The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s2.37

v1.c7.s2.37

The events leading to the occupation of Mahārāṣṭra and the establishment of government at Paiṭhan by the Sātavāhanas are shrouded entirely in mystery. The Purāṇic epithet ‘Andhrabhṛtya’ applied to them perhaps offers a clue to the riddle. This term, as pointed out before, means Andhras who were servants. In Aśoka’s Rock Edict XIII Andhras figure in a somewhat subordinate position. From such a position it was easy to assert themselves after the death of Aśoka, and to build up a state much more extensive and powerful than it had been in the days of the first Mauryan Emperor and Megasthenes. The growing menace of the foreigners may have necessitated the fixing of their headquarters at Paiṭhan.