The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c14.20.1

v1.c14.20.1

The rise of Aṁśuvarman is one of the most interesting incidents in the history of Nepal. It seems likely that the Ṭhākuris, to which tribal group Aṁśuvarman belonged, held ministerial offices before the reign of Śivadeva. In the reign of the latter we find the *Mahāsāmanta* Aṁśuvarman’s name associated with that of his sovereign in several charters, three of which are dated in the Licchavi era 518, 519, and 520.² All these inscriptions are issued from *Mānagṛha*, the royal residence of the Licchavi kings built by Mānadeva. During this period he must have gradually assumed the position of the ‘mayor of the palace,’ and according to the Vaṁśāvalīs, strengthened his position by marrying the daughter of his sovereign. By the time the Harigaon inscription was issued, the revolution that was slowly taking place was complete. Śivadeva has disappeared from the inscriptions, which are now dated in a fresh era, and are issued from *Kailāsakūṭabhavana*, no doubt a new palace constructed by the usurper. Like the Nizāms and Peshwas of Mughul history, he however still retained his humble title of *Mahāsāmanta*, and is sometimes even given the simple honorific of *Śrī*.