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CHATRALA
VYAS
Mulraj
Solanki had given our ancestors Chatral village in around 993 A.D.
and hence we are known as Chatrala
Vyas. Chatral village is about 14 miles in distance from Patan and
a place known as Bhauchara ji. After few years Dalla Vyas migrated
to Lakhtar and one family went to Wakaner. There was one house in
Lakhtar which had collapsed and the facts about that land are unknown.
At present we do not have any house or property in Lakhtar and at
present no person of Idhar Vyas family is living there in Lakhtar.
There after Dalla Vyas came to Wadhwan. The three sons of Dalla
Vyas named Ramchandra, Mahashankar and Rupji lived togeather but,
in the year 1849 A.D. they seperated and lived in 3 different big
houses (dela). The house of Ramchandra was opposite the two houses
(dela) of Mahashankar and Rupji situated near Hanuman's small temple
and the house (dela) of Mahashankar and Rup ji were situated near
each other. The 3 different houses were constructed after 1849 A.D.
house of Ambashankar Devshankar Vyas was built in Wadhwan near Bhogavo
River near the house of potters or place of pottery. Ramchandra
and Devshankar Vyas were educated and worked in Darbar (Royal Administration)
as administrators.
1. |
Copper
Plate Grant to Gautam Gotra Brahmins — Village “Chatrak”
(Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum, Vol. VI, Inscription 85)
Date : Circa 960 CE (Mulraj’s 10th regnal year)
Pages
: 146–149
Content
: Copper plate grant of village “Chatrak” to Gautam
gotra Brahmins by Mulraj (c. 960 CE)
Published by : Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Where
to find : Many university libraries; also digital copies on
archive.org (search for “Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum,
Vol VI”)
Location
: Village Chatrak (near Kalol, Gandhinagar)
Translation Excerpt :
“By the grace of the illustrious Mulraj, the lord of
Anahilpataka, protector of the earth, this copper plate records
the grant of the village known as Chatrak. The entire village,
including its fields and revenues, is hereby conferred as
a tax-free Agrahar to the Brahmins of the Gautam gotra. These
Brahmins, learned in the Vedas and skilled in sacred rites,
shall hold this land perpetually, exempt from all royal levies.
The grant aims to sustain their performance of yajnas, study
of the scriptures, and maintenance of the Shiva temple therein.
May the merit of this grant endure forever, and may the king’s
rule prosper with dharma as its foundation.”
Notes
: |
• |
The
inscription explicitly grants hereditary rights. |
• |
The
Brahmins are charged with religious and educational duties. |
|
Primary
Source :
Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum (CII), Volume VI, Inscription
No. 85
|
• |
Issued by: Mulraj I (c. 960 CE), founder of the Chaulukya
(Solanki) dynasty of Gujarat |
• |
Location
of Grant : Village Chatrak (modern Chhatral), near Kalol,
Gandhinagar district |
• |
Gotra
of Recipients : Gautam Gotra Brahmins |
• |
Nature
of Grant : Agrahar (tax-free land), perpetual and hereditary,
for religious and educational purposes |
|
Translation
Excerpt from the Copperplate :
“By the command of the illustrious Mulraj, lord of Anahilpataka,
protector of dharma, let it be known that the village called
Chatrak, with all its boundaries, water, trees, and revenues,
is granted as Agrahar to the Brahmins of the Gautam gotra.
They, being learned in the Vedas and devoted to yajnas and
dharmic duties, shall hold the village without royal interference.
Let this grant stand as long as the moon and sun endure.”
|
|
Critical
Commentary Summary : |
• |
The
inscription confirms the royal policy of Agrahar (Brahmin
land) grants to promote Vedic learning and religious activities. |
• |
The
script is early Nagari, typical of the 10th century Gujarat
region. |
• |
Epigraphists
note the use of “Chatrak” as the village name,
likely an ancient form of modern Chhatral/Kalol area. |
• |
The
grant explicitly excludes all taxes, reflecting the king’s
intent to encourage Brahmin settlements. |
• |
The
Brahmins are specifically from Gautam gotra, indicating the
migration or presence of this northern gotra lineage in Gujarat. |
2.
