The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.193.1

v1.c16.193.1

It is evident from the above that Mahīpāla I had a long reign. According to Tāranāth, he ruled for 52 years.² The Imadpur image inscriptions show that he reigned at least for 48 years (*c.* 992-1040 A.D.). I have already referred to the arguments advanced to prove that the year 1026 A.D. of the Sarnath inscription was his last year, or the year immediately following his death, as inconclusive.³ It is evident from the number and distribution of his records that Mahīpāla was a successful king. I have drawn attention to the passage in his grants and subsequent inscriptions which give him credit for having recovered his paternal kingdom (*vāhu-darpād anadhikṛta-viluptaṁ rājyam āsādya pitrām*) by killing his enemies in war. Since the earliest inscription of his reign comes from Samataṭa, it has been assumed by certain scholars that before he succeeded in recovering his ancestral dominions, his kingdom was reduced to that portion of Bengal. They find confirmation of their conclusion in V. 11 of the Bangad plate of Mahīpāla, which according to them informs us that Vigrahapāla II, after losing his kingdom, took shelter in the eastern country where water abounds (*deśe prāci pracura-payasi*).¹ Apart from the fact that the inscription in question (No. 1) is an image-inscription which can be moved from place to place, I would point out that verse 11 of the Bangad grant does not bear that interpretation.