Indian Epigraphy c11.t9.22

c11.t9.22

Sometimes a dynasty had its dhvaja and ketu clearly distinguished or had more than one emblem for the dhvaja. We have already referred to the bull and Khaṭvāṅga dhvajas of the Pallavas. The Imperial Rāṣṭrakūṭas claimed to have the *Pāli-dhvaja*,¹ the *Oka-ketu* and the *Garuḍa-lāñchana*. It may be that originally they had the *Garuḍa* emblem on their seal and the *Oka* or bird on their banner, while the *Pāli-dhvaja*² was acquired by them at a later date after defeating their enemies. This is suggested by the fact that, though the Cālukya kings of Badami had the figure of the boar on their seal, and also on their banner according to the Nesari plates, Vinayāditya claimed to have acquired the *Pāli-dhvaja* after defeating some northern enemies.³ Hopkins has shown that a charioteer had at times at least two ensigns. One of the two may have been depicted on the flag. Bhīṣma had the *Tāla-dhvaja* (banner of the palmyra tree) and the ensign of five yellow stars and a blue silk flag. Similarly, Droṇa had a *kamaṇḍalu* (pot) and also a *vedi* of gold as his emblems.⁴