there is no definite evidence that Vāsudeva should necessarily refer to Vishnu-Krishna. As god-of-the-god, Vāsudeva can well be associated with Indra, who had a key role in Buddhism, stated Dahlquist. Later scholars have questioned Dahlquist's analysis and assumptions. Kuiper criticizes him for interpreting the dubious source of Megasthenes, ignoring all the "indications to the contrary", and dispute Dahlquist's treatment of the evidence. The Greek texts that describe ancient India, have numerous references that suggest the existence of Vishnu-Krishna before the time of Heliodorus. For example, there is little doubt that Methora in ancient Greek texts is same as Mathura, Sourasenoi as Shurasenas, Herakles of India is Hari-Krishna, Kleisobora is Krishnapura. Similarly, early Buddhist sources provide evidence of Krishna worship, such as the Niddesa which mentions both Vāsudeva and Baladeva. The Jataka tales too include a story about Krishna. Heliodorus may have been a Buddhist, only to convert to the Krishna religion when he was serving as an envoy. The Heliodorus pillar's inscription is generally dated to the late 2nd century BCE or about 100 BCE, is attributed to Heliodorus, as recording his devotion to the Vaishnava Vāsudeva sect. Related evidence During the Besnagar site excavations by archaeologists Lake and Bhandarkar, a number of additional inscriptions were found such as one in Vidisha. These also mention Vaishnava-related terms. In one of those inscriptions, is the mention of another Bhagavata installing a pillar of Garuda (vahana of Vishnu) at the "best temple of Bhagavat" after the king had ruled for twelve years. A pillar from nearby Buddhist Sanchi, Pillar 25, is thought to be contemporary with the Heliodorus pillar, and is also dated to the 2nd century BCE. See also Bhagavata History of Hinduism Notes References Bibliography External links Heliodorus pillar at Besnagar, Maurya dynasty, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India, ca. 126 B.C., An image taken after 1968, University of Washington Archives Heliodorus pillar inscription , American Institute of Indian Studies Heliodorus Column, Archaeology Online Vedic archeology, Part 1: The Heliodorus Column Monumental columns in India Indo-Greeks Tourist attractions in Vidisha district History of Madhya Pradesh Foreign relations of ancient India Monuments and memorials in Madhya Pradesh