Hindu Shahis in Punjab (9th AD

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Hindu Shahis (9th AD – 11th AD)

The Hindu Shahi dynasty ruled over Kabul and the ancient province of Gandhara from the decline of the Kushan Empire in the 3rd century until the 9th century. Initially known as the Kabul Shahi dynasty when they governed Kabul, they later moved their capital to Hund, after which they were referred to as the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Their rule is categorized into two distinct phases: the Buddhist Shahi period and the Hindu Shahi period, which began in 870 AD. The term “Hindu Shahi” was a royal title rather than an indication of the rulers’ ethnic or clan identity. Al-Biruni, the renowned Persian scholar, used the title “Shah” for several contemporary royal houses in his writings.

Transition from Turk Shahi to Hindu Shahi Rule

According to the Arab chronicler Al-Biruni (973–1048 CE), the last Turk Shahi ruler of Kabul was Lagaturman, who was overthrown by his Brahmin minister Kallar in the mid-9th century CE. The political landscape had significantly deteriorated for the independent kingdoms of Zabul and Kabulistan following the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 CE. In 814-815 CE, the Kabul Shah suffered a major defeat at the hands of Abbasid Caliph Al-Ma’mun (813–833 CE) and was forced to convert to Islam. Ma’mun’s forces advanced as far as Gandhara, reaching the Indus River.

Following this defeat, the Kabul Shah had to pay an annual tribute of 1,500,000 dirhams and provide 2,000 slaves to the Abbasid governor of Khorasan. These heavy tributes, coupled with political instability, led to the decline of the Turkic ruling dynasty, which had controlled Kabulistan and Gandhara for nearly 200 years. Under the Hindu Shahi rulers, the political center shifted from Kabul to Udabhandapura (modern-day Hund, Pakistan), which provided greater security from Arab incursions.

Origins and Military Contributions

The Hindu Shahi dynasty originated from Oddiyana and ruled over Western Punjab and parts of eastern Afghanistan during the 9th century. The Gakhars and Khokhars were significant tribal groups in the Hindu Shahi army, as noted by Persian historian Firishta.

Key Rulers and Military Campaigns

Lalliya (879–901 AD): Regained control over Kabul and surrounding regions from the Saffarid dynasty. His ministers, Toramana and Asata, successfully captured Ghazna while the ruling forces in Khorasan were distracted.
Bhimadeva (963 AD): Led a victorious campaign, expelling Abu Ishaq Ibrahim from Ghazna and restoring Shahi-Lawik strongholds in Kabul and surrounding areas.
Jayapala (not explicitly mentioned in the provided text but historically significant): Engaged in major conflicts with Mahmud of Ghazni in the early 11th century, marking the final phase of the Hindu Shahi dynasty.

The Hindu Shahi rulers demonstrated military strength, particularly in reclaiming lost territories. Lalliya’s efforts in reclaiming Kabul and Bhimadeva’s success in eastern Afghanistan exemplify their strategic and military prowess. The Hund Slab Inscription (HSI) is believed to commemorate Bhimadeva’s victory, signifying its historical importance. The Hindu Shahi dynasty is credited with constructing Amb Temples between the 7th and 9th centuries CE in Sakesar, showcasing their cultural and architectural contributions to the region.