The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c31.97

v1.c31.97

According to the interpretation of Sir John Marshall this inscription is actually dated in the era of Azes; for after the year comes the word *ayasa* which, on the coins, is the ordinary Kharoshṭhī equivalent of the Greek AZOY, 'of Azes'². He therefore translates: 'In the year 136 of Azes.' This view is probably correct; and, if so, the discovery is of great importance, as it determines the origin of the so-called Vikrama Era and fixes the beginning of the reign of Azes I in 58 B.C. The bald designation of an era by a king's name without the accompaniment of any royal title has, however, appeared so strange to some scholars that they have displayed no slight ingenuity in their endeavours to find some alternative explanation of the word *ayasa*. But it is doubtful if any real difficulty exists. It must be remembered that the inscription belongs to a people that knew not Azes. His family had been deposed and deprived of all royal attributes. The throne of Takshaçilā had passed from the Çakas and Pahlavas to the Kushāṇas. Azes could scarcely have been furnished with his wonted title, 'Great King of Kings,' in this inscription, without prejudice to the house then actually reigning.