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IV
Before we close, we propose to refer to one text of the Nyayamañjarī which to our mind does not appear to have been properly interpreted in the past and calls for further investigation.
Rājñā tu gahvare' smin niśśabdake bandhane vinihito' ham Grantharacanavinodād iha hi maya vasarā gamitāḥ.
'I have been placed in confinement by the King in this cave where sound cannot enter. (But) I have passed (my) days here by the diversion of writing books'.
The plain meaning of the text is as follows: The King referred to is King Saikaravarman of Kashmir, patron of Jayantabhaṭṭa, author of the Nyayamañjarī which book he wrote while he was serving out a term of imprisonment in a cell where no sound could ever enter.
According to the description recorded in Kalhana's Rājatarangiņi, King Sankaravarman started his career very well. He had a burning desire to win fresh laurels in victory and extend the bounds of his kingdom. His lust for fame and wealth, however. brought about a change in his character. He grew unpopular because of exacting fiscal impositions on his subjects. Even his son, Gopalavarman, once told him that he was not living a commendable life. It is, however, most striking that Jayantabhaṭṭa has all praise for him, his patron. He did not mention any of his vices; to the contrary, he described him as ‘dharmatattvajña', for he could drive away those people who were called Nilambaravratins. It is
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