State and Government in Ancient India c23.s5.9

c23.s5.9

The growing influence of religion manifests itself also in another direction. Owing to the greater hold of the theory of Samnyāsa some kings are seen abdicating their throne in their old age. Such was the case with Vigrahapāla I, father of Nārāyanapāla of the Pāla dynasty, king Jayavarman of the Chandella dynasty, Bhalladitya and Jhoṭa of the Pratīhāra dynasty, Durlabharāja of Chaulukya dynasty and Anma of Varman dynasty of Kanauj. Religious suicide was recommeneded by some Smṛitis in extreme old age; Jainism also permitted it under its *sallekhanāvrata* vow. Chedi king Gāṅgeyadeva and the Chandella ruler Dhaṅga are known to have drowned themselves in the Triveṇī at Allahabad.