The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c30.s1.42

v2.c30.s1.42

Nothing more definite is known about Mahīpāla's reign. The only noteworthy feature about him is his name Bhuvanaikamalla, which was also the *biruda* of Someśvara II (1069-76 A.D.), the son of the Cālukya Someśvara I (1044-68 A.D.).¹ According to Dr. Barnett ‘the two Cālukya *birudas* in this family strongly suggests alliance’ between the rulers of Gwalior and the Deccan. The date of Mahīpāla's death is approximately settled by a fragmentary inscription discovered in the fortress of Gwalior. This record mentions the Kacchapaghāta princes from Bhuvanapāla to Mahīpāla, who is referred to as the *adhipati* of Gopālikera, probably the original form and the immediate source of the modern name Gwalior. Stanzas 7-9 seem to refer to the death of Mahīpāla, and must have recorded the name of his successor; but unfortunately the preserved portion does not contain this name. The inscription appears to have recorded the setting up of a *liṅga* when 1161 years had elapsed from the reign of Vikramārka (A.D. 1104). The record was composed by the *Nigrantha-nātha* Yaśodeva.² It is thus clear that Mahīpāla was dead some time before 1104.