The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.251

v1.c13.251

For the time being, however, Jayasiṁha made a splendid start. His brave Commander-in-chief Sujji and the astute Chamberlain (*Pratīhārī*) Lakṣmaka soon baffled all the attempts of Bhikṣācāra to invade the Valley from the south. Utpala, the murderer of Sussala, was also captured and killed. Even when Sujji, driven into exile by the intrigues of the autocratic Chamberlain, joined Bhikṣācāra, Jayasiṁha’s diplomacy succeeded in isolating and destroying the pretender in the castle of Bāṇaśālā (1130 A.D.).³ But his career of success soon received a severe check. Before the jubilations at the destruction of this dangerous enemy was over, there came to the king’s camp at Vijayakṣetra, the news of the loss of Lohara. Through the treachery of some officials, Lothana, the brother of the ex-king Salhaṇa, who had been imprisoned in the castle, escaped from his fetters and captured the fort with all the hoarded treasures. Realizing the danger from the loss of the family stronghold, Jayasiṁha sent a large army under Lakṣmaka to recapture Lohara. But the expedition which was undertaken in the 'fierce heat of early summer,' ended in disaster. When an epidemic of 'cold fever' in the Kashmirian camp compelled Lakṣmaka to retreat, he was suddenly attacked at night by Sujji and Somapāla. The royal army was completely destroyed, and the Chamberlain was taken prisoner. The number of soldiers who died by fever alone is estimated by Kalhaṇa at 10,000.¹ But fortunately Jayasiṁha did not lose his firmness at this calamity. He ransomed Lakṣmaka from Somapāla for 36 lakhs, and tried by intrigues to recover his lost kingdom. For a time however, Lothana, with the able guidance of Sujji, who had become his minister, countered all his attempts with success. But a plot in his court deprived Loṭhana of his crown and raised his nephew Mallārjuna to the vacant throne (1131 A.D.). The new prince however proved to be a feeble ruler, and squandered the wealth accumulated in the castle in extravagance and profligacy. Jayasiṁha was not long in taking advantage of the situation and forced his cousin to pay tribute. After winning over Sujji to his side, he then drove out Mallārjuna from the castle of Lohara in 1132 A.D.² When Sujji, who had been reinstated in his post of Commander-in-chief, became discontented, Jayasiṁha caused him to be treacherously killed, with his friends and relatives. Hardly had the king brought about the fall of Sujji, when he was confronted with an invasion by Mallārjuna and the powerful Dāmara Koṣṭheśvara. But Jayasiṁha's diplomacy again triumphed. Mallārjuna, who had taken up a position in the hills south of Kashmir, was captured in 1135 A.D., and soon afterwards his supporter was also safely lodged in prison.³