The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.288.3

v1.c16.288.3

It is possible that the Varmans took possession of portions of Puṇḍravardhana *Bhukti* after the 13th year of Vigrahapāla III. In this case it must be assumed that the Pāla kingdom was fast declining in the latter part of the reign of this ruler. The crisis was hastened by the death of Vigrahapāla III (*c.* 1081 A.D.) He left three sons, Mahīpāla II, Śūrapāla II, and Rāmapāla.¹ Of these the eldest, Mahīpāla II, succeeded him. The history of his reign and of the troublesome period that followed is entirely derived from the *Rāma-carita* of Sandhyākara Nandī. According to this work there was not much love lost between these brothers, and soon after his accession Mahīpāla imprisoned Śūrapāla and Rāmapāla.² Taking advantage of these internal dissensions, Divvoka, a chief of the Kaivartas, who appears to have been at first a servant of the Pālas,³ raised the standard of rebellion in Varendrī, and drove away his master from that part of North Bengal which still remained under the Pālas. Mahīpāla II who is described as lacking in good policy⁴ did not accept the advice of his ministers, but foolishly marched out against the rebel chief with a hastily collected force. The campaign ended in disaster. Mahīpāla was defeated and killed.⁵