After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the history of the Andhras, as a continuous account of political and cultural events, commences with the rise of the Satavahanas as a political power. According to Matsya Purana there were 29 rulers of this dynasty. They ruled over the Andhradesa including Deccan for about 400 years from the 2nd century B.C. to beyond the 2nd century A.D. Satavahanas were also called Salivahanas and Satakarnis. In the 3rd century B.C., Simukha, the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, unified the various Andhra principalities into one kingdom and became its ruler (271 B.C. – 248 B.C.). Dharanikota near Amaravati in Guntur district was the first capital of Simukha, but later he shifted his capital to Pratishtana (Paithan in Aurangabad district).
Satakarni II, the sixth ruler of the dynasty (184 B.C.) was an able ruler who extended his kingdom to the west by conquering Malwa. According to inscriptional evidence, he extended the boundaries of his realm far into central India across the Vindhyas, perhaps up to the river Ganges. He ruled for a long period of 56 years. The long reign of Satakarni II was followed successively by eight rulers of whom none can be credited with any notable achievement. It was the accession of Pulumavi I that brought renewed strength and glory to their kingdom. He struck down the last of the Kanva rulers, Susarman, in 28 B.C. and occupied Magadha. The Satavahanas thus assumed an all-India significance as imperial rulers in SUCCESSION to the Nandas, Mauryas, Sungas and Kanvas. The kings, who succeeded him, appear to have been driven, by the Sakas, out of Maharashtra back to their home land in Andhra. The only silver lining in that murky Atmosphere was the excellent literary work, Gathasaptasati, of Hala, the 17th Satavahana king.
Administration of satavahanas
The Satavahanas followed the administration guidelines of the Shastras. Their government was less top-heavy than that of the Mauryans, and featured several levels of feudatories: Rajan, the hereditary rulers Rajas, petty princes who struck coins in their own names Maharathis, hereditary lords who could grant villages in their own names and maintained matrimonial relations with the ruling family Mahabhojas Mahasenapati (civil administrator under Pulumavi II; governor of a janapada under Pulumavi IV) Mahatalavara (“great watchman”) The royal princes (kumaras) were appointed as viceroys of the provinces. The ahara appears to have been the largest geographical subdivision of the Satavahana Polity. Several inscriptions refer to aharas named after the governors appointed to rule them (e.g. Govardhanahara, Mamalahara, Satavanihara and Kapurahara). This suggests that the Satavahanas attempted to build a formal administrative and revenue collection structure. The inscriptions of Gautamiputra Satakarni suggest the existence of a bureaucratic structure, although it is not certain how stable and effective this structure was. For example, two inscriptions from Nashik Cave 11 record donations of agricultural land to ascetic communities. They state that the ascetics would enjoy tax exemption and non-interference from the royal officials. The first inscription states that the grant was approved by Gautamiputra’s minister Sivagupta on the king’s verbal orders, and preserved by the “great lords”. The second inscription records a grant by Gautamiputra and his mother, and mentions Syamaka as the minister of the Govardhana ahara. It states that the charter was approved by a woman named Lota, who according to archaeologist James Burgess’ interpretation, was the chief lady-in-waiting of Gautamiputra’s mother. The Satavahana-era inscriptions mention three types of settlements: nagara (city), nigama (market town) and gama (village).
economy during satavahanas
The Satavahanas participated in (and benefited from) economic expansion through intensification of agriculture, increased production of other commodities, and trade within and beyond the Indian subcontinent. During the Satavahana period, several large settlements emerged in the fertile areas, especially along the major rivers. The amount of land under agricultural use also expanded significantly, as a result of forest clearance and construction of Irrigation reservoirs. The exploitation of sites with mineral Resources may have increased during the Satavahana period, leading to the emergence of new settlements in these areas. Such sites facilitated commerce and crafts (such as ceramic ware). The increased craft production during the Satavahana period is evident from archaeological discoveries at sites such as Kotalingala, as well as epigraphic references to artisans and guilds. The Satavahanas controlled the Indian sea coast, and as a result, they dominated the growing Indian trade with the Roman Empire. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions two important Satavahana trade centres: Pratishthana and Tagara. Other important urban centres included Kondapur, Banavasi and Madhavpur. Nanaghat was the site of an important pass that linked the Satavahana capital Pratishthana to the sea.
