Sangramaraja or Samgramaraja (IAST: Samgrāmarāja) was the founder of the Lohara dynasty and ruled Kashmir from 1003 to 1028. During his reign, Mahmud of Ghazni tried to invade Kashmir twice but had to retreat both times after suffering heavy casualties.
| Samgrāmarāja | |
|---|---|
| King of Kashmir | |
| Reign | 1003–1028 |
| Predecessor | Didda |
| Successor | Harirāja |
| Died | 1028 |
| Spouse | Srilekhā |
| Dynasty | Lohara dynasty |
| Father | Udayaraja[1] |
| Mother | |
| Military career | |
| Battles / wars | |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Rule
editSangramaraja was adopted by his aunt Didda and appointed as her heir and become the ruler in 1003. His rule lasted till 1028.[2]
Sangramaraja's queen was Srilekhā, who was very talented and advised Sangramaraja in his rule and when Mahmud of Ghazni attempted to invade Kashmir.[3]
Battles against Mahmud of Ghazni
editIn 1014, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the Kabul Shahi kingdom. The Kabul Shahi ruler Trilochanapala appealed to Sangramaraja for assistance against Mahmud. Sangramaraja responded by sending a large army under his commander-in-chief, Tunga to aid Trilochanapala. In the ensuing battle, Trilochanapala was defeated.[4][5]
Antagonized by Sangramaraja's having helped Trilochanapala, Mahmud invaded Kashmir. He advanced along the Tohi river valley, planning to enter Kashmir through the Tosamaidan pass. However, his advanced was checked by the strong fort of Loharkot. After having besieged the fort for a month, Mahmud abandoned the siege and retreated, losing many of his troops on his way and almost losing his own life as well.[6] In 1021, Mahmud again attempted to invade Kashmir, but was again not able to advance beyond the Loharkot fort, due to heavy snowfall. After the two failed invasion attempts, he did not attempt to invade Kashmir again.[4][5][7]
References
edit- ^ India – Early History, Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 2016 p.63
- ^ Stein (1900), Vol. 2, p. 294.
- ^ Tripat Sharma (1987). Women in Ancient India, from 320 A.D. to C. 1200 A.D. Ess Ess Publications. p. 184. ISBN 9788170000280.
- ^ a b Mohibbul Hasan (2005). Kashmīr Under the Sultāns pp31. Aakar Books. p. 352. ISBN 9788187879497.
- ^ a b F.M. Hassnain (1977). Hindu Kashmīr pp74. Light & Life Publishers. p. 138.
- ^ S N Sen (1987). Ancient Indian history and civilization. p. 330.
- ^ Rafiqi, Abdul Qaiyum (October 1972). "Chapter 1" (PDF). Sufism in Kashmir from the Fourteenth to the Sixteenth Century (Thesis). Australian National University. Retrieved 5 August 2021.