Chronological Systems of Gujarat

SR No.: 006798
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bharati K Shelat
Publisher: Pranav Shelat
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 422
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 74

"THE MAITRAKA PERIOD
empire including South Gujarat. The records of the Lāṭa branch of the Early Calukyas are accordingly dated in the Kalacuri era which was current there since long. The Raṣṭrakūtas, however, extended the use of the Saka era over Gujarat when they extended their power there.
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The emergence of the Saka Era in South India can be traced from the 6th cent. A.C. The Kṣatrapas did not specify the name of this era, while the Early Calukyas specifically referred to it as the era of the Sakas or Saka Kings. From these facts Mirashi suggests that the Śaka era, though superseded in Northern Maharashtra when it passed under the power of the Sātavāhanas, seems to have obtained a foot-hold in the South and continued in use there till the 6th cent. AC. when it received the patronage of the Early Calukyas. As for the period from Saka 46 to Saka 465, he suggests that the era was used there by the Saka kings who ruled over the country where the Early Calukyas rose to power. From the evidence of the Puranic tradition and coins, he identifies these Saka kings with the Śaka king Māna of the Mahiṣa dynasty and his descendants. He also assumes that these Saka kings were probably descendants of Nahapana. According to Mirashi's view, the ancestors of the Saka king Māna appear to have moved to the south after Nahapana's defeat by Gautamiputra Satakarṇi; they must have continued to use the Saka era throughout their dominions, which seem to have comprised the southern portion of the former Hyderabad State (ancient Māhiṣaka) and the adjoining Kanarese District of Bijapur and Dharwad,
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