________________
107
tunge says that he was a 'paradarasahodara' or a brother to the wives of others and the same is confirmed by Mahmud Ufi, a Muslim historian.108 The latter chronicler says that Kumarapala " surpassed all other rulers in Hindustan in good qualities and amiable disposition" and exercised power“ with a right appreciation of the duties of a ruler.” Remembering his own days of adversity, Kumārapāla "afforded full protection and Justice to his subjects, ruling with impartiality and equity. "109
The above account of Mahmud Ufi deserves our full credence as it comes from a historian who had no reason to exaggerate, and as it is confirmed by Hemasūri, a contemporary chronicler, who says that “ he will lead his people to the highest welfare, protecting it as a father."'110
In fine, we conclude that Kumārapāla was the greatest king of the Solanki dynasty of Apabilavadu and that he must rank very high in the list of good rulers of India.
After Kumārapāla's death, Ajayapāla came to the throne. He was the worst king on
108. Elliot, History of India, II, pp. 169-70. 109. Elliot, History of India, II, pp. 168-69.
110, Mahāviracharita, XII, 47. Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat www.umaragyanbhandar.com
