Note 19 — Chapter II · THE CHAULUKYAS OR SOLAṄKIS (a.d. 961–1242)

Víradhavala, a.d. 1233–1238.Soon after his accession Víradhavala, accompanied by his minister Tejaḥpála, started on an expedition against his wife’s brothers Sángaṇa and Chamuṇḍa the rulers of Vámanasthalí or Vanthalí near Junágaḍh. As in spite of their sister’s advice Sángaṇa and Chamuṇḍa refused to pay tribute the siege was pressed. Early in the fight the cry arose ‘Víradhavala is slain.’ But on his favourite horse Uparavaṭa, Víradhavala put himself at the head of his troops, slew both the brothers, and gained the Chapter III. The Vághelás, a.d. 1219–1304 Víradhavala, a.d. 1233–1238. hoarded treasure of Vanthalí.19 In an expedition against the chief of Bhadreśvara, probably Bhadresar in Kacch, Víradhavala was less successful and was forced to accept the Kacch chief’s terms. The chroniclers ascribe this reverse to three Rájput brothers who came to Víradhavala’s court and offered their services for 3,00,000 drammas (about £7500). “For 3,00,000 drammas I can raise a thousand men” said Víradhavala, and the brothers withdrew. They went to the court of the Bhadresar chief, stated their terms, and were engaged. The night before the battle the brothers sent to Víradhavala saying ‘Keep ready 3000 men, for through a triple bodyguard we will force our way.’ The three brothers kept their word. They forced their way to Víradhavala, dismounted him, carried off his favourite steed Uparavaṭa, but since they had been his guests they spared Víradhavala’s life.20