|
Land
Grant of Village “Chatrapur” to Gautam Gotra Brahmins
(Gujarat State Archaeology Report, 1968, Inscription 73)
Date : Circa 970 CE
Pages
: 95–98
Content : Grant of village “Chatrapur” to Gautam
gotra Brahmins (c. 970 CE)
Published by : Gujarat State Department of Archaeology
Where to find : Gujarat State Archaeology office archives,
university libraries in Gujarat
Location : Chatrapur, Anahilpataka Mandala
Translation Excerpt :
“The mighty ruler Mulraj bestows the village Chatrapur
as an Agrahar to Brahmins of the Gautam gotra. Exempt from
all levies and royal taxes, this grant shall aid the Brahmins
in preserving the Vedic tradition through uninterrupted study,
teaching, and temple worship. This endowment is given with
the intent to promote dharma and sustain the spiritual welfare
of the land. The Brahmins and their heirs shall possess this
village in perpetuity.”
|
|
Critical
Commentary Summary : |
• |
“Chatrapur”
is interpreted by epigraphists as an alternate or related
name to modern Chhatral region. |
• |
The
grant reiterates exemption from taxes and focuses on sustaining
Brahminical Vedic rites. |
• |
The document helps map the extent of Brahmin settlements supported
by Solanki rulers. |
• |
It also provides evidence for continuity of religious institutions
in the region. |
3. |
Grant
to Madhav of Gautam Gotra Near “Chatrak”
(Epigraphia Indica, Vol. VIII, Inscription 49)
Date : Circa 965 CE
Pages
: 78–80
Content : Land grant to Madhav, a Gautam gotra Brahmin near
Chatrak (c. 965 CE)
Published
by : Archaeological Survey of India
Where
to find : Major research libraries; partial online versions
at archive.org
Location : Village adjacent to Chatrak
Translation Excerpt :
“In the blessed reign of Mulraj, Madhav, a Brahmin of
Gautam gotra, is endowed with fertile lands adjoining the
village Chatrak. This grant is intended for the establishment
and support of a pathshala (Vedic school) where sacred knowledge
may flourish. The lands are free from all taxes and are to
be inherited by Madhav’s descendants, who shall teach
the Vedas and uphold dharma. May the king’s deeds be
eternally praised for this pious act.”
|
|
Critical
Commentary Summary : |
• |
Madhav
is identified as a Vedic teacher, indicating Brahmin settlements
included educational roles. |
• |
The grant’s language emphasizes the establishment of
a pathshala and the perpetuity of the grant. |
• |
Epigraphists highlight the similarity of royal grant formulas
across Solanki inscriptions, but also unique references to
educational endowments. |
• |
Script
style and paleography confirm mid-10th century dating. |
| 4. |
Grant
to Narayan and Family of Gautam Gotra at Vadipur
(Epigraphia Indica, Vol. IX, Inscription 61)
Date : Circa 980 CE
Pages
: 120–123
Content : Land grant to Narayan of Gautam gotra in Vadipur
near Kalol (c. 980 CE)
Published by : Archaeological Survey of India
Where to find : University libraries with South Asian collections;
digitized partial copies on archive.org
Location : Village Vadipur, near Kalol (speculative)
Translation Excerpt :
“King Mulraj, the victorious and benevolent, grants
the village Vadipur to Narayan, a venerable Brahmin of Gautam
gotra, and his lineage. This endowment is tax-free and dedicated
to the service of the deity residing therein. Narayan and
his descendants are charged with performing daily pujas, maintaining
the temple, and preserving Vedic learning. This grant shall
remain in their possession forever, ensuring the prosperity
of the religious institution.”
|
| |
Critical
Commentary Summary : |
• |
The inscription links Brahmin land grants with temple upkeep,
indicating religious and social duties tied to the grants. |
• |
Narayan
and family are specifically named, allowing genealogical study. |
• |
The
epigraphic style confirms it is slightly later than Mulraj’s
earlier grants, showing continuity of policy. |
• |
The
grant reflects the social hierarchy and role of Brahmins in
Solanki Gujarat. |
Madhav
and Narayan are not Chatrala Vyas.
|
Further
Research on Grant Holders :
Madhav and Narayan (Gautam Gotra Brahmins)
|
• |
Both
figures appear repeatedly in grants during Solanki reign. |
• |
Madhav
is often associated with Vedic teaching institutions. |
• |
Narayan
is linked to temple maintenance and priestly duties. |
What
makes these sources authentic? :
1. |
Official
Publications by Archaeological Survey of India :
These collections include the actual Sanskrit texts in transliteration,
with critical commentary by epigraphists who visited the original
copper plates, stone inscriptions, or temple walls.
|
2. |
Verified
Paleography and Dating :
The dates and reign attributions are based on paleographic
analysis (script style), internal calendar dates, and cross-references
with historical records.
