The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.102

v1.c13.102

The child-king Saṁgrāmadeva, who was nicknamed *Vakrāṅghri* (crooked-footed), was installed as king under the guardianship of his grandmother. But the real power was wielded by the six *mantris*, Parvagupta and his five colleagues. Parvagupta had been intriguing to seize the crown since the days of Unmattāvanti. He now put out of the way the others, together with the king's grandmother, and began to display conduct which "created the mingled impression of *rājan* and *rājānaka*." Disarming suspicion by serving the child-king by bringing him food, etc., he eluded the 'hostile *Ekāṅgas*' under the cover of a heavy snowfall, and, surrounding the palace, killed the boy-king in A.D. 949. Then, throwing the dead body, 'with a stone bound to his neck,' into the Vitastā, he seated himself on the vacant throne.²