Numismatics and Epigraphics From the reigns of
Jivadaman and Rudrasimha I, the date of minting of each coin, reckoned in the
Saka era, is usually written on the obverse behind the king's head in
Brahmi numerals, allowing for a quite precise datation of the rule of each king. This is a rather uncommon case in Indian numismatics. Some, such as the numismat R.C Senior considered that these dates might correspond to the much earlier
Azes era instead.
Influence of Abhiras During his reign, the
Abhiras became increasingly important. Some of them were even serving as generals. Ashvini Agrawal thinks that the
Abhira king Isvardatta was a general in the service of Rudrasimha I who deposed his master in 188 A.D and ascended the throne. Ashvini Agrawal further says that Rudrasimha I soon deposed him and regained the throne in 190 A.D. The inscription also gives a detailed genealogy of the kings up to Rudrasimha: {{quote| "Hail ! On the [auspicious] fifth
tithi of the bright fortnight of
Vaisakha during the auspicious period of the constellation of
Rohini, in the year one hundred and three — 100 3 — (during the reign) of the king, the
Kshatrapa Lord Rudrasiha (Rudrasimha), the son of the king, the Maha-Kshatrapa Lord
Rudradaman (and) son’s son of the king, the Kshatrapa Lord
Jayadaman, (and) grandson’s son of the king, the Maha-Kshatrapa Lord
Chashtana, the well was caused to be dug and embanked by the general (
senapati) Rudrabuthi, the son of the general (senapati) Bapaka, the
Abhira, at the village (grama) of Rasopadra, for the welfare and comfort of all living beings." The inscription refers Rudrasimha to as simply a
ksatrapa, ignoring the existence of any
mahaksatrapa. According to Sudhakar Chattopadhyaya, this indicates that the Abhira general was the
de facto ruler of the state, though not assuming any higher title. The inscription states Abhira Rudrabhuti as the son of the general Bapaka. ==Notes==