The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c19.s2.t3.6

v1.c19.s2.t3.6

This inscription supplies some facts of considerable historical importance. Kielhorn had already pointed out that the unknown elder brother of Jejja, who is reported to have conquered Lāṭa after defeating the Karṇātas, must be placed in the period 757-812 A.D., during which we know little about Lāṭa.¹ It thus appears likely that he may have conquered portions of Gujarat by defeating the armies of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas of the Deccan (*Karṇāṭas*) after the death of Kakkarāja, the local Rāṣṭrakūṭa ruler, in 757 A.D. The Nāgāvaloka defeated by Karkarāja has also been identified by Kielhorn with the Gurjara-Pratīhāra Nāgabhaṭa II (*c.* 815-33 A.D.).² The enmity between these Rāṣṭrakūṭas and the rising power of the Gurjara-Pratīhāras appears to have brought them into friendly alliance with the Pālas of Bengal and Bihar. This is shown by the probable identification of the Parabala of our inscription with the Rāṣṭrakūṭa Parabala of the Pāla records.³ The marriage of Raṇṇādevī, the daughter of Parabala, with Dharmapāla (*c.* 769-815 A.D.) must be accepted as the outward symbol of the close alliance between these two enemies of the Gurjara power. Another interesting fact is the mention of the *Pāli-dhvaja* banner in connection with the victories of Karkarāja and Parabala. The possession of this flag was claimed by both the Calukyas of Vātāpi⁴ and the Rāṣṭrakūṭas of Malkheḍ.⁵