Jaina Gazette 1928

SR No.: 034890
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ajitprasad, C S Mallinath
Publisher: Jaina Gazettee Office
Publication Year: 1928
Total Pages: 502
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 33 MB

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THE JAINA GAZETTE
As a statesman, Vastupala was endowed with a rare gift of foresight and prudence. Altmash, (A. D. 1211-36) the then King of Delhi had chalked out an ambitious scheme of establishing Mahomedan superemacy all over India. One day Vastupala received information that the armies of the King of Delhi were on their march to invade Mewar, Marwar and Gujarat. At the same time news came that Viradhavala's old enemy Simhana (A. D. 1169-1247) the King of Deogiri contemplated an invasion of Southern Gujarat and that with this end in view, he had entered into an alliance with Sankha who was anxious to get back Cambay. It was a critical situation full of anxiety for the young power of Viradhavala. By a deep diplomatic move Vastupala won over Sankha to his side and Simhana had to abandon his contemplated invasion. Having thus made his position secure, he formed a coalition with the chiefs of Marwar against the approaching Mahomedan menace. Jaitrasimha, the chief of Mewar, however, refused to join the confederacy. The allies took their position near Mt. Abu anticipating the approach of the invading army. It is not certain whether the invaders came into actual conflict with the allies. Probably the invaders who had a bad time in Mewar did not deem it prudent to measure sword with the allies and returned to Delhi. 1
Though a great crisis in the history of Gujarat had passed away, yet Vastupala was not free from anxiety. He was fully aware of the resourses of Altmash and also of his ambitious project and was therefore anxious to win his good-will and friendship. An opportunity soon presented itself which enabled him to realise his heart's desire. It so happened that once the spiritual teacher of the Delhi King was going from Cambay to Mecca. The vessels in which the pilgrimage was to be made were plundered by the pirates. On hearing this, Vastupala had the pirates arrested and property restored to the owner. On his
1. Hammera-Mada-Mardana introd. VI and also Ojha History of Rajputana (Hindi) Udayapura p. 4678. Is it possible to identify Khappar Khan of the H. with Changez Khan of Indian History?