The Satavahana Dynasty, also known as the Andhra Dynasty, played a significant role in the post-Mauryan political landscape of ancient India. Emerging from the Deccan region, this powerful dynasty ruled over large parts of Central and Southern India. Their reign marked an important phase in the revival of Brahmanical culture and the development of regional languages, arts, architecture, and trade. The dynasty is often remembered for acting as a cultural and political bridge between the North and South of India.

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire in the 2nd century BCE, the political vacuum in the Deccan region was filled by two emerging powers:

• The Satavahanas
• The Chedi Dynasty of Kalinga

Among them, the Satavahanas emerged as the more powerful and enduring dynasty. They are referred to as “Andhra” in the Puranas, and their inscriptions use names like Satavahana, Shalivahana, and Satakarni.

The Satavahanas, also known as Andhras or Andhra-Bhrityas, were the first major native dynasty to rule in South India after the decline of the Maurya Empire.

• Time Period: ~1st century BCE to 3rd century CE.
• Region: Initially Andhra Pradesh, later expanded into Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Capital Cities:

1. Early: Dhani Kataka (modern Amaravati)
2. Later: Pratishthana (modern Paithan in Maharashtra)

They arose in the Deccan region, especially between the Godavari and Krishna rivers. They filled the political vacuum left after the fall of the Mauryas and Shungas, gradually asserting control over much of the Indian peninsula.

Knowledge about the Satavahana Dynasty comes from various sources:

Additional Insights:

• Gautamiputra Satakarni, one of the greatest Satavahana rulers, is credited with restoring the dynasty’s power by defeating the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana. This conflict is confirmed through coin overstrikes and Nasik cave inscriptions by his mother, Gautami Balashri.
• The “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea” mentions the Satavahana-controlled port of Bharuch (Barygaza), highlighting their maritime trade with the Roman world.
• Their inscriptions show extensive use of Prakrit language and Brahmi script, indicating early vernacular writing practices in administration and religion.
• Satavahana rulers are often given religious titles, such as “Eka Bamhana” (unique Brahmana), emphasizing their support for Brahmanism alongside Buddhism.

• Capital Cities: Initially, Dhanyakataka (Amaravati) served as a base. Later, Paithan (in modern-day Maharashtra) became the capital.
• Official Language: The Prakrit language was used in administration and literature.
• Script: Brahmi script was employed for inscriptions.
• Dynastic Origin: They are considered to be of Brahmin origin, though they maintained religious tolerance.

The number of Satavahana rulers and the duration of their reigns varies in different sources:

• Vayu Purana: Mentions 19 rulers with a reign of 300 years.
• Matsya Purana: Mentions 30 rulers, suggesting a 400-year reign.

Modern historians believe that the main Satavahana line ruled for around 300 years, with smaller sub-branches continuing for another 100 years.

• Considered the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty.
• Possibly a former vassal of the Shunga or Kanva Dynasty.
• Assumed full control after eliminating the last Kanva ruler Susharman.
• Issued his own coins and declared himself an independent monarch.
• Possibly killed in a palace coup due to indulgent lifestyle.

• Brother of Simuka.
• Extended territory up to Nasik.
• Continued to consolidate Satavahana power in western India.

• Son of Simuka.
• First prominent king of the dynasty.
• Married Naganika (Nayanika), a princess of the Agnimitra dynasty (Agiya/Amiya dynasty).
• Naneghat inscription by Naganika details Satakarni’s achievements.
• Titles: “Dakshinapathapati” (Lord of the South).
• Performed Ashvamedha and Rajasuya Yajnas, showing commitment to Brahminism.
• Conquered Western Malwa, Anupa (Narmada Valley), Vidarbha (Berar), and defeated Kalinga’s ruler.

Nayanika’s inscription at Nanaghad records his military achievements and describes him as Dakshinapathapati (Lord of the South).

After Satakarni I:

• Shaktishri, Vedishri ruled nominally under Nayanika’s guardianship.
• Saka ruler Nahapana (of the Kshaharata dynasty) began capturing parts of Maharashtra, Malwa, and Gujarat.

