Kalhana is one of the most important historians in the history of Kashmir. Questions related to Kalhana, Rajatarangini, Gonanda rulers, Yashovati, and the early history of Kashmir are frequently asked in JKSSB, JKPSC, JK Police, JK Bank, and other Jammu and Kashmir competitive examinations.

This short article covers all the important facts about Kalhana in a simple and exam-oriented format.

Who was Kalhana?

Kalhana was a famous historian of Kashmir who wrote Rajatarangini, the most important historical work on Kashmir. He began the history of Kashmir from the Pre-Mahabharata period and described the early rulers and dynasties of Kashmir.

Kalhana and the beginning of Kashmir history

According to Kalhana:

• The history of Kashmir starts from the Pre-Mahabharata war period.
• The first king mentioned by him was Gonanda I.
• Gonanda I was killed by Krishna.

This forms the beginning of the early political history of Kashmir according to Kalhana’s account.

Gonanda I and Damodar I

Kalhana states that:

• Gonanda I was killed by Krishna.
• After Gonanda I, his son Damodar I became ruler.
• Damodar I was also killed by Krishna in battle.

These events are presented as part of the earliest historical traditions of Kashmir.

Yashovati: The first female ruler

After the death of Damodar I:

• Krishna installed Damodar’s wife Yashovati on the throne.
• Yashovati became the ruler of Kashmir.
• She is considered the first female ruler of Kashmir.

This is an important fact frequently asked in competitive examinations.

Rule of the Pandavas

According to Kalhana:

• After Yashovati, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Pandavas.
• The Pandava period is included in the early traditional history of Kashmir.

Important note from Ratnakar Purana

Kalhana mentions that:

• Ratnakar Purana records 35 kings of the Pandava line.
• However, the records of these kings are not available.

This point is important from the examination point of view because it highlights the traditional nature of early Kashmir history.

Quick revision table

Topic	Important Fact
Historian	Kalhana
Famous work	Rajatarangini
Beginning of history	Pre-Mahabharata period
First king mentioned	Gonanda I
Gonanda I	Killed by Krishna
Damodar I	Son of Gonanda I
Damodar I	Killed by Krishna
First female ruler	Yashovati
Yashovati	Wife of Damodar I
After Yashovati	Rule of the Pandavas
Ratnakar Purana	Mentions 35 Pandava kings

Important facts for JKSSB & JKPSC

• Kalhana started the history of Kashmir from the Pre-Mahabharata war period.
• The first king mentioned by Kalhana was Gonanda I.
• Gonanda I was killed by Krishna.
• Damodar I was the son of Gonanda I.
• Damodar I was also killed by Krishna in battle.
• Yashovati was installed on the throne by Krishna.
• Yashovati is considered the first female ruler of Kashmir.
• After Yashovati, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Pandavas.
• Ratnakar Purana mentions 35 kings of the Pandava line, but their records are not available.

Conclusion

Kalhana occupies a unique place in the history of Kashmir because he recorded the early traditions, rulers, and dynasties of the region. His account begins from the Pre-Mahabharata period, mentions Gonanda I and Damodar I, highlights the rule of Yashovati, and records the Pandava tradition of Kashmir. A clear understanding of these facts is extremely important for JKSSB, JKPSC, JK Police, JK Bank, and other Jammu and Kashmir competitive examinations.

Important MCQ’S on Kalhana for all Competitive Exams

Q1. Which of the following statements correctly describe Kalhana and his contribution to the history of Kashmir?

1. Kalhana was a famous historian of Kashmir.
2. He wrote Rajatarangini.
3. He started the history of Kashmir from the Pre-Mahabharata period.
4. His work is considered an important source for the early history of Kashmir.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q2. Which of the following statements correctly describe the beginning of Kashmir history according to Kalhana?

1. Kashmir history begins from the Pre-Mahabharata war period.
2. Gonanda I was the first king mentioned by Kalhana.
3. Kalhana began his account from the Mughal period.
4. The early history includes the traditions of ancient Kashmir rulers.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 4 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q3. According to Kalhana’s account, which of the following events are correctly described?

1. Gonanda I was killed by Krishna.
2. Damodar I was the son of Gonanda I.
3. Damodar I was also killed by Krishna in battle.
4. Krishna installed Yashovati on the throne of Kashmir.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q4. Which of the following statements correctly describe Yashovati according to Kalhana?

1. She was the wife of Damodar I.
2. She was installed on the throne by Krishna.
3. She is considered the first female ruler of Kashmir.
4. Her rule was followed by the rule of the Pandavas.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q5. Which of the following statements correctly explain the importance of Yashovati in the history of Kashmir?

A) She founded the Karkota Dynasty.

B) She became the first female ruler of Kashmir after being placed on the throne by Krishna.

C) She built the Martand Sun Temple.

D) She organized the Fourth Buddhist Council.

Answer: B

Q6. According to Kalhana, after the rule of Yashovati, the kingdom of Kashmir passed into the hands of which group?

A) The Kushans

B) The Nagas

C) The Pandavas

D) The Huns

Answer: C

Q7. Which of the following statements correctly describe the information provided by Ratnakar Purana?

1. It mentions 35 kings of the Pandava line.
2. The records of these kings are not available.
3. It was written by Kalhana.
4. It provides complete historical records of all Pandava rulers.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A

Q8. Match List I with List II.

List I

1. Kalhana
2. Gonanda I
3. Damodar I
4. Yashovati

List II

a. First female ruler of Kashmir

b. Author of Rajatarangini

c. Son of Gonanda I

d. First king mentioned by Kalhana

A) 1-b, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

B) 1-d, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b

C) 1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c

D) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d

Answer: A

Q9. Which of the following statements correctly describe Rajatarangini in relation to Kalhana?

1. It is an important historical source of Kashmir.
2. It records the early rulers and traditions of Kashmir.
3. It begins from the Pre-Mahabharata period.
4. It includes references to Gonanda I and Yashovati.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q10. Which of the following statements correctly summarize Kalhana’s account of early Kashmir history?

1. Gonanda I was the first king mentioned in his account.
2. Krishna played an important role in the succession of the early rulers.
3. Yashovati became the first female ruler of Kashmir.
4. The Pandavas ruled Kashmir after Yashovati according to Kalhana.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D