The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c20.31.4

v1.c20.31.4

Pampa gives us the following information about the military achievements of Narasiṁha, the father of Arikesarin, who must have been a contemporary of Indra III. We are told that “when preparing for victory he captured the champion elephants which marched in front, and penetrating and putting to flight the army of the Ghūrjjara-rāja, secured the victory and eclipsed Vijaya (or Arjuna),—this Narasiṁha. Terrified at the army of this Naraga, which fell like a thunderbolt, Mahīpāla fled in consternation, not stopping to eat or sleep or rest. His own horse he bathed at the junction of the Ganges and the sea (*Gaṅgā-vārdhiyoḷ*), thus becoming celebrated; and by his own friend destroying the qualities and character of (?) Saṅga, established with pride the victory of his arm.”² Though the meaning and reference in the latter part of this passage are not clear, yet it is evident that the poet was apparently referring to the achievements of his patron's father, who must have accompanied his sovereign Indra III when the latter overran northern India. The exact date of this victory of the Rāṣṭrakūṭas cannot be settled; but it appears to have happened some time between 915 and 918 A.D. For the Nausari grant of Indra III which is dated in 915 A.D., contains no reference to these victories; and the Daṇḍapur stone inscription of his son Govinda IV shows that he was dead sometime before 23rd December, 918.¹ The defeat of the Gurjara-Pratīhāras appears to have been complete;