The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s3.14

v1.c8.s3.14

Though there is no direct evidence, it seems almost certain that the imperialism of the Vākātaka emperor Pravarasena I was responsible for the Western Kshatrapas being reduced to feudatory status during the period A.D. 304 to 332. His father Vindhyaśakti had already annexed part of Malwa to his principality before A.D. 275, and Pravarasena must have been on the lookout for a pretext to extend his sphere of influence over Gujarat as well. An opportunity presented itself to him when in *c.* 304 Rudrasimha tried to oust the reigning monarch Bhartridāman and secure the throne for himself. Pravarasena must have followed the age-old imperial policy of supporting the claims of an upstart agai st the legitimate ruling sovereign, and therefore helped Rudrasimha in his efforts to dethrone Bhartridāman. In return for this help, Rudrasimha agreed to be content with the feudatory title of *Kshatrapa*, to renounce the title *mahākshatrapa* (which indicated an independent status at this time), and to acknowledge himself a vassal of the Vākāṭaka overlord. The armies of Pravarasena must have taken an active part in putting Rudrasimha on the Kshatrapa throne. When his position had become secure, they may have retired to their own country. It is likely that Pravarasena got Western Malwa in return for his help. He must also have received occasional tributes in cash. Most of the coins in the big hoard of 633 Kshatrapa coins found at Sonpur in the Chhindwada District of Madhya Pradesha in the heart of the Vākāṭaka kingdom might originally have come as part of the tributes paid to the emperor Pravarasena I by his feudatories Rudrasimha II and Yaśodāman II. Only three coins of this hoard belonged to Mahākshatrapa Rudrasena III, who came to the throne after A.D. 348; they might have come by way of trade.¹