The origin of the Gahadvalas is a subject of controversy among the different historians. Some scholars consider the Gahadvalas as a sub branch of the Rashtrakutas while others regard it as Separate dynasty.. According to tradition, after the decline of Kannauj, Jayachandra`s brother Manakchanda went to Bizapur and there he founded the dynasty of the Gahadvalas. The name of the Gahadvalas is nowhere found in the 56 dynasties of the Kshatriyas described in `Rajatarangini` and `Kumara-pala-charit`. The Gahadvalas might have been a branch of one of the said dynasties and it might also be a branch of the Rashtrakutas. Sarnath inscription describes separately the two dynasties of the Gahadvalas and Rashtrakutas. It is also possible that in the confusion and disorganization arising after the decline of the Pratiharas, the Gahadvalas and the Rashtrakutas were considered to belong to the same dynasty.

Yashovigraha, first ruler of Gahadvala dynasty
Some historians say that Yashovigraha was the first ruler of the Gahadvala dynasty. Various inscriptions indicate that Yashovigraha has made some conquest. But he was probably the samanta of Kalchura king Lakshmikanta because the titles of `Maharajadhiraja` or `Pram-bhattaraka` has not been used for him.

Mahi Chandra, Gahadvala Dynasty
He was perhaps the son of Yashovigraha. He is also known as Mahilata or Mahipala. He had also made some conquests like his father. Probably, he was also a samanta ruler. But there is not much information known about him.

Chandradeva independent ruler of the Gahadvala Dynasty
The titles of `Prambhattaraka`, `Maharajadhiraja`, `Parmeshwara` etc., have been used for Chandradeva and therefore he appears to be the first independent ruler of this dynasty.

According to historians he ascended the throne of Kannauj in 1090 A.D. after defeating a samanta named Gopala. Some information can be known about the terrible war between them from the Sarnath inscription.

There was a controversy among the historians with regard to the name of Sarnath Gopala. However, it is obvious that Chandradeva had to fight many wars to establish his kingdom. According to a historian the empire of a Chandradeva extended to Kashi, north Kosala and Indraprastha. That is to say he had established his authority over Kanyakubja, Ayodhya and neighbouring regions of Delhi. It is said that after conquering a large portion of Madhya Pradesh and establishing his authority over it, Chandradeva attacked the eastern India and fought against Rampala of Pala dynasty. But some of the books named `Rramcharit` and `Chandravati` inscription indicate that Chandradeva suffered a defeat at the hands of Rampala. Mainly Varanasi was the capital of Chandradeva but after some time he made Kannauj as his capital.

Chandradeva was a very generous ruler and is famous for giving charities. An inscription states that according to historians, 1103 A.D. was the last date of the reign of Chandradeva.

Madanpala, Gahadvala Dynasty
Madanpala was the son of Chandradeva. According to some historians he remained mostly sick. And because of this reason a committee of five men comprising of the prince, purohita, chief queen, mahattaka and pratiharas administered the kingdom. It has been learnt from some inscriptions that when he ascended the throne, there had been an invasion of the Muslims and that the ruler of Kannauj was made a prisoner. However, the Muslims could remain Kannauj for a long time and Madanpala got rid of them by giving them a lot of money.

At the time when Madanpala was fighting against the Muslims, he had also to fight against king Rampala of Pala dynasty in the east. Rampala had defeated the father of Madanpala i.e. Chandradeva but this time he was defeated and the Gahadvalas came out victorious. The inscription of Radana and `Krily kalpataru` indicate the conquest of the Gahadvalas.

Thus Madanpala defended and preserved the kingdom inherited by his father. According to some historians, he left the work of administration in 1109 A.D. though he died in 1114 A.D.

Govinda Chandra of Gahadvala Dynasty
Madanpala was succeeded by his son, Govind Chandra in 1114 A.D. He is supposed to be the most powerful king of his dynasty. He had proved his ability during the lifetime of his father who had given all the powers of administration in his lifetime. When he was yuvraj, he had defeated and killed Masuda it`s senapati, Haziba Tugatagina. On his accession to the throne, he followed an imperialistic policy.

Vijaya Chandra of Gahadvala Dynasty
Govinda Chandra had left the work of administration since 1154 A.D. and after him, his son, vijaya chandra, who is also known as Malladeva or Vijayapala ascended the throne. According to `Prithviraj raso`, he had conquered king Mukundadeva of Katak, Anangpal, the ruler of Delhi and king Bholabhima, the ruler of Pattanapura. He had established his authority over Tilangana, Karnataka and Kokana regions. But some historians do not believe in the description of `Prithviraj raso.`

Jaya Chandra of the Gahadvala Dynasty
After the death of Vijaya Chandra his son Jaya Chandra became the king in 1170 A.D. He ruled for 24 long years. According to Muslim writers, he was the greatest king of India during that period.

There is not much information about the administration of Jaya Chandra. However, it is known that he had a big army.

Harish Chandra of Gahadvala Dynasty
After the death of his father, Harish Chandra became the king of a small area of Kanyakubja. On the basis of certain inscriptions, it is certain that he had become the king but it is not known whether he had acquired full powers of a king or had only limited powers. It is said as Prithvi raj`s son Kola was given the area of Ajmer by Shahabuddiri on the condition that he will pay tributes to Gauri or his representatives, in the same way Harish Chandra was allowed to retain the area of Kanyakubja.

It is not known as to how many years Harish Chandra ruled but it is certain that after him the Gahadvala dynasty came to an end.