The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c14.s1.t3.2

v2.c14.s1.t3.2

Siṃhaṇa,⁸ who succeeded his father in about 1210, was undoubtedly the most important and powerful ruler among the Yādavas. He had acted as *yuvarāja* for about ten years, during which he had received valuable training in administration and the conduct of military campaigns. He had taken an active part in the successful operations against the Kākatīyas, and had learnt valuable lessons in warfare from his experiences.¹ The defeat inflicted by Ballāla on his grandfather rankled in his mind and he was eager to avenge it. He was also anxious to curb the power of troublesome feudatories, who were always ready to exploit the difficulties of the imperial power. He was an able ruler and a skilful general and it was his ambition to make the Yādava empire as extensive as that of the Chālukyas. He was able to realize this ambition since he was favoured with a long life and had the skill to select competent officers and the wisdom to repose confidence in them.