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Lima-Vasahi]
Vimala Vasahi. After Kumārapāla, Ajayapala, the son of his elder brother, succeeded to the throne of Gujarat. Next in succession came Mularāja (the second) and Bhimadeva (the second). At that time Lavaṇaprasāda, son of Mahāmaṇḍaleshvara Solanki Arņorāja was a feudatory ruling over the province of Dhavalakkapura (modern Dhoļkā in Saurashtra). His Prince was Viradhavala. Being very brave military leaders, the father and son had won favour of Bhimadeva who entrusted to them the difficult task of protecting and expanding the state boundaries. He also appointed Viradhavala as his own Prince. Vīradhavala requested Bhima to lend him the services of an able minister, at which Bhimadeva appointed the two brothers Vastupala and Tejapāla as Mahamantrins and asked them to work under Viradhavala. Tejapala was appointed governor of Dhoļkā and Cambay districts while Vastupala was made the chief minister for the whole State. Prince Viradhavala and his able ministers stabilised and increased the power of the State. The border chiefs and feudatories who had either become independent or were attempting to rebel against the ruler of Gujarat were defeated and brought under control. Besides they conquered certain adjacent territories and annexing them increased the State boundaries. The two brothers led many a battle to victory showing personal valour and often won over their adversaries merely with shrewdness and diplomacy. In spite of their high position and the great powers conferred on them, both the brothers remained honest and just and never oppressed 1 Cf. The following verse by his contemporary poet Someśvara:
विरचयति वस्तुपालश्चुलुकयसचिवेषु कविषु च प्रवरः ।
न कदाचिदर्थहरणं श्रीकरणे काव्यकरणे वा ॥
80
-Luna-Vasahi-Prashasti, verse 14. Also see, Sandesara, op. cit., pp. 28 ff, 38 ff, 88 ff, 94 ff.
Translator.
