Kashmiri Rulers From The 9th And 10th Centuries

Here's my group of 4 different Kashmiri rulers from the 9th and 10th centuries that I've been collecting.And a little bit of history...I hope you enjoy.

These are copper coins known as Kaserah or Punchshi
The diffference between the rulers are their names in Nagari to the left and right of the seated goddess Laksmi...I think this is the obverse?
On the reverse the Queen or King standing.




Yashaskara dynasty

Didda Rani 958-1003- Born in 924? to king Simharaja of Lohara.A beautiful woman who even when she was young and could walk was carried everywhere by a female called Valga.The exact reason for this is unclear but records show she was known as Charanhina(footless).
She became one of the most ruthless rulers of Kashmir. Being clever and manipulative she ruled for more than 40 years,firstly as regent for her son,whom some say she killed,and then as sole ruler until her death at the age of 79 in 1003.

Lohara dynasty

Samgramaraja 1003-1028 - There is a quaint story as to how Samgrama became king....When Queen Didda Rani wished to choose an heir she challenged all the young males from her family to pick up the most pieces of fruit they could from a pile in front of them.The boys fought and wrestled for the fruit, but her brother's son, Samgrama had the most without engaging in any fighting. He had encited the others to fight while he calmly gathered the fruit for himself. The queen was so impressed she named him as her heir.....(In light of what's happened recently maybe modern countries should adopt this system of election)
He was a weak king as the real power was in the hands of Tunga the prime minister who was also the lover of his aunt Queen Didda Rani. In 1014 Samgrama sent Tunga to help in the war against Sultan Mahmud but eventually Tunga was defeated, this defeat must have undermined Tunga's prestige as Samgrama had him murdered.

Ananta 1028-1076 - Still looking for one.

Kalasa 1076-1089 - His father Ananta abdicated due to Suryamati's (his mother's) blind affection for their son. Kalasa proved disloyal to his parents and his frustrated father committed suicide. His mother threw herself on his funeral pyre.
Kalasa spent the rest of his life conquering and raiding neighbouring kingdoms such as Urasa and Abhaya. Kalasa had two sons Utkarsha and Harsha. During Kalasa's final days Harsha attempted a rebellion which was surpressed and Harsha imprisoned. On Kalasa's death his other son Utkarsha became king...

Harsha 1089-1101 - Following his father's death Harsha remained imprisoned until a short time later another rebellion resulted in him escaping and seizing control of the throne...Utharsha committed suicide.
Harsha had a contrasting character, he restored the lost glory of kashmir with the clever use of
administration, education and culture but his greed and extravagance, tax increases and lavish temple construction eventually angered the people. With the treasury exhausted a revolt broke out led by two brothers Sussala and Ucchala. In 1101 Harsha was defeated and killed.

Sussala 1112-1120 - To be continued

Any comments appreciated

Saludos Paul