The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v2.c15.s2.t2.9

v2.c15.s2.t2.9

The Sēuṇa inscriptions do not, however, throw any light on the identity of the Teluṅa king whose head was cut off by Jaitugi. As both Rudra and Mahādēva were killed by him in battle these records may be taken to refer to the death of either. The fact that, in almost all these epigraphs, the cutting off of the head of the Teluṅa king is coupled with the release of Gaṇapati from prison and his restoration to his kingdom, demands attention. It clearly indicates that the king who was slain was the immediate predecessor of Gaṇapati, that is, his father, Mahādēva. It is therefore more likely that Gaṇapati accompanied his father rather than his uncle to the battle. However this may be, there is no doubt that the short reign of Mahādēva ended in disaster, and that as a consequence the country was thrown into confusion.