Bhikshachara

Bhikshachara, also Bhikshāchara (भिक्षाचर) or Bhikshu, was a King of Kashmir in 1120 AD for a short period of only 6 months and 12 days. He was son of Bhoja of Kashmir and grandson of Harsha of Kashmir (b.1059, ruled. 1089-1101 AD) of Lohara dynasty.

History

The Damaras became riotous, and Harsha ordered the lord of Mandala to massacre them.

Uchchala and Sussala sons of Malla rose against Harsha.

Harsha's son Bhojadeva died before the king in rebellion.

Uchchala, who had been, to Hiranyapura, was coronated by Brahmanas there.

Harsha spent his last days in great sorrow and was killed by Damaras.

Bhikshachara was grandson of Harsha of Kashmir. He put himself at the head of Damaras and drove away Sussala and became king in 1120 but he deisgraced himself by his debauchery. There arose a popular outcry and Sussala re-occupied the throne in 1121 AD. Sussala , however, could not dispose off Bhikshachara who made repeated attempts to regain the throne. For years Kashmir witnessed a series of factious fights in which Damaras played a leading role. In 1123 AD Sussala abdicated in favour of his son Jaysimha while retaining all powers in his hand. In 1128 AD Sussala was treacherously murdered.

In Rajatarangini

Rajatarangini tels us that Bhikshachara, on account of his amour towards Jayamati, wife of Sussala, was ordered to be killed. He was by the king's orders taken by the executioners at night to the place of execution. There he was dashed on stone and thrown into the Vitasta. But kind fate landed him on a bank where the trees were waved by the wind. A certain Brahmana who had some money revived him to life; and thinking that Asamati was a relative of Didda, the daughter of Shahi, he brought Bhikshachara to Didda, and wily Didda, took him and sent him to another country and there in the south he lived privately. When Naravarmma, king of Malava came to know who he was, he instructed him in learning and in arms as his own son.

Some say that Jayamati saved Bhikshachara by destroying another boy like him, and of his age. When

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[p.21]: the king learnt, through his spies that Bhikshachara had returned from foreign countries, his affection towards Jayamati began to abate. But the patient king without disclosing his designs concluded terms with the kings through whose territories Bhikshachara was to come to prevent his entrance into Kashmira.

Some again say, that after Bhikshachara had been killed, Didda brought a boy like him and caused him to be known by Bhikshachara's name.

References

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