The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c8.s4.18

v1.c8.s4.18

It may, however, be asked why the successors of Pravarasena I did not assume the title mahārājādhirāja. If it was for the reason that up to that time the latter title had not yet become popular in the Deccan and Southern India, then why did they give up the imperial title samrāt, which had already been adopted by Pravarasena? The reasons for this change in title from samrāt, emperor, to mahārāja, king, are partly religious and partly political. Vājapeya was one of the sacrifices performed by Pravarasena I. The sacred texts describe this sacrifice as a samrāt-sava,¹ i.e. a sacrifice which entitles its performer to the title of samrāt, emperor. As none of the successors of Pravarasena I had performed this sacrifice, they could not assume the title of samrāt and had therefore to remain content with the title mahārāja, which did not then denote any feudatory status in the Deccan or Southern India. We must further not forget in this connexion that the Vākāṭakas were orthodox Brāhmans, and must therefore have felt that those among them who had not performed the Vājapeya should not presume to use the title of samrāt.