Dunduka Explained

Succession:King of Kanauj
Reign:8th century CE
Predecessor:Āma
Successor:Bhoja
Father:Āma
Mother:?
Religion:Jainism
Spouse:Padma
Issue:Bhoja

Dunduka was a king of the state of Kannauj in North India during the early 8th century CE.

Early life

Dunduka was the son and successor of Āma, the king of Kannauj and surrounding areas during the late 8th century CE. Āma, his father, had lost control of Kannauj, and moved to Gopagiri (modern Gwalior).[1] Being under Jain influence, Āma abdicated the throne in favour of Dunduka.[1]

Reign

Dunduka was an immoral and cruel person, who was the ruler of a small and reduced territory. He did not take any interest in his royal duties and neglected his queen Padma. He indulged in debauchery and was pleasure-loving. He is described as "immoral" in the Gaudavaho as well.[2] [1] He even made several futile attempts to kill his own son, Bhoja, who was born to Padma.[1] Later, Dunduka was killed by his son Bhoja (not to be confused with Mihira Bhoja), for the throne.[1] [3]

He is considered as an unsuccessful ruler.[4] Āma, his father, he himself, and his son Bhoja are considered as insignificant rulers, who achieved nothing important and reigned for a brief period of 15-20 years.[5] There is no information about Bhoja's successors.[4]

Religion

Dunduka was a follower of Jainism and followed the monk Trivarga.[1] [4]

Notes and References

  1. Shyam Manohar Mishra (1977). Yaśovarman of Kanauj. Abhinav. pp. 120–121 OCLC 5782454
  2. Book: The Gaüḍavaho: a historical poem in Prâkṛit . 1887 . Government central book Departmentôt . hi.
  3. Book: Awasthi . Awadh Bihari Lal . History from the Puranas . 1975 . Kailash Prakashan . en.
  4. Rama Shankar Tripathi (1964). History of Kanauj: To the Moslem Conquest. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 211
  5. Book: Sen . Sailendra Nath . Ancient Indian History and Civilization . 1999 . New Age International . 9788122411980 . 264–668 . Paperback .