The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.81

v1.c13.81

Aided by the weak rule of Śaṅkaravarman's successors, these organisations assumed the character of close corporations, and began to play the part of "true Praetorians." Kalhaṇa tells us that in the reign of Sugandhā the *Tantrins* "had formed a confederacy, and were strong enough to punish or to favour the rulers of this land." She carried on her administration for two years, relying on the *Ekāṅgas* and through the good will of the *Tantrins*.¹ But the moment she tried to take an independent line, she came into conflict with them and was hurled from power. As Avantivarman's family had died out, she assembled the *mantris*, *sāmantas*, *Tantrins*, and the *Ekāṅgas* in council and proposed to invest Nirjitavarman, a grandson of Śūravarman, and a son of Sukhavarman, with regal power. This prince was notorious under the nickname *Paṅgu*, and was in the habit of spending the night in dissipation and all day in sleep. Her proposal therefore did not meet with ready acceptance. The *Tantrins* in the meantime united in a separate faction and placed Pārtha, the ten-year old son of Nirjitavarman, on the throne (906 A. D.). The unfortunate queen was compelled to leave the royal palace, "making her rolling tears take the place of a necklet of pearls." In 914 A. D. she came out from her retirement at Huṣkapura (mod. Uskur), and tried to recover her power with the assistance of the *Ekāṅgas*. In the struggle that followed the *Tantrins* were victorious. The union of the *Ekāṅgas* was broken while the unfortunate queen herself was taken prisoner and put to death (914 A. D.).²