Some Aspects of Chandella History, Culture, Art and Architecture

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The Chandellas of Jejeakbhukti, present region of Bundelkhand of U.P. and M.P. were prominent dynasty of early mediaeval period India. The Chandellas were great rulers, administrators, warriors and empire builders of their time. The Chandellas played the role of sentinel from the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni. The region of Jejakabhukti is located in the heart of India. Jejakabhukti region is very rich in natural resources like Vindhyan hills, rivers, forest, minerals diamonds and sand stone mines, wildlife, fauna and flora, The Chandella rulers and artist utilized all these resources in construction of temples, forts and other architectural constructions. The ethnic feature of man and woman are reflected in sculptural art of the Chandellas. The rocks also used for carving of the large sculptures at Kalinjar, and Ajaigarh particularly. Similarly, forestry, wildlife, animals and birds, reptiles is depicted in the sculptural art of Khajuraho and other places. They were great patrons of art and architecture, constructing forts and palaces and temples at various places like Khajuraho, Kalinjar and Mahoba. Most famous temples were constructed in Khajuraho were recognised by UNESCO as world heritage site. Their contribution is more significant than their political achievements. The present books contains my research papers pertaining to various aspects of Chandella history, art and architecture, iconography and epigraphy and numismatics. They were published in reputed journals, seminars and historical associations and lectures delivered in various universities including Indian Institute of Advanced Studies Shimla. The main purpose of this book is to make available my research of Chandella history to research scholars and persons intrested in chandella history. This book is also useful for libraries museums and archeological institutes. This book will inspire the new generation to further the research of Chandella history, art and architecture.

Dr. S.K. Sullerey (6.30th November 1942), Professor and Head of Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archacology and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, member of executive council etc, Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.), retired in the year 2004. Subsequently, he was selected as Fellow in the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla from the year 2004 to 2007. Professor Sullerey has directed explorations and excavations in Mahakoshal region of Madhya Pradesh. He has also published numerous research papers in reputed journals. He has delivered prestigious Lecture in 2002 in Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, He is also life members of the prestigious associations like Indian History Congress, Indian Art History Congress, M.P. ItihasParishad, INTACH, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi His prestigious publications include: L. Ajaigarh Aur Kalanjära Ki Deva Pratimayain, New Delhi Ramananada Vidya Bhawan, 1987. 2. Heritage of India: Past & Present (Essays in Honour of Professor R.K. Sharma) (2 vols), edited jointly, Delhi: Agam Kala Prakashan, 1994. 3. Prachin Bharat Kaltihasa, written jointly, Edition), Bhopal Hindi Granth Academy, 1997 (4th 4. Smarika, edited jointly, published on the occasion of 23rd Annual Session of Madhya Pradesh Itihasa Parished held at R.D.V.V. Jabalpur (M.P.). 5. Kalachuri Rajvansh Aurunka Yug (2 vols.), edited jointly, New Delhi: Aryan Books International, 1998. 6. Kalanjara, Banda (U.P.), 2001. 7. Chandella Art, Delhi: Aakar Books, 2004. 8. Nature As Reflected in The Art & Architecture of 2011. Khajuraho, Delhi: Aryan Books International, 9. Kalanjara Eka Kila Aur Sankrtik Kendra, Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2016. 10. Ajaigarh Aur Kalanjara Ki Deva Primayan, Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2021. He has guided successfully eleven research scholars for Ph.D. degree of R.S. University, Raipur, C.G. and R.D.V.V.. Jabalpur, MP.

The Chandella of Jejakabhukti (present region of Bundelkhand of UP and MP) were the prominent dynasty of Bundelkhand during the early medieval period of the Indian history. The Chandella were great rulers, administrator and great warrior of their time. They protected their kingdom bravely from the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni twice. The Chandella ruler Vidyadhara was the only ruler who protected his kingdom from invasion of Mahmud Ghazni. Vidyadhara challenged Ghazni, killing Kannauj Pratihara rulers who could not protect Kannauj during the attack of Ghazni. This was the main reason for invasion of the Mahmud Ghazni of Chandella ruler Vidyadhara. Vidyadhara faced him bravely and forced him to make a treaty and go back without winning. Vidyadhara not only protected his kingdom but also protected temples of Khajuraho from destruction. The contemporary Kalachuris and Parmaras rulers worshiped him as his disciple.

First of all, I pray to Kaljayi Siva Nilkantha of Kalinjar fort his blessings and inspiration and strength to complete this work successfully.

I extend my heartily gratitude to the editor of reputed journals, editors of felicitation volumes, editors of seminars and proceedings and editor of Indian History Congress and editor of Indian Art History congress.

I also express my gratitude to the editor of the Regional History Congress. I am indebted to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, for granting me fellowship on my project "Environment as reflected in Chandella art and architecture with special reference to Khajuraho". During my project period, I have given presentation and research papers in the seminar of the Institute. I have included some papers which are presented in the seminar in this collection. The institute provided me academic atmosphere to complete my project successfully in the year 2007. I express my gratitude to all authorities of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. The Project was published in form of a book by Aryan Book International, Delhi entitled "Nature as reflected in art and architecture in Khajuraho and other Chandella Sites" in the year 2011.

I also acknowledge and thank to American Institute of Indian Studies, Gurugram for some photographs related to my book.