Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c29.308

c29.308

The great slaughter of kṣatriyas in the battle must have seriously weakened the stability of the kingdoms, especially in the north-west, which was faced by hostile frontier tribes. Consequently it is not surprising that the accounts indicate disorganization. Nāgas established themselves at Takṣaśilā and assailed Hastināpura—which indicates that the Panjab kingdoms that played so prominent a part in the battle had fallen, and certainly little more is heard of them.¹ The Nāgas killed Parikṣit II, but his son Janamejaya III defeated them and peace was made. Still they held the north-west, the principalities on the Sarasvatī and at Indraprastha disappeared, and Hastināpura remained the outpost of the Hindu kingdoms of North India.²