The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s6.6

v1.c7.s6.6

In the meanwhile an inevitable consequence of the Civil War was the decision of Aśoka to make war against Kaliṅga, with a view to overawing all his potential enemies and possible rebels against his rule. But the Kaliṅga War, an overwhelming success as a show of force, was also the harbinger of an era of peace. Simuka and his associates were content for the time being with their semi-independent status. The R. E. XIII of Aśoka includes the Andhras among the ‘Hidarajas’. They are placed in this inscription next to the hereditary Bhojas. Though it was too early to be certain whether Simuka’s leadership would be retained in his family, the Andhras themselves were already welded into a single power, with this chief at their head.