Indian Epigraphy c16.s2.23

c16.s2.23

The viceroy of the Scytho-Parthian rulers sometimes enjoyed the official designation *Strategos* (commander of forces).¹ The viceroys or subordinate rulers under the Kuṣāṇas enjoyed the titles *Kṣatrapa* (derived from old Persian *Kṣathrapāvan* meaning ‘a provincial governor’) and *Mahākṣatrapa* (literally, ‘the great *Kṣatrapa*’). The earlier Śaka subordinates of the Kuṣāṇas, who ruled in Western India, called themselves *Kṣatrapa* or *Mahākṣatrapa* and also often *Rājan* and *Svāmin*.² The inscriptions and coins of the Śaka rulers of Caṣṭana’s house, who ruled in Western India almost as independent monarchs, represent the kings as *Rājan* and *Mahākṣatrapa*, although they were often referred to by their contemporaries as *Mahārāja*.³