The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.663

v2.c31.663

And, as in the case of Kumārapāla, the substantial backing of this powerful and wealthy mercantile community no doubt greatly facilitated the task of Vīradhavala. In consolidating his power Vīradhavala, we are told, was ably assisted by two Jain Bania ministers, Vastupāla and Tejaḥpāla.¹ Jayasiṁha in his *Vastupāla-Tejaḥpāla-praśasti* tells us that these two brothers were at first ministers² of Bhīma, and the latter at the request of Vīradhavala gave them to the Vāghelā prince ‘as a matter of friendship.’³ This is probably intended to hide the fact that these two ministers deserted him and joined the party of Vīradhavala. According to Bālacandra’s *Vasanta-vilāsa* it was the *Rājalakṣmī* who appeared to Vīradhavala in a dream and asked him to appoint the two brothers of the Prāgvata family as his *Mantri-yugma*.⁴ Whatever may be the reason that led to their appointment, their influence on the reign of Vīradhavala is apparent. Not only do the Jain authors ascribe all his success directly or indirectly to them and their family, but even all the epigraphic records of his reign are connected with their achievements. Besides the inscriptions Nos. 15 and 16 of the reign of Bhīma, which practically belong to these two brothers, the following published records of their time may be mentioned: