The Solanki Dynasty

The Solanki dynasty once ruled parts of what is now Gujarat, and Kathiawar, India (950-1300).

They are also known as the Chalukyas of Gujarat or as the Solanki Rajputs. The dynasty ended when Alauddin Khalji conquered Gujarat.

Gujarat was a major center of Indian Ocean trade, and their capital at Anhilwara (modern Patan, Gujarat) was one of the largest cities in India, with population estimated at 100,000 in the year 1000.

In 1026, the temple complex of Somnath in Gujarat was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni. After 1243, the Solankis lost control of Gujarat to their feudatories, of whom the Vaghela dynasty of Dholka came to dominate Gujarat.

After 1292, the Vaghelas became tributaries of the Seuna dynasty of Devagiri in the Deccan Plateau.

Solanki/Chalukya clan is one 36 Royal Races in Rajput

The guardian family deity of the Solanki was Somnath at Prabhas. It was during the Solanki’s rule that the scared shrine was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni.

The major ruler of this dynasty were

Mularaja
Mularaja supplanted the last Chavda king of Gujarat and founded an independent kingdom with his capital in Anahilapataka in 940-941 AD. He was a Shaiva king operating within Brahmanical and Vedic paradigms of kingship. He built Mulavasatika (Mula’s residence) temple for Digambaras and the Mulanatha-jinadeva (the Jina who is Mula’s lord) temple for the Svetambaras.

Bhimdev I
Sun Temple of Modhera built by Bhimdev I
Bhimdev I succeeded Mulraj. He built Sun Temple, of Modhera. His wife Udaymati built the Rani ki vav step-well in his memory.

Karandev I
Bhimdev’s successor Karandev I defeated a Bhil chieftain and founded Karnavati which is now known as Ahmedabad.

Kumarpal
Siddhraj’s successor Kumarpal’s reign lasted for 31 years from 1143 to 1174 AD. He too had good relationship with Hemchandracharya and he propagated Jainism during his rule in Gujarat. He rebuilt Somnath temple. During Kumarpal’s reign, Gujarat’s prosperity was at its peak.

Bal Mulraj
Bal Mulraj successfully repelled the incursions of Mahmud of Ghor who had the ambition of repeating the act performed by Mahmud Ghazni.

After the fall of Solanki rule, the Hindu Vaghela dynasty ruled Gujarat till it became part of Delhi Sultanat.