The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c32.s5.3.2

v2.c32.s5.3.2

The Muslim king, according to Nayacandra, sent instructions to the prince of Malwa to kill Vāgbhaṭa, but the latter was too much for him. Having learned the evil intentions of the Malwa ruler, Vāgbhaṭa killed him, and with the assistance of the ‘Kharpūrās’ attacked and captured Ranthambhor, which was presumably in Muslim hands at the time. This must have happened during the weak rule of the successors of Iltutmish. According to Niẓām ud-Dīn the fort was recovered by the Hindus during the reign of Sulṭān Raziyya (1236-40 A.D.), shortly after the death of Iltutmish.² It is difficult to identify the Malwa prince slain by Vāgbhaṭa, for the history of that area during the last quarter of the 13th century is extremely obscure. I am also unable to suggest the region where these ‘Kharpūrās’ dwelt. The name bears resemblance to the name of the Kharparika tribe who are reported by Hariṣeṇa to have paid taxes and obeyed the commands of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta.³ Kirtane seems inclined to accept them as Khakars, a Mongol tribe who invaded India about this time.