A Problem of Ancient South Indian History II
Summary
This essay confronts a puzzling chronological problem in early South Indian history. Building on a previous instalment, the author examines epigraphic and literary evidence concerning the transition from the Śātavāhana to the Pallava and Ikṣvāku dynasties. The article scrutinises Puranic lists, copper‑plate grants and cave inscriptions to reconcile conflicting dates and genealogies. One focus is the identification of kings mentioned under variant names in different sources; another is the dating of significant events such as the conquest of the Deccan by northern powers. By comparing palaeographic styles and linguistic features, the author proposes revised dates for certain rulers and argues that some lineages previously thought contemporaneous were in fact successive. He highlights the importance of cross‑referencing South Indian material with north Indian and Sri Lankan chronicles and stresses the need for caution when relying on later compilations. Ultimately, the article calls for collaborative analysis among epigraphists and historians to resolve outstanding chronological issues and to construct a coherent narrative of early Dravidian history.
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Conclusion
The article underscores that South Indian chronology remains fraught with uncertainties due to fragmented sources. Through careful comparison of inscriptions and literary accounts, the author offers plausible reconstructions of dynastic sequences. He argues that only through rigorous interdisciplinary collaboration can scholars hope to resolve lingering chronological puzzles in Dravidian history.