The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.69

v1.c13.69

Kalhaṇa records with bitterness that under this rule the learned men lost all respect while power fell more and more into the hands of the plundering *Kāyasthas*. The king “from fear of having to be liberal was averse to the society of distinguished men,” and “poets like Bhallaṭa, and others had to lead the meanest existence.” This Bhallaṭa has been identified with the author of the extant *Bhallaṭaśataka* and the dictionary called *Padamañjarī*, who is often quoted by Kṣemendra.³ The king, according to Kalhaṇa, did not speak “the language of the gods (among men, *i.e.*, Sanskrit), but used vulgar speech (*apabhraṁśa*) fit for drunkards,” and under him cultured habits became the object of ridicule.⁴ But that he was not entirely heterodox is shown by his building of two temples of Śiva, *Śaṅkaragaurīśa* and *Sugandheśa*, which were raised in a city built by him and named Śaṁkarapura (Mod. Paṭan, a village, 74° 37′ long. 34° 10′ lat.), after himself. Kalhaṇa with evident pleasure remarks that this city was only known “for the weaving of (woollen) cloths, purchase and sale of cattle, etc.,” and never became famous like Parihāsapura, which the king plundered to build his city.¹