The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s5.13

v1.c7.s5.13

We cannot accuse the compilers of the Purāṇas of ignorance just when it suits our convenience. If the Purāṇas ignored the existence of Vāsiṣṭhīputra Sātakarṇi of the Kānheri record, they had good reasons for that, as will be indicated below. It is not necessary to suppose that the Sātakarṇi of the Kānheri record must have necessarily ruled as one in the line of succession of the Sātavāhana kings. I agree with Pandit Bhagavanlal, Dr. Bühler, and Mr. Bakhle that the Vāsiṣṭhīputra Sātakarṇi of the Kānheri record is identical with Chatarapana Vāsiṣṭhīputra Sātakarṇi of the Nānāghāṭ epigraph. Since the latter inscription is dated in the 13th year of the king, I shall even accept the suggestion that the Sātakarṇi of the Kānheri record may have ruled over those regions where the inscriptions are found. But when did he rule, and in which capacity? These are questions of great importance and far-reaching implication. We can be certain of one fact only, viz. that the marriage alliance between a Vāsiṣṭhīputra Sātakarṇi and Rudradāman preceded the defeats of Yajña Śrī Sātakarṇi by the Mahākshatrapa. For aught we know Vāsiṣṭhīputra Sātakarṇi may have governed those western regions during the times that followed Yajña Śrī’s discomfiture.