The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c28.75.4

v2.c28.75.4

A fragmentary Candella inscription discovered at Mahoba thus describes his achievements: “……Dhaṅga, who caused the destruction of his enemies, and who by the strength of his arms equalled even the powerful Hamvīra, who had proved a heavy burden for the earth......”¹ The word *Haṃvīra* is apparently a corruption of the Arabic word Amīr (امير, Commander, leader), derived from the root Amr (امر, command). The word *Amīr* in this sense is found in Islamic history in the title *Amīr ul-mu'minīn*, *i.e.*, ‘lord of the faithful’ which became a regular title of the Caliphs since the days of ‘Umar.² The term gradually came to be applied to kings, and later on to any high official of the state. The coins of the Yamīnīs of Ghazni show that they were known by the title of *Amīr*.³ Stein has shown that the *Hammīra* of Kalhaṇa, who was a contemporary of Sāhi Trilocanapāla and the Kashmirian king Saṃgrāmarāja (1003-28 A.D.) must be identified with Mahmud of Ghazni.