Chandela

The Chandela or Chandel is a Rajput clan in Central India. A section of the Chandelas which was also known as Chandela Dynasty ruled much of the Bundelkhand region of central India for long periods between the 10th and the 13th centuries. The Chandel dynasty is famous in Indian history for Maharaja Rao Vidyadhara, who repulsed the attacks of Mahmud of Ghazni. His love for sculptures is shown in the world heritage site temples of Khajuraho and Kalinjar fort.

In modern times, the Chandela Rajputs are found in large numbers in India and are Hindu as well as Sikh in their religious faith.

The word 'Chandela' is derived from the word 'Chandra', meaning the moon. Thus the Chandelas are said to be descendants of the moon and are part of the Lunar Dynasty of Rajputs.

History'

From the 9th century to the 13th century, the Chandelas ruled over central India. Their first capital city was Khajuraho, which was later shifted to Mahotsava Nagar or Mahoba. They are regarded to be Chandravanshi; i.e., the descendants of Soma (Sanskrit literal meaning: moon).