In the Post-Mauryan period, the Satavahanas united and ruled the entire Deccan for many centuries. Their reign was spread over present day Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.Inscriptions and literary evidence mention that they had many capitals during their long reign. They were:
| Kotilingala (Jagityal district of Telangana)Pratishtanapura (Paithan in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra)Srikakulam (Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh)Dhanyakataka (Amaravati in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh) |
According to Matsya Purana, 30 kings of the Satavahana dynasty reigned for about 450 years. Historians placed this period from 225 B.C.- A.D. 225. The important rulers are discussed below:
- Srimukha/Simuka:
As per the Puranas, Simuka was the first king of the Satavahana dynasty. 8 coins issued by him were found at Kotilingala.
- Shatakarni-l:
He was the third king of the dynasty. He had the titles of Dakshinapadapati and Apratihatachakra. His victories are recorded in the Nanaghat inscription issued by his wife Naganika. The inscriptions of Satavahanas were written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
Shatakarni-I is said to have performed many sacrifices apart from Asvamedha and Rajasuya. He donated many cows, horses, elephants, gold and 13 villages to the Brahmans. The tradition of land grants to the brahmans was started by the Satavahanas. The villages or lands that were donated to the brahmans were called as brahmadeya or agrahara from the Age of Guptas.
- Kuntala Shatakarni:
He was the 13th king in the line of Satavahana rulers. Two distinguished poets lived in his court.
- Gunadya He wrote Brihatkatha in Paisachi dialect of the Prakrit language.
- Sarva Varma : He was a Sanskrit scholar and authored Katantra Vyakarana on Sanskrit grammar.
- Hala:
Hala was the 17th king of the Satavahana dynasty. He reigned only for 5 years. He wrote the famous book, Gathasaptasati in Prakrit language which consists of 700 erotic poems and took the title of Kaviraja.
- Gautamiputra Shatakarni:
Gautamiputra Shatakarni was the 23rd king and the greatest of all the rulers of this dynasty. The tradition of metronymic was started during his period. His victories are recorded in the Nasik inscription laid by his mother Gautami Balasri.
He conquered Assaka/Asmaka (Bodhan – Telangana). Mulaka (Godavari region- Maharashtra), Rishika (Krishna region), Vidarbha mbat (Maharastra), Setagiri (Nagarjuna Konda – Andhra Pradesh). Vyjayanti (Banawasi- Karnataka) and Aparanta (Konkan) regions.
- Vasistiputra Pulomavi:
He was the 24th king. According to some historians, he shifted the capital from Pratishtanapura to Dhanyakataka.
- Pulomavi – III:
Pulomavi – III was the last king of the Satavahana dynasty. After the decline of Satavahanas many small independent kingdoms emerged in Deccan. Important of them were :
| Ikshvaku Kingdom: They ruled over Telangana and Andhra with Vijayapuri as their capital. Abhira Kingdom: Nasik as the capital, they ruled Maharashtra. Chutu Kingdom: They reigned over Karnataka with Banavasi as their capital. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. FAQ: Who were the Satavahanas, and when did they rule?
Answer: The Satavahanas were an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled from around 230 BCE to 220 CE. They emerged in the Deccan region after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. The Satavahana rule is often referred to as the Satavahana or Andhra period in Indian history.
2. FAQ: What was the geographical extent of the Satavahana Empire?
Answer: The Satavahana Empire primarily covered the Deccan region, comprising parts of present-day Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Their influence extended to central India, and they maintained diplomatic ties with foreign powers, including the Roman Empire.
3. FAQ: What were the significant contributions of the Satavahanas to Indian culture and administration?
Answer: The Satavahanas made noteworthy contributions to art and culture. They were patrons of Buddhism, as evidenced by the construction of numerous stupas and viharas. The famous Amaravati Stupa is an example of their support for Buddhist art. Additionally, they played a crucial role in the development of trade and commerce in the Deccan region.
4. FAQ: How did the Satavahana rulers administer their empire?
Answer: The Satavahanas followed a decentralized administrative system. They divided their empire into provinces, each governed by a viceroy or a governor. These local administrators had significant autonomy in managing their regions, contributing to efficient governance. The Satavahanas also maintained a strong military to safeguard their vast territory.
5. FAQ: What led to the decline of the Satavahana Empire?
Answer: The decline of the Satavahana Empire is attributed to various factors, including internal conflicts, external invasions, and economic challenges. The Ikshvaku and other regional dynasties gradually gained power, leading to the fragmentation of the Satavahana realm. The emergence of the Western Kshatrapas and other external threats further weakened their hold on the Deccan, ultimately contributing to their downfall in the early 3rd century CE.
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