The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c28.212

v2.c28.212

According to the Ajaigarh rock-inscription of Vīravarman, Jayavarman was succeeded by Pṛthvīvarman. The Augasi plate of Madanavarman tells us that the *Pb.-M.-P.* Pṛthvīvarmadeva meditated on the feet of (*Pādānudhyāta*) *Pb.-M.-P.* Kīrtivarmadeva. The suspicion that the former was therefore a son of the latter is confirmed by verse 12 of the Mau inscription of Madanavarman, which describes Pṛthvīvarman as 'the co-uterine younger brother of the illustrious king Sallakṣaṇavarman.'³ It is therefore clear that the uncle succeeded his nephew. The suggestion that 'Jayavarman left no capable issue'⁴ though unsupported by any evidence, is not impossible. Lines 10 and 11 of an imperfectly edited Kalinjar inscription however seem to indicate that Jayavarman 'being wearied of government,' abdicated his throne in favour of his successor.⁵ Pṛthvīvarman's copper coins of the usual type with the figure of the 'monkey-god' on the obverse were known to Cunningham.⁶ The Mau inscription referred to above supplies us with the name of an officer of this reign. It tells us that Gadādhara, who had served the last king in the office of *Pratīhāra*, and who was "well-versed, in science, military exercises, and secret counsel, was 'subsequently appointed chief of the ministers (*Mantri-mukhya*) by Pṛthvīvarman.⁷