The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c35.21

v2.c35.21

With the accession of Mahmūd, the son of Sabuk-tigīn, in A.D. 998, the second period begins. The two outstanding personalities among the Indian princes are again supplied by the Paramāras and the Candellas. In the former dynasty flourished Bhoja (c. 1010-55 A. D.), who gradually won back the position which had been lost after the defeat and death of Muñja, while in the latter Vidyādhara ruled. Vidyādhara's grandfather Dhaṅga seems to have outlived Sabuk-tigīn and probably witnessed the practical downfall of the Sāhis in 1008 A.D. Vidyādhara ascended the Candella throne some time before 1019 A.D. At that date he had become so prominent as to be described by Muslim historians as the most powerful Indian prince of the time. There seems to be sufficient evidence to indicate that the Candellas made a bold bid to grasp the crown of Imperialism which had fallen from the heads of the unworthy successors of Mahendrapāla I. If fortune had been favourable, they might perhaps have once again combined a substantial portion of Northern India under their rule, and thus created some unity in the confused currents of its history during this period. But this was not to be. Unfortunately for them, they were confronted by one of the greatest military leaders that the Turks had ever produced. Under the able generalship of Maḥmūd the Turkish bands with their insatiable lust for plunder and destruction were organised into one of the most efficient engines of war. For more than thirty years they pillaged, burned and devastated the rich plains, cities and temples of the Indus and the Ganges valleys. Even the distant temple of Somnath had to yield up to them its hoarded treasures. The Paramāra Bhoja seems not to have come into serious conflict with the Muslims and the brunt of the attack fell upon the Sāhis and Candellas. The former were exterminated as a power in the Punjab, while the latter, though saved from complete destruction, found themselves unequal to the task of offering effective resistance to the vandalism of the Turk. Vidyādhara, in spite of his undoubted military ability, seems to have failed to achieve any practical results in the open field. Though Maḥmūd could not capture Kalinjar and failed to penetrate into the plains of Kashmir, and though most of his expeditions were for plunder and not for conquest, yet the Turkish power during his reign had gradually advanced into a permanent position in the Western Punjab and Northern Sind. Multan and Lahore became the two outposts of the Muslims in the valley of the Punjab rivers.