The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.222

v1.c13.222

The character of the new king is represented by Kalhaṇa 'as the same as that of his elder brother.' Like him, "he kept ever his sword unsheathed from an apprehensive expectation of treason.” Though ‘by nature gentle,’ the wickedness of the people had hardened him, and he only ‘displayed outward moderation when his object demanded it.’ But though he did ‘not tolerate any improper arrogance on the part of his servants’ unlike his brother he was free from the petty jealousy ‘on account of dress and such matters of his officers.’ Nor was he fond, like Uccala, of killing proud people by inducing them to fight duels. Harshness of speech, a blot on his brother’s character, was also absent in him; but he also lacked his brother’s liberality in money matters. Kalhaṇa specially notices his great eagerness for collecting wealth and the fewness of the occasions when he showed liberality. But he had all the vigour of his elder brother. A renowned horseman and a brave soldier, he vainly struggled till his death to check the rank growth of disruption and anarchy.¹