The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c13.17

c13.17

Be it known unto thee that I, having been consecrated for the Râjasûya sacrifice, let loose from all check or curb a horse which was to be brought back after a year, appointing Vasumitra as its defender, girt with a guard of a hundred royal princes. This very horse wandering on the right (or south) bank of the Sindhu was claimed by a cavalry squadron of the Yavanas. Then there was a fierce struggle between the two hosts. Then Vasumitra, the mighty bowman, having overcome his foes, rescued by force my excellent horse which they were endeavouring to carry off. Accordingly, I will now sacrifice, having had my horse brought back to me by my grandson, even as Ansumat brought back the horse to Sagara. Therefore you must dismiss anger from your mind, and without delay come with my daughters-in-law to behold the sacrifice.”¹ The nine Śungas who followed Puṣyamitra on the throne of Pāṭaliputra and reigned until about 73 B.C. are mere names. Their dominions seem to have diminished considerably in extent.²