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.
,
The Satavahanas were an Indian dynasty that ruled over the Deccan Plateau from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. They were the first major dynasty to rule over the Deccan, and their rule was a time of great cultural and economic prosperity.
History of the Satavahanas
The Satavahanas were founded by Simuka, who is said to have been a descendant of the Pandavas of The Mahabharata. Simuka’s son, Gautamiputra Satakarni, was the most famous Satavahana ruler. He is credited with defeating The Sakas, who had invaded the Deccan from Central Asia.
The Satavahanas were patrons of art and literature. They built many temples and palaces, and their court was a center of Learning. The Satavahanas also promoted Trade and Commerce, and their rule saw the development of many new cities and towns.
The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in the 3rd century CE, when they were overthrown by the Chalukyas. However, their legacy continued to influence the Deccan for centuries to come.
Satavahana rulers
The Satavahana dynasty was founded by Simuka in the 2nd century BCE. Simuka was succeeded by his son, Gautamiputra Satakarni, who is considered to be the greatest Satavahana ruler. Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Sakas, who had invaded the Deccan from Central Asia. He also extended the Satavahana kingdom to its greatest extent.
After Gautamiputra Satakarni, the Satavahana dynasty declined. However, they continued to rule over the Deccan until the 3rd century CE, when they were overthrown by the Chalukyas.
Satavahana art and architecture
The Satavahanas were patrons of art and architecture. They built many temples and palaces, and their court was a center of learning. The Satavahanas also promoted trade and commerce, and their rule saw the development of many new cities and towns.
The Satavahanas were influenced by the art and architecture of the Mauryan Empire. However, they developed their own unique style. Satavahana art is characterized by its use of bold colors and intricate designs. Satavahana architecture is characterized by its use of large, open spaces and its emphasis on symmetry.
Satavahana literature
The Satavahanas were also patrons of literature. They commissioned many works of literature, including poems, plays, and stories. The Satavahanas also promoted the study of Sanskrit and Prakrit.
Satavahana literature is characterized by its use of rich imagery and its focus on human emotions. Satavahana literature also reflects the social and political conditions of the time.
Satavahana religion
The Satavahanas were tolerant of all religions. They allowed Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to practice their faiths freely. The Satavahanas also built many temples and monasteries for these religions.
The Satavahanas were themselves Hindus. However, they were influenced by Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism and Jainism. Satavahana art and architecture often reflects Buddhist and Jain themes.
Satavahana economy
The Satavahanas were a prosperous dynasty. They controlled a large territory and had a strong economy. The Satavahanas were involved in trade with other parts of India and with the Roman Empire.
The Satavahanas also minted their own coins. These coins were made of gold, silver, and copper. Satavahana coins are often found in archaeological sites.
Satavahana Society
Satavahana society was divided into four varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Brahmins were the highest caste, followed by the Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
The Satavahanas also had a system of guilds. Guilds were organizations of merchants, artisans, and other professionals. Guilds played an important role in the Satavahana economy.
Satavahana culture
Satavahana culture was a blend of different cultures. The Satavahanas were influenced by the cultures of the Mauryan Empire, The Gupta Empire, and the Roman Empire.
Satavahana culture was also influenced by the cultures of the Deccan Plateau. The Satavahanas adopted many customs and traditions from the people of the Deccan.
Satavahana decline and fall
The Satavahana dynasty declined in the 3rd century CE. This decline was due to a number of factors, including internal conflicts, external invasions, and economic problems.
The Satavahanas were overthrown by the Chalukyas in the 3rd century CE. However, their legacy continued to influence the Deccan for centuries to come.
The Satavahanas were a dynasty that ruled over a large part of southern India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. They were known for their patronage of art, literature, and religion.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Satavahanas:
-
Who were the Satavahanas?
The Satavahanas were a dynasty that ruled over a large part of southern India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. They were known for their patronage of art, literature, and religion. -
When did the Satavahanas rule?
The Satavahanas ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. -
Where did the Satavahanas rule?
The Satavahanas ruled over a large part of southern India, including the Deccan Plateau, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. -
Who was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty?
The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. -
Who was the most famous Satavahana ruler?
The most famous Satavahana ruler was Gautamiputra Satakarni. -
What were the Satavahanas known for?
The Satavahanas were known for their patronage of art, literature, and religion. They also built many temples and other monuments. -
What happened to the Satavahana dynasty?
The Satavahana dynasty came to an end in the 3rd century CE. -
What are some of the achievements of the Satavahanas?
The Satavahanas were responsible for a number of achievements, including the construction of many temples and other monuments, the patronage of art, literature, and religion, and the expansion of their empire. -
What are some of the challenges faced by the Satavahanas?
The Satavahanas faced a number of challenges, including the rise of other dynasties, internal conflicts, and natural disasters. -
What is the legacy of the Satavahanas?
The Satavahanas left a lasting legacy on Indian history. They were responsible for a number of achievements, and their rule helped to spread Indian culture and civilization to other parts of the world.
The Satavahanas were a dynasty that ruled over large parts of southern India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. They were known for their patronage of art and literature, and for their contributions to the development of Indian culture.
Here are some MCQs about the Satavahanas:
-
The Satavahanas were a dynasty that ruled over:
(a) Northern India
(b) Southern India
(c) Eastern India
(d) Western India -
The Satavahanas ruled from:
(a) The 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE
(b) The 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE
(c) The 4th century BCE to the 5th century CE
(d) The 5th century BCE to the 6th century CE -
The Satavahanas were known for their patronage of:
(a) Art and literature
(b) Science and technology
(c) Religion and philosophy
(d) All of the above -
The Satavahanas made significant contributions to the development of:
(a) Indian culture
(b) Indian art
(c) Indian Literature
(d) All of the above -
The Satavahanas were eventually overthrown by the:
(a) Guptas
(b) Chalukyas
(c) Pallavas
(d) Cholas
Answers:
1. (b)
2. (a)
3. (d)
4. (d)
5. (a)