The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s6.34

v1.c7.s6.34

With Avanti already annexed to his dominions and Kaliṅga brought within the orbit of his power, Sātakarṇi (II) determined to bid for the possession of Eastern Malwa as well. We are not certain of the exact date of this occurrence. His reign of fifty-six years, by far the longest in the dynasty, may here be of some significance. Coming into power just a year after Puṣyamitra Śuṅga, Śātakarṇi survived him nineteen long years, bringing his reign to a close in 128 B.C. His attempts on Eastern Malwa may have taken place during the very last years of Puṣyamitra Śuṅga or in the early years of Agnimitra’s rule. As Menander appears to have taken Śākala during the lifetime of Puṣyamitra himself,¹ this Sātavāhana inroad into the Śuṅga Viceroyality of East Malwa may be assigned to the same period. The celebration of two Aśvamedhas and a Rājasūya by Sātakarṇi (II), in which he followed the example of Puṣyamitra, would suggest the triumph of the former over the latter or over his armies while he was still ruling in Magadha.