A History of Assam c8.47

c8.47

Vana Māla was followed by his son Jay Māla who preferred religious exercises to his kingly duties, and, as soon as his son Vira Bāhu was old enough to rule, he “made over to him the (royal) umbrella, of moon-like whiteness, together with the two (royal) chaunris (or fly whisks) and then, bravely enduring the rite of religious suicide through starvation, became absorbed into the light of the Divine Being.” Vira Bāhu married a princess named Amba, of rank equal to his own and of great beauty. He won many victories over his enemies and then, being attacked by an incurable disease, made over his throne and crown to his son Bala Varman who was “tall of body, in appearance like a lion cub,” victorious in battle, harsh to his enemies, gentle towards religious preceptors, truthful and generous.