The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.263

v1.c13.263

The history of the next period, *i.e.*, from 1148-49 to 1339 A.D. roughly a period of 200 years, is the record of the gradual decline of Hindu power in the Valley, till it was supplanted by Islam. We can only trace a brief outline of the incidents that happened during this time with the help of Jonarāja’s chronicle and occasional help from Muslim sources. According to Jonarāja, Jayasiṁha ruled for another five years, during which he undertook a successful expedition against an unknown Muslim (*Yavana*, *Turuṣka*) king.⁴ On his death in Phālguna, 1154-55 A.D., he was succeeded by his son Paramāṇuka. This king neglected the duty of protecting his subjects, and only took steps to fill his own treasury with the assistance of two rapacious officers Prayāga and Janaka. He did not undertake any foreign expeditions and gradually he became a mere tool in the hands of his two ministers. His inglorious reign came to an end in Bhādra, 1164-65 A.D., after lasting 9 years 6 months and ten days.¹ He was succeeded by his son Vantideva, who died in 1171-72 A.D.² With him the Lohara dynasty seems to have come to an end, for Jonarāja tells us that after his death 'the citizens for want of a worthy successor elected one named Vuppadeva.'³ He was 'like the *Rākṣasa* chief covered with grass.' Jonarāja describes him as a great fool, and relates some humorous incidents illustrating his character, one of them being an order to increase the size of stones by feeding them with milk. When he died, after a reign of 9 years 4 months and 2½ days (*c.* 1180 A. D.), the throne passed to his brother Jassaka,⁴ who proved to be a still greater dunce. In spite of his unwillingness to accept the responsibility of the kingdom, the *Lavanyas* (Ḍāmaras) crowned him, no doubt thinking that their chances of aggrandisement increased with the weakness of the central government. During this reign the two Brahman brothers Kṣukṣa and Bhīma rose to great power, and were only prevented from seizing the throne by their fear of the feudal barons. Jassaka reigned for 18 years and 10 days, and died in Māgha of *c.* 1198 A.D.⁵ He was succeeded by his son Jagadeva. Jonarāja gives a favourable description of this ruler. He was well versed in science, and is said to have, like a surgeon, extracted the dart of evil laws from the country. He 'looked with an equal eye on the servants of the state,' and did his best to establish peace in the country. But the officers soon drove this inconvenient ruler out of the country. With the assistance of a loyal minister named Guṇākara-rāhula the king succeeded in recovering his throne. But he was soon after poisoned by Padma, his ‘lord of the gate,’ and died after a reign of 14 years 6 months and 3 days (*c.* 1212-13 A.D.).¹