Uparamala

Author: Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)

Uparamala (ऊपरमाल), also known as Upper Malava (अपर मालवा), was a historical region in southeastern Rajasthan. It includes Chittorgarh, Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar districts in Rajasthan. It is known for its temples and strategic location. This plateau was a border area between the Aravalli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges and was a significant site for artistic and cultural exchange, influencing architectural styles like Maha-Maru and Maru-Gurjara.

Variants

Uparmal (ऊपरमाल)
Uparamal (ऊपरमाल)
Upper Malava (अपर मालवा)
Uttamadri (उत्तमाद्रि)
Uttama Shikhara (उत्तम शिखर)
Uttamashikhara (उत्तम शिखर)

Geography

Uparamala is part of the Hadoti Plateau in southeastern Rajasthan and is situated between the Aravalli mountains and the Vindhyachal hills.

The platue situated between Bhainsrorgarh in Chittorgarh up to Bijolia in Bhilwara district is known as Uparamala which is mentioned as Uttamadri in Bijolia Inscription.

Rivers

Chittorgarh district: 1. Bamani River - Bhainsrorgarh is an impregnable fort, inhabited from at least the 2nd century BC. It is dramatically positioned between two rivers, the Chambal River and Bamani River.

2. Chambal River

3. Gunjali River - Merges into Rana Pratap Sagar Dam at Rawatbhata in Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan, India.

Jhalawar district – Kalisindh, Ahu, Niwaj, Piplaj, Ghoda Pachhar, Chandrabhaga, Kyasari, Parban, Andheri

Kota district – Chambal, Kali Sindh, Parvati, Ahu, Parban, Niwaj, Andheri

Bundi district – Ghoda Pachhar, Kural, Chambal, Mangli, Mej

Historical Significance

As an "Upper Malava," its name highlights its position overlooking the Malwa plateau. It was a border region that experienced the influence of various ruling powers and artistic styles, such as those of the Guptas, Vakatakas, Paramaras, and Guhilas.

Mahanala temples

The region is home to a group of temples in the Mahanala (Menal) gorge, with structures dating from the 8th to the 13th centuries CE.

Art and Architecture

Uparamala was an important area for the development of architectural styles. It was a place where art styles interacted, and it contributed to the development of the Maha-Maru style of temple architecture. Cultural Context: The region's art and architecture are studied in terms of how they were shaped by the local political and social environments of the time.

ऊपरमाल

चित्तौड़गढ़ के भैंसरोड़गढ़ से लेकर भीलवाडा के बिजोलिया तक का पठारी भाग ऊपरमाल कहलाता है. बिजौलिया शिलालेख में ऊपरमाल के क्षेत्र को 'उत्तमाद्रि' कहा गया है.

External links

References

Back to Jat Regions Back to Jat Kingdoms in Ancient India