the two kingdoms of kashmir and lohara were again split at the time of uccala's accession, with uccala ceding rule over lohara to sussala in an attempt to head off any potential challenge from his ambitious brother. the rule of uccala was largely a victim of inherited circumstances, and in particular the fact that the power of the dāmaras which had caused the downfall of harsa was also a strength that could now be turned on him. he was unable to stabilise the penurious kingdom, either economically or in terms of authority, although it was not due to any lack of capability on his part and he did succeed in forming an alliance with the most powerful dāmara, gargacandra. he was, in the opinion of hasan, an able and conscientious ruler. stein has explained the method adopted to counter the dāmaras: