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THE DYNASTIES OF CENTRAL INDIA
after Bhoja was brought before the presence of the king Muñja and he honoured him with the dignity of a crown prince.1
91
A similar story with certain variations is recorded in the Puratana Prabandha-sangraha also. Strangely enough it also finds a place in the Ain-i-Akbari of Abul-Fazal."
Though the whole story cannot be accepted as historical, yet it contains some useful materials. This story attempts to explain the name of Muñja with reference to an event which seems a mere myth. Sindhurāja, from this story, seems to be a step-brother of Muñja. The name of his minister Rudraditya is corroborated from other sources and he seems to be an historical figure. In the early stages of Muñja's career, his relations with his brother do not seem to have been cordial. It is recorded that Muñja had a son who was destined to be deprived of the throne by Bhoja. But being pleased with his merits, Muñja appointed him as an heir apparent. Regarding his son we have no information from any other sources. Muñja is depicted here as a sensualist also.
The contemporary account of the Tilakamañjarī simply states that Siyaka was succeeded by his son Väkpatirāja whose younger brother was Sri Sindhurāja or Sindhala who had a son named Bhoja. Since Vākpati begot no son, he having found Bhoja fit to rule over his kingdom, annointed him as his heir apparent."
Vākpati Muñja was a great warrior. Certain literary sources as well as epigraphic evidences may be adduced in support of his gallantry. A Jain inscription from Hathund known as Bijapur Stone inscription of Northern Rāṣṭrakūta Dhavala, informs us that Muñjarāja fought with Mularāja Caulukya (A.D. 961-96), Dhavala (Rāṣṭrakūta of Hathundi, c. 980 A.D.) and Saktikumāra, Guhila prince of Mewar (c. 977 A.D.). It states that Mûlarāja, like the ruler of Marwar, had to flee before Muñja like a timid deer. The Răstrakūta Dhavala claims that he gave shelter to the armies of the king of Mewar and of the lord of the Gurjaras when Muñjarāja had destroyed Aghäta, the pride of Medapäta." Another Jain inscription, namely, Sundha hill inscription of the Cahamana Căciga refers
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1
PC., PP. 425 मुञ्जराजप्रबन्धः ।
SJGM, II, p. 13
गुजराजप्रबन्धः ।
AAK., II, p. 215, but the name of Muñja's foster-father is given as 'Bijainand'.
4 See supra p. 88.
5 EI., X, pp. 17 ff., V. 10.
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