The Utpala Dynasty is an important topic in the medieval history of Kashmir. Questions about Avantivarman, Shankaravarman, Queen Sugandha, Yashaskara, Sangrama Deva and Queen Didda can be important for Jammu and Kashmir competitive exams.
In this article, Exam Waves Academy provides simple and exam-focused notes on the Utpala Dynasty, along with important facts, a quick revision table, and high-level MCQs for JKSSB, JKPSC, JK Police, JK Bank, JK High Court and other competitive exams.
Utpala Dynasty
Founder – Avantivarman
Avantivarman was the founder of the Utpala Dynasty.
Important Facts
- Avantivarman was the son of Sukhavarman.
- He was the grandson of Utpala.
- He ruled from 855 CE to 883 CE.
- He is mentioned in Book V of Rajatarangini.
Avantivarman
The reign of Avantivarman is described as an age of consolidation and enlightenment.
Important Facts
- Avantivarman founded Avantipur.
- He appointed Sura as his Prime Minister.
- Bhatta Kallata was his court poet.
- He built two temples at Avantipur:
- Avantisvara – dedicated to Shiva.
- Avantiswami – dedicated to Vishnu.
- Sopore was founded by Suyya.
Shankaravarman (883–902 CE)
Shankaravarman was the son of Avantivarman.
Important Facts
- He ruled from 883 CE to 902 CE.
- His rule was known for heavy taxation.
- He organised special offices for collecting money called Grhakrtya.
- He introduced forced labour in Kashmir known as Bharod.
- Kalhana mentions 13 kinds of begar.
- Kalhana called Shankaravarman a modern King Midas.
Gopalavarman (902–904 CE)
Gopalavarman ruled Kashmir after Shankaravarman.
Important Facts
- He ruled from 902 CE to 904 CE.
- His reign lasted for a short period of about two years.
- He ruled under the regency of his mother Sugandha.
Sugandha (904–906 CE)
Sugandha was the wife of Shankaravarman.
Important Facts
- She ruled from 904 CE to 906 CE.
- She was killed by the Tantrin soldiers in a Buddhist monastery called Nispalaka Vihara.
- She is known for her masculine epithet Sri Sugandha Deva.
- She built a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- The temple came to be known as Vishnu Gopala Keshava.
- Suravarman II was the last ruler of the Utpala Dynasty.
Tantrins
The Tantrins played an important role in the politics of Kashmir during this period.
Important Facts
- They were foot soldiers who dominated Kashmir from 904–939 CE.
- They placed a 10-year-old child, Partha, on the throne from 906–921 CE.
- Partha was the son of Pangu (Nirjavarman).
- Chakravarman, son of Pangu, ruled from 923–933 CE.
- He was dethroned, and Suravarman-I, son of Pangu from another queen, was made king in 933 CE.
- Unmattavanti ruled from 937–939 CE.
Yashaskara (939–948 CE)
Yashaskara became ruler of Kashmir after the period of Tantrin dominance.
Important Facts
- He was the son of Gopalavarman’s minister Prabhakaradeva.
- He came to occupy the throne of Kashmir.
- He ruled for 9 years.
Sangrama Deva (948–949 CE)
Sangrama Deva succeeded Yashaskara.
Important Facts
- He was the son of Yaskara.
- He was killed by his minister Parva Gupta.
Gupta Period (948–1003)
Parva Gupta (949–950 CE)
Parva Gupta came to power after Sangrama Deva.
Important Facts
- He ruled for two years.
- He was succeeded by his son Kshemagupta, who ruled from 950–958 CE.
- Kshemagupta was a weak king.
- He was married to Princess Didda, daughter of Simhraja, ruler of Lohara.
- After his death, Queen Didda ruled from 958–1003 CE.
Didda as Regent (958–981 CE)
Queen Didda is one of the most important personalities of this period of Kashmir’s history.
Important Facts
- Didda is mentioned in Book VI of Rajatarangini.
- After the death of Kshemagupta, his minor son Abhimanyu II came to the throne.
