Sangramaraja or Samgramaraja ( IAST: ) was the founder of the

Lohara dynasty The Lohara dynasty were Hindu rulers of Kashmir in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, between 1003 and approximately 1320 CE. The early history of the dynasty was described in the ''Rajatarangini'' (''Chronicle of Kings''), a work w ...

and ruled Kashmir from 1003 to 1028. He is credited for having defeated

Mahmud of Ghazni Yamīn-ud-Dawla Abul-Qāṣim Maḥmūd ibn Sebüktegīn ( fa, ; 2 November 971 – 30 April 1030), usually known as Mahmud of Ghazni or Mahmud Ghaznavi ( fa, ), was the founder of the Turkic Ghaznavid dynasty, ruling from 998 to 1030. At th ...

's invasion attempts of Kashmir.India - Early History, Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 201
p.63
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Rule

Sangramaraja was adopted by his aunt

Didda Didda (1003 CE), also known as ''The Catherine of Kashmir'' was the ruler of Kashmir from 980 CE to 1003 CE. She first acted as regent for her son and various grandsons from 958 CE to 980 CE, and from 980 CE as sole ruler and monarch. Most knowled ...

and appointed as her heir and become the ruler in 1003. His rule lasted till 1028.Stein (1900), Vol. 2, p. 294. Sangramaraja's queen was Srilekhā, who was very talented and advised Sangramaraja in his rule and when Mahmud of Ghazni attempted to invade Kashmir.

Battles against Mahmud of Ghazni

In 1014, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the Kabul Shahi kingdom. The Kabul Shahi ruler Trilochanapala appealed to Sangramaraja for assistance against Mahmud. Sangramaraja responded by sending a large army under his commander-in-chief, Tunga to aid Trilochanapala. In the ensuing battle, Trilochanapala was defeated. Antagonized by Sangramaraja's having helped Trilochanapala, Mahmud invaded Kashmir. He advanced along the Tohi river valley, planning to enter Kashmir through the Tosamaidan pass. However, his advanced was checked by the strong fort of Loharkot. After having besieged the fort for a month, Mahmud abandoned the siege and retreated, losing many of his troops on his way and almost losing his own life as well. In 1021, Mahmud again attempted to invade Kashmir, but was again not able to advance beyond the Loharkot fort. After the two failed invasion attempts, he did not attempt to invade Kashmir again.

References

{{reflist History of Kashmir Rulers of Kashmir