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AVANTIVARMAN

Early Life

  • Founder of Utpala dynasty.
  • He ascended the throne in 855 A.D. and ruled till 883 A.D.
  • He didn’t indulge in wars but brought consolidation and prosperity for the kingdom.
  • His policy was of – Providing good administration and gain confidence of the people.

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ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS (1)

  • Promotion of Agriculture

1) His 1st task was to find more arable land since its shortage was inflicting deep effects on the economy of the country.

2) The valley was ravaged by floods of Mahapadma lake due to negligence of the earlier rulers. And now the country was facing great famine.

3) Suyya’s role was to clear the vitasta river (Jhelum) of its boulders and damn constructed for storing its waters for agricultural purposes.

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(2)

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  • Promotion of Irrigation

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  1. Suyya under the rule of Avantivarman planned the confluence the Sindhu (Indus) and Vitasta (Jhelum) near Srinagar.
  2. The collected water of both rivers was allowed to different villages for irrigation through minor stream. These were rendered safe through embankments constructed at suitable distances.

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  • Storhouses (Kundalas)

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1) They were established at a number of places and brought immediate relief to the people.

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PRICES OF FOODGRAINS FELL STEEPLY

  • Prices of foodgrains steeply from 1,050 Dinnaras per Khari to just 200 to 36 Dinnaras per Khari.
  • The people of Kashmir got respite from Natural and Manmade calamaties due to service efforts of Suyya under aegis of Avantivarman.

ART AND AGRICULTURE

  • Numerous temples were built and towns founded by Suyya.
  • A temple was built of Siva by Sura, and he also constructed Matha after himself named Suramatha. And founded the town of Surapura. Later on, his wife and sons followed his example and built several temples and mathas.
  • Avantipura was founded by Avantivarman. He also built shrine of Vishnu

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HIS LAST DAYS

  • He ruled for more than 28 years and died in 883 A.D. at the mountains of Tripuresvara.

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  • He was devoted of Vaishnava and died listening to a recitation of Bhagavad Gita.