The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.367

v2.c31.367

According to the Gujarat chronicles Kumārapāla, like his predecessors, was also a great warrior. The most elaborate description of his *digvijaya* is found in the *Kumārapāla-carita* of Jayasiṃha Sūri. The whole of the fourth *Sarga* of this work is devoted to the king's victorious campaigns. We are told that he first reached Jāvālapura⁶ (mod. Jalor). After being entertained by its *nāyaka*, he proceeded to attack the Sapāda-lakṣa country. Arṇorāja, the king of this place who was also his brother-in-law, worshipped him; then he proceeded to the Kuru-*maṇḍala* and halted on the banks of the Mandākinī (Ganges). Then the Gurjara king marched against Mālava. On the way the lord of Citrakūṭa 'showed his gratitude to him.' After reaching Avanti-deśa he captured its ruler. He then followed the banks of the Narmadā, and rested for some time in the Revā-*tīra*. Next he crossed the river, and entering Ābhīra-*viṣaya*, compelled the lord of Prakāśa-nagarī to become his servant. Further south his advance was obstructed by the Vindhyas, and after exacting tribute from the petty village chiefs in that area he appears to have turned west and subdued the lord of Lāṭa. Proceeding northwards from Lāṭa he turned towards the west, and defeated the chief of the Surāṣṭra-*viṣaya*. From Surāṣṭra he entered Kaccha, defeated its chief, and went on to fight with the *Pañcanadādhipa*, who is described as *nausādhana-samuddhata*. After defeating him he proceeded to fight against Mūlarāja the lord of Mūlasthāna (mod. Multan). After a terrific contest Mūlarāja was vanquished, and the Caulukya king returned victorious from the Saka country, by way of Jālandhara and Marusthāna. After describing his triumphant tour of victory, Jayasiṁha thus indicates the limits of Kumārapāla's *digvijaya*.¹ *Ā Gaṅgaṁ Aindrīm ā-Vindhyaṁ Yāmyām ā-Sindhu-paścimām*, *Ā-Turuṣkaṁ ca Kauberīṁ Caulukyaḥ Sādhayiṣyati*. [Up to the Ganges on the east, Vindhyas on the south, Sindh, on the west and up to the Turuṣka (land) on the north did the Caulukya (king) conquer.²]