The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c12.s6.2

c12.s6.2

The *Matsya Purāṇa* brings the dynastic history to the fall of the Āndhras about 236 A.C.¹⁴ In the *Vāyu*, *Brahmāṇḍa*, *Viṣṇu* and *Bhāgavat Purāṇas* the narrative is carried down to the exploits of the Guptas previous to the *digvijaya* (world-conquest) of Samudragupta, say, 335 A.C. As the original authority for the *Matsya* and the *Vāyu* is known to be the *Bhaviṣya Purāṇa*, this last is considered to be the foundation of the entire Purāṇic tradition. The *Bhaviṣya* must have been in existence by 250 A.C. according to Pargiter.