Ancient History of the Deccan c3.s4.79

c3.s4.79

Were Chashtana and his descendants themselves Śakas? It is possible; but one thing is certain, that in ancient India they were designated by the name of Śakas. The Matsya Purâna mentions a dynasty of 18 Śakas which is probably that of Chashtana; but there can be no doubt in certain cases: for instance, Bâna in circ. 630 A. D. has written ("Harsha charita" trans. Cowell and Thomas, page 194) : "In his enemy's city, the king of the Śakas, while courting another man's wife, was butchered by Chandra-Gupta".