The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c16.85

v1.c16.85

In describing the career of Dharmapāla we have already noticed how his preliminary success appears to have been ended by the vigorous attack of Nāgabhaṭa II, who may have even captured Kanauj by ousting Cakrāyudha. But the success of the Gurjara combined the other claimants for Kanauj against him. If we are to believe the Rāṣṭrakūṭa records, the Gurjaras were defeated and the triumphant Deccani army advanced up to the Himalayas. What happened after this is not clear. Whether Nāgabhaṭa still held Kanauj, or whether Cakrāyudha was restored to his throne, is uncertain. But it is likely that the alliance between Govinda and Dharmapāla which is hinted at in the Sanjan plates did not last long; for the Nilgund inscription of Amoghavarṣa tells us that Govinda III fettered the Gauḍas.¹ But the death of Govinda III in *c.* 814 A.D. and the internal dissensions of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas which followed must have come as a welcome relief to the Pālas.² The death of Nāgabhaṭa II in about 933 A.D. and the accession of the weak Rāmabhadra further helped Devapāla to realize his ambition.³ He may have again recovered the same position in Northern India which was enjoyed by his father Dharmapāla for some time. But as the Barah grant of Bhoja, dated in 836 A. D., tells us that it was issued from Mahodaya, it must be assumed that either Devapāla lost ground during the latter part of his reign or that Kanauj remained under the Gurjaras since the time of Nāgabhaṭa II and could not be recovered y the Pālas.¹ (Indeed verse 18 of the Gwalior inscription which refers to Bhoja's victory over Dharmapāla's son appears to indicate a Gurjara success over Devapāla.²)