Uchchala or Uchchala Deva, (also spelt as Uccala) was a King of

Kashmir Kashmir () is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. Today, the term encompas ...

who ruled for 10 years from 1101 to 1111 AD. He belonged to

Utpala dynasty Utpala dynasty was a Kashmiri dynasty which ruled over the Kashmir region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent from 8th to 10th century CE. The kingdom was established by Avanti Varman, ending the rule of Karkota dynasty in 855 CE. ...

, a Hindu Kingdom of Kashmiri rulers and was the founder of "Second Lohara dynasty". He was the close relative of Harsha and the brother of "Sussala".

Conquests

Uchchala, accompanied with his brother Sussala, entered in they valley through

Lahore Lahore ( ; pnb, ; ur, ) is the second most populous city in Pakistan after Karachi and 26th most populous city in the world, with a population of over 13 million. It is the capital of the province of Punjab where it is the largest city. ...

and they joined the army of reigning royal family at low-ranking commanding positions granted to them. The army was under the control of Harsha. Uchchala pretended to be the brave and loyal towards the king and as a result, He was appointed as the privileged member of the royal court. In 1099 when the kingdom was under draught-crises, the king imposed heavy taxes on people. Uchchala was disappointed by the taxes which were imposed by the king. He, along with his brother left the capital city

Srinagar Srinagar (English: , ) is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is known for its natu ...

with the fear that they would be treated same. Despite showing the bravery and loyalty, the king had already started to suspect the two of harbouring the high ambitions to gain the throne and regarded them as a direct threat to the kingdom and rivals to his son "Bhoja". After an interval of remaining away from Srinagar, the two brothers then returned with army via Lahore. It was Darmas who supported the two. They attacked the king and burnt the capital city. During this battle, the king's son "Bhoja" was killed. Uchchala then ascended the throne and was also regarded as the founder of "Second Lohara dynasty". He restored religious building and constructed new temples. Kalhana, 12th century's

historian A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past and is regarded as an authority on it. Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the stu ...

who is believed to had covered the entire History of Kashmir writes in his book Rajatarangini that "Sussala" ruled

with the support of his brother Uchchala. Despite the fact of extended his support, Sussala was among the other rulers who were ambitious of throne. In order to avoid any untoward action identified to be taken by his brother, Uchchala divided the kingdom into two parts which placed Sussala on the throne in

Personal life

Uchchala, the eldest son of his parents was married to "Jayamati" she was a beautiful queen and fond of singing.

Assassination

Uchchala ruled the Kashmir for over ten years and meanwhile during his reign, He was assassinated by his enemy "Radda" at "Banihâl" (now

Banihal Banihal () is a town and a notified area committee, near Ramban town in Ramban district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a rural and hilly area with Kamirwah being one of the most prominent hills. It is located about ...

) in A.D. 1111 and invaded the region for one night only.

References

{{reflist 1111 deaths Rulers of Kashmir Assassinated royalty Dynasties of India