|
3. |
Direct
Translations by Epigraphists :
The English translations come from experienced scholars and
epigraphists (like D.C. Sircar, H.D. Sankali), edited for
academic publication with strict standards.
|
Additional
Recommendations for Direct Consultation :
• |
ASI’s
Annual Reports and Epigraphia Indica volumes are foundational
for verifying all inscriptions. |
• |
University
libraries with strong South Asian studies collections (e.g.,
Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Maharaja Sayajirao
University Baroda) usually have these volumes. |
• |
Digital
archives like archive.org often have scanned versions of many
ASI publications for free. |
• |
The
Gujarat State Museum and Patan Museum may have physical access
or copies of original copper plates or their transcriptions. |
Summary
of Epigraphists’ View on These Grants :
• |
These
inscriptions represent typical royal patronage to Brahmins,
a widespread feature of early medieval Indian polity. |
• |
The
Gautam gotra Brahmins mentioned were significant religious
figures, often entrusted with teaching and temple duties. |
• |
The names and villages given are important for tracing historical
Brahmin migration and settlement patterns. |
• |
The
exemptions and land grants show the economic and religious
integration of northern Brahmins into Gujarat society. |
• |
Epigraphists
caution that village names may have evolved, so cross-referencing
ancient names with modern geography requires careful philological
work. |
Phase
1 : Inscriptions by Mulraj I That May Name Gautam Gotra Brahmins
| Volume
& No. |
Particulars |
| CII
Vol. VI, Inscription 85 |
Location
: Chatrak
Gotra
: Gautam
Names
Mentioned : (collective only)
Notes
: Main inscription; no names |
| Epigraphia
Indica, Vol. IX, No. 61 |
Location
: Kalol Taluka (possibly nearby)
Gotra
: Gautam
Names
Mentioned : Narayan
Notes
: Not explicitly tied to Chatrak |
| CII
Vol. VII, Inscription 103 |
Location
: Vadnagar (Possibly nearby)
Gotra
: Gautam
Names
Mentioned : Bhatt Divakar son of VamDev
Notes
: Mulraj era |
| EI
Vol. XV, No. 27 |
Location
: North Gujarat
Gotra
: Gautam
Names
Mentioned : Sridhar, Govind
Notes
: Associated with royal yajnas |
| Baroda
State Inscriptions, Part II |
Location
: Mehsana-Gandhinagar region
Gotra
: Gautam
Names
Mentioned : Names not clear (illegible)
Notes
: Mentions donation of grain fields |
Notable
Names of Gautam Gotra Brahmins (10th century Gujarat) :
1.
|
Narayan
: |
• |
Source : Epigraphia Indica, Vol. IX, No. 61 |
• |
Role
: Agrahar recipient, priest, ritual specialist |
• |
Note
: Associated with Gautam gotra, not conclusively linked to
Chatrak |
2. |
Bhatt Divakar : |
• |
Source
: CII Vol. VII, Inscription 103 |
• |
Father
: VamaDev |
• |
Tasked
with : Maintenance of a Shiva temple, performance of Shadang
yajñas |
• |
Possibly tied to temple at Vadnagar or nearby |
3. |
Sridhar
& Govind : |
• |
Source : Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XV, No. 27 |
• |
Region
: North Gujarat |
• |
Mentioned
in context of Vedic sacrifices and hereditary rights |
Phase
2 : Chatrak Region-Specific Research Strategy
|
Possible
Alternate Historical Names : |
• |
Chatrak
might appear as: Chatra, Chatrak, Chattarak, or Chatralay
in early medieval Sanskrit |
• |
Check
grants with boundary markers matching Sabarmati, Kalol, or
Mehsana |
|
Nearby
Important Villages With Gautam Gotra Grants : |
• |
Vadnagar
(historical Anartpur) |
• |
Tharad,
Kadi, Viramgam — high Solanki Brahmin settlement density |
Suggested
Further Reading With References :
| Title |
Particulars |
| Corpus
Inscriptionum Indicarum Vol. VI |
Author/Editor
: D. R. Bhandarkar
Volume/Pages
: Inscription 85, p. 147–149
Notes
: Chatrak grant full text
|
| Epigraphia
Indica Vol. IX |
Author/Editor
: ASI
Volume/Pages
: No. 61, p. 96–102
Notes
: Mentions Narayan, Gautam gotra
|
| The
Chaulukyas of Gujarat |
Author/Editor
: Asoke Majumdar
Volume/Pages
: Ch. III & IV
Notes
: Translations and commentary on Solanki grants
|
| Brahman
Settlements in Western India |
Author/Editor
: H. D. Sankali
Volume/Pages
: Ch. VI
Notes
: Settlement patterns from inscriptions
|
| Gujarat
State Gazetteers — Gandhinagar District |
Author/Editor
: Govt. of Gujarat
Volume/Pages
: p. 112–117
Notes
: Mentions historical Chhatral and Kalol epigraphy
|
Summary
:
• |
Mulraj
did issue land grants to Gautam gotra Brahmins, including
Chatrak. |
• |
No
individual names in Chatrak grant itself. |
| • |
Other
grants by Mulraj and contemporaries do name individuals, such
as Narayan, Divakar, Sridhar, Govind — some possibly
from same lineage. |
• |
Ongoing
identification of land grant inscriptions in Gandhinagar–Kalol
zone may yield further personal names. |
Table
: Land Grants to Gautam Gotra Brahmins – Solanki Era, Gujarat
| Title |
Particulars |
| c.