• 17th ruler, famous as a scholar and poet.
• Composed “Gathasaptashati“, a collection of love poems in Maharashtri Prakrit.
• Married Malayavati, a Sanskrit scholar.
• His reign marked literary and cultural achievements despite political instability.
• Court scholars:

1. Gunadhya – author of Brihatkatha in Paishachi Prakrit.
2. Sharvavarman – author of Sanskrit grammar Katantra (grammarian of Katantra school).
3. His queen Malayavati encouraged literary patronage.

• Regarded as the greatest ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty.
• Sources: Nasik Prashasti (inscription by his mother Gautami Balashri), Nasik and Karle cave inscriptions.
• Called: “Ekabrahmana“, “Rajaraja“, “Vindhyapati“, and “Dakshinapathapati“.
• Known as a defender of Brahminism and destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas.
• Defeated Shaka ruler Nahapana in his 17th regnal year.
• Took over Nahapana’s territories: Kathiawar, Malwa, Narmada Valley.
• Issued coins by re-striking Nahapana’s coins – evidence of victory.
• Made generous donations to Buddhist monks, showing religious tolerance.
• Built the city of Venkataka and donated lands like Ajakalkiya and Karjak to Buddhist communities.

• Son of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
• Married the daughter of Shaka Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I.
• Mentioned by Ptolemy as “Siro Polymeos“.
• Could not retain western territories due to Shaka resurgence.
• Shifted focus to eastern and southern India (Andhra Pradesh).
• Titles: “First Andhra ruler“, “Dakshinapatheshwar“, “Nagar Swami“.
• Built Amaravati Stupa and expanded it.
• Issued naval coins with ships, suggesting maritime trade.
• Founded Naklagarh, a new town.

• Last powerful ruler of the dynasty.
• Reasserted control over Narmada Valley and parts of western India.
• Successfully defeated the Shakas once again.
• His death led to the gradual decline of the Satavahana Empire.

After Yajnashri Satakarni, the central authority weakened. The empire broke into smaller regional powers:

• Ruled Nasik region until the 4th century.
• Founder: Ishwarsena.
• Established the Kalachuri-Chedi Samvat (248-49 CE).

• Founded by Shri Shantamula.
• Ruled from Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh).
• Though Brahmin kings, their queens were Buddhists, leading to construction of stupas.

• Ruled Kuntala region (northern Karnataka).
• Later conquered by the Kadambas.

• Ruled area between Krishna and Masulipatnam.
• Capital: Pithund.

• Ruled between Krishna and Godavari rivers.
• Capital: Vengi.
• Later absorbed by the Pallavas.

• Religious Tolerance: The Satavahanas supported both Brahmanism (Vedic religion) and Buddhism.
• Brahmanism:

1. Kings like Gautamiputra Satakarni called themselves “Eka Bamhana” (unique Brahmana) and performed Vedic sacrifices (e.g., Ashvamedha, Rajasuya).
2. Brahmanas were granted land and privileges.

• Buddhism:

1. Major patrons of Hinayana Buddhism.
2. Supported construction of stupas, chaityas, and viharas.
3. Sites like Amaravati, Nasik, Karle, Bhaja, and Junnar flourished.

• Developed rock-cut architecture, especially Buddhist cave complexes (e.g., Karle, Nasik, and Bhaja).
• Built stupas at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda, decorated with sculptures and narrative panels.

• Known for detailed and lively stone sculptures at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
• Scenes depicted include Jataka tales, life of Buddha, and court scenes.
• Art reflects Hellenistic (Greek) influence due to Indo-Roman trade.

• Prakrit was the official language; Brahmi script used in inscriptions.
• Notable literary work: Gathasaptashati – a Prakrit collection of poems, attributed to King Hala.
• The original Brihatkatha, composed in Paishachi language, is believed to have been written during their time.

• Coins featured royal titles, religious symbols (e.g., wheel, elephant, ship), and reflected economic and cultural richness.
• Some coins had bilingual inscriptions, showing cultural interaction and diversity.

• Women had a respectable position; inscriptions mention royal women making donations.
• Society included Brahmanas, merchants, artisans, monks, and farmers.
• Growth of urban centers and trade guilds contributed to a vibrant cultural life.

