Vakpati (Chandela dynasty)


Vakpati was a ruler from the Chandela dynasty of Central India. The Chandela inscriptions mention his title as kśitipa.
Vakpati is known from two inscriptions found at Khajuraho, dated Vikrama Samvat 1011 and 1059. He succeeded his father Nannuka as the Chandela ruler. The eulogistic inscriptions describe him as a king famous for his bravery, modesty and knowledge. The inscriptions claim that he defeated several enemies and was a favourite of his subjects. The inscriptions compare him to his namesake Bṛhaspati, the deity of speech, for his wisdom and power of speech. They further state that he surpassed the legendary kings such as Prithu and Kakutstha in combining bravery with wisdom.
An inscription dated to 954 CE states that the "pleasure mountain" of Vakpati was the Vindhya mountain, where the Kirata women seated on lotuses sang songs about him, as peacocks danced to the sound of waterfalls.
According to R. C. Majumdar, Vakpati might have supported the southern expansion of Devapala, the Pala king of eastern India.
Vakpati had two sons: Jayashakti and Vijayashakti. He was succeeded by his elder son Jayashakti, who was succeeded by Vijayashakti.