Battle of Navsari
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Background
| Battle of Navsari | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Umayyad campaigns in India | |||||||||
 | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Chalukya dynasty | Umayyad Caliphate | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Vikramaditya II Avanijanashraya Pulakeshin | Al-Hakam ibn Awana | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| unknown | High | ||||||||
According to the Navsari plates, the Arab invasion during the reign of Vikramaditya II was not an isolated incident. The Arab army, as it was called, had already wreaked havoc on several neighboring kingdoms, including the Saindhavas, Kachchhelas, Saurashtra, Chavotakas, Mauryas, and Gurjaras.These kingdoms were located in present-day Pakistan and India.The Arab forces were on a mission to conquer all the Southern kings, and their invasion of the Navsari Kingdom was part of this campaign.[3]The fact that the Arab raid on Navsari during Vikramaditya II's reign is not mentioned by Muslim chroniclers could be because the Arab forces suffered a decisive defeat in this battle. This is suggested by the detailed and vivid description of the fight provided in the Navsari plates, which is considered to be unparalleled in its intensity and detail among inscriptional literature.The Arab raid on Navsari during Vikramaditya II's reign is not mentioned by Muslim chroniclers because the Arab forces suffered a crushing defeat in this battle, as described in the Navsari plates with exceptional detail and intensity. This suggests that Muslim chroniclers may have omitted this defeat due to its significance as a major setback for the Arab forces. The plates also indicate that the description of the battle was likely written soon after it occurred.[4]
Battle
The battle between the Arab army and Avanijanashraya Pulakesin took place near his headquarters. The plates describe a fierce fight between the two armies, with Avanijanashraya Pulakesin emerging victorious.[5] This victory was a significant blow to the Arab invaders, who had previously conquered several neighboring kingdoms. In recognition of Avanijanashraya Pulakesin's heroic deeds, Vikramaditya II bestowed upon him several titles, including Dakshindparhasadhara (the Pillar of Dakshinapatha), Challukikuldlarhkara (the Ornament of the Chalukya family), Prithivlvallabha (the Lord of the Earth), and Anivariakanivartayitri (the Repeller of the unrepellable). These titles were a mark of respect and recognition for his bravery and valor in defeating the Arab army.[6]The Navsari plates also provide insight into the political situation during that time. The Chalukya empire was facing external threats from Arab invaders, while internal conflicts among feudatory princes also posed a challenge to its stability. The plates mention that Avanijanashraya Pulakesin's victory over the Arab army was also significant because it allowed him to expand his territory to the north. This suggests that there were ongoing power struggles among feudatory princes for control over territory in that region.[7]
Overall, the Navsari plates offer a vivid description of the Arab invasion during Vikramaditya II's reign and provide insight into the political situation during that time. They also highlight the bravery and valor of Avanijanashraya Pulakesin in defeating the Arab army and expanding his territory.[8]
References
- ^ Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1955). The History Of South India. Geoffrey Cumberlege Oxford University Press, London.
- ^ Mirashi Vasudev Vishnu. (1955). Inscriptions Of The Kalachuri-chedi Era Vol-iv Part-i (1955). Government Epigraphist For India.
- ^ N.A. (1968). JOURNAL OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY VOL.10, NO. 1-4. ASIATIC SOCIETY, CALCUTTA.
- ^ Mirashi Vasudev Vishnu. (1955). Inscriptions Of The Kalachuri-chedi Era Vol-iv Part-i (1955). Government Epigraphist For India.
- ^ Alexander Kyd Nairne (1896). Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency Volume I. Part II History of the Konkan Dakhan and Southern Maratha Countryunder Government Orders. Bombay, Government Central Press.
- ^ DIKSHIT, DURGA PRASAD (1968). POLITICAL HISTORY OF THE CHALUKYAS OF BADAMI. ABHINAV PUBLICATIONS, NEW DELHI.
- ^ MUNSHI, K. M. (1959). THE AGE OF IMPERIAL KANAUJ VOL.4,ED.2ND. BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN,BOMBAY.
- ^ N.A. (1968). JOURNAL OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY VOL.10, NO. 1-4. ASIATIC SOCIETY, CALCUTTA.
Bibliography
Dikshit, Durga Prasad (1968). POLITICAL HISTORY OF THE CHALUKYAS OF BADAMI. Abhinav Publications, New Delhi.