In summary,

• Brahminism Revival: Strong support under Satakarni I and Gautamiputra.
• Buddhism: Continued patronage, especially donations to monks and cave monasteries.
• Architecture: Development of rock-cut caves in Nasik, Karle, and Amaravati.
• Stupa construction: Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda were important centers.
• Literature:

1. “Gathasaptashati” by Hala
2. “Brihatkatha” by Gunadhya
3. Grammar books by Sharvavarman

• Agriculture formed the economic backbone of the Satavahana Empire.
• Land grants to Brahmanas and Buddhist monasteries (Viharas) are frequently mentioned in inscriptions, showing the importance of agriculture and religious patronage.
• Irrigation projects, such as tanks and canals, were undertaken to improve agricultural productivity.
• Fertile regions like the Krishna-Godavari delta, Deccan plateau, and Maharashtra contributed significantly to grain production and agricultural surplus.

Internal Trade:

• The Satavahanas developed a vast network of trade routes, connecting urban centers like Pratishthana (Paithan), Nasik, Tagara, and Amaravati.
• Towns were well-connected to rural areas, encouraging exchange of goods like textiles, metal goods, agricultural produce, and crafts.

External Trade:

• The Satavahanas had thriving maritime trade with the Roman Empire, as evidenced by:
• References in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
• Roman coins found in Satavahana territory (especially in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra)
• Important export items: spices, semi-precious stones, pearls, textiles (especially cotton), ivory, and iron goods.
• Import items: gold and luxury goods from Rome.
• Ports like Bharuch (Barygaza) and Kalyan played a vital role in overseas trade.

• The period saw a rise in urban centers, particularly in the Deccan region, due to growth in craft production and trade.
• Important industries included:
• Textile weaving (especially cotton)
• Metalwork
• Pottery and terracotta art
• Ivory carving (as seen in Amaravati art)
• These goods were in demand both domestically and in foreign markets.

• The Satavahanas issued coins in lead, copper, and silver.
• The most famous rulers, like Gautamiputra Satakarni, issued **inscribed coins with royal titles, names, and symbols such as Ujjain cross, ships, and animals.
• Some coins were bilingual, using Prakrit language and Brahmi script, reflecting cosmopolitan trade interactions.
• The use of coins facilitated monetized trade and taxation systems.

• The Satavahanas collected taxes from agriculture, trade, and crafts.
• Revenue was also generated through custom duties at ports and levies on merchants.
• The inscriptions show that some merchants and guilds voluntarily gave donations (known as Apanage) to religious establishments and public infrastructure, suggesting a prosperous and participatory economy.

• Merchant guilds and craft guilds played a significant role in trade and production.
• These guilds not only regulated business activities but also financed religious and social works, as evidenced in Nasik and Karle inscriptions.
• Guilds ensured quality control and facilitated long-distance trade across regions and with foreign traders.

• Generous donations to Buddhist monasteries and Brahmanical institutions led to the development of religious and educational centers.
• These institutions became hubs of economic activity, attracting pilgrims, artisans, and traders.
• Construction of stupas, chaityas, and viharas at places like Amaravati, Nasik, Karle, and Junnar was often funded by traders and royal grants.

• The Satavahana Empire was located at the crossroads of northern and southern India, allowing it to control important trade routes.
• They acted as intermediaries in north-south trade, fostering unity and exchange between the two cultural regions.

1. Strategic Conquest: Gautamiputra Satakarni’s conquest was not random—it focused on trade routes (coastal and inland), fertile river valleys (Narmada, Krishna, Godavari), and politically significant tribal zones.
2. Military and Cultural Assertion: His victories over the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas not only expanded his empire but also reinstated Brahmanical dominance in regions influenced by foreigners.
3. Title and Pride: In inscriptions, he is compared to legendary kings like Sagara, Yayati, and Rama, emphasizing the ideology of divine kingship and dharma-based rule.
4. Geographical Mastery: His horses “drinking from three seas” symbolizes control over a vast area—from Arabian Sea (west) to Bay of Bengal (east) and possibly Indian Ocean (south).

The Satavahana Dynasty represents a formative era in Indian history when regional kingdoms began to rise after the Mauryan collapse. Though based in the Deccan, they played a unifying role across vast regions of India. With their contributions to religion, language, arts, and administration, they laid the foundation for subsequent dynasties in the South, such as the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, and Chalukyas. The balance they maintained between Brahminical orthodoxy and Buddhist patronage reflected a unique cultural synthesis that enriched Indian civilization.

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