Utpala Dynasty

When the Karkota Dynasty was on the verge of collapsing as it was both politically and economically weak, it gave the way to Utpala Dynasty to rise up.

Rulers of Utpala Dynasty

• Avantivarman: He was the founder of Utpala dynasty in 855-883 AD and was a strong administrator. He took actions to stabilize the state and to regain the power. He had cut the powers of Damaras, rural aristocrats causing internal problems. As a result, focussed on irrigation and even changed the course of the river Vitasta now Jhelam to prevent the state from floods. Thus, prosperity of entire region took place and he became a beloved emperor. In this time, temples were built and Brahmans were given liberty.
• Sankaravarman: He was son of Avantivarman. After his death the state came to civil war which later came into his fortune. He gave up the peace policy of his father and invaded to Darvabhisra and defeated lord Alakhana.  He died in 902AD returning from an expedition through the Hazara country. Military operations imposed heavy drainage from the treasury and heavy taxes were imposed on the people. Although he tried to regain by fiscal extortion plundered temples but the losses could not be recovered.

Conclusion

In the time of later Karkotas, the kingdom had suffered greatly from political and economical troubles. All the efforts were exhausted in making kingdom strong and united. Later on the situation was controlled. Brahmans were granted special benefits and new temples were constructed.  Soon the dynasty came to an end in 939AD after the death of Gopalavarman.