Ananta (king)

[3][4] At a young age, Ananta succeeded his close relative — who possibly ruled the region for less than a month — on the throne of Kashmir.

[5] According to the Kashmiri historian Kalhana, Ananta's mother, Srilekha, attempted to kill the reigning king to rise to power herself.

[7][8] King Ananta's administration was well organized when his reign began, but his top officials were corrupt and quickly caused instability in the kingdom.

[7][9][10] It has been said that the king was an affectionate person and was known for appointing previous enemies to offices in the Aksapatal (modern: tax collection department).

They came to Kashmir where they earned the trust and confidence of the king, but they were always in need of money to support their lifestyles; for instance, they loved chewing betel leaves, which had to be brought from foreign countries at an extravagant cost.

The king proved unwilling to accept this and their relationship suffered as a result, leading to a feud that continued for nearly twenty years.

[17] In 1063, when Ananta was deposed, his son treated him badly and suggested his father leave the palace and seek shelter in Parnotsa (now Poonch).