The Satavahanas emerged as a significant power in Deccan and Central India following the decline of the Mauryan Empire. They are often associated with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas, though their inscriptions do not reference the term ‘Andhra.’ The name “Satavahana” is derived from Prakrit, meaning “Driven by Seven,” symbolizing the Sun God’s chariot pulled by seven horses in Hindu mythology.
Political History of the Satavahanas
Foundation and Early Expansion
The Satavahana dynasty was founded by Simuka (100-70 BCE), with Pratisthana (modern-day Paithan in Maharashtra) serving as its capital. Their early domain was established in the Upper Godavari Valley in Maharashtra, eventually expanding into Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The primary rivals of the Satavahanas were the Shakas, who controlled western India and the upper Deccan region.
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Notable Satavahana Rulers
- Sri Satkarni I (27 BCE-17 BCE) – He was the first major ruler of the dynasty, earning the title of “Dakshinapathapati” (Lord of the Southern Path), as mentioned in Queen Naganika’s Naneghat inscription. He defended his territory against Kharavela, the Kalinga king.
- Satkarni II (50 BCE-25 BCE) – Expanded the empire by capturing Malwa from the Shungas and constructing the Torana gateways at Sanchi.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni (106-130 AD) – The most powerful Satavahana ruler, known for reviving the empire and reclaiming lost territories from the Shakas. He is praised in the Nasik Prasasti, inscribed by his mother, Gautami Balasri.
- Vashisthiputra Pulumavi (130-154 AD) – Expanded the empire’s borders and strengthened diplomatic ties through marriage to a Shaka princess.
- Yajna Sri Satkarni (165-194 AD) – The last great ruler, known for naval expansion, as indicated by coins featuring ships. He recovered lost territories, including North Konkan and Malwa.
Conflict with the Shakas
The Satavahanas were in constant conflict with the Shakas over Malwa and Konkan. Gautamiputra Satakarni successfully defeated the Shakas and restored lost territories. However, later conflicts with Rudradaman I, the Shaka ruler of Kathiawar, resulted in temporary defeats, although matrimonial alliances prevented complete destruction. Eventually, Yajna Sri Satkarni reclaimed lost regions.
Decline of the Satavahanas
By 225 CE, the Satavahana rule came to an end, leading to a power vacuum in the Deccan. This void facilitated the rise of successor states such as the Vakatakas in Deccan, Kadambas in Mysore, Abhiras in Maharashtra, and Ikshvakus in Andhra Pradesh.
Material Culture and Economy
The Satavahana economy blended local traditions with influences from northern India. The people adopted coinage, brick architecture, ring wells, and writing systems through northern interactions. They cultivated rice and cotton extensively and utilized iron and mineral resources, such as gold from Kolar and iron from Karimnagar and Warangal. The primary currency was lead coins, along with copper and bronze variants.
Social Organization
The Satavahanas embraced Brahmanical traditions, performing Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha and Rajasuya. Gautamiputra Satakarni was revered as “Eka Brahmana” for preserving the purity of the four varnas. The Shaka rulers were assimilated as Kshatriyas through intermarriage, though it remains unclear whether common Shakas were similarly accepted.
Women held prominent positions in Satavahana society. Queen Nayanika served as regent, and Gautami Balasri’s inscriptions highlight her influence. Matronymic naming conventions were followed, yet the society remained patrilineal.
Polity and Administration
The Satavahanas upheld the Dharmasutra ideals of kingship. Their administration retained Mauryan elements:
- Ahara (district) – Administrative unit
- Amatyas & Mahamatras – Officials
- Senapati – Military chief and provincial governor
- Gaulmika – Rural administrator overseeing a regiment of soldiers
A feudal polity emerged, with Senapatis serving as provincial governors and military settlements doubling as administrative centers. The kingdom had three feudatory grades: Raja (highest), followed by Mahabhoja and Senapati.
Religion
The Satavahanas were primarily Brahmanical but also patronized Buddhism. They granted tax-free villages to Brahmins and Buddhist Sanghas, a practice later adopted by the Guptas. They worshipped Vaishnav deities like Krishna and Vasudeva while supporting Mahayana Buddhism, which flourished among artisans in Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati.
Architecture and Language
Satavahana architecture featured rock-cut Buddhist temples (chaityas) and monasteries (viharas) in western Deccan. Notable examples include the Karle chaitya and large stupas at Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati.
The official language was Prakrit, written in the Brahmi script. King Hala composed the Gatha Saptasati, a collection of Prakrit verses.
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Inscriptions
- Naneghat Inscription – Erected by Queen Naganika, listing Vedic deities and marking the transition from Vedic to modern Hindu traditions.
- Gautami Balasri Inscription (Nasik Prasasti) – Praises Gautamiputra Satakarni as “Vindhyaraja” and the protector of Brahmanical purity.
- Nahapana Inscription (Nasik Cave No. 10) – Records donations by Ushavadata, a Kshatrapa under Shaka king Nahapana.
The Satavahanas played a crucial role in shaping Deccan’s political, social, and economic landscape. Their administrative structure, cultural contributions, and conflicts laid the foundation for subsequent dynasties. They bridged northern and southern traditions, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.
