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The Kashmir Timeline

Didda

The queen who ruled Kashmir for almost half a century.

Didda photograph

Photo: Old India Coins · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Didda, a princess of the Lohara family, married King Kshemagupta. After his death in 958 she ruled as regent, first for her young son and then for her grandsons, before taking the throne herself in 980. She faced down rebellions and powerful ministers and passed the crown to her own family, founding the Lohara dynasty.

Facts

  • Her husband's coins carried her name alongside his.
  • Kalhana portrays her as ruthless. Some modern historians argue his account reflects hostility to a woman ruling alone.