- After the death of Abhimanyu II, Didda was left with three grandsons:
- Nandigupta
- Tribhuvana
- Bhimagupta
Queen Didda (981–1003 CE)
Didda ruled Kashmir in her own right from 981 CE to 1003 CE.
Important Facts
- She is also known as the “Catherine of Kashmir.”
- Didda was an independent ruler.
- She transmitted the crown to her nephew Sangram Raja, son of her brother Udayraja.
- Sangram Raja was the ruler of Lohara in Poonch.
- Queen Didda died in 1003 CE.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| Founder of Utpala Dynasty | Avantivarman |
| Avantivarman | 855–883 CE |
| Avantivarman mentioned in | Book V of Rajatarangini |
| Avantipur | Founded by Avantivarman |
| Sura | PM of Avantivarman |
| Bhatta Kallata | Court poet of Avantivarman |
| Avantisvara Temple | Dedicated to Shiva |
| Avantiswami Temple | Dedicated to Vishnu |
| Sopore | Founded by Suyya |
| Shankaravarman | 883–902 CE |
| Forced labour | Bharod |
| Shankaravarman called | Modern King Midas |
| Gopalavarman | 902–904 CE |
| Sugandha | 904–906 CE |
| Tantrin dominance | 904–939 CE |
| Yashaskara | 939–948 CE |
| Sangrama Deva | 948–949 CE |
| Kshemagupta | 950–958 CE |
| Didda as Regent | 958–981 CE |
| Didda as Queen | 981–1003 CE |
| Didda mentioned in | Book VI of Rajatarangini |
| Didda also known as | Catherine of Kashmir |
| Didda died | 1003 CE |
Important Exam Facts
- Avantivarman founded the Utpala Dynasty.
- His reign was known as an age of consolidation and enlightenment.
- Avantivarman founded Avantipur.
- Avantisvara was dedicated to Shiva.
- Avantiswami was dedicated to Vishnu.
- Suyya founded Sopore.
- Shankaravarman’s reign was known for heavy taxation.
- Forced labour in Kashmir was called Bharod.
- Kalhana called Shankaravarman a modern King Midas.
- Sugandha was the wife of Shankaravarman.
- The Tantrins were foot soldiers.
- Yashaskara ruled for nine years.
- Kshemagupta married Princess Didda.
- Didda is mentioned in Book VI of Rajatarangini.
- Didda is also called the Catherine of Kashmir.
- Didda transferred the crown to her nephew Sangram Raja.
- Didda died in 1003 CE.
Conclusion
The Utpala Dynasty is an important part of the medieval history of Kashmir. Avantivarman, Shankaravarman, Sugandha, the Tantrins and Queen Didda are some of the most important names from this period.
For competitive exams, students should especially remember the rulers, dates, temples, books of Rajatarangini, important titles and important events connected with this period.
Important MCQs on Utpala Dynasty in Kashmir for all Competitive Exams
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Avantivarman:
- He was the founder of the Utpala Dynasty.
- He was the son of Sukhavarman and grandson of Utpala.
- He ruled from 855 CE to 883 CE.
- He is mentioned in Book V of Rajatarangini.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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. Consider the following statements regarding the reign of Avantivarman:
- His reign was known as an age of consolidation and enlightenment.
- He founded Avantipur.
- Sura served as his Prime Minister.
- Bhatta Kallata was his court poet.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q3. Match List-I with List-II:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Avantisvara | 1. Shiva |
| B. Avantiswami | 2. Vishnu |
| C. Sopore | 3. Suyya |
| D. Bhatta Kallata | 4. Court poet |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Answer: A
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Shankaravarman:
- He was the son of Avantivarman.
- His rule was known for heavy taxation.
- Forced labour in Kashmir was known as Bharod.
- Kalhana called him a modern King Midas.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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. Consider the following statements regarding Sugandha:
- She was the wife of Shankaravarman.
- She ruled from 904 CE to 906 CE.
- She was killed by Tantrin soldiers at Nispalaka Vihara.
- She was known by the masculine epithet Sri Sugandha Deva.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q6. Which of the following correctly describes the Tantrins?
A) They were foreign invaders who entered Kashmir in 939 CE.
B) They were foot soldiers who dominated Kashmir from 904–939 CE.
