The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s6.104

v1.c7.s6.104

The existence of Puḷumāvi’s inscriptions at Amarāvati and at Dharaṇikoṭa and the large number of his coins which have been found in the Andhra regions combine to indicate his increasing interest in the eastern provinces of his realm. The Dharaṇikoṭa epigraph is dated in his 25th regnal year (= A.D. 111). This fact may also suggest that he had already begun to feel the hopelessness of the Sātavāhana struggle for supremacy in the north. Ptolemy’s notice of Baleokuros at Hippokura as being contemporary with Puḷumāvi at Paithan is another pointer in the same direction. For it shows the increasing tendency on the part of Puḷumāvi to divest himself of responsibility as far as possible. But, as later became evident, the consequent devolution of authority meant an equivalent weakening of royal power.