The Colas c15.5

c15.5

‘While thus the sovereign of Laṅkā (Kassapa V. A.D. 913-23) held sway in justice, the Paṇḍu king was vanquished in battle by the Cōḷa king. To gain military aid he sent numerous gifts. The king, the ruler of Laṅkā, took counsel with his officials, equipped military forces, appointed his Sakkasēnāpati as leader of the troops, and betook himself to Mahātittha. Standing at the edge of the coast he spoke of the triumph of former kings, and having thus aroused their enthusiasm, he made his troops embark. With his army the Sakkasēnāpati thereupon safely crossed the sea and reached the Paṇḍu country. When the Paṇḍu king saw the troops and him, he spake full of cheer: “I will join all Jambudīpa under one umbrella.” The king took the two armies; but as he could not vanquish him (the king) of the Cōḷa line, set out once more with the purpose of fighting further, made halt, and died of the *upasagga* (plague) to the undoing of the Paṇḍu (king). When the ruler of Laṅkā heard that