Historian V. A. Smith took the chronological identity asserted by the predecessors in this historical hierarchy as the basis for further calculation of the exact dates of the different dynasties that ruled over Magadha after and before the Mauryas. He took the aid of numismatics in addition to epigraphy. He could not however get over, as if by compunction, to follow the Puranas in the enumeration of the kings and their dynasties. But he reduced their reign periods. The total reduction done by these British scholars, from Jones to Smith, comes to 1300 years according to some Indian chronologists. Smith's chronology has come to stay and is being taught till today in India. The Ceylonese date of the Buddha, which is nearest to the present times, has been accepted as a part of Smith's chronology though there are many other valid dates in different countries as already seen. Not only the date of the Buddha, but also the dates in ancient Indian history regarding the writers, scientists and treatises are decided on the basis of this Sheet Anchor which is accepted as final decision.

[ Back ] [ Bharateeya Historiography ] [ Up ] [ Next ]