The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s6.5

v1.c7.s6.5

The fact is that Simuka had not founded an independent state. Nor could he have known of his destiny as the first of a great dynasty. The Andhras with their ‘thirty walled towns’ were already powerful potentates, though it may be that they belonged to different family groups. They were easily forced into subserviency by Bindusāra to the imperial power of Magadha. Simuka was probably the first to bring these several Andhra groups together and to oblige them to recognize him as their mutual and unique leader. He emerges as a prominent figure about 271 B.C., a year after the accession of the great Aśoka Maurya. If the Buddhist sources are reliable then Aśoka waged a bitter war of succession lasting for four long years.