Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. The Satavahana

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  • 1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan
  • 2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2020
Let’s evaluate the statements about the Satavahanas:
1. The Satavahanas ruled over parts of western India and the Deccan: The Satavahana dynasty was a prominent kingdom in the Deccan region, which includes parts of present-day Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Their rule also extended into parts of Karnataka and occasionally into Western India (like northern Konkan and parts of Gujarat). This statement is correct.
2. The Satavahanas repaired and rebuilt Sudarshana Lake: Sudarshana Lake was an artificial reservoir located near Girnar in Gujarat. It was originally constructed during the Maurya period (specifically under Chandragupta Maurya, with contributions from Ashoka). Historical records, particularly the Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (a Western Kshatrapa ruler, 2nd century CE), state that Rudradaman I repaired the lake after it was damaged by a storm. Later, the Gupta emperor Skandagupta also repaired it (5th century CE) as mentioned in the Junagadh inscription. There is no historical evidence connecting the Satavahana dynasty with the repair or rebuilding of Sudarshana Lake. So, this statement is incorrect.
Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.
The Satavahanas ruled in the Deccan and parts of Western India. The Sudarshana Lake was built by the Mauryas and repaired by Western Kshatrapas (Rudradaman I) and Guptas (Skandagupta), not the Satavahanas.
The Satavahana dynasty lasted for several centuries (roughly 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE) and played a significant role in the political and cultural history of the Deccan. Their conflict with the Western Kshatrapas over control of regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat was a recurring theme in their history.