New Delhi: Kashmir’s rich history is filled with the stories of great rulers, and one of its most intriguing figures is Queen Didda. Often described as one of the most powerful rulers of medieval Kashmir, Queen Didda has been both revered and vilified throughout history. While some have compared her to Catherine the Great of Russia, others have labeled her a witch or worse. Her story is one of power, manipulation, and sheer will, but it’s also one that has been tainted by historical biases. Let’s delve into the fascinating tale of Queen Didda, who ruled Kashmir for four decades and left an indelible mark on its history.
Why Didda Was Called the Witch Queen
According to historian Dr. Danpal Singh, Queen Didda was despised by many male nobles of her time, who went so far as to call her a witch and even accuse her of being immoral. It is from this hatred that she earned the notorious title of “Witch Queen.” Despite this, Didda’s administrative skills were highly praised, and some historians have even compared her to Catherine the Great for her ability to rule effectively in a male-dominated world. Didda relied on her intelligence more than her emotions and was known for her pragmatic approach to ruling. Singh also points out that much of Kashmir’s history was manipulated during the subsequent Muslim rule, where attempts were made to tarnish Didda’s legacy, labeling her as immoral, which, he argues, is untrue.
A Crippled Queen with a Strong Hand
Kalhana, the famous Kashmiri historian who authored the Rajatarangini, writes that Didda was born into the Lohara dynasty, now known as the Loharin community of Poonch. She was the daughter of King Simharaja. Didda suffered from a physical disability, as she had a lame leg, earning her the label “crippled” from her critics. However, her disability did not hinder her ambition or ability to rule. She was often seen with her trusted companion, a woman named Valga, who helped her move around. Didda even built a monastery named after Valga later in her reign. To make up for her physical vulnerability, Didda always carried an iron glove on her hand, symbolizing her resilience and strength.
When a King Became Mesmerized by Didda’s Intelligence
Dr. Danpal Singh recounts the story of King Kshemagupta of Kashmir, who was infamous for his indulgence in gambling and hunting. Despite his reputation, the king was captivated by Didda’s sharp mind. In 950 CE, even though she was disabled, he proposed to her, and their marriage brought Didda to the capital of Srinagar. Over time, Didda’s influence grew, and her husband became so taken by her intellect and beauty that he began to engrave her name, “Diddakshema,” on the royal coins of the kingdom. However, this move angered many nobles, further fueling animosity against her.
Defying Tradition: Didda Refuses to Commit Sati
In 958 CE, King Kshemagupta died after contracting a fever while hunting. At the time, the custom of sati—where a widow would immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre—was expected of royal women. Didda, however, refused to follow this tradition. Instead, she secured her young son Abhimanyu’s claim to the throne and took control of the kingdom as the regent. This bold move only deepened the conspiracies and political intrigue within the royal court, as powerful factions sought to undermine her authority.
A Ruthless Politician: Didda’s Mastery of Statecraft
Didda was not one to shy away from using every political tool available to maintain her grip on power. Kalhana writes that the court was a hotbed of intrigue and plots, with everyone scheming against each other. Didda used bribery, alliances, and even murder to eliminate her enemies. Her most formidable opposition came from her late husband’s nephew, Mahiman, and another noble named Patala, both of whom had ambitions for the throne. She cleverly bribed influential noblemen, offering them prestigious positions in exchange for their loyalty. Gradually, Didda neutralized her rivals, either through cunning or by arranging their deaths.
Accusations of Lust and Filicide
The untimely deaths of her son Abhimanyu and later her grandson Nandigupta fueled rumors that Didda was responsible for their demise. Critics alleged that she orchestrated their deaths to satiate her own lust for power, a claim that has been widely debated by historians. Dr. Danpal Singh dismisses these accusations, stating that such allegations were likely the result of a misogynistic nobility who could not tolerate a woman wielding such power. According to Singh, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Didda had her sons killed.
The Entry of Tunga: Didda’s Rise Continues
In 975 CE, after the death of her grandson Nandigupta, Didda placed her third grandson, Bhimagupta, on the throne. It was during this time that a young man named Tunga, originally a humble cowherd from Poonch, entered her life. Impressed by his capabilities, Didda elevated him to the position of prime minister and commander of the army. This sudden rise of Tunga, who came from a lowly background, angered many in the court. Rumors began to swirl that Didda had a personal relationship with Tunga and was using her influence to place him in power. However, as Dr. Singh points out, the court was rife with conspiracies and rumors, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction.
Didda’s Military Brilliance: The Battle of Afghanistan
Didda’s strategic prowess extended beyond the palace. She personally led an army against the Afghan ruler Vushmegir, commanding only 500 soldiers against an Afghan force of 38,000. Using guerrilla warfare tactics, Didda’s army achieved a stunning victory in just 45 minutes. Her enemies were crushed, with Vushmegir’s general being trampled to death under her war elephant.
Did Didda Defeat Mahmud of Ghazni?
One of the most debated aspects of Didda’s reign is whether she successfully repelled the famous invader Mahmud of Ghazni. Some sources, such as Kashmiri writer Ashish Kaul’s popular book Didda: The Warrior Queen of Kashmir, suggest that she defeated Mahmud. However, Dr. Singh argues that this claim is historically inaccurate. Mahmud’s invasion took place after Didda’s death, though it is possible that Kashmir’s terrain and Didda’s formidable military legacy discouraged him from attacking during her lifetime.
The End of Didda’s Rule
Didda ruled Kashmir until 1003 CE, when she finally handed over the throne to her nephew, Sangramaraja. Shortly after, Didda passed away, marking the end of one of the most remarkable reigns in Kashmiri history. Though her reign was followed by invasions from Mahmud of Ghazni, the Afghan invader was never able to conquer Kashmir during her time.
Queen Didda remains a controversial yet fascinating figure in Indian history. While she has been called many names—some honorable, others less so—her ability to navigate the treacherous waters of medieval politics is undeniable. Today, Didda’s legacy is being re-examined, and she is slowly gaining recognition as one of the most powerful women rulers in Indian history.