The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.248

v1.c13.248

But though peace was thus apparently established, the ominous sound of the drums of the marching Ḍāmaras was still heard from every corner of the land. Each one of the Ḍāmaras appeared to the people ‘as more splendid than the king with his pack horses, parasols, steeds,’ their numerous hosts and castles.¹ While the country had suffered unspeakable sufferings in the long drawn civil war, it had led to the consolidation of the power of these feudal barons, who mercilessly plundered the villages and openly defied the kings. Sussala had tried with all his vigour to turn the tide, but in spite of his energy and ruthless cruelty his sword had failed to re-establish the power of the central government. His son now changed the policy so long followed by his uncle and father. Sheer force of arms had failed to curb the barons. Jayasiṁha now tried to combat the disruptive forces by his Machiavellian diplomacy and unscrupulous cunning; and the very fact that he succeeded in maintaining himself on the throne for 27 years (1128-1155 A.D.) is in itself an ample proof that he gained a substantial measure of success. But the cancer was never cured, and it continued to be the bane of Kashmirian polity even far into the Muhammadan period.²