Satavahana Dynasty: The Satavahanas are the first historic dynasty who ruled Deccan region for quite long time and whose achievements in political, religion, literature are remarkable. And showed path to many other dynasty’s which came after them. Satavahanas ruled Deccan region for more than five centuries. Satavahanas are the only South Indian dynasty to rule and control entire Deccan region and extend their power upto Magadha. The Satavahana dynasty established peace and stability in Deccan region for over 500 years. Satavahana Empire not only included Present Telangana but also the parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Bihar. Sources: The main sources for studying the history of any dynasty’s are archaeological and literary evidences. The early sources of Satavahanas are inscriptions and coins while the secondary sources are references made in the works of Indian and foreign writers. However there is difference in opinion among the historians about the origin of the Satavahanas. Archaeological Evidences (inscription): Satavahana inscriptions are scattered between Sanchi (M.P) in the North and Bellary (Karnataka) in the South, and Kanheri (Maharashtra) In the West and Amravati (A.P) in the East. All these inscriptions were written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. Some of the inscriptions are found on the caves of Naneghat, Kanheri, Nasik, and Karle in Maharashtra Guntupalli and in other places of Andhra Pradesh. Important Inscriptions of Satavahana period Naneghat Inscription of Naganika: This was inscribed by Naganika, who is the wife if Satakarni-I (180-170B.C.) after the death of her husband. It says that Satakarni conquered western Malwa, Anupa on the Narmada valley and Vidarbha. The inscription also says that Satakarni also performed Aswamedha and Rajasuya Yagas and proclaimed himself as Samrat and assumed the titles of ‘Dakshina Padapathi’ and ‘Apratihata chakra’. Junagadh Inscription: This Inscription Belongs to Rudradaman-I he was Saka ruler from the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. Coins with Ujjain map on it are published by Satakarni-I and Gouthami Putra Satakarni. . c. Silver coins are published by Satakarni-I for the first time. and Elephant marked coins are also published by various kings of Satavahana dynasty. Coins in Prakrit language are developed in the period of Vashishtiputra Satakarni. a.D. f. Sail boat marked coins are developed during the period of Yajna Shri Satakarni. Horse. It says about the war between Satakarni-I and Kharavela for the possession of the Godavari and Krishna River basins but does not claim any success for the latter.Nasik inscription: This Inscription was inscribed by Gautami Balasri she is the mother of Great Satavahana King Goutami putra Satakarni (78-102 A. Lead and Tin to make Coins silver coins were issued by only one ruler of Satavahana dynasty. Satavahanas are the first rulers to publish coins in the history of Deccan region. This inscription says about the list of countries conquered by Goutami putra Satakarni. According to this inscription Rudradaman-I defeated Pulumavi-2 (he is son of Gowthami Putra Satakarni) Hathigumpha and Guntupalli Inscriptions: These Inscriptions belongs to the king called Kharavela of Kalinga. g. e. Other coins like Lion. Coins of Satavahana period: Satavahanas used metals like Copper. He was the grandson of the king Chastana. Kings face was marked on coins during the period of Yajna Shri Satakarni. d.). b. Gunadhya – Brihatkatha Hala he is a Satavahana king and a writer he wrote a book called Gathasaptasati this book is in Prakrit language this book contains 700 romantic stories describes the society of Satavahana period.000slokas (distichs) in addition to prose sections. Somadeva suri: He penned a book called Kathasarisagaram. Vatsayana: Kamasuthra is an ancient Indian Hindu text widely considered to be the standard work on human sexual behavior in Sanskrit literature. Vatsayana said about Kuntala Satakarni his work. . The work consists of 18 books of 124 chapters and approximately 22.Literary Sources of Satavahana dynasty: Following are the important literary sources (books) and Writers in Satavahana period. In this work Somadeva suri said about Satvahana (head of Satavahana dynasty). Pliny: He is an Historian from Greek he wrote book with name Natural History in which a detail information about trade and commerce was given Birth Place of Satavahanas: Based on the evidences like coins of Simuka which were found in kotilingala of Karimnagar district and Kondapur of Medak district. Parabrahma Sastry believed that Satavahanas birth place is Telangana region. 