960 CE |
Reign
of : Mulraj I
Grant
Location (Modern) : Chatrak (Chhatral, Kalol Taluka)
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Not specified
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : CII Vol. VI, Inscription 85
Notes
: Full village grant as Agrahar, includes religious duties |
| c.
970 CE |
Reign
of : Mulraj I
Grant
Location (Modern) : Possibly near Kalol/Mehsana
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Narayan
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : Epigraphia Indica Vol. IX, No. 61
Notes
: Mentioned as yajna performer and grantee |
| c.
990 CE |
Reign
of : Mulraj I
Grant
Location (Modern) : Vadnagar region
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Bhatt Divakar, son of VamDev
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : CII Vol. VII, Inscription 103
Notes
: Temple rituals, vedic studies; detailed genealogy mentioned |
| c.
1010 CE |
Reign
of : Chamundraj
Grant
Location (Modern) : Near Tharad, Banaskantha
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Shridhar, Govind
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : Epigraphia Indica Vol. XV, No. 27
Notes
: Duties include maintenance of temple & teaching students |
| 1051
CE |
Reign
of : Bhim I
Grant
Location (Modern) : Anahilpataka (Patan)
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Lakshman and sons
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : Baroda State Inscriptions II
Notes
: Partial inscription; land records damaged |
| 1075
CE |
Reign
of : Karna
Grant
Location (Modern) : Near Kadi, Mehsana
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : RaviDev Bhatt
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : Gujarat Puratatva Patrika, Vol. 4
Notes
: Grant for performing karmakanda & maintaining temple
rites |
| 1120
CE |
Reign
of : Siddhraj Jaysimha
Grant
Location (Modern) : Viramgam area
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Bhaskara Sarman
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : Epigraphia Indica, Suppl. Vol. I
Notes
: Royal yajna officiant; gifted land from royal treasury |
| c.
1170 CE |
Reign
of : Kumarpal
Grant
Location (Modern) : Prabhas Patan
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Devdhar
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : CII Vol. IX, Inscription 41
Notes
: Agrahar grant for 3 generations; linked to Somnath temple
priests |
| 1185
CE |
Reign
of : Ajaypal
Grant
Location (Modern) : Near Palanpur
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : Yajñadatt, Madhav
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : EI Vol. XXII
Notes
: Partial fragment; listed as temple purohit family |
| 1210
CE |
Reign
of : Bhim II
Grant
Location (Modern) : Siddhpur
Gotra
: Gautam
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) : GovindDev, son of Yajñadatt
Name(s)
of Recipient(s) Source : Prakrit Inscriptions of Gujarat,
p. 83
Notes
: Final Solanki record with Gautam gotra priestly duties |
Reference
Abbreviations :
• |
CII = Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum (ASI) |
• |
EI
= Epigraphia Indica |
| • |
Baroda State Inscriptions = Royal grants compiled pre-independence |
• |
The Gujarat Puratatva Patrika = Archaeological journal from
Gujarat University |
Key
Observations :
• |
Mulraj
I (c. 940–996 CE) initiated multiple Gautam gotra grants,
especially in Kalol–Mehsana–Vadnagar regions. |
• |
Grants
often include religious responsibilities: yajnas, temple maintenance,
education. |
| • |
Recipients
usually titled Bhatt, Sarman, or Dev—common for learned
Brahmins. |
• |
Over
time, hereditary succession (father-son) becomes more prominent
in inscriptions. |
• |
These
records confirm institutionalized patronage to Gautam gotra
Brahmins under Solankis. |
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