Avanti Varman (Utpala dynasty)

Avanti Varman was a king who founded the Utpala dynasty. He ruled Kashmir from 855 to 883 CE and built the Avantiswami Temple.

Avanti Varman was the grandson of Utpala and was raised by Utpala's minister Sura. He ascended the throne of Kashmir on 855 CE, establishing the Utpala dynasty and ending the rule of Karkota dynasty. Avanti Varman appointed Suyya, an engineer and architect as his prime minister. The country's economy had been badly affected due to the numerous civil wars over the last forty years and Avanti Varman reign restored the economy. Suyya carried out desilting of Jhelum river and diverted the river's course.

Avanti Varman was a patron of arts and the most notable scholar of his time was Anandhavardana, the author of Dhvanyaloka. He founded the cities of Avantipur, named after him and Suyapur, named after Suyya. He built many Hindu temples dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva and Buddhist monasteries. Notable among the temples were the temples of Avantiswara and Avantiswami dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu respectively in Awantipur.

Avanti Varman dies in 883 CE and his death was followed by another civil war. The throne was captured by Sankaravarman in 885 CE, who ruled till 902 CE.