2. Kuthuhala: He is writer during the period of Hala King of Satavahana he wrote a book called Lilavati Parinayam which cays about marriage of Princess of Sri Lanka ‘Lilavati’ with King Hala of Satavahana dynasty.V. According his Satavahanas has 30 fort city’s. He came into power by making Prathistanapuram as his capital city. Srimukha’s father was Satavahana On the name of Satavahana. Satavahanas became independent after the downfall of Mauryan empire. Dr P. Srimukha vassal of Emperor Ashoka.000 elephant power.000 active soldiers. author of the work Indika. and 1. According to V. About Satavahana Kings: Srimukha (221-198 B.V Srinivasa Iyengar birth place of Satavahanas is Prathistanapuram According to V. Foreign writers during Satavahana period: Megasthenes: He was a Greek ethnographer and explorer in the Hellenistic period. Andhra region is birth place of Satavahanas according to Gutha Ventak Rao. Emperor Ashoka in his inscriptions mentioned about Satavahanas as “Sathya Puthulu”.C): He is the founder of Satavahana dynasty. .000 horses power. 10. Satavahana dynasty came into name. Gopala Chary and A Smith.V Mirashi birth place of Satavahanas is Vidarbha. Coins With legends at the top of coins with names Rana Gobadra. Bhagavata religion entered Deccan region in his period. According to Matsya Purana Srimukha ruled for 23 years. the ruler of Kalinga. Srimukha defeated Leader of local Tribes ‘Rathikas’ of Maharashtra and entered into a matrimonial alliance with them to consolidate his position. And Satavahana Kingdom was threatened by these two kingdoms. He is son of Srimikha. Kanha (Krishna 198-180 B. Srimukha’s son Satakarni was married to Naganika. He is ablest among early Satavahanas. He extended the kingdom upto Nasik He laid foundation for kanheri and Nasik caves. the daughter of Maharathi Trainakayiro. Rana Goswamy belongs to the time of Srimukha.C): Most of the details about Satakarni-I are know from Naneghat inscription issued by his wife Naganika. Satakarni was contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga. the ruler of Magadha and Kharavela. Srimukha followed Jain Religion and then he adopted Vedic Religion. He appointed an officer called Darma Mahamathya to safeguard the welfares of Buddha monks in Nasik. In the memory of his victory over Pushyamitra Sunga.C): According to Puranas Srimukha was succeeded by his brother Kanha or Krishna. Satakarni-I (180-198 B. His came into power after the death of his brother since Satakarni was minor at that he acted as guardian of Satakarni to safeguard the kingdom from invasions. Coils belongs to the time of Srimukha was founded out kotilingala of Karimnagar district. the ruler of Magadha he issued coins with Ujjain map on it. . The legend at the top of these coins runs his name as Siri Chimukha Sata Coins belongs to the time of Satavahana are found out at Kondapur of Medak district. the ruler of Kalinga in his Hathigumpha inscription said that he defeated SatakarniI. Aprahatha Chakra are some of the Titles of Satakarni-I. According to Purana Satakarni-I donated 43. After the death of Satakarni-I He came into power Kharavela. Sura. . He was titled with Rajagya Siri Satakarni. Puranotsanga/ Vedasiri Satakarni (170-152 B. Satakarni-I issued Elephant marked Coins. According to Naneghat Inscription Vira. She followed Vedic Religion. 27. Satakarni-2(152-96 B. Naganika wife of Satakarni-I in her Naneghat Inscription said that her husband performed 2 Aswamedha Yaga’s and 1 Rajasuya Yagna. the ruler of Kalinga took advantage of his inexperience and attacked and destroyed the city called Pitundanagara popularly known as Bhattiprolu. Satakarni-I Give tax expansion for Brahmin’s. According to Matsya Purana His titles are Mahan and Mallakarna. Satakarni-I was the first king to perform Yaga’s and yagna’s. Naganika: She the daughter of Maharathi Trainakairo and wife of Satakarni-I she has a great personality it appears like she left her impression in the administration. Kharavela. He died at the early age leaving behind his wife Naganika and four Sons.C): He is longest ruling king of Satavahana dynasty he ruled for 56 years. Dakshinapathapati. She issued Naneghat inscription which has the records of her husband’s achievements.C): According to puranas his name was Vedasiri Satakarni. He is son of Satakarni-I and Naganika.000 Horses.102 Cows. This inscription was in Prakit Language. In his period Sanskrit Became the official language of Satavahanas (till then Prakrit language was the official language). It is said that writers like Sarva Varma and Gunadhya are present in the cort of Kuntala Satakarni. The successors of Satakarni-2 are not as effective as him as a result the kingdom started declining. His name was mentioned in many of literary works like Kavya Mimasam of Rajasekhara. Next important king of Satavahana dynasty is Kuntala Satakarni. Kamasutra of Vatsyayana. Kuntala Satakarni wife Mayavathi died in a sex game called Karikta. Vasista Putra Ananda is Court Artist of Satakarni-2 Satakarni-2 is mentioned in an inscription of the gateway of Sanchi. He defeated and killed Susarma king of Magadha and conquered Magadha. Kuntala Satakarni (38-30 B. . Gunadhya