The Solanki clan of Gurjars had ruled Gujarat, a major center of Indian Ocean trade from about 960 to 1243; their capital at Anhilwara (Patan) is one of the largest cities in India, with a population estimated at one hundred thousand in the year 1000.
After 1243, the Solkanis had lost control of Gujarat to their feudatories, of whom the Vaghela chiefs of Dholka come to dominate.
Virdhaval is the first Vaghela king; two of his ministers, Vastupal and Tejpar, build the exquisite Dilwara Temples on Mount Abu in Rajasthan, and temples at the Girnar and Shetrunjay hills.
Virdhaval is succeeded in 1262 by his son Vishaldev, who will go to build temples at Dabhoi and found Vishalnagar.
