The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.114.2

v1.c13.114.2

The result was a temporary reconciliation between Mahimān and the queen.¹ One of the bribed Brahmans, Yaśodhara, was made the commander-in-chief, but as soon as he displayed energy in defeating the *Śāhi* Thakkana, Diddā grew suspicious and believed in the accusation that Yaśodhara ‘had taken money for keeping Thakkana on his throne.’² When Diddā attempted to banish him on this charge, his supporters raised a formidable rebellion and besieged her in the palace. But, thanks to the assistance of the minister Naravāhana and the valiant defence of the *Ekāṅgas*, the rebellion was crushed, and the queen took terrible vengeance on her disaffected ministers. We are told that “Those treacherous ministers, who during sixty years from the Laukika era 3977 (A.D. 901-02) onward had robbed sixteen kings, from king Gopāla (varman) to Abhimanyu, of their dignity, lives and riches, were quickly exterminated by the energy of queen Diddā …” This victory induced the grateful queen to make Naravāhana her chief councilllor ‘with the title of *Rājānaka*.’ For sometime “she slept when he slept, took food when he took it, rejoiced in his joy, and from sympathy felt dejected when he was despondent.” But soon Sindhu, the treasurer, put into her head that the minister was gradually trying to usurp royal power.