The third century CE saw the disruption of the Andhra Empire, which had been under strain for over a century due to various external pressures.

Foreign groups like the Scythians (Sakas), Tukhāras, Yavanas, and Pahlavas (Parthians) entered Dākṣiṇāpatha during the centuries before and after Christ, establishing small principalities across the region.

These foreign rulers were gradually absorbed into the indigenous population, adopting the religion, habits, and lifestyle of the local people.

During the reigns of Emperor Gautamīputra Śrī Śātakarṇi (c. 97-116 CE) and his son Vāsisthīputra Svāmi Śrī Pulumāvi II (c. 116-144 CE), the Andhras faced conflicts with the foreign tribes who had carved out kingdoms in Western India, threatening their suzerainty.

These foreign rulers initially served the Indo-Parthians and later pledged allegiance to the Kuşāṇa sovereigns.

Gautamīputra Śrī Śātakarṇi is credited with defeating the casteless foreigners, including the Scythians, Yavanas, and Pahlavas, restoring the varṇāśrama dharma (the social order of the castes) and reviving the glory of the Śātavāhana dynasty.

Under the reign of Vāsisthīputra Śrī Pulumāvi II’s successors, conflicts with alien chiefs continued, weakening the integrity of the empire.

The first major blow to the empire came from Saka king Mahākṣatrapa Rudradāman of Ujjain around the middle of the second century CE.

Despite setbacks, the empire recovered and flourished for a quarter of a century, but the forces of disintegration had already set in.