In ancient Indian history, which ruler has been described in inscriptions as the destroyer of the Sakas, the Yavanas and the Pallavas, highlighting his success against foreign powers?

Introduction / Context:
Inscriptions in ancient India often praised kings by listing their victories over rival powers. One famous description calls a ruler the destroyer of the Sakas, the Yavanas and the Pallavas. This phrase reflects his success in checking foreign and regional powers that posed challenges to his kingdom. The question tests knowledge of which king earned this title, an important fact in the history of the Satavahana dynasty and Deccan politics.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The inscriptional phrase mentions Sakas, Yavanas and Pallavas as defeated enemies. • The options list Skanda Gupta, Gautamiputra Satakarni, Simuka and Satakarni I. • We assume familiarity with Satavahana kings and their conflicts with Saka rulers.

Concept / Approach:
Gautamiputra Satakarni was one of the greatest rulers of the Satavahana dynasty in the Deccan. Inscriptions, especially the famous Nashik prasasti issued by his mother Gautami Balashri, praise him as the destroyer of the Sakas, the Yavanas and the Palhavas or Pallavas. This refers to his victories over western Kshatrapa Saka rulers and other foreign influenced powers. The other names in the options either belong to different periods or do not match this specific inscriptional title.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Gautamiputra Satakarni ruled in the first to second century CE and is considered a high point of Satavahana power. 2. Remember that during his reign, he fought successfully against the western Kshatrapas or Saka rulers who had taken over parts of the Deccan and western India. 3. Note that the Nashik inscription by his mother describes his victories and calls him the destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas and Palhavas. 4. Skanda Gupta was a later Gupta ruler who fought the Hunas, not mainly the Sakas, Yavanas and Pallavas as a group. 5. Simuka and Satakarni I were earlier Satavahana rulers, but the famous title is attached specifically to Gautamiputra Satakarni. 6. Therefore, the correct answer is Gautamiputra Satakarni.

Verification / Alternative check:
Epigraphic studies of the Nashik cave inscriptions emphasise the praise given to Gautamiputra Satakarni as a powerful ruler who humbled the Sakas, Yavanas and Palhavas. Textbooks on ancient India often quote this phrase to show his role in restoring indigenous control over parts of western India. Since no other Satavahana or Gupta king is widely described by precisely this combination of defeated enemies, the identification is secure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Skanda Gupta: Remembered for defending the Gupta Empire against Huna invasions, not for this particular triad of Sakas, Yavanas and Pallavas. Simuka: Considered the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, but not the ruler associated with the famous inscription that mentions these conquests. Satakarni I: An early Satavahana ruler with some conquests, but the celebrated title destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas and Pallavas is linked to Gautamiputra Satakarni.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different Satavahana names because several rulers shared elements like Satakarni. Another pitfall is to associate any strong defender of India, such as Skanda Gupta, with all lists of defeated foreign groups. To avoid errors, it is useful to directly connect the phrase destroyer of Sakas, Yavanas and Palhavas with Gautamiputra Satakarni name and with the Nashik inscription issued by his mother.

Final Answer:
The ruler praised as the destroyer of the Sakas, the Yavanas and the Pallavas was Gautamiputra Satakarni.