The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.208

v1.c13.208

Uccala after his accession to the throne (1101 A.D.) tried his best to set matters right. But with "robbers as ministers and feudatories, a brother ready to become a pretender, a land without treasure," he had a difficult task. He removed Sussala from Kashmir by making him independent ruler of Lohara, and then attempted to get his kingdom clear of the (Dāmara) robbers (*dasyu*) by diplomacy, as well as by open acts of repression. By Machiavellian cunning he destroyed the powerful Dāmara Janakacandra, and then proceeding to Maḍavarājya "executed Kāliya and other Dāmaras who were fond of rebellions." Thus, the king who had at first allowed the barons "to rise to high posts in remembrance of their past services, just as a sandalwood tree allows the snakes to climb upon it," mercilessly destroyed them, and for a time at least established his power over the land. He then turned to the task of the reform of internal administration. Kalhaṇa praises Uccala's consideration for the common people and his sense of justice. We are told that "he used to go about alone on horseback, and whenever he heard the people, ignorant that he was the king, remarking upon a fault of his, he would quickly abandon it." As he took a vow that "he would commit suicide if any person should die by starving himself (*prāyopaveśa*) he caused the judges to be careful.' The chronicler gives an interesting story,¹ probably based on genuine historical tradition of Uccala's acuteness in delivering judgment in difficult cases. The king kept the *Kāyasthas*, who 'were worse than crabs,' in check and punished and exposed their corruption before the public. Dismissed and out of employment many of them passed their time in "worrying astrologers by asking them to examine their nativities, dreams, omens and auspicious marks'? while others "ran about night after night begging for anything." Kalhaṇa does not hide his pleasure at these strong steps against this corrupt official class. In times of famine Uccala saved his people from distress by "selling his grain stores at cheap prices." Many of the temples and *maṭhas* which were destroyed in the previous period were also restored by the piety of this ruler.¹