Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Vol. I, Part I: History of Gujarat c8.34

c8.34

unpublished Baroda grant dated Saka 793 (A.D. 871). Both plates record that Dhruva crushed certain intrigues among his relatives or bandhavas, and established himself firmly on the throne. Regarding the troubles at the beginning of his reign the Bagumra plate states that on one side Vallabha the head of the Rashtrakutas was still gainsaid; on another side Dhruva had to face an army of Gurjaras instigated by a member of his own family; thirdly, he was opposed by certain of his relatives or bandhavas; and lastly he had to contend against the intrigues of a younger brother or sons. It further appears from Dhruva II.'s Bagumra plate that he checked an inroad by a Mihira king with a powerful army. This Mihira king was probably a chief of the Kathiawad tribes who on the downfall of the Valabhis spread their power across Gujarat. In all these troubles the Bagumra grant notes that Dhruva was aided by a younger brother named Govindaraja. This Govindaraja is mentioned as appointed by Dhruva the Dutaka of the grant.