Table of Contents:
- About Satavahana Dynasty
- Rulers of the Satavahana Dynasty
- Administration of the Satavahana Dynasty
- Trade and commerce in the Satavahana Period
- Art and Culture of the Satavahana Dynasty
- The Decline of the Satavahana Dynasty
Satavahana Dynasty [ ruled at Deccan and Central India] [ 60 BC to 225 CE]
The Satavahana Dynasty also known as the Andhra Dynasty, was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled a large part of the Indian subcontinent from about 230 BC to 220 CE. They are considered to be one of the earliest indigenous dynasties to rule in the Deccan region of India.
The Satavahanas Originated in the present-day state of Maharashtra and gradually expanded their influences to present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
The capital of the Satvahana Dynasty was initially at Pratishtan (modern-day Paithan in Maharashtra), which was situated on the bank of the Godavari River. Later their capital was shifted to Amaravati and Junnar.
Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, they are known as “Andhra” in Matsya Purana.
The Satavahana dynasty reached its peak under the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni, who successfully expanded the empire and established a strong military and political presence in central and Southern India.
The Satavahana Dynasty played a crucial role in shaping the political, cultural, and economic landscape of ancient India. They were patrons of art, literature, and architecture, and their rule witnessed significant developments in trade and commerce, particularly due to their control over important trade routes.
Bharuch was the most important city of the Satavahana ruler.
Kalyan was an important port city during the Satavahana dynasty.
They also promoted Buddhism and patronized Buddhist Institutions, however, they are tolerant of other religious beliefs as well.
Kamasutra of Vatsyayana and Brihatkatha of Gunadhya provide important information about Satvanas dynasty.
Gautamiputra Satkarni was the most famous ruler of the Satavahan dynasty. He defeated the Saka rulers Nahapana, Pahlavas, and Yavanas.
Satavahanas were metronymic and the name of the king was derived from the mother ( or Female lineage). For example, the Name of the Gautami-Putra and Vashishtiputra Satakarni were derived from their mother's name.
Satavahana dynasty is also known as the Lord of Dakshinapatha.
Information about the Satavahana dynasty is found in Nasik and Nanaghat inscriptions. Nasik's Inscription described that Gotami-putra Satkarni assumed the tile of Kshatriyadarppa Mardana ( destroyer of the Pride of Kshatriyas).
Rulers of the Satavahana Dynasty:
The following are the rulers of the Satvahana Dynasty:
- Simuka ( 60 BC to 37 BC)
- Satakarni-I
- Vasisthiputra Pulumavi
- Gautamiputra Satakarni II
- Yajno Sri Satakarni
- Vijaya Satakarni
Some important facts about the Satavahana rulers:
Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
Satkarni-I assumed the title of Lord of Dakshinapatha.
King Hala was the 17th ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty. He wrote a book called Gathasaptasati, which is also known as Sattasai. He also assumed the title of "Kavi Vatsal".
Gautamiputra Satkarni was the 23rd ruler of the Satvahana dynasty. His mother's name was Gautami Balashri. It was recorded in Nashik Inscription, he was known as Lord of Dakshinpateshwar.
Vasishthiputra Pulumavi was the 24th ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
Yajna Sri Satakarni was the 27th ruler of the Satvahana dynasty. He issued coins in which ships were depicted.
Vijaya was considered the last ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty.
Satavahanas was finally succeeded by the Vakataka dynasty ( in Maharashtra) and the Ikshvaku dynasty ( in Andhra Pradesh).
Administration of Satavahana Dynasty:
The Satavahana governing system was largely decentralized. The King was the highest in the administrative hierarchy and he was considered the guardian of all people.
The state of the Satavahan dynasty was divided into 'Aharas", which were governed by a minister called "Amatya" or "Mahamatras".
The village was the smallest unit of administrative divisions. The head of the village was known as “Gaulmika” or "Gramika".
Military camps were known as Katakas and Skandhvaras. Mahabhoja and Maharathis were military officers and they were skilled in warfare
Satavahanas issued coins in many metals like silver, copper, Lead, and Potin. However, their coins were largely made up of copper and bronze. Many Satavahana coins have the names of "Satakarni" and "Pulumavi". Satvahana coins were of different shapes-round, square, rectangular, etc.
Satavahanas are known for starting the practice of giving royal grants of Land to Brahmans and Buddist monks.
Prakrit was the court and common language during the Satavahana rule. They also used Sanskrit in political inscriptions, but rarely.
Trade and commerce in the Satavahana Period:
Satavahan rulers controlled the Indian Sea coast, and they traded with the Roman Empire.
Sopar and Bharuch were the main ports and trading hubs of the Satavahana ruler.
Kondapur, Banavasi, and Madhavpur were important trade centers of Satavahana rulers.
Wine, glass, and pearls are important import items while export items include cloth, cornelian, mellow, and muslin.
Art and culture of Satavahana Dynasty;
Ajanta School of Painting is known for its beautiful color combination, which was made during the Satavahana rule.
They built Buddhist Stupas in Amravati, which is also known as Amaravati Stupa.
Society was mostly matrilinear where the son's name was derived from the mother's name.
The Decline of the Satavahana Dynasty:
The decline of the Satavahana dynasty is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been influenced by a combination of internal conflicts, external invasions, and regional uprisings.
Satavahanas started the practice of donating land with fiscal and administrative rights to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks, which led to the rise of feudalism and a revenue decrease. This later weakened the control of the Satvahana Dynasty, and this was the main reason considered as the decline of the Satvahana Dynasty.
After the decline of the Satavahanas dynasty, the Vakataka dynasty ( in Maharashtra) and the Ishuvaku dynasty ( in Andhra Pradesh) ruled over Satavahana's territories.
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