________________
introduction
CLXXX
destruction. The Sorathas (couplets) put into the mouth of Rāṇakadevi are full of poignant pathos, but it is a question whether they are useful as historical material. The existence of Raṇakadevīĩ herself is even doubtful.
From the K. K., we only learn that Jayasimha crushed the very powerful Khengāra of Surāshṭra in the battle as a lion kills an elephant ( C. II. v. 25). The V. T. K. (p. 9) also gives the name as Khengāraraya; so does the P. P. S. (pp. 32, 54). But the P. C. gives the name as Navaghana. Now from the accounts of the bards, it appears that when Jayasimha came to the throne Navaghana who was a very powerful man was the ruler of Junagadha. Jayasimha had once defeated this Navaghaṇa on the border of Gujarata and Kathiawada and humiliated him. Khengara his successor was made to vow by his dying father that he would break the gates of Anahillapura, which he did when Jayasimha was engaged in Malava. The immediate cause of war with Khengara, according to the bards, was Raṇakadevī. *
According to the P. P. S., it was Udayana of Cambay who killed Khengara (pp. 32, 34). According to the same authority Udayana was killed in battle while fighting with Sangan Dodiaka. According to the Kathiawar Gazeteer, the Thanadar of Jayasimha was expelled and Noghana III seated on the throne (p. 444). According to the Pr. Cha. Udayana was mortally wounded while fighting under Kirtipala brother of Kumarapala, who was sent to fight Navaghana of Surashtra. mandala. This Navaghana must be Noghana the third (Pr. Cha. p. 332.) See Saurashtra desano Itihasa Part I by Bhagvanlal Sampatram, pp. 104 111, and the Gazeteer of the Bombay Presidency. Vol. VIII, Kathiawar, pp. 493-494.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
