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INTRODUCTION
13
Dr.
indicates that it is in affinity with the system of Varāhamihira1. Jacobi on the evidences of the word Dināra, some ancient peoples and astronomical terms places the Paumacariyam between the 3rd and the 4th century A. D. On the basis of the above material we cannot agree with Winternitz maintaining that Vimalasūri is a very early Prākṛt poet.
Political Situation & Historical Data:
The political situation as obtained, the historical parallels available and the references to some ancient peoples in the PCV indicate that the work was not composed in the first century A. D. The Paumacariyam mentions that Rudrabhūti, the chieftain of the Kagonanda tribe kidnapped Balikhilya, the ruler of Kuvavaddapura. The latter's minister requested Simhodara, the king of Ujjain to get Balikhilya released, but Simhodara expressed his helplessness. When Rama and Lakṣmaṇa reached there, they were requested for the same. They crossed the river Narmada, entered the Vindhya forest, subdued Rudrabhūti and got Balikhilya released. (PCV, 34.25-49). The ancient history of India1 reveals that Kṣatrapa Rudrasimha I ruled over Ujjain. He received material assistance from the Abhīras. With their help, he dethroned his nephew Jīvadāmana and became a Mahākṣatrapa. The Gunda Inscp. dated 181 A. D. refers to Rudrabhūti, an Abhīra General who is considered to be one of the allies of Rudrasimha. Later another Abhira leader Isvaradatta came into forefront and carved a principality for himself at Nasika. He deposed Rudrasimha I and himself became a Mahākṣatrapa. But within two years Rudrasimha ousted the conqueror and again became a Mahākṣatrapa. Ruprabhūti is mentioned in both the above evidences while the names, Rudrasimha and Simhodara can be equated on the law of metathesis. Simhodara's refusal to extend his help to Balikhilya against Rudrabhuti can be compared with the historical fact that Rudrasimha could not dare to oppose Rudrabhuti for the latter was powerful and had previously helped Rudrasimha. Abhira Iśwardatta's separate principality at Nasika can be compared with the stronghold of the Kagonanda chief in the region south of Narmada. Thus the political situation of the 2nd century A. D. has a fair parallel in the Paumacariam.
The PCV mentions that Rama had his allies in the people of Śrīparvata, Mahendra and Malaya region (Mahindamalayatīra siri
1. Vide A letter from Prof. Nemicandra Shastry Arrah, dated 17.2.61.
2. Upamitibhavaprapañcakatha, p. x.
3. HIL, II, p. 477.
4. See VGA, p. 45.