The exact origin of the Parihar clan is somewhat unclear, as many Rajput clans and different legends and historical records offer varying accounts. One of the most widely accepted traditions is that the Parihars were originally Kshatriyas from the Suryavanshi solar) lineage, believed to be descendants of the Sun God, Surya. It aligns them with other Rajput clans who trace their ancestry to divine or semi-divine figures.
The Parihars were known to have been warriors and rulers in the region of Malwa and surrounding areas. The clan's name is believed to derive from the term "Parihar," which might relate to a title or a geographical reference.
Parihar clan was the Pariharas of Mandore, who ruled the region around the town of Mandore, near modern-day Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Mandore became an important center for the Parihars, especially in the 6th-7th centuries. They played a key role in the politics and military affairs of Rajasthan, with their kingdom being one of the prominent powers of the era. They eventually became subordinate to the Chauhans and other Rajput dynasties, but they continued to exert influence in the region.
The Pariharas of Malwa are another important branch of the clan. This kingdom was centered in the region of Malwa (modern-day Madhya Pradesh). They were known for their military prowess and for ruling the area during the medieval period, including during the times of the Delhi Sultanate and the early Mughal period. The most famous ruler of this dynasty was Raja Bhoja, who is often cited as a great patron of art and culture and is remembered for his military and architectural achievements.
The Pariharas were involved in various conflicts with other Rajput clans, including the Chauhans, Solankis and the Chandelas. Over time, they faced invasions by Muslim rulers, notably the Delhi Sultanate, which began to disrupt the political landscape of northern and central India.
By the 14th century, the influence of the Parihar clan began to wane, especially as more powerful Muslim empires, like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, expanded into their territories. The Parihars of Mandore, for instance, lost their prominence as the region came under the control of the Mewar Rajputs and the Marathas.
^Wagner, K. (12 July 2007). Thuggee: Banditry and the British in Early Nineteenth-Century India. New Delhi, India, Asia: Springer. pp. 82: Nominally, Parihara was held by Parihar Rajputs and Sursae on the Maratha side of the border by Kachwaha Rajputs, but in reality Kachwaha Rajputs held four of Parihara's 16 villages including Sindouse, while the remaining 12 belonged to Parihar Rajputs. ISBN978-0-230-59020-5.
