The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.177

v1.c13.177

Thus after many vicissitudes of fortune Harṣa at last became king. He is perhaps the most dazzling figure in the whole range of later Kashmirian history, and produced a profound impression on his contemporaries. About his personal appearance Kalhaṇa says: "He wore earrings which flashed like the reflected image of the sun; on his round, broad head-dress was fixed a high diadem; he used to look round like a pleased lion; his bushy beard was hanging down low; his shoulders were like those of a bull, his arms great, and his body of a dark-reddish complexion; he had a broad chest with a narrow waist and his voice was deep like thunder. Thus even superhuman beings would have lost before him their presence of mind." Already proficient in many languages, a master musician and noted for his liberality, he became as it were a veritable *Kalpavṛkṣa* to the artists and literary men of his time. We are told that the Kashmirian poet Bilhaṇa, who had left his country in the reign of Kalaśa, and had attained high honour as *Vidyāpati* in the court of 'Parmāḍi, the lord of Karṇāṭa,' when he heard this 'thought even his great splendour a mere deception.' His love of magnificence was shewn in his numerous palaces "having golden *Amalaka* ornaments and buildings which reached to the clouds." He introduced into the land "elegant fashions, just as spring brings flowers into the forest." Kalhaṇa tells us that during his reign not only were the courtiers and officials allowed to dress in gorgeous raiments so that each was mistaken in public for a king, but for the first time braided hair, head-dresses and ear ornaments which were long regarded as royal privileges were introduced amongst the nobles.¹ Amongst other innovations Kalhaṇa notices the king's love of *Dākṣiṇātya* fashion and the introduction of coin-types from *Karṇāṭa*. This statement of the chronicler is strikingly verified by the discovery of the gold and silver coins of the 'elephant' type which according to Cunningham are clearly "copied from the coins of Karṇāṭa.'² As an evidence of prosperity Kalhaṇa adds that the 'use of gold and silver *Dinnāra* became plentiful during this reign while that of copper money grew rare.' Though there is certainly a good deal of poetic exaggeration in this statement, yet it is significant that of all the Lohara kings only his gold and silver coins have hitherto been discovered. The king's fondness for amusements was illustrated in the brilliant courts which he held every night. Sleeping only "for two watches of the day...he passed his nights in the assembly-hall, which was illuminated by a thousand lamps, attending meetings of learned men, musical performances and dances.''³