AlhaKhand

AlhaKhand is a cycle of heroic ballads from the Bundelkhand region of central India, forming the core of the Alha–Udal tradition. It centers on the lives and deeds of Alha and his brother Udal, legendary warriors of the Chandel (Chandelas) who ruled Mahoba in the late medieval period. The stories exist in vernacular languages such as Bundeli, with later renderings in other North Indian languages; they were transmitted orally by family lineages of bards and performers and later written down in regional manuscripts. TheAlhaKhand preserves a martial ethos, emphasizing loyalty to rulers, bravery in battle, and the bonds of kinship and community.

The content typically portrays the brothers’ service to the Chandela dynasty, their valor in conflicts with rival kingdoms and invading forces, and the personal costs of war. Recurring themes include honor, sacrifice, love and friendship, and the duties of warriors and leaders. The narratives also reflect social values of the era, including the role of women, dynastic loyalty, and the tension between personal desire and public duty.

Historical scope and interpretation: The Alha–Udal corpus blends history and legend. While some episodes may be anchored in late medieval conflicts around Mahoba, the exact chronology and factual details are contested, and the stories are best understood as epic folklore rather than strictly historical accounts. The tradition is valued for its insights into regional identity, oral storytelling practices, and the development of vernacular epic poetry in north-central India.

See also: Alha-Udal, Bundeli literature, Mahoba.