Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c20.s1.19

c20.s1.19

In this calculation the Magadha kings have not been included, since they are omitted from the contemporary list, and the date 850 B. C. may now be tested with reference to them. From Senājit (850) till Mahāpadma overthrew the Śiśunāgas (402) reigned 16 Bārhadrathas, 5 Pradyotas and 10 Śiśunāgas; that is, 448 years are allowed for 31 reigns—an average of 14½ years. This lower average is quite probable because of the violence that overthrew those dynasties, and it is about the average I have found in eastern dynasties. The above estimate therefore of 18 years for a medium peaceful reign appears just, and the date 850 B. C. is highly probable.