The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.351.1

v1.c16.351.1

It is certain from the records cited above that Rāmapāla's reign extended over at least 42 years (*c.* 1084-1126 A.D.). It is interesting to note in this connection that Tāranāth assigns him a reign of 46 years.² Among his ministers the *Rāma-carita* refers to the *Sāndhi(vi-grahika)* Prajāpati Nandī, while the Kamauli grant mentions the *Saciva* Bodhideva. Bodhideva's father Yogadeva served in the same capacity under Vigrahapāla III. The same inscription mentions Rāmapāla's queen Madanadevī. Sandhyākara Nandī tells us that this Pāla king, when residing at Monghyr heard of the death of his uncle Mathana and committed suicide by entering the sacred waters of the Ganges.³ Rāmapāla had more than one son. The commentator of the *Rāma-carita* refers to prince Rājyapāla, who materially assisted his father in his preparations and campaigns against the Kaivartas. From his comments on I, 23, it is clear that Rāmapāla had at least two more sons.⁴ The Manahali grant of Madanapāla gives us the names of Kumārapāla and Madanapāla as his sons. Tāranāth refers to his son Yakṣapāla who according to him ascended the throne three years before his father's death, and ruled for a year.⁵ The possibility of a son of Rāmapāla undertaking the administration of the state before his death is supported by the *Rāma-carita*, which tells us that Rāmapāla used to reside in Rāmāvatī after entrusting the kingdom to his son (*Sūnu-samarpita-rājya*).¹ But unfortunately he does not mention the name of the son.