The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c15.88

v1.c15.88

From the invocation of his inscriptions it appears that Ratnapāla was a worshipper of Śiva. The description of his capital, that in it 'eating of flesh is only found in wild beasts'² affords an interesting insight into the form of Śaivism professed by him. Another interesting fact about his faith is the title 'illustrious *Varāha*' applied to him in the Gauhati plates of Indrapāla.³ This seems to indicate that he equally divided his devotion to the two gods. It is not known how far his reign extended beyond the 26th year recorded in his Sualkuci inscription, but scholars are generally agreed that he had a long reign. It appears from the Gauhati plates that Ratnapāla had a son named Purandarapāla, who married Durlabhā and had a son named Indrapāla, through her. Purandarapāla is described as a good poet, a great huntsman, and a successful warrior. It appears however that he did not rule, and perhaps died before his father. Though the mutilation of verse 16 of the inscription makes the point a little doubtful, the fact that Indrapāla omits his father's name and describes himself as 'meditating on the feet' of Ratnapāla, his grandfather in that portion of the inscription which usually contains the donor's father's name, should be taken as conclusive.