The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c34.s1.127.1

v2.c34.s1.127.1

The seven inscriptions noticed above give the dates V.S. 1228-1258, corresponding to *c.* 1171-1202 A.D., for Sāmantasiṁha. But they supply no details of the incidents of his reign.¹ He has however been identified with the Sāmantasiṁha who is mentioned in an inscription in the shrine of Neminātha on Mt. Abu dated in V.S. 1287 (1230 A.D.) as contemporary with Prahlādana, the younger brother of the Candrāvatī Paramāra Dhārāvarṣa (*c.* 1163-1219 A.D.).² This inscription tells us that Prahlādana, apparently during the administration of his brother, defended the Gurjara king when his power had been broken by Sāmantasiṁha. I have already suggested the identification of the Gurjara king with the Caulukya Ajayapāla (*c.* 1173-76 A.D.), the nephew and successor of Kumārapāla (*c.* 1144-73 A.D.).³ Kumārapāla, as we have seen, was in possession of the fort of Chitor and a large portion of Mewar. It is possible that Sāmantasiṁha, taking advantage of the trouble that followed Kumārapāla's death *c.* 1173 A.D., tried to recover Chitor or otherwise to strengthen his position. The Abu inscription and the provenance of his records show that he at first gained considerable degree of success, but Ajayapāla partially recovered his position with the help of his feudatory's brother.