Vaghela
The Baghela/Vaghela/Waghela Dynasty in Gujarat is among the oldest dynasties in the region's history. The Vaghela Dynasty was primarily based in the town of Dholka. It emerged as part of the Solanki Dynasty, which ruled Gujarat during the early phase of the medieval period, spanning the 10th to the 13th centuries.
Vaghela is a Kshatriya name, which refers to one of the four Varnas in Hinduism. The Kshatriya class represents the military and noble order in the traditional Vedic-Hindu social structure, as described in the Vedas and the Laws of Manu. Notable figures such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, and Lord Mahavira all belonged to this social order.
History of Vaghela
The administration of Gujarat came under the control of the Vaghela Dynasty following the decline of the Solankis in the mid-13th century. By 1243 AD, the Vaghelas had emerged as the dominant ruling class in Gujarat. They played a pivotal role in restoring political, social, and economic stability in the region during the latter half of the 13th century. The Vaghela kings were strong patrons of the arts and temple-building, and their rule established a powerful governance structure in Gujarat that lasted for 76 years. The dynasty expanded its reach across Gujarat, into Rajasthan to the north, Madhya Pradesh to the west, and Maharashtra to the south.
Two key rulers of the Vaghela Dynasty, Virdhaval (c. 1243 - c. 1262) and Vishaldev (c. 1243 - c. 1262), were instrumental in consolidating the region's prosperity after the fall of the Solanki Dynasty. Virdhaval, the first Vaghela king, along with his Jain minister brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, is credited with the construction of the famous Dilwara Temples on Mount Abu in Rajasthan, as well as temples on Girnar and Shetrunjay hills. His successor, Vishaldev, built temples at Dabhoi and founded the city of Vishalnagar. Sarangadev (c. 1275 - c. 1297) succeeded Vishaldev, and the final ruler of the Vaghela Dynasty was Karandev (c. 1297 - 1304). Karandev was the last Hindu ruler of Gujarat and was defeated in 1304 during the conquest of Gujarat by Ala-ud-din Khilji, Sultan of Delhi. This defeat marked the end of Rajput rule in Gujarat, and the region became part of the Muslim empire.
Raj Solanki had two wives and two sons. The first Solanki king, Mulraj Solanki, was the son of Raj's first queen, who was the sister of Samantsinh Chavada, king of Patan from the Chavada Dynasty. His second queen, the sister of Lakhaji Jadeja (Lakho Fulani), had a son named Rakhayat. Rakhayat married Raymati, and together they had a son named Vyaghrdeo. Vyaghrdeo was protected by Vyaghreshvari Mataji at her temple in the jungle of Aatkot, and it is from him that the Vaghela (or Baghel/Waghela) dynasty is said to have descended.
The Vaghelas were a Rajput clan that rose to prominence following the decline of the Solanki rulers of Anhilwad. The foundation of the Vaghela Dynasty began when Lawan Prasad, a general in the army of Bhimdev-II Solanki, gained control over an area known as Dhavalgadh, near present-day Dholka. During the later years of Bhimdev-II's reign, weakened by internal strife and political instability, Lawan Prasad rebelled, seizing control over Dhawalgadh, Dhandhuka, and some southern Gujarat territories. This rebellion marked the beginning of the Vaghela Dynasty's rise, culminating in the eventual overthrow of the Solanki rulers of Anhilwad.
The final blow to the Solankis came during the reign of Tribhuwanpal Solanki when Vishaldev Vaghela, Lawan Prasad's grandson, led the attack on Anhilwad. Vishaldev's father, Vir Dhaval Vaghela, had already expanded their dominion and strengthened their military power. Many historians consider Vir Dhaval to be the first significant Vaghela ruler, as his leadership greatly expanded the clan's territories across Gujarat.
Vishaldev Vaghela is the most widely celebrated ruler of the Vaghela Dynasty. He successfully led military campaigns against Malwa (Parmara) and subdued various rebellious factions within the disintegrating kingdom of the Solankis. Vishaldev was also a great patron of arts, poetry, and religious ceremonies. After his long and prosperous reign, he was succeeded by his son Arjundev, followed by his son Sarangdev. Although little is known about their reigns, it is believed that they enjoyed relative peace and prosperity amidst the chaos of Muslim invasions.
Sarangdev Vaghela was succeeded by his son, the brave and resolute Karandev, also known as Karan 'Ghelo.' Karandev was the last Vaghela ruler to hold control over Gujarat and Saurashtra. Two years after ascending the throne, Karandev fought against the forces of Ala-ud-Din Khilji, the Muslim ruler of Delhi. Despite a valiant resistance, Karandev was killed in battle, and Anhilwar fell to the Muslims in 1304. The city was plundered, and Karandev's wife was taken to Delhi as a prize. Karandev, broken by the loss of his kingdom, possessions, and wife, retreated to Devgadh in the Deccan. Despite pressure from the Muslims, he refused to surrender and began gathering forces to retake Anhilwar. Ultimately, Karandev lost this war, escaping with his queen, Kamaladevi, and daughter, Devaldevi. He spent the remainder of his days in exile, roaming the lands he once ruled. His unyielding resistance earned him the title "Karan Ghelo," and he remains a respected figure for his bravery.
After Karandev's defeat, Gujarat was fragmented, and neither Rajputs nor Muslims could maintain complete control over the region. The Vaghelas were scattered across Gujarat, with significant settlements near Ahmedabad, Kalol, Rapar (Kutch), Kadi, and other parts of the state. The Vaghela Dynasty's disintegration marked the end of Rajput rule in Gujarat, but their legacy is remembered for their courage and resilience.