Prithvi Vallabh

Prithvi-Vallabh was a royal title adopted by kings during the Rajput period (600 AD to 1200 AD), initially by the Rashtrakuta (Rathore) rulers of India and later by monarchs from succeeding dynasties. The title was first assumed by Dantidurga, an 8th-century ruler of the Deccan.

Meaning and Significance

The term Prithvi translates to "the earth", while Vallabha means either "head of household" or "lover". Hence, the title Prithvi-Vallabh can be loosely translated as "Lord of the Earth". Since Prithvi was also the name of an earth goddess associated with Lord Vishnu, the use of the title symbolically equated Dantidurga and his successors with the Hindu god Vishnu.

Adoption by Other Dynasties

Apart from the Rashtrakutas, the title was also adopted by the Chalukyas (Solanki) of Vatapi, who succeeded them in the Deccan. It was later used by Munja alias Vakpati of the Paramara Rajput dynasty, which succeeded the Rashtrakutas in the Malwa region.