International Conference On Indian History

[Hauma Hamiddha]

bilhaNa and kalhaNa were definitely different individuals. The only common factor was that they were both kashimirian brAhmaNa-s. One lived all his life in Kashmir the other lived the last part of his adult productive life in karNATa -- bilhaNa. In his biography given at the end of the chalukya kavya he mentions coming from Kashmir and settling in karNATa. In the 18 chapter of the vikramA~Nkadeva you will find a description of kAshmir by bilhaNa and his origin. There is not much doubt this work is of single Kashmirian author different from kalhaNA and living in the south.

Coins of these chAlukya-s of bronze-like alloy have been found in Tamil Nad close to a site where they found an epic battle with the Chola emperor (The last battle in the charita).

Some links for bilHaNa's works
http://www.textetc.com/workshop/wt-bilhana-1.html
Search DLI for a free online copy of vikramA~Nka charita