Kachchhapaghata dynasty

The Kachchhapaghatas (IAST: Kacchapaghāta) were an Indian dynasty that ruled between 10th and 12th centuries. Their territory included north-western parts of Central India (present-day Madhya Pradesh).

The Sanskrit word Kachchhapa-ghata (कच्छपघात) literally means "tortoise killer". The Kachchhapaghatas were originally the vassals of the Pratiharas and the Chandelas. After the death of the Chandela king Vidyadhara, the Chandela kingdom was weakened by repeated Muslim (Yamini) invasions. Taking advantage of this situation, the Kachchhapaghatas gave up their allegiance to the Chandelas. They became powerful towards the end of the 10th century CE.

The dynasty patronized Shaivism and Vaishnavism, but were tolerant towards Buddhism and Jainism. Several temples were constructed during their reign in Kadwaha.

The dynasty was divided into three branches, which ruled from Gwalior (Gopādrigiri), Dubkunda (Chaṇdobha), and Narwar (Nalapur). The Kachchhapaghatas of Gwalior are noted for their art and architecture. Vajradāmana, described as the tilaka of the dynasty in Gwalior inscriptions dated 1093-94 CE and 1104 CE, was probably the first powerful ruler of the dynasty. He served as a feudatory to the Chandela kings Dhanga and Vidyadhara. Kachchhapaghata ruler Mahipala commissioned the Sas-Bahu Temple at Gwalior. Records of two grants issued by him at Gwalior, dated 1093 CE and 1104 CE, have been found. Several silver and gold coins issued by him have also been discovered. Other temples constructed by the Gwalior branch include the ones located at:

Virasimha (also Virasimharama or Virasimhadeva), a Kachchhapaghata ruler of Nalapura, issued a copper plate grant in 1120-21 CE. This record describes him using the title Maharajadhiraja. Gold coins issued by him have also been discovered.

One theory connects the Kachwaha dynasty of Amber with the Kachchhapaghatas of Gwalior, although the Kachwaha inscriptions claim a different origin.