The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c30.s4.246.4

v2.c30.s4.246.4

The intrigue and dissensions which became rampant in the Caulukya court towards the later years of Jayasiṁha (*c.* 1094-1144 A.D.) and the difficulties which at first beset the path of his successor Kumārapāla (*c.* 1144-73 A.D.) may have produced a ‘troubled state’ in the distant provinces ‘apt to rouse the ambitions of a conqueror or a usurper.’ The significant omission of the name of Dhārā in the Ujjain grant of Lakṣmīvarman, dated V. S. 1200 (A. D. 1244),² as his place of residence, while in the same grant it is mentioned as the place of residence of his father Yaśovarman in V. S. 1191 (*c.* 1134 A.D.), seems to indicate that the city, which had been lost some time before V. S. 1193 (A.D. 1137), had not yet been recovered by the Paramāras in V.S. 1200. The occurrence of the name of one Ballāla as ruler of Avanti Mālava, and Dhārā during this period in Jain chronicles and Caulukya inscriptions therefore shows, as Lüders long ago supposed,³ that these territories had been conquered by this usurper of unknown lineage. I have shown elsewhere⁴ how this Ballāla formed an alliance with the Śākambharī Cāhamāna Arṇorāja to attack Kumārapāla. But unfortunately for the enemies of the Caulukyas, the scheme failed. Arṇorāja was defeated, and Ballāla himself lost his life in the struggle that followed the submission of the Cāhamāna prince.