in the Dakhan.

To him and his

successors the same MS. gives almost universal empire in India : he is represented as annually making expeditions with enormous armies and immense treasures, conquering rājā after rājā, and exacting tribute from the kings of Rüm and Ceylon. He, it is said, founded the fort of Kälingar ; and branches of his family settled themselves in the Kārnātik, in Kallu Kanhûr, in Mirat, the Sambal country (Rohilkhand), and Kumāon. The latter rāj was founded by Mánik chand, fifth in descent from Parmál Deo, and son of Bihr Deo, who reigned at Kanauj, accord

ing to the Persian MS. ; while the Hindi MS. gives Kāndar Varma, grandson of Chandra Varma, as the founder.f It would seem fruitless to endeavour to define

the exact limits of the territory actually subject to any one rājā (as is attempted in Elliot's

Supp. Glossary); for the claims of each to universal empire are mere romance, dexterously coloured by the bard with glowing accounts of huge armies, countless treasures, and innumerable

Madan Varma. Kirat Varma.

Parmál Deo,

after whom the suffix “Deo” was invariably used. Of the causes of the several migrations, no satisfactory explanation is given in either MS. If we accept the Mahoba as the only genuine Chandel dynasty, the two preceding dynasties

can represent only the settlement of junior branches of original stock in convenient situa

tions.

It is, however, quite as reasonable to

consider the whole lineage as one, and the

migration to Mahoba (which is certainly not the original birth-place of a Chandel tribe, if name is any guide) as induced by the same causes as those that led to the subsequent migrations. With respect to the migration to Mahoba, the Persian MS. says:—“At this time the rājā of Kanauj, a Gahlwār, who till this time was rich and prosperous, first from the blows received at the hands of Rai-Pithaura, and afterwards from the

pressure of Shahāb-ād-din Afghan Ghori, left his home and established himself in Banāras.

founded by Damkhoh (Persian MS.) Bir Varma (Hindi MS.)

Then Sabhājit, by advice of his wazirs and khedives, established himself in Kanauj.” The Hindi MS., in along involved passage attributing the destruction of Kanauj to Prithirāj, says– “Then Sabhājit left Mahoba for Kanauj.” This leaves the impression that the Chandels, finding the reputedly fertile and wealthy Kanauj open

• I regret I have not General Cunningham's account of

wal being eliminated); this sketch, however, is intended to

marriages.

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I divide the history of the Chandels into the following dynasties:— The Chande Chandawal. The Chanderi—

this interesting race to verify the date, 800 A.D., given by him as that of their rise (it would seem to me to be that

show only what is contained in genuine native histories.

of the founding of Chanderi, the rājās of Chande Chandā

information on this point.

t I have endeavoured, without success, to obtain accurate