The Vakataka–Gupta Age (circa 200–550 A.D.) c3.4

c3.4

On account of the paucity of evidence some of the dynasties, which ruled during our period, have only been incidentally referred to, but not treated in detail. As notable examples may be mentioned the Ābhīras and the Traikūṭakas. We possess some coins and a few inscriptions of the Traikūṭakas, but beyond the names of two or three kings we know hardly anything about them. The Ābhīras are known from a single inscription and a number of incidental notices. But though the foundation of the so-called Kalachuri era, commencing in 248-9 A.D., has been ascribed to them, and an attempt has been recently made (*ABORI*. XXV, 161) to show that they established an empire, our knowledge of them is still very meagre. The little that is definitely known about them will be found in the chapters dealing with the history of the Western Kshatrapas and the Vākāṭakas, with whom they had come into close contact (pp. 45, 112). This book, it should be remembered, is intended to be a general history, and not an encyclopaedic account of each and every dynasty that ruled in our period. This will also explain the absence of reference to some of the unimportant feudatories or obscure chieftains that belonged to our age.