Important Inscriptions during saatvahanas
Several Brahmi Script inscriptions are available from the Satavahana period, but most of these record donations to Buddhist institutions by individuals, and do not provide much information about the dynasty. The inscriptions issued by the Satavahana royals themselves also primarily concern religious donations, although some of them provide some information about the rulers and the imperial structure. The earliest extant Satavahana inscription is from Nashik Cave 19, which states that the cave was commissioned by Mahamatra Saman of Nashik during the reign of king Kanha. At Naneghat, an inscription issued by Nayanika, the widow of Satakarni I, has been found. It records Nayanika’s lineage and mentions the Vedic sacrifices performed by the royal family. Another inscription at Naneghat comprises names of Satavahana royals, appearing as labels over their bas-relief portraits. The portraits are now completely eroded, but the inscription is believed to be contemporary to Nayanika’s inscription on a paleographic basis.The next oldest Satavahana-era inscription appears on a sculpted gateway element of Stupa 1 at Sanchi. It states that the element was donated by Ananda, who was the son of Siri Satakarni’s foreman of artisans. This inscription is probably from the reign of Satakarni II.
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The Satavahana dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The dynasty was founded by Simuka Satakarni, who is considered to be the first great ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. The Satavahanas were a powerful and influential dynasty, and they played a major role in the development of Indian culture and Society.
The Satavahana period was a time of great cultural and economic prosperity. The Satavahanas were patrons of the arts and sciences, and they built many temples, palaces, and other public works. The Satavahanas also promoted Trade and Commerce, and they established a strong and stable government.
The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in the 3rd century CE, when it was overthrown by The Gupta Dynasty. However, the Satavahanas left a lasting legacy on Indian history and culture.
Satavahana dynasty
The Satavahana dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The dynasty was founded by Simuka Satakarni, who is considered to be the first great ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. The Satavahanas were a powerful and influential dynasty, and they played a major role in the development of Indian culture and society.
The Satavahanas were originally a branch of the Andhra branch of the Kshatriyas. They were originally feudatories of the Mauryan Empire, but they rebelled against the Mauryans in the 2nd century BCE. The Satavahanas were successful in overthrowing the Mauryans, and they established their own dynasty.
The Satavahanas ruled over a vast empire that included most of the Deccan Plateau and parts of northern India. The capital of the Satavahana empire was at Pratishthana, which is now known as Paithan in Maharashtra.
The Satavahanas were a tolerant and syncretic dynasty. They patronized all religions, including Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, and Jainism. The Satavahanas also built many temples, monasteries, and other religious buildings.
The Satavahanas were a prosperous dynasty. They were involved in trade with other parts of India and with the Roman Empire. The Satavahanas also minted their own coins.
The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in the 3rd century CE, when it was overthrown by the Gupta dynasty. However, the Satavahanas left a lasting legacy on Indian history and culture.
Simuka Satakarni
Simuka Satakarni was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty. He was a powerful and influential ruler, and he played a major role in the development of Indian culture and society.
Simuka Satakarni was born in the 2nd century BCE. He was the son of a Kshatriya chief. Simuka Satakarni was a skilled warrior, and he led his people to victory in many battles.
Simuka Satakarni was also a wise and just ruler. He established a strong and stable government, and he promoted trade and commerce. Simuka Satakarni also built many temples, palaces, and other public works.
Simuka Satakarni died in the 1st century BCE. He was succeeded by his son, Vasishthiputra Pulumavi.
Satavahana culture
The Satavahanas were a tolerant and syncretic dynasty. They patronized all religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Satavahanas also built many temples, monasteries, and other religious buildings.
