The Pandava Dynasty’s rule over Kashmir has very sparse references even in Kalhana’s manuscript Rajatarangini which draws its references from the 6th Century Nilmat Purana. However, it has been brought out that the Pandava dynasty started ruling after King Parikshit (Grandson of Arjuna), King of Hastinapur in 3083 BCE defeated and killed Gonanda II. It is revealed that Gonanda II did not have any heir. Hence, King Parikshit took over the kingdom of Kashmir from 3083-3041 BCE, incorporated into his kingdom and then handed over the rule to Harnadeva, who was his second son. From Harnadeva, Pandava dynasty kings ruled over Kashmir for 1331 years from 3083-1752 BCE. It is said that King Harandeva had fought with his brother Janmejaya for Hastinapur, but lost. So he left and wandered towards the hill, where he met a hermit and become his assistant. This hermit told him, that he will become King of Kashmir, so he left for Kashmir. In Kashmir he joined the army of Gonada 2 and rose to become Prime minister. He then became greedy and betrayed Gonada 2, by getting him killed and took control of the throne. The Kingdom of Pandavas declined slowly. After King Lava gathered enough army and killed Bhagavanta, the last descendant of Harnadeva (relative of Pandavas) Gonanda dynasty rule restarted.

Pandavas with Lord Krishna

Imortant rulers of the Pandava Dynasty during the period 3083 BC to 1752 BC:

• Rama deva

• Vyasadeva

• Drunadeva

• Simhadeva

• Gopaladeva

• Vijayananda

• Sukhadeva

• Ramananda

• Sandhiman

• Marahandeva & Kamandeva

• Chandradeva

• Anandadeva

• Drupadadeva

• Harnamdeva

• Sulkandeva

• Sinaditya

• Mangaladitya

• Khimendra

• Bhimasena

• Indrasena

• Sundarasena

• Galgendra

• Baladeva

• Nalasena

• Gokarna

• Prahlada

• Bambru

• Pratapaseela

• Sangrama

• Chandra Larik

• Chandra Biramchamdra

• Babighana

• Bhagavata