The Lohara Dynasty is an important topic in the medieval history of Kashmir. Important rulers connected with this dynasty include Sangram Raja, Ananta Deva, Harsha, Uchchala and Jaya Simha.
In this article, Exam Waves Academy provides simple and exam-focused notes on the Lohara Dynasty of Kashmir, along with important facts, a quick revision table and high-level MCQs for JKSSB, JKPSC and other Jammu & Kashmir competitive exams.
Lohara Dynasty (1003–1101)
The Lohara Dynasty ruled Kashmir after the period of Queen Didda.
Important Facts
- The Loharas belonged to the Khasa tribe.
- The Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VII of Rajatarangini.
- Sangram Raja was the founder of the dynasty.
Sangram Raja
Sangram Raja was the founder of the Lohara Dynasty.
Important Facts
- His period was 1003–1028 AD.
- During his reign, Mahmud Ghazni attacked Kashmir.
- Sangram Raja stood against Mahmud Ghazni with the help of his army leader Tunga.
Ananta Deva
Ananta Deva was another important ruler of the Lohara Dynasty.
Important Facts
- His period was 1028–1063.
- He was the son of Sangram Raja.
- He committed suicide.
- His son Kalasha succeeded him in 1063.
Harsha
Harsha was an important ruler during this period of Kashmir’s history.
Important Facts
- His period was 1089–1101.
- Harsha was killed.
- After his death, the throne passed into the hands of Prince Uchchala.
Second Lohara Dynasty
The Second Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VIII of Rajatarangini.
Uchchala
Uchchala played an important role in the beginning of the Second Lohara Dynasty.
Important Facts
- Uchchala displaced Harsha with the help of Damaras.
- He was the first ruler of the Second Lohara Dynasty.
- Uchchala was succeeded by his brother Sussala.
Jaya Simha
Jaya Simha was another important ruler associated with the Lohara Dynasty.
Important Facts
- He ruled from 1128 to 1155 AD.
- He was the son of Sussala.
- He was the last great Hindu ruler of Kashmir.
- Radda Devi was his queen.
- Kalhana completed Rajatarangini during the reign of Jaya Simha.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| Lohara Dynasty | 1003–1101 |
| Loharas belonged to | Khasa tribe |
| Lohara Dynasty mentioned in | Book VII of Rajatarangini |
| Founder | Sangram Raja |
| Sangram Raja | 1003–1028 AD |
| Mahmud Ghazni | Attacked during Sangram Raja’s reign |
| Army leader of Sangram Raja | Tunga |
| Ananta Deva | 1028–1063 |
| Ananta Deva was son of | Sangram Raja |
| Successor of Ananta Deva | Kalasha |
| Harsha | 1089–1101 |
| Second Lohara Dynasty | Book VIII of Rajatarangini |
| First ruler of Second Lohara Dynasty | Uchchala |
| Uchchala defeated/displaced | Harsha |
| Uchchala was helped by | Damaras |
| Successor of Uchchala | Sussala |
| Jaya Simha | 1128–1155 AD |
| Father of Jaya Simha | Sussala |
| Queen of Jaya Simha | Radda Devi |
| Rajatarangini completed during | Reign of Jaya Simha |
| Author of Rajatarangini | Kalhana |
Important Exam Facts
- The Loharas belonged to the Khasa tribe.
- The Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VII of Rajatarangini.
- Sangram Raja was the founder of the Lohara Dynasty.
- Sangram Raja ruled from 1003–1028 AD.
- Mahmud Ghazni attacked Kashmir during the reign of Sangram Raja.
- Tunga was the army leader who helped Sangram Raja.
- Ananta Deva was the son of Sangram Raja.
- Ananta Deva was succeeded by his son Kalasha.
- Harsha ruled from 1089–1101.
- The Second Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VIII of Rajatarangini.
- Uchchala was the first ruler of the Second Lohara Dynasty.
