The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.53.3

v1.c13.53.3

His only conquest probably was the *Ṭakka-deśa*, the region between the upper waters of the Chenab and the Ravi.² This land Alakhāna is said to have humbly given up, " preserving his own country, as (if he had saved) his own body (at the sacrifice) of a finger." The Gūrjara lord was no doubt saved from a more serious defeat by the support of Lalliya *Śāhi*, against whom however Śaṅkaravarman does not appear to have gained any success. The only other expedition of this king was towards the Indus through the Bārāmūla defile, and was undertaken to avenge the death of his *dvārādhipa*³ at Vīrānaka, in the Vitastā valley, below the gate of Bārāmūla. Kalhaṇa informs us that after destroying Vīrānaka the king conquered numerous territories on the banks of the Sindhu (Indus) and received the homage of their terror-stricken kings. As he was marching back through Uraśā from this expedition he was fatally wounded in the neck, by a " swift-flying arrow " discharged by a *Śvapāka*, in the course of a conflict with the inhabitants. While the arrow was being pulled out he died, in the Laukika era 3977 (A.D. 902).⁴ In describing the subsequent march of the army towards Kashmir, Kalhaṇa tells us that it reached " Bolyāsaka in their own territory " after 6 days' march.⁵ This shows that in spite of the energetic efforts of Śaṅkaravarman he could not extend the boundaries of his state beyond the limits of the sub-montane regions adjoining Kashmir on the west and south.