Kalhana’s Rajatarangini has been the bible for identifying the history of lineages ruling the Kashmir Valley. The History of Kashmir is blank till the reign of Gonanda I.

The beauty of Kashmir has been evident and even manuscript Rajatarangini describes the kingdom of Kashmir as “where the Ganges flows cheering the mount Kailasa on her way”. Gonanda I was the ruler of this beautiful kingdom. It is said that he ruled from 3238-3188 BCE (Kalhana’s account opens with Gonanda I - accession assumed Kali Samvat 653, Lankika S. 626). Gonanda I was a very powerful king and an antagonist of Kauravas and Pandavas. The king of Magadha, Jarasandha was a close associate of Gonanda I. He invited Gonanda I to help him with the invasion of Mathura- Kingdom of Krishna. It is said that on one occasion the army of Krishna was almost defeated in a battle, but Balarama (Krishna’s elder brother) not only retrieved the confusion of his army, but made a vigorous attack on the allied forces. For a long time victory remained doubtful, till at last Gonanda I was pierced with wounds and fell dead on the field. Krishna’s army was victorious. The loss of the battle and his father’s death enraged Damodara (Gonanda I’s son – ruled Kashmir from 3188-3140 BCE). He led the army to Dwarka to avenge his father’s death but met with the same fate.

Balarama and Krishna Fighting in the War

There was an atmosphere of distress and sadness in the Gonanda Empire as King Damodara’s First wife Yashomati was pregnant. However, according to Rajatarangini, Yashomati was pardoned by Krishna. Krishna further emphasized that “land of Kashmir symbolised Parvati, Shiva’s consort, while the Kashmiri king was a partial incarnation of Shiva. Though he be wicked, a wise man who desires his own prosperity, will not despise him” (1). After which Yasovati was coronated as the queen until her son Gonanda II was capable to take over the Kingdom. Yasovati ruled over the kingdom from 3140-3139 BCE.

The Kingdom of Kashmir was constantly under attack from various rulers. During one such attack Gonanda-II fled to his wife’s kingdom of Videha. He was accompanied with his 7 wives including Sudhalahari who was pregnant and his mother Queen Yasovati. Gonanda Dynasty’s heir was raised with a thought that they belonged to the Gonanda Dynasty. Gonanda-II ruled Kashmir from 3139 to 3083 BCE. The King was later killed in a battle with Parikshit (Grandson of Arjuna), King of Hastinapur in 3083 BCE. King Parikshit handed over the rule of Kashmir to King Harnadev. From Harnadeva, Pandava dynasty kings ruled over Kashmir for 1331 years from 3083-1752 BCE. The Gonanda Dynasty was restarted after 1752 BCE after King Lava gathered enough army and killed Bhagavanta, the last descendant of Harnadeva (relative of Pandavas) and restarted Gonanda dynasty rule. Lava ruled over Kashmir from 1752-1713 BCE. Notable rulers of Gonanada :

· Kusa or Kusesaya (1713-1674 BCE)

· Khagendra (1674-1635 BCE)

· Surendra (1635-1596 BCE)

· Godhara (Another family) (1596-1557 BCE)

· Suvarna (1557-1518 BCE)

· Janaka (1518-1479 BCE)

· Sachinara (His paternal uncle was Sakuni’s great grandson) (1479-1447 BCE)

From 1752 BCE to 1182 BCE, there is mention of 13 kings. King Abhimanyu ruled from 1234-1294 BCE

The Dynasty of Gonanada III (1182 BCE to 272 BCE - Total 910 years) took over the rule of Kashmir. The First ruler of this Dynasty was Gonanda III ruling from 1182 to 1147 BCE. Rajatarangini writes that “Then came Gonanda III to the throne, and established the rites of the Nagas according to the Nilmat Purana, and the Buddhists ceased to be oppressed. He was a good and powerful king, and infused new life into the kingdom. He was the greatest of his line as Rama was in his. It is owing to the virtues of the people that good kings are born, and then the parts of the kingdom long dismembered are reacquired. Those who oppress their subjects perish with their dynasties, while those who relieve the oppressed flourish. From a study of the history of this king, the wise will be able to know the signs of prosperity or adversity with regard to future kings” (2). Notable rulers of Gonanda III :

· Vibhishana 1147-1092 BCE.

· Indrajit 1092-1057 BCE.

· Ravana 1057-1027 BCE.

· Vibhishana II 1027-991 BCE.

· Kinnara or Nara 991-952 BCE.

· Siddha 952-892 BCE.

· Utpalaksha 892-861 BCE.

· Hiranyaksha 861-824 BCE.

· Hiranyakula 824-764 BCE.

· Vasukula 764-704 BCE.

· Mihirakula (704-634 BCE). Mihirakula was 12th king from Gonanda-III. He married Gandhara princess Kalyanavati during a war (an arrangement to end the war). He also attacked Sri Lanka (Sinhala Kingdom) and killed the king. He was known for killing Buddhists in large number and re-establishing Sanatana Dharma, 200 years before Adi Sankaracharya.

· Baka (634-594 BCE).

· Kshitinamdana (594-564 BCE).

· Vasunamdana (Poet) 564-512 BCE, was a poet and author of Samara Sastra.

· Nara (512-477 BCE).

· Aksha (477-417 BCE).

· Gopaditya (417-357 BCE). It is said that Gopaditya built the temple of Adi Sankaracharaya, popularly known as the Shankaracharya Temple in 367-366 BCE. He founded several temples and Agraharams. He was also a poet.(3)

Shankaracharya Temple

· Gokarna (357-322 BCE).

· Kinkhila or Narendraditya (322-285 BCE).

· Andha Yudhistira (285-272 BCE). He was called Andha Yudhistira by the people, because of his having small eyes, however he was not blind. He was known to be the last ruler of the Gonanda Dynasty.