The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.82

v1.c16.82

We are told by the composer of this *praśasti* that, aided by the diplomacy (*nīti-kauśala*) of his minister Darbhapāṇi, Devapāla made tributary the whole region from Revā's father (Vindhyas) to the father of Gaurī (Himalayas) and from the eastern to the western ocean whose waters are red with the rays of the rising and setting sun' (V. 5). Thanks again to the wise counsel of the third minister Kedāra Miśra, 'the *Gauḍeśvara* long ruled the sea-girt earth, having eradicated the race of the Utkalas, humbled the pride of the Hūṇas, and scattered the conceit of the rulers of Draviḍa and Gurjara.'¹ Following Kielhorn, scholars usually identify this king of Gauḍa with Devapāla. No doubt many of these claims are much too extravagant to be taken seriously; but apart from these statements, there appears to be sufficient evidence to show that Devapāla really had some military success. The chief rivals of the Pālas at this period were the Gurjaras and the Rāṣṭrakūṭas. The contemporary princes may be arranged in the following tabular form: