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Meanwhile, Didda had to face the rebellion of Mahiman and Patala, sons of the two daughters of king Parvagupta and married to two ministers, Chhoja and Bhubhata. The two had been brought up like princes in the royal palace and egged by a few supporters, considered themselves claimants for the 2 throne. This revolt soon gained support and momentum when the princes were ousted from the royal palace and sought refuge with their relatives. The queen's officers were in hot pursuit but Saktisena, father-inlaw of Mahiman, disdaining royal commands, not only offered shelter but also came out in open revolt. The rebel forces were soon joined by other disgruntled elements from neighbouring localities and the situation became alarming. Only Naravahana, the able and experienced minister, stood firm in his loyalty to the Regent Queen and was the main pillar of support to her during this critical hour of trial. The rebel forces soon marched down to the temple of Padmasvami for a test of fortunes and the Queen, anxious for the safety of her minor son, Abhimanyu, went to suramatha where the young prince was safe 1. Rajatarangini by Kalhana, I, vi, 211-12. 2. Ibid., I, vi, 213. 3. Ibid., I, vi, 214-17. 4. Ibid., I, vi, 218-20. 5. Ibid., I, vi, 221.

250 from the attackers. At the same time, Didda won over an appreciable section of the rebels led by Brahmanas through a plentiful offering of gold and a peaceful settelement was arrived at between the Queen and Mahiman? The Queen-Regent thus rose equal to the situation and "this was the first critical period in the long life of Didda which tested her merits of forbearance, fortitude and statesmanship. As the events proved, she rose equal to the occasion and scaled heights of diplomacy while dealing with the enemies and facing the odds." The precarious position of the Queen can easily be surmised as she was threatened with an organized and determined rebellious foe, yet she did not lose her balance of mind and broke the very back of the revolt by a single stroke of diplomacy. The actions of the Queen after she had got over this initial shock of revolt through strategy and bribery furnish further proofs of her statesmanship. Realizing that she could not rest in peace unless such tendencies were completely rooted out, she won over a large section of the rebels through favours of rank and position. Yasodhara, noted for his bravery, 1. Rajatarangini by Kalhana, I, vi, 223. 2. Ibid., I, vi, 224-25. 3. Bazaz, P.N., Daughters of the Vitasta, p. 31.

251 was made the Commander-in-Chier. Having thus reduced Mahiman to helplessness, she managed to put him out of the way for ever, no doubt through foul means which is characteristically described as "witchcraft' by 2 the Chronicler.