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Introduction
works such as the famous Bhattikāvya, Dasakumāracharita, the Kathāsaritsāgara, and the Udayasundari. kathā of Sodahala, and the traditions of tards.
The traditional accounts of the bards given by Major Watson in the Indian Antiquary Vol. III narrate incidents which are not contradicted by other things known from more reliable sources. In fact they seem to fit in well with them. Relying upon them we can gather the following facts. Bhațārka's + forefathers were rulers of Ayodhyā who were subsequently conquered by the Guptas. Bhațārka was a general of Skandagupta. Now we know from the Girnar rock inscription that Parņadatta was the governor of Aparānta and his son Chakrapālita was the executive head of Girinagara. According to the bardic accounts Kumārapálagupta - a prince - was sent by his father to conquer Gujarāt, who after fulfilling his mission appointed Chakrapāņi son of Prandat as the governor of the province. Now this Chakrapāņi and Prandata may be identified with Chakra pālita and Parņadatta respectively of the Girnar inscription; though this will create a little discrepancy. According to the inscription Parņadatta was appointed by Skandagupta and Chakrapālita by his father. This, however, may easily be explained away by supposing that Skandagupta may have confirmed Parṇadatta and his son - appointed by his father Kumāragupta. * In any case Bhațārka seems to have displaced Chakra pālita or Chakrapāni accord
+ It is also spelt as Bhatakka and Bhattārkka in the copper-plate grants.
* It appears that the bards have confused Skandagupta and Kumāragupta I and II.
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