The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.192

v1.c13.192

Amongst the various causes of the king's financial distress, Kalhaṇa had specially pointed out his 'extravagant expenditure upon various corps of his army.' These disastrous expeditions only increased his troubles, and led him to impose heavier and more oppressive taxes. By this time not only had he run through the treasures of his father and grandfather and those brought by Utkarṣa from Lohara but also the wealth derived from temple-spoliation. In a desperate effort to raise revenue he appointed "numerous officers, who took their designation from frequent new imposts." "What more need be said?...... he appointed also a 'prefect of nightsoil' to raise revenue." The country groaned under the oppression of the *Kāyasthas*. When things were in such a critical condition, 'the villages were suddenly flooded by an inundation and there arose an extreme scarcity of all wares' due to a famine (A. D. 1099). The price of a *Khāri* of rice rose to 500 *Dinnāras*, while two *Palas* of grape juice cost 1 *Dinnāra*. A plague raged over the land, while 'in broad daylight people were killed by robbers' who took 'golden bowls even from the king's own apartments.' 'Day and night the sound of the funeral music accompanied by loud lamentations' rose on every side.¹