2026-06-06 Sat

Vatsaraja was a prominent ruler of the Pratihara dynasty in northern/western India, who reigned approximately 780–800 CE. He is best known by his title Rana Hasti meaning "Elephant King" or "Lord of Battle Elephants," which he adopted after successful military campaigns.

Being the third major king of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, he was also grand-nephew of illustrious founder of the dynasty Nagabhata I. He conducted major military campaigns, and conquering Kannauj. His successful campaigns marked the rise of the Imperial Pratiharas as a major force against Arab invasions and rival Indian kingdoms.

He bear the titles such as Maharajadhiraja, Parameshvara, and Rana hastin. He issued coins with the legend "Shri Rana Hasti" on reverse. The obverse depicted a charging elephant to right. These coins are found in Rajasthan, Saurashtra/Gujarat