wrote Brihat Katha in Paisachi dialect and later on it became the soure for Vishnu Sharma to write a Book called Panchatantra.C) He was 15th king of Satavahana dynasty.C): He ruled for a short period of 8 years. Brihat Katha of Gunadhya and in Kathantra Vyakarana. the Yuga purana and in few coins. Debate between Gunadhya and Sarva Varma became source for Somadeva Suri to write Kathasarisagaram. His coins are found in pataliputra. According to Matsya Purana he ruled for 10 years. Sarva Varma penned a literary work called Kathantra Vyakaran (book on Sanskrit Grammar). According to Garga Samhita a Sanskrit text he conquered Vidarbha which was said to second capital city of Sungas. Pulomavi-I (30-6 B. According to Yuga Purana he conquered Kalinga. He defeated and killed Nahapana Important ruler of Western Kshatrapas in Jogalthambi war.D): Gautamiputra Satakarni is one of the outstanding rulers of ancient India. His personality and achievements are described in Nasik inscription issued by his mother Gautami Balasri. Contained 700 romantic stories which explains about society of Satavahana period. Hala was married to priencess of Sri Lanka Leelavati.D): He is 17th king of Satavahana. . One of his Titles was “Trisamudra Toya Peetavahana” (one whose horses drank water of 3 oceans) In the memory of is victories he was titled with Daksinasamudrisvara (God of Southern Oceans) and Saka Yavana Pahlva (one who is young for ever).Hala (19-24 A. He as a Unique title of Rajoran. Gautamiputra Satakarni (78-102 A. Gadha Sapthasathi. Because of his interest in poetry he was titled with Kavivaschala or patron of poets. Prakrit work Leelavati Parinayam by Kutoohala narrated the love story of Hala and Leelavathi. He ruled for only 5 Years. he ruled for 21 years. His period was called as Golden age for Prakrit Language. He penned a literary work called Gadha Sapthasathi. And greatest among all the Satavahana kings He is 23rd King of Satavahana dynasty. He was born to Sivaswati and Goutami Balasri. He is the first Poet king in the history Deccan region. Princess of Sri Lanka. According to the Matsya Purana and the Vayu Purana. The Achievement of Goutamiputra Satakarni is historically so important that the date on which he defeated the invaders 78 AD is selected as the beginning of Saka era Gouthamiputra Satakarni re-strucked coins of Nahapana with his face on it. He was titled with kshatrapa Yajnasri Satakarni (174-203 A. He is the first king in Satavahana dynasty on issue inscriptions on king’s name. He performed vedic religion and he even encouraged Buddhism He donated land to Buddhist monks Coins of Goutamiputra Stakarni and equipment used to publish coins are found out in Nagarjuna Konda. According to Nasik inscription Pulomavi-2 was given with a title Dakshinapadeshwara (lord of south) During his rule pressure from Sakas Greatest king Rudradama from North-West Increased as result Satavahana Empire started to disintegrate in west and north. According to Junagadh Inscription issued by Rudradama. He is also second son of Goutami Balasri. According to Junagadh Inscription Vashistiputra Sivasri Satakarni was married to Rudradam daughter. He was titled with Nava Nagara Swamy (one who built new city).D): He was the last great king of Satavahana dynasty. Goutami Balasri issued Nasik inscription in his period in Prakrti language.D): He is brother of Pulomavi-2 and succeeded his Crown. Pulomavi-2/Vashitiputra Pulomavi (102-130 AD): Pulomavi-2 is son of Gautamiputra Satakarni. Vashistiputra Sivasri Satakarni (130-154 A. In his period only Matsya Purana was to penned . In his period capital city was changed to Amaravati from World famous Amaravati Stupa was built in his period. Rudradama defeated Polomavi-2. He ruled from Ballari for some time. Gramam (villages) : Headed by Gramika (Similar to MRO). Vihayam (Cities) : Headed by Vishayapati (Similar to IAS officers) 4. At the time of Yajnasri Satakarni huge amount of trade happened with Rome. He took advantage of the confusion of Ujjain after the death of Rudragama and invaded his domination and re-established authority of Satavahanas over a great part of Western Deccan and of central India. It is said that Acharya Nagarjuna was present in his Court. Ahara (States) : Headed by Kumaramathya (Minister) 3. Myakadoni inscription says about decline of Satavahana Empire. . Yajnasri Satakarni Issued Chighajam (Prakasham district of A. Samrajyam (country) : Headed by King. Acharya Nagarjuna penned literary work called Sukrulekha about Yajnasri Satakarni. Vihaya and Garma) 1. This Vihara contained 1500 rooms. Sail boat marked coins are developed during the period of Yajna Shri Satakarni. According to Hathigumpha inscription kings must go through all the training which will help them in administration and safe ruling of the country. His Army Chief (Siri Shantamula) started a revolution against him which forced him to run to Ballari. Pulomavi-3: He is the last king of Satavahana dynasty. 