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VASTUPALA THE GREAT. In the long range of the Jaina ministers and generals," Vastupala is perhaps the most interesting figure. His wonderful personality stands forth unrivalled in all its glory and greatness evoking admiration of every one who cares to go through the record of his life. He appears to have been a wise statesman, a valiant soldier, an ardent lover of art and an enthusiastic adorer of the divine muse His charity knew no limit and his generosity recognised no distinction. Thougla himself a Jaina, he favoured all sects and creeds and even built mosques for the Mahomedans the much-despised Mlechchhas of the thirteenth century.
Vastupala came of a Pragvata family. According to Meruvijáya, he and his twin brother Tejahpala were born in A. D. 1205 (Vik Sam..1262)? They were the sons of Kumaradevi by her second husband Asaraja, a military commander of the Vaghelas. Kumaradevi was an accomplished lady of Pattana (Annahıllavad) renowned for her great beauty and charm. While still very young, she lost her first husband and became a widow. Once, it so happened, that she went to attend
1 Dalal and Shastry, Naranarayanananda, introd p 1
2 A MS of indifferent acouracy gires Vik Sam'1260 as the date of their birth see JSC, H XI. 7-9 369
