Chudasama Clan

The Chudasamas are a celebrated Chandravanshi (Yaduvanshi) Rajput dynasty of Saurashtra, bearing the hereditary title of "Ra". Governing the historic realm of Junagadh and the fortress of Uparkot for over six centuries, they are immortalized in Gujarati folklore for their valor, romance, and fierce defense of Girnar.

Detailed Historical Chronicle

Foundation at Junagadh The dynasty was founded in the 9th century by Ra Chuda (Chudasama), claiming descent from the Yadava princes of Dwarka. The capital was initially at Vanthali before being shifted to the ancient rock fortress of Uparkot in Junagadh, set against the sacred Girnar mountain.

Ra Navghan and Ra Khengar The clan produced celebrated folk heroes: 1. Ra Navghan I (r. 1025–1044 CE): Rescued his foster sister Jahal from the clutches of the Sumra ruler of Sindh, crossing the Rann of Kutch with his warriors to punish the oppressor. 2. Ra Khengar II (r. 1098–1114 CE): Married the famed beauty Rani Ranakdevi. His epic confrontation with the Solanki emperor Siddharaja Jaisinh of Patan ended in tragic martyrdom at Uparkot, immortalized in the Gujarati ballad of Ranakdevi.

The Siege of Junagadh by Mahmud Begada Under Ra Mandlik III (r. 1451–1472 CE), Junagadh was besieged by the powerful Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. Despite valiant resistance within Uparkot and the heights of Girnar, the fort fell in 1472 CE, ending the sovereign reign of the Chudasama Ras of Junagadh. Cadet lines preserved large estates across Dhandhuka, Sarvi, and Saurashtra.