C) They were ministers appointed by Avantivarman.
D) They were religious scholars in the court of Didda.
Answer: B
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Yashaskara and Sangrama Deva:
- Yashaskara ruled from 939 CE to 948 CE.
- Yashaskara was the son of Gopalavarman’s minister Prabhakaradeva.
- Sangrama Deva was the son of Yashaskara.
- Sangrama Deva was killed by his minister Parva Gupta.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q8. Match the following rulers with their periods:
| Ruler | Period |
|---|---|
| A. Avantivarman | 1. 855–883 CE |
| B. Shankaravarman | 2. 883–902 CE |
| C. Gopalavarman | 3. 902–904 CE |
| D. Yashaskara | 4. 939–948 CE |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
C) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
D) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
Answer: A
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding Queen Didda:
- She was married to Kshemagupta.
- She was the daughter of Simhraja, ruler of Lohara.
- She is mentioned in Book VI of Rajatarangini.
- She is also known as the “Catherine of Kashmir.”
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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. Consider the following statements regarding the rule and succession of Queen Didda:
- Didda acted as Regent from 958 CE to 981 CE.
- She ruled independently from 981 CE to 1003 CE.
- She transmitted the crown to her nephew Sangram Raja.
- She died in 1003 CE.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q11. Consider the following statements regarding Gopalavarman:
- Gopalavarman was the son of Shankaravarman.
- He ruled Kashmir from 902 CE to 904 CE.
- His reign lasted for a short period of about two years.
- He ruled under the regency of his mother Sugandha.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the Tantrins and Partha:
- The Tantrins dominated Kashmir between 904 CE and 939 CE.
- They placed a 10-year-old child named Partha on the throne.
- Partha ruled from 906 CE to 921 CE.
- Partha was the son of Pangu (Nirjavarman).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q13. Match the following personalities with the facts associated with them:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Sura | 1. Prime Minister of Avantivarman |
| B. Suyya | 2. Founder of Sopore |
| C. Sugandha | 3. Wife of Shankaravarman |
| D. Prabhakaradeva | 4. Father of Yashaskara |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Answer: A
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding Chakravarman and Suravarman-I:
- Chakravarman was the son of Pangu.
- Chakravarman ruled from 923 CE to 933 CE.
- Chakravarman was dethroned.
- Suravarman-I, another son of Pangu, was made king in 933 CE.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q15. Which of the following rulers is mentioned in the notes as the last ruler of the Utpala Dynasty?
A) Suravarman II
B) Shankaravarman
C) Gopalavarman
D) Unmattavanti
Answer: A
Q16. Consider the following statements regarding Kshemagupta:
- Kshemagupta succeeded Parva Gupta.
- He ruled from 950 CE to 958 CE.
- He is described as a weak king in the notes.
- He was married to Princess Didda.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q17. Arrange the following rulers in the correct chronological order:
- Sugandha
- Gopalavarman
- Yashaskara
- Shankaravarman
Select the correct answer:
A) 4 → 2 → 1 → 3
B) 2 → 4 → 1 → 3
C) 4 → 1 → 2 → 3
D) 1 → 2 → 4 → 3
Answer: A
Q18. Consider the following statements regarding Didda and Abhimanyu II:
- After the death of Kshemagupta, his minor son Abhimanyu II came to the throne.
- Didda acted as Regent during this period.
- After the death of Abhimanyu II, Didda was left with three grandsons.
- These grandsons included Nandigupta, Tribhuvana and Bhimagupta.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
Q19. Match the following rulers/persons with the correct period mentioned in the notes:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Sugandha | 1. 904–906 CE |
| B. Unmattavanti | 2. 937–939 CE |
| C. Sangrama Deva | 3. 948–949 CE |
| D. Kshemagupta | 4. 950–958 CE |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
D) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
Answer: A
Q20. Consider the following statements regarding Sangram Raja and the succession after Didda:
- Sangram Raja was the nephew of Queen Didda.
- He was the son of Didda’s brother Udayraja.
- He was associated with Lohara in Poonch.
- Didda transmitted the crown to Sangram Raja.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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