The Satavahanas were a prosperous dynasty. They were involved in trade with other parts of India and with the Roman Empire. The Satavahanas also minted their own coins.
The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in the 3rd century CE, when it was overthrown by the Gupta dynasty. However, the Satavahanas left a lasting legacy on Indian history and culture.
Satavahana art
The Satavahanas were patrons of the arts, and they commissioned many works of art. Some of the most famous Satavahana sculptures are the Amaravati sculptures, which are found in the Amaravati cave complex in Andhra Pradesh. The Amaravati sculptures depict scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
The Satavahanas also built many temples, palaces, and other public works. Some of the most famous Satavahana temples are the Kailasa Temple at Ellora and the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur.
Satavahana architecture
The Satavahanas were patrons of architecture, and they built many
What is the Indus Valley Civilization?
The Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient civilization that flourished in the Indus River valley from 3300 to 1300 BCE. It was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, and its people were skilled in agriculture, metalworking, and trade. The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its distinctive Pottery, seals, and architecture.
What are the three main stages of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The Indus Valley Civilization is divided into three main stages: the Early Harappan period (3300-2600 BCE), the Mature Harappan period (2600-1900 BCE), and the Late Harappan period (1900-1300 BCE).
What are the major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The major cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi. These cities were all well-planned and had sophisticated Drainage Systems, public baths, and granaries.
What was the religion of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization is not well-understood, but there is evidence that they worshipped a number of gods and goddesses. Some of the most important gods and goddesses of the Indus Valley Civilization were Indra, the god of thunder and war; Agni, the god of fire; and Varuna, the god of the sky.
What was the writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The writing system of the Indus Valley Civilization is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a logosyllabic script. This means that each symbol represents either a word or a syllable. The Indus Valley script has not yet been deciphered, so we do not know what it says.
What was the economy of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The economy of the Indus Valley Civilization was based on agriculture, trade, and metalworking. The Indus Valley people were skilled farmers, and they grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, rice, and Cotton. They also traded with other civilizations in the region, and they were skilled in metalworking, producing tools, weapons, and jewelry.
What was the social structure of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The social structure of the Indus Valley Civilization is not well-understood, but it is believed that there was a class system. The upper class consisted of the rulers and priests, while the lower class consisted of the farmers, artisans, and merchants.
What was the art and architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The art and architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization is characterized by its simplicity and symmetry. The Indus Valley people were skilled in pottery, sculpture, and metalworking. They also built large cities with well-planned streets and buildings.
What was the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is still not fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of factors, including Climate change, drought, and invasion, led to its collapse.
What is the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilization?
The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, and its people were skilled in agriculture, metalworking, and trade. The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its distinctive pottery, seals, and architecture. Its legacy can be seen in the cultures of the region today.
1. The Satavahana dynasty was founded by:
(A) Simuka
(B) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(C) Vasishthiputra Pulumavi
(D) Rudradaman I
2. The Satavahanas ruled over which of the following regions?
(A) Deccan
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Telangana
(D) All of the above
3. The Satavahanas were known for their:
(A) Patronage of art and literature
(B) Military prowess
(C) Trade and commerce
(D) All of the above
4. The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in the:
(A) 3rd century CE
(B) 4th century CE
(C) 5th century CE
(D) 6th century CE
5. The Satavahanas were succeeded by the:
(A) Pallavas
(B) Chalukyas
(C) Cholas
(D) Pandyas
6. The Satavahana period was a time of great cultural and economic prosperity in India.
(A) True
(B) False
7. The Satavahanas were the first Indian dynasty to issue coins with their own names on them.
(A) True
(B) False
8. The Satavahanas were great patrons of art and literature.
(A) True
(B) False
9. The Satavahanas were great warriors who conquered many lands.
(A) True
(B) False
10. The Satavahanas were great traders who established trade routes with many parts of the world.
(A) True
(B) False