Somesvara III

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Somesvara III (ruled 1126 - 1138 CE) was a Western Chalukya king and son of Vikramaditya VI and Queen Chandaladevi. A king more inclined towards literature, Someshvara III had to face the invasion of the Hoysala Vishnuvardhana but was able to suppress him. He lost some territory as the Vengi Chalukyas tried to gain freedom, but was able to maintain most of the vast empire left behind by his famous father. He was a scholar of merit and wrote the Sanskrit classic Manasollasa. He held titles like Tribhuvannamalla, Bhulokamalla and Sarvanjyabhupa.

[edit] The Manasollasa

The Mānasollāsa (Sanskrit: मानसोल्लास) (the refresher of the mind) or the Abhilaṣitārtha Cintāmaṇi (the magical stone that fulfils desires) is an encyclopedic work in Sanskrit composed in 1051 Saka era (c.1129 CE). This work is divided into 100 adhyāyas (chapters) which are grouped into five viṁśatis (twenties) and each chapter deals with a specific topic. This treatise deals with a wide range of topics, which include the means of acquiring a kingdom, methods of establishing it and royal enjoyment. It contains valuable information regarding Indian art, architecture, cuisine, ornaments, sports, music and dance. The number of ślokas in this work is:

Viṁśati	Adhyāya	Śloka
I. Rājyaprāptikaraṇa Viṁśati	20	308
II. Rājyasya Sthairyakaraṇa Viṁśati	20	1300
III. Upabhogasya Viṁśati	20	1820
IV. Vinoda Viṁśati	20	3219
V. Krīḍā Viṁśati	20	1375

[edit] References

• Dr. Suryanath U. Kamat (2001). Concise History of Karnataka, MCC, Bangalore (Reprinted 2002).
• Dr. P. Arundhati (1994). Royal Life in Manasollasa, New Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan, ISBN 81 850 6789 9.

Preceded by Vikramaditya VI

Western Chalukya 1126 –1138

Succeeded by Jagadhekamalla II