The Ancient Geography of India. I. The Buddhist Period, including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang c8.s2.18

c8.s2.18

The mention of King *Sâtavâhana*, or *Sâdavâhana*, in connection with Nâgârjuna is specially interesting, as it shows that the Buddhist caves of *Parâmâlâ* must be as old as the first century of the Christian era. *Sâdavâhana* was a family name, and as such is mentioned in one of the cave inscriptions at Nâsik.∗ But *Sâta-* vâhana is also a well-known name of the famous Sâlivâhan,* who founded the Sake era in A.D. 79, so that we have a double proof that the Buddhist caves of Parámálá must have been excavated as early as the first century. The probable identity of Sátaváhan and Sátakarni will be discussed in another place. We know from the western cave inscriptions that Kosala certainly formed part of the vast southern kingdom of Gotamiputra Sátakarni; and if he flourished in the first century as would appear to be the case,† his identity with Sátaváhán, or Sâlivâhan, would be undoubted. It is sufficient here to note the great probability of this interesting point in the history of Southern India.