2.P) inscription. Satavahanas divided there kingdom into 3 Parts (Ahara. Nasik inscription says about the administration of Satavahanas. Yajnasri Satakarni built and donated Viharas for Acharya Nagarjuna. he issued Myakadoni inscription in Ballari. Yajnasri Satakarni enlarged the famous Amaravati Stupa and constructed the stone railing around the Manachaitya. Administration: Satavahanas followed decentralized type of Administration. Raja Amathya : Minister who implements Kings orders. Main income source of kingdom is land tax (1/6th of the crop cultivated). 1. Dutha (దూత) : Ambassador 8. Maha Talavara : Chief of Army or Defense Minister. Subordinates kingdoms of Satavahanas are called as “Jana Padalu”. Number of Gramas together called as Gulmi. Vishva Amathya : Head of all Minister and Personal adviser. 7. 2. 10. 3. Other officers Satavahanas: 1. . 5. Donating land to monks and priests in India was first started by Mourya’s. Financial System of Satavahanas Satavahanas are first in Deccan region to donate land to monks and priests. Minister (Amathya) used to advice king in administration. An officer called Gulmika is responsible for the administration this Gulmis. Maha darmika (మహాదారిిక) : One who solves educational and religious problems. Gulmika of border Gulmis ( Bunch of Gramas or Villages) has some army in his control to protect his Gulmis(Bunch of Gramas or Villages) for invasions. Katakam (కటకం) : Army Head Quarters 9. Maha Amathya : Finance Minister. Ministers are appointed and transferred at the will of King. 6. Bandagaarikudu (బండగారికుడు) : Treasurer (one who collects and stores tax in crops) 3. Maha Aryaka (మహా ఆరయక) : One who solves legal problems. Parinda Vaaralu (ప్రింద వారాలు) : Secret agent in kings personal army. Prathiharudu (ప్రతిహరుడు) : Forts Chief security officer. An officer called Mahakaryaka was appointed solve problems of Gramas (Villages). Hiranikurudu (హిరనికురుడు) : Treasurer (one who collects and stores tax money) 2. 4. 4. Nibandanakaarudu (నిబందనకారుడు) : One who writes and protects Kings orders. Skanda Vaaralu (స్కంద వారాలు) : Temporary army camps in cities. Koduru Shipyard it used to be one of the important shipyard in eastern part of Satavahana kingdom it is present in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. 1. Position of ladies During Satavahana Period: . Ghantasala Shipyard used to be one of the oldest shipyards in south India now there is no shipyard in Ghantasala (Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh). During Satavahana period trade with Rome used to happen in high quantity. And they used to conduct meeting at regular intervals and these meetings are called as Gosti(గోష్టి). leader of this meeting (Gosti) is known as Shetty (శెటి ట). Gudur (Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh) is famous for textile industry. Kings part in cultivated crop is called as Deyameyam (దేయమేయం). The following are important shipyards in eastern part of Satavahana kingdom. And these committees are called as nikaya (నికాయ). Korangi Shipyard also acted as one of the important shipyards in Satavahana period. Vinukonda (Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh) is famous for metal industry. 3. 2. Sopara Shipyard it is one of the oldest shipyards present in Palghar district of Maharashtra. Palnadu (Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh) is famous for diamond industry. Korangi is in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Now there is no shipyard in Korangi. People mainly depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Important Shipyards of Satavahana period: The following are the important shipyards in western region of Satavahana kingdom Bharuch it is in Gujarat it acted as one of the important shipyards in western region of Satavahana kingdom. One who trade with foreign Country are called as Sarthavaahulu (సారథవాహులు). Important Trade Centers of Satavahana period. Local business men used to form as committees. It is said that during Kanha(Krishna) rule Bagavatha Religion entered Deccan region. They even have right to/in property. Satavahanas took it as pride in associating their mothers name with theirs like Gowtamiputra and Vashistiputra. He performed two Aswamedha Yaga and one Rajasuya Yaga and other sacrifices. Gowthami Balasri Given Grants for the construction of Chaityas (Buddhism temples) Viharas (Residential Quarters). They have right to religious. Satakarni-I a staunch Champion of Hinduism. One of the outstanding features of the Satavahana society was the high status according to women. According to Naneghat Inscription Satakarni-I given Grants to Brahmins. Religion: Founder of Satavahana dynasty Simukha was reputed to be a Jain during his early years. Naganika and Gowthami Balasri played a dominant role in administration of the empire. But later on he changed his faith in Vedic Religion. .