Karkota dynasty
Also called: Karkotas · Topic: Early Medieval North India: Harsha to the Rajputs · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"
Meaning
The Karkota dynasty ruled Kashmir from the 7th century to the mid-9th century. Under the Karkotas, Kashmir became a strong regional power and a centre of Sanskrit learning. It also became a bridge for Buddhist scholars travelling to Tibet and Central Asia. Most of what we know about them comes from Kalhana's Rajatarangini, written in the 12th century.
Example
The most famous Karkota king was Lalitaditya Muktapida (8th century). Kalhana calls him a firm ruler who defeated an Arab chief three times. The Martand Sun temple near Anantnag is credited to him.
Don't confuse with
- Utpala dynasty: the next line of Kashmir kings, founded by Avantivarman in the 9th century.