The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s7.87

v1.c7.s7.87

It is impossible to be definitely certain which Sātavāhana was the king for whom Sarvavarman composed the Kātantra, and to whom Guṇāḍhya made over his Bṛhatkathā. He is very likely the same one who in literary works bears *par excellence* the name Sātavāhana as well as Hāla. His extremely brief reign of one year is perhaps a fact which may seem evidence against this identification. But the *Matsya Purāṇa* assigns to him a rule of five years which probably includes the period of his administration as *Yuvarāja* or viceroy during his father's lifetime. As a crown prince or royal representative there was nothing to prevent him from taking a keen interest in literary pursuits.