The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s6.28

v1.c7.s6.28

The drama *Mālavikāgnimitra* by the poet Kālidāsa, which embodies Agnimitra’s exploits in these regions, refers also to a conflict between the Śuṅga prince Vasumitra and a Yavana on the southern bank of the river Sindhu. The identity of this Greek prince is not yet established, but it is accepted that he was a Bactrian. The immediate cause of the quarrel was the horse let loose by Puṣyamitra preliminary to the *Aśvamedha* sacrifice. After the successful termination of this campaign, Puṣyamitra felt entitled to celebrate the old sacrifices of *Aśvamedha* and *Rājasūya*. He performed the former twice, and according to *Uttara Harivaṃśa* he was the first to revive these sacrifices which had not been performed since the death of King Janamejaya.²