Bhoja the scholar-king

The Paramāras were first vassals of the Pratīhāras and the Rāṣhṭrakūṭas. In the second half of the 10th century they became independent in Malwa, with their capital at Dhārā (today's Dhar).

Their most famous king, Bhoja, ruled from 1010 for almost 50 years. He led many campaigns, ruling from the Konkan coast to parts of Rajasthan, and he was among the Indian kings who sent troops to help the Hindu Shāhis against Mahmūd of Ghazni. Kingdoms that fought each other could still join against an outside invader.

Don't confuse Bhoja Paramāra with King Bhoja of the Gurjara-Pratīhāras, who lived in the 9th century (previous chapter).

Bhoja was known for good government and public works. He is credited with founding the town of Bhojpur, and with building a huge lake between Bhojpur and Bhopal by joining the waters of several rivers, for irrigation and water management. The name Bhopal comes from 'Bhojpal', 'the dam (or fort) of Bhoja'.

Only a small part of that lake, Bhojtal, survives near Bhopal, though remains of its earth and stone embankments can be seen further away. A Hindi proverb remembers how big it was: 'If there is a lake, it is Bhopal's lake; all others are just ponds!' A thousand years later, the city still carries his name.

Bhoja also built the impressive Bhojeshwar Temple, still an architectural marvel even though it was never finished.

Bhoja generously supported scholars and Sanskrit literature. Arts and sciences flourished, and his capital became a famous centre of learning that drew scholars, poets and artists from all over India.

Bhoja was himself a great scholar who wrote on many subjects. His Samarāṅgaṇa Sūtradhāra is a long book on architecture, town planning, temple building, sculpture and machines. He also wrote on government, on Sanskrit poetry, a commentary on Patanjali's Yogasūtras, and texts on medicine. His fame as a wise, learned king lives on in many stories and folk tales.