Harsa of Kashmir and the Iconoclast Ascetics

Kalhana′s Rājataranginī contains an important account of an event probably unique in the history of Hindu India. The dissolute king Harsa or Harsadeva (A.D. 1089–1101), when in financial straits, was advised by his evil counsellor Lostadhara to restore his fortunes by looting the temples and melting down the images of the gods. After some persuasion he agreed to taking this course, and pursued a policy of iconoclasm so vigorously that, among the larger images in his kingdom, only four, two Hindu (those of Ranasvāmin and Mārtānda) and two Buddhist, were spared. The work of temple-looting was carried out so thoroughly that Harsa appointed a special official named Udayaraja as “superintendent of the destruction of the gods (devotpātananāyaka) ”.