History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c14.s1.12

v1.c14.s1.12

Having described the social and religious condition of Kashmir at this time we may return to its political condition in the 7th century A. D. A new dynasty, as usual strong, energetic and as yet not depraved had begun to rule. Durlabhavardhana appears to have extended the sway of the kingdom, chiefly by conquering smaller kingdoms in the Panjab such as Taxilā (which Hiuen Tsang expressly declares to have come under Kashmir), Sinhapura and Uraśa. Various hill states such as Punach and Rajaouri are also mentioned by Hiuen Tsang as under the rule of Kashmir. The sub-montane part of the Panjab down to the Salt Range was thus reduced to subjection by Durlabhavardhana. The modern Panjab in its east and south parts only was under a separate line of kings by the name of Tekka but the rest was either under Kashmir or under Sind, the boundaries of which, as the Chacha-nāma relates, were then conterminous. Harsha was the Emperor of Northern India at this time and he is said to have defeated Kashmir, which perhaps nominally acknowledged his supremacy. Bāṇa says Harsha exacted tribute while Hiuen Tsang relates that Harsha obtained by force a valuable relic viz. a tooth of Buddha which was triumphantly conveyed to Kanauj. Durlabhavardhana not a Buddhist himself was probably not very averse to part with that precious relic.