- Uchchala displaced Harsha with the help of the Damaras.
- Uchchala was succeeded by his brother Sussala.
- Jaya Simha was the son of Sussala.
- Jaya Simha is described in the notes as the last great Hindu ruler of Kashmir.
- Radda Devi was the queen of Jaya Simha.
- Kalhana completed Rajatarangini during the reign of Jaya Simha.
Important MCQs on Lohara Dynasty of Kashmir for all Competitive Exams
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Lohara Dynasty of Kashmir:
- The Loharas belonged to the Khasa tribe.
- The Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VII of Rajatarangini.
- Sangram Raja was the founder of the Lohara Dynasty.
- The period of Sangram Raja is given as 1003–1028 AD.
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 Sangram Raja and the attack of Mahmud Ghazni:
- Sangram Raja was the founder of the Lohara Dynasty.
- Mahmud Ghazni attacked Kashmir during his reign.
- Sangram Raja stood against Mahmud Ghazni.
- Sangram Raja was supported by his army leader Tunga in facing the attack.
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. Consider the following statements regarding Ananta Deva:
- Ananta Deva ruled during the period 1028–1063.
- He was the son of Sangram Raja.
- Ananta Deva committed suicide.
- His son Kalasha succeeded him in 1063.
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
Q4. Match List-I with List-II regarding the rulers and personalities associated with the Lohara Dynasty:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Sangram Raja | 1. Founder of Lohara Dynasty |
| B. Tunga | 2. Army leader |
| C. Kalasha | 3. Son and successor of Ananta Deva |
| D. Radda Devi | 4. Queen of Jaya Simha |
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
C) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
Answer: A
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Harsha and Uchchala:
- Harsha ruled from 1089 to 1101.
- Harsha was killed and the throne passed into the hands of Prince Uchchala.
- Uchchala displaced Harsha with the help of the Damaras.
- Uchchala became the first ruler of the Second Lohara Dynasty.
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. Consider the following statements regarding the Second Lohara Dynasty:
- It is mentioned in Book VIII of Rajatarangini.
- Uchchala was its first ruler.
- Uchchala came to power with the help of the Damaras.
- Uchchala was succeeded by his brother Sussala.
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
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Jaya Simha:
- Jaya Simha ruled from 1128 to 1155 AD.
- He was the son of Sussala.
- He is described as the last great Hindu ruler of Kashmir.
- Radda Devi was his queen.
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. With reference to Rajatarangini and the Lohara rulers, consider the following statements:
- The Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VII of Rajatarangini.
- The Second Lohara Dynasty is mentioned in Book VIII of Rajatarangini.
- Kalhana completed Rajatarangini during the reign of Jaya Simha.
- Jaya Simha was the son of Sussala.
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
Q9. Arrange the following rulers in the correct chronological order according to the information given in the notes:
- Jaya Simha
- Sangram Raja
- Harsha
- Ananta Deva
Select the correct answer:
A) 2 → 4 → 3 → 1
B) 4 → 2 → 3 → 1
C) 2 → 3 → 4 → 1
D) 3 → 2 → 4 → 1
Answer: A
Q10. Consider the following pairs associated with the history of the Lohara Dynasty:
- Sangram Raja — Founder of the Lohara Dynasty
- Uchchala — First ruler of the Second Lohara Dynasty
- Sussala — Brother and successor of Uchchala
- Jaya Simha — Ruler during whose reign Kalhana completed Rajatarangini
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
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
Conclusion
The Lohara Dynasty is an important topic for the medieval history of Kashmir. Students should especially remember Sangram Raja, Mahmud Ghazni’s attack, Tunga, Ananta Deva, Harsha, Uchchala, Sussala and Jaya Simha.
For competitive exams, also remember the connection of the dynasty with Books VII and VIII of Rajatarangini and the fact that Kalhana completed Rajatarangini during the reign of Jaya Simha.
