Simuka
| Simuka | |
|---|---|
| Founder of Satavahana dynasty | |
| Successor | Kanha |
| Issue | Satakarni |
| House | Satavahana |
Simuka was an Indian king belonging to the Satavahana dynasty.[1] He is described as Sishuka or Sindhuka in the Puranas, and is named as the founder of the Andhra or Andhra-jatiya dynasty (another name for the Satvahanas).
Based on available evidence, Simuka cannot be dated with certainty.[2] According to one theory, he lived in 3rd century BCE; according to other theory, he lived in the first century BCE.
Period
The Mastysa and Vayu Puranas mention that the first Andhra or Andhra-jatiya king (variously called Sisuka or Sindhuka) overthrew the Kanva king Susharman (c. 40–30 BCE). Based on identification of Simuka with Sisuka or Sindhuka, some scholars believe that Simuka's reign started in 30 BCE. Scholars supporting this theory include D. C. Sircar, H. C. Raychaudhuri and others.[3]
The Matsya Purana mentions that the Andhra dynasty ruled for 450 years. It is known that the Satavahana rule continued till the beginning of the early 3rd century. Therefore, the beginning of the Satavahana rule can be dated to 3rd century BCE. In addition, Indica by Megasthenes (350 – 290 BCE) mentions a powerful tribe named "Andarae", whose king maintained an army of 100,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 1,000 elephants. If Andarae is identified with the Andhras, this can be considered additional evidence of Satavahana rule starting in 3rd century BCE. Accordng to this theory, Simuka was an immediate successor of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (304–232 BCE). According to these scholars, the Kanva ruler Susharman was overthrown by a successor of Simuka. The Brahmanda Purana states: "the four Kanvas will rule the earth for 45 years; then (it) will again go to the Andhras". This indicates Satavahanas had been in power before the Kanvas subjugated them; the Kanva rule was ultimately overthrown by a Satavahana king. Scholars supporting this theory include A. S. Altekar, K. P. Jayaswal, V. A. Smith and others.[3]
According to Sudhakar Chattopadhyaya, Simuka was the person who revived the Satavahana rule after the Kanva interregnum, and thus a founder of the 'second' Satavahana dynasty; the compilers of the Puranas have confused his name with the founder of the original dynasty.[3]
According to Charles Higham, the coin-based evidence suggests that Simuka's reign ended sometime before 120 BCE.[4]
Biography
Not much is known about Simuka. He built many Buddhist and Jain shrines.[5]
Simuka was succeeded by his brother Krishna (also known as Kanha), who further extended the empire westward at least as far as Nashik.[2][3] According to Matsya Purana, Krishna was succeeded by Mallakarni, but according to other Puranas, he was succeeded by Satakarni. The Nanaghat cave inscription of Satakarni lists his family members: it mentions Simuka's name, but not that of Krishna. Based on this, historians conclude that Satakarni was Simuka's son, and succeeded Krishna.[3][6]
Jain legends
In Jain legends, Simuka is also known as Gadabhilla, father of Vikrama,[citation needed] and is said to have ruled in the area of Pratishthan and Malwa.
References
- ↑ Raychaudhuri 2006, p. 336.
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- ↑ Raychaudhuri 2006, p. 346.
Bibliography
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