The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c31.40

v1.c31.40

To Azes I has been attributed the foundation of the Vikrama era beginning in 58 b.c., and, according to Sir John Marshall, an inscription discovered by him at Takshaçilā is actually dated ‘in the year 136 of Azes.’ This interpretation may well be correct (*v. inf.* p. 581), in spite of the tradition that this era was founded by King Vikramāditya of Ujjain to commemorate the defeat of the Çakas; and, whatever may have been the origin of this era, the assignment of the reign of Azes I to this period is justified by other considerations. It is consistent with the date ascribed independently to his predecessor, Maues (*c.* 75 b.c.), and with the date of his third successor on the throne, Gondopharnes, who almost certainly began to rule in 19 a.d. (p. 576); and it is supported by evidence drawn from the epigraphy of the Greek coin-legends.