Mushana

The Mushana Rajput dynasty, of the Chamial clan, ruled the Himalayan state of Chamba in an almost unbroken line from the sixth century. Claiming solar-lineage descent from Ayodhya, its founder Maru settled at Bharmour around 550.

Mushan Varman married the daughter of the raja of Suket and rose to power; legend says he was named for the mice that guarded him as an abandoned baby. Around 920 Sahila Varman moved the capital from Bharmour to Champavati, later called Chamba and said to be named for his daughter.

Ganesa Varman (r. 1512-1559) built Ganeshgarh fortress, and his son Pratap Singh Varman seized Guler in wars with Kangra. Sheltered by its mountains, Chamba largely escaped direct conquest, accepting only nominal Mughal suzerainty under Jahangir.