Art of the Paramaras of Malwa

The Paramaras, dynastic successors of the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas in Cen tral India, have undoubtedly carved for themselves an enviable niche in the history of medieval India. Hailing from a region around modern Mt. Abu, they in course of time, by dint of sheer military prowess established themselves firmly and were destined to hold sway over a vast territory far exceeding in extent than that of all the contemporary rulers put together. Their rule lasted for nearly half a millennium from the end of the 8th century, attaining its highnoon under Munja and Bhoja of Malwa; particularly the latter, whose astute statesmanship, dynamic leader ship and armed strength placed him at the head of a confederated army, kindling fear in the very vitals of that marauding iconoclast from Ghazni and forced him to beat a hasty retreat through the deserts of Sind.

The Paramāras were no mere military rulers intent only on extending their territory through strong arm. They were also able administrators with a broad catholic religious outlook patronising art, architecture and literature; the impact of which on the minds of the Indian people, transgressing race, religion and time still remains green and refreshing. The temples of the Paramāras, mostly in Malwa, though dilapidated, are mute witnesses of their glorious legacy. In the field of literature, the rulers besides being poets of repute themselves, patronised many scholars. Munja was a Kavivrishah; his nephew Bhoja bore the title Maharajadhiraja Kaviraja Sishtasiromani Dharesvara and is credited to have authored 84 works including Sarasvatikanthabharana, Tattvaprakasa, Samaranganasutradhara, etc. Halayuda, Bilhana, Asadhara were a few who adorned the Paramara Court.

The legacy of the rulers and the people of such a kingdom had been neglected for a long time and a specialized study of the art of the Paramaras could not be put off for long. The Prachya Niketan, Bhopal, a centre for advanced studies in Indology under the presidentship of Shri K.P. Singhi aided by the enthusiastic Principal of the Niketan-conducted during January 1978, a Seminar on the Art of the Paramäras of Malwa sponsored by the University Grants Commission, with the sole aim of enlightening the Indian scholars and laymen alike on the artistic achievements of this medieval dynasty.