Vikramankadevacharita

The work of Vikramankadevacharita dates back to 1088 AD. Bilhana defeated poet Gandhara in a literary composition. He rewarded his patron by composing in his honour his epic the Vikramankadevacharita. Vikramankadevacharita is an application of the normal recipe for making an epic to a historical theme. It begins with the usual application to create a hero in order to maintain safety of the world.

Ultimately God agreed and from his water pot sprang the founder of the Chalukya dynasty. The imaginary origin for the family is followed by a long break in the tradition. Bilhana passes to Tailapa whose victory over the Rashtrakutas is recorded but not the defeat by the king of Malwa. The following kings are mentioned and thereafter the poet concentrates on Ahavamalia, father of his hero. This king was childless; he and his wife serve humbly in Shiva`s temple. He is promised in reward by the god two sons as the reward of his penance as well. Three sons Somesvara, Vikramaditya and Jayasimha are born. When the boys grew up, Ahavamalia persuaded Vikramaditya to do the duty of fulfilling the purpose of Shiva and accepting the heir-apparent ship, but the prince declined to expel his brother.

Somesvara proceeded to win many victories which delighted his father. However in the midst of this he was attacked by a malevolent fever. He was distressed and wanted to end his life. His ministers journeyed to the Tungabhadra River , the Ganges of the south and perished in the water setting his heart on Shiva. Vikramaditya was distressed by the news but ultimately returned to the capital where his brother for a time lived peacefully with him. However suspicion arose between the two and Vikramaditya retired with his brother Jayasimha took up a position on the Tungabhadra. He had an alliance with the Coin king, but after the death of his ally the throne fell into the hands of Rajiga who had an alliance with Somesvara against Vikramaditya.

This was fatal to the allies. Shiva urged the unwilling Vikramaditya to start a battle. When he had captured his brother, he compelled him to abandon his intention of allowing his brother to resume power. He made Jayasimha viceroy in Vanavasa and made more conquests. At this point the poet introduces some light matters.

The king hears of the Swayamvara of a Rajput princess, Chandala Devi. He wins her. The wedding is over, the king now returns to Kalyana. Thereafter the King is engaged in hunting, slaying lions, boars, dogs and deer. His sons were born and he built a city Vikramapura. He erected a temple dedicated to Vishnu Kamalavilasin. But the Cholas constantly gave trouble. Vikrama defeats them again.