A History of the Mahrattas v1.c8.48

v1.c8.48

sion of some Mahratta Polygar. It is not such a misnomer as Europeans have been guilty of in calling Toolava, Canara, though both names are to be accounted for in a similar manner.—See Wilks, vol. i. [The origin of the name Mahārāshtra is still undetermined. It was used to denote the Deccan or Western Ghāt country as early as the reign of the Chālukya King Pulakesin II (A.D. 608-42). Rock Edict V of Asoka mentions the Rāshtrikas, probably of the Marāthā country (O.H.I., p. 96), and cave-inscriptions at Nānaghāt in Poona District speak of Nāganikā, daughter of the Mahārathi Tranakayiro (I.A., March 1918). This evidence, coupled with the fact that a dynasty of Rāshtrakūtas, a branch of the Rathas or Rattas of the Southern Marāthā country, ruled the Deccan from A.D. 753 to c. 973, has favoured the derivation of the name from Mahā-rāthā, ‘the great Rātha or Ratta.’ The alternative derivation from Mahār-Rāshtra, ‘the Mhārs’ country,’ is certainly incorrect. According to Molesworth's Dictionary, Mahārāshtra signifies ‘the great country.’ (I.G. Bom., 1909, i. 207, 208; Wilson, Indian Caste, ii. 48.) See Introduction, pp. xlii-xliv, ante.]