| Prithvivarman | |
|---|---|
| Parama-bhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Parameshvara | |
| King of Jejakabhukti | |
| Reign | c. 1120–1128 CE |
| Predecessor | Jayavarman |
| Successor | Madanavarman |
| Dynasty | Chandela |
| Father | Kirttivarman |
Prithvi-Varman (IAST: Pṛthvīvarman; reigned c. 1120–1128 CE) was a king of the Chandela dynasty of India. He succeeded his nephew Jayavarman as the ruler of the Jejakabhukti region (Bundelkhand in present-day Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh).
Prithvivarman and his elder brother Sallakshanavarman were sons of the Chandela ruler Kirttivarman from the same mother, as stated in the Mau inscription.[1] After Kirttivarman's death, Sallakshana and his son Jayavarman ruled the Chandela king. After Jayavarman abdicate the throne and retired, Prithvivarman became the new king.[2]
Like his predecessors, Prithvivarman issued copper coins featuring the deity Hanuman.[3] He is also known from the four later Chandela inscriptions:[4]
These inscriptions do not mention any glorious achievements of Prithvivarman. However, this does not necessarily mean that he was a weak ruler; it is possible that he did not adopt an aggressive expansionist policy.[5] The Mau inscription states that he handled the hereditary administration well. It also contains a conventional eulogy, describing him as someone who practiced the conduct of the "Golden age" by hating the ill-behaved persons, delighting those worthy, taking lawful wealth and spending it according to the sacred texts, and protecting all beings.[4]
According to the Mau inscription, Prithvivarman appointed Gadadhara as his chief minister. Gadadhara had served as a pratihara (chamberlain) to the previous king Jayavarman, and his father Ananta had served as a chief minister to the Chandela kings before Prithvivarman. An Ajaygarh inscription mentions Gokula of Gauda family as another hereditary minister of Prithvivarman.[6]
Prithvivarman is given the usual royal titles Parama-bhattaraka Maharajadhiraja Parameshvara in the Augasi inscription.[6] The Ajaygarh inscription of Kalyanadevi compares him to the legendary king Prithu.[4] He was succeeded by his son Madanavarman.[7]