Chavda

The Chavda dynasty (also spelled Chawda, Chavada, Chapa, Chaparana, or Chapokata) was a Hindu Kshatriya ruling family that governed parts of northern Gujarat from 746 to 942 CE.

History

Chavada Dadda, the founder of the dynasty, is credited with establishing rule at Nandipur (Nandol). His successor, Dadda III, conquered Broach from the Maitrakas, whose influence was waning at the time.

Following the fall of the Maitraka dynasty, a power vacuum was created, which was filled by the Pratiharas from the north and the Rashtrakutas from the south. The Chavadas, who had been vassals under the Valabhis, rose to power in north Gujarat after Valabhi's decline.

The most notable ruler of the Chavda dynasty was Vanraj, who re-established his father's lost territories and founded a new capital at Anhilpur Patan. Under his leadership, the dynasty flourished briefly. In the 14th century, Mesaji, a ruler from this lineage, founded Mahasana in Gujarat.

Transition to Solanki Rule

The last ruler of the Chavda dynasty, Samantsinh, had no direct heir and adopted Mulraj, who later established the Solanki dynasty. Mulraj expanded the kingdom by defeating Grahripu of Junagadh (Saurashtra) and Lakho Fulani of Kachchh, thereby securing control over Saurashtra and Kachchh.

Mulraj took the title Gurharesh (King of Gurjardesh), marking the beginning of a golden era in Gujarati history. Under Solanki rule, the region experienced a renaissance in art, architecture, language, and script, and came to be known by various names derived from “Gurjar” – including Gurjardesh, Gurjararastra, Gurjaratta, and eventually Gujarat.