The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.399

v1.c16.399

A.D.).¹ Verses 8-9 of the Deopara inscription describe the activities of Sāmantasena in the following terms :—“‘This hero singly slaughtered the wicked robbers of the wealth of Karṇāṭa overrun by hostile tribes to such an extent that the ruler of goblins, whose citizens are delighted, does not even now leave the *southern quarters* where the store of marrow, flesh and fat is not yet exhausted. In his old age, he frequented the sacred hermitages in the woods by the sandy banks of the Ganges, full of religious devotees, doing battle against the terrors of life, (hermitages) which were fragrant with the smoke of sacrificial butter ; where the young deer relished the milk of the breasts of indly hermits’ wives ; (and) where crowds of parrots knew by rote the texts of the Vedas.” When this is read with the statement of the Naihati grant of Ballālasena that he sprang from the lunar race of the *Rājaputras*, who were ornaments of Rāḍhā it is clear that Sāmantasena, though engaged in military campaigns in the south,² probably in the interest and service of a Karṇāṭa prince, was settled in Rāḍhā, possibly its northern part, which was closer to the Ganges.³