The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c20.99

v1.c20.99

The existence of Rājyapāla is revealed by the *Jhusi grant* of Trilocanapāla, dated in V.S. 1084 (A.D. 1027).¹ We know from this inscription that *Pb.-M.-P.* Rājyapāla meditated on the feet of *Pb.-M.-P.* Vijayapāla. He thus appears to have been a son of Vijayapāla, whose only date so far known is 960 A.D. Thus Rājyapāla must have succeeded Vijayapāla some time between 960 and 1027 A.D. It was probably this prince who was ruling in Kanauj about 1018 A.D., when Sulṭān Maḥmūd invaded the Ganges-Jumna valley. 'Utbī tells us that on the 20th of Rajab 409 A.H. (1018 A.D.)² Maḥmūd after crossing the Jumna appeared at Baran (mod. Bulandshahr). Haradatta, its prince, probably a feudatory of the Kanauj rulers, is said to have submitted to the Sulṭān and proclaimed his anxiety for conversion and rejection of idols with 10,000 followers. The chief whose fort was next attacked was Kulacandra. The position of his principality, which must have been near about Baran, is not defined; but he is said to have bravely resisted Maḥmūd. "Nearly 50,000 men were killed or drowned and became a prey of beasts and crocodiles" before Kulacandra finding further resistance hopeless, slew himself and his wife with his own dagger. Maḥmūd next came to Mathura. The city was surrounded by a wall of 'hard stone'; two gates opened upon the river flowing by it, and it "was erected on strong and lofty foundations." It will perhaps suffice to give us some idea of the magnificence of this city of temples if we only quote Maḥmūd's account of the large temple that stood in the centre of the city: "If one should wish to construct a building equal to this, he would not be able to do it without expending an hundred thousand red dīnārs, and it would occupy two hundred years, even though the most experienced and able workmen were employed.” The beauty and magnificence of the temples however failed to protect them from destruction. For “the Sulṭān gave orders that all the temples should be burnt with naphtha and fire and levelled with the ground.” Maḥmūd next reached Kanauj, which was protected by “seven distinct forts washed by the Ganges, which flowed under them like the ocean.” At the advance of the Sulṭān there was panic in the “city of ten thousand temples.” “Many of the inhabitants of the place fled and were scattered abroad like so many wretched widows and orphans.” Rājyapāla appears to have been almost deserted. ‘Utbī specifically mentions that he had at this time but a few men with him. Finding resistance hopeless, he left Kanauj and “fled across the Ganges.” The unfortunate people of the country “either accepted Islam or took up arms against him : (Maḥmūd) collected so much booty, prisoners and wealth, that the fingers of those who counted them would have tired.” We are told that, the seven forts of Kanauj which must have been all deserted were captured in a single day. The Sulṭān then gave up the city to be sacked. Amongst the citizens “those who did not fly were put to death.”¹