The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c29.155

v3.c29.155

Narasimha succeeded to the throne as a boy and ruled for thirty-two years. His reign was co-eval with the reigns of Jagadēkamalla and Taila III, and ran into a part of the usurper Bijjala's reign. Though Vishnuvardhana's title to Banavāsi and Nolambavādi had been in a way recognised in 1137 or 1138 under Sōmēsvara III, other royal officers continued to be appointed for the viceroyalty of each of these provinces. These were included in the 'commissionership of the southern treasury' held by Bijjala himself. As a matter of fact no Hoysala inscriptions have come from these provinces dated before the reign of Vīra Ballāla II. During the reign of Narasimha therefore these provinces may be taken to have been outside his territory though his general Bokimayya or Bokana brought under subjection to him the Tulu, the Changālva, the Kongālva territories, and Bayalnādu (Wainād) in 1155. The same general marched upon Bankapura, then in the occupation of the Kadambas, and defeated them. It was during this period that Bijjala was carrying out his scheme of usurpation, and Narasimha obtained some successes both against other viceroys and Bijjala himself by means of the opposition set up to Bijjala's usurpation. In the course of this struggle Narasimha was gradually able to impose his influence upon both Nolambavādi and Banavāsi, leaving his son to complete the conquests of these provinces. Narasimha died in 1173, and was succeeded by his son Vīra Ballāla II, who ruled for forty-seven years, from 1173 to 1220.