History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v3.c41.s21.4

v3.c41.s21.4

We have already commented (p. 325) on the baneful effects of this struggle of ambitious Hindu kings to attain imperial honour. Empire did not in Hindu political philosophy mean the annexation of minor kingdoms like the Mogul or British empire. Bhoja or Karṇa were Chakravartins without destroying conquered kingdoms and thus increasing their own territory or resources. This rivalry for imperial honour thus weakened the contending powers without strengthening the conqueror. Vigraharāja of Ajmer, however, seems to have annexed the conquered kingdom of Delhi, probably because Anangapāla had no son and consequently his power became equal to that of the Gāhadavālas of Kanauj and the rivalry between the Chauhans and Rathods went on to the days of Prithvīrāj and Jaichand whose deadly animosity weakened them both and consequently led to their destruction by a third power.