The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c32.s4.104

v2.c32.s4.104

It appears from the *Pṛthvīrāja-vijaya* that the reign of Arṇorāja had a violent ending. We read that queen Sudhavā had three sons, who differed from each other as the three *guṇas* (*sattva*, *rajas* and *tamas*). Of these Vigraharāja was like the *sattva-guṇa*, while the eldest son is reported to have ‘rendered the same services to his father as Bhṛgu’s son Paraśu Rāma had rendered to his mother.’¹ This certainly indicated that this eldest son murdered his father. But unfortunately neither the *Pṛthvīrāja-vijaya* nor the Bijolia inscription mention his name. The *Hammīra-mahākāvya*, the *Prabandhakośa* and the *Surjan-carita* however give the name of the successor of Aṇāladeva² (Arṇorāja?), and the predecessor of Visaladeva (Vigraharāja IV) as Jugadeva. It is therefore likely that the eldest prince was named Jugadeva, and that he succeeded in occupying the throne for at least some time. The *Pṛthvīrāja-vijaya* however seems to indicate Vigraharāja IV, one of the sons of Sudhavā, as his father’s immediate successor. It is not improbable that before Jugadeva had time to consolidate his position on the throne, he was ousted by his younger brother, Vigraharāja. The following records are known for the latter’s reign.