________________ [ viii 1 2. There is explicit reference of 'Rama' and 'Krsna' which shows the existence of vasudeva religion. The emergence of vasudeva religion took place during 1-4 cent. A.D. 3. The word 'hora' is a word derived from the Greek word horus. Hence this must have been introduced after the Greek contact probably in 4th cent. B.C. There is also the word 'yavana' for the Greek settlement. 4. The description of military medicine, neutralising poisons by trumpet blowing and other such contexts indicate the association of Susruta with an emperor. That emperor was probably the Satavahana king, Gautamiputra Satakarni, which is further confirmed by the followiug evidences :(a) There is mention of several mountains like Sriparvata, Sahyadri, Malayacala, Devagiri, Arbudagiri etc. which fit in with the title of the king of mountains' given to Gautamiputra Satakarni. (b) The religious condition depicted in the Susruta samhita shows the predominance of vedic religion. Brahmanism was having upper hand Temples were also erected for idols of gods. Temples of South are well known and the upsurge of Brahmanism was natural during the Satavahanas who were Brahmanas. (c) There is a legend which shows the conflict between the sages Vasistha and Viswamitra and anger of Vasistha has been shown as fruitful. It is to be noted that these sages represent the Brahmanas and Ksatriyas respectively and this legend might be supporting the powerful position of Brahmanas. Satakarni was said as subduer of Ksatriyas like Parasurama. (d) The word 'Vikrama' in the passage 'enemies attacked by Vikrama' indicates Gautamiputra Satakarni who had the title of Vikramaditya. Therefore, in my view, Susruta may be placed in 2nd cent. A.D. during the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni, the Vikramaditya of Satavahana dynasty of Andhra. Thus though in the initial stratum Divodasa was somewhat earlier to Atreya, in the subsequent one Susruta was posterior to Caraka. That is why he has contradicted and quoted many view of Caraka. The religions and other conditions also support this. Karnavedha sarnskara which was introduced later is found in Susruta and is absent in Caraka. Susruta was somewhat earlier than Yajnavalkya ( 3rd cent. A.D.) who has borrowed the description of 107 marmas from the former. On this ground also the above date of Susruta is confirmed.
