The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c28.136

v2.c28.136

It is difficult to trace the actual limits of Vidyādhara's dominions. The Dubkund inscription certainly indicates that the Kacchapaghāta rulers of that place were his vassals,³ and his power probably extended in the west along the east bank of the river Chambal. Another Candella inscription tells us that 'Bhojadeva, together with *Kalacuri-candra* worshipped' (Vidyādhara) 'this master of warfare full of fear, like a pupil.'⁴ Bhojadeva of this passage has been rightly identified with the Paramāra ruler of Dhārā of that name. It is also likely the prince referred to as *Kalacuri-candra* is to be identified with the Cedi ruler Kokalla II.¹ If these identifications are accepted it seems likely that the weight of Vidyādhara's arms was felt in the S. W. and the S. E. as far as the sources of the Chambal and the Narbada. In the north after the defeat and the death of Rājyapāla his authority possibly extended over the Ganges-Jumna *Doāb*. There was therefore not much exaggeration in the account of Ibn ul-Athīr when he described Vidyādhara as the most powerful Indian prince of the time. We can also believe Niẓām ud-Dīn when he tells us that he mustered an army 'consisting of 36,000 horsemen, 145,000 foot soldiers and 390 elephants to oppose the advance of Maḥmūd in 410 A. H.² We have elsewhere discussed the reasons that led Maḥmūd to invade India on this occasion.³ We have seen how 'Parū-Jaypāl,' after unsuccessfully trying to resist Maḥmūd's advance on the Rāhib, started to meet Bīdā. Before however he could effect any junction with the Candella ruler he was surprised and killed by some Indians.⁴ After this incident Maḥmūd plundered Bārī, and 'started in pursuit af Bīdā.' According to Ibn ul-Athīr Maḥmūd overtook him on the bank of a river, and after having diverted the stream into new channels came into touch with the Indian camp. The same author gives the following account of the battle that followed: "Yamīn ud-Daulah sent a party of his infantry to fight him, and Bīdā also sent out against him a similar number, and both the armies continued reinforcing their soldiers till the two opposing forces increased in numbers and the battle became vehement. At last the night overtook them and parted them." '⁵ Niẓām ud-Dīn supplies a somewhat different account of these incidents. He says: "When the Sultan encamped in front of *Nandā's* army, he first sent an envoy to him and invited him to submit, and to accept Islam. *Nandā* refused to place his neck under the yoke of subjection. After that the Sultan went to an elevated spot, so that he might look at, and make an estimate of, the strength of *Nandā's* army. Then when he saw what a vast host it was, he repented of his coming; and placing the forehead of supplication on the ground of submission and humility, prayed for victory and conquest from the giver of all mercies."¹