my recent release

MAHAKSATRAPA CASTAN AND WESTERN INDIA DURING EARLY CHRISTIAN ERA- my recent release

Contents: Preface. Acknowledgement. Abbreviations. Transliteration from Devnagari to Roman. I. Introduction: 1. Sources of history. 2. Sakas in India. 3. Saka tribes. 4. Status of Western Ksatrapas. II. Political history: 5. Founder of Castana Family Ysamotika of Ghsamotika? 6. Conquests of Castana. 7. Castana's Rule and Administration. 8. Castana's achievements. 9. Saka Era. 10. Ujjayini: Capital of Castana. III. Socio-cultural history: 11. Condition of people. 12. Religion. 13. Economy. 14. Coinage. 15. Education, language, literature and Paleography. 16. Arts and crafts. 17. Conclusion. Appendices. Bibliography.

"Role of the Sakas or Scythians in history of the Western India of the Early Christian period; has been a desired, subject among historians. Though, there are many aspects and characters of Saka History, the author, found to the character of interesting Castana sternly underestimated and neglected by the historians. Castana built his own empire conquering almost complete West and North West India. He was simply a Ksatrapa but became Mahaksatrapa. He united the scattered forces of the foreign born nationalities those who had lost their power with defeat of Nahapana by Gotamiputra. He tried to Indianise the foreign born nationalities by adopting Saivism, encouraging Samskrita and pursuing matrimonial relations with Satavahanas. He founded the Saka rule in India so firmly that they ruled for four centuries. He can be credited to start the solar calendar of Sakas in India which is now our national calendar. Though we do not find his Gold Coins but we know that the trade and commerce were flourishing in full swing during his period. The Ports of Makaran, Sindha, Kutch, Saurashtra, Gujarat and Konkan were very busy of harboring Indian as well as foreign vessels. Castana was like Napoleon who rose from a soldier to emperor. Rather he was more dynamic in founding his dynasty then later who failed miserably in this.

Respite, many more interesting aspects in this period of Indian history in general and western India in particular, e.g., the progress of art, culture, society, literature have been discussed in details, which took place due to prosperity of people in reign of Western Ksatrapas of 1 and 2 cent. viz. Castana and Rudradamna." (jacket).