The Greeks in Bactria and India c28.2

c28.2

The copperplate inscription from Taxila¹ which mentions ‘the Great King, the Great Moga’ (i.e. Maues (p. 496), subsequently Great King of Kings), is dated on the 5th day of the Macedonian month Panemos in the year 78 of some unknown Era. That Era has been the subject of many theories;² but I have to treat it afresh, for there is a definite piece of evidence which has not been utilised, and the date of Maues is vital to any understanding of the first century B.C. in India, including the problem of the Buddha-statue (Chap. IX). It is obvious that the inscription must come very soon after the Saca occupation of Taxila, for Maues was not yet Great King of Kings, as on the majority of his coins. It is possible to clear the ground somewhat at the start.