The Satavahanas (60 BCE–225 CE)

The Satavahanas were contemporaneous with the Sakas and played a pivotal role in Deccan history. 

• They emerged as a significant power after the decline of the Mauryan Empire, establishing their dominance in the Deccan region during the 1st century BCE. 
• Their capital was Pratishthana (modern-day Paithan in Maharashtra), and they were also referred to as the Andhras in ancient texts.
• The Satavahana dynasty’s political influence in the Deccan came to an end around 225 CE. This marked the rise of new powers in the region:
  • Vakatakas in the Deccan
  • Kadambas in Mysore
  • Abhiras in Maharashtra
  • Ikshvakus in Andhra Pradesh, who became prominent in the eastern Deccan.

Political Centre and Sources of Satavahanas

• Capital: Pratishthana served as the political epicenter of the Satavahana dynasty from the reign of its founder, Simuka, until the dynasty’s decline.
• Historical Sources:
  • The Puranas provide valuable insights into their history.
  • Inscriptions such as those at Nasik and Nanaghat are key records of their rule, particularly the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
  • Archaeological findings, including coins, further illuminate their legacy. Coins discovered at Nevasa (Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra) were made of lead, silver, and copper alloys, often depicting the king’s portrait and name.

Important Kings of Satavahana Dynasty

• Simuka (60–37 BCE):

• • • Simuka founded the Satavahana dynasty by overthrowing the last Kanva ruler of Magadha.
    • On his coins, Simuka is referred to as Chhimuka.
    • He ruled for approximately 23 years and was succeeded by his brother Kanha, who eventually beheaded him.

• Kanha:

• • • Kanha was the second ruler of the dynasty and expanded the empire eastward up to Nasik.
    • After his reign, he was succeeded by Simuka’s son, Satkarni I.

• Satkarni I:

• • • Satkarni I, the son of Simuka, was a prominent ruler among the early Satavahanas.
    • He expanded the empire by conquering western Malwa and Berar and extending its southern boundaries.
    • He performed Ashvamedha sacrifices and was titled Dakshina-Pathapati or “Lord of the Deccan” in Queen Naganika’s Nanaghat inscription.
    • His coins have been found at Kaundinyapura in Vidarbha.

• Satkarni II:

• • • Satkarni II’s reign was notable for his prolonged rule.
    • He is mentioned in the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, where he is depicted as an adversary of the Kalinga king.

• Hala:

• • • Hala, the seventeenth king, reigned for five years during a period of restricted territorial expansion due to Shaka incursions.
    • His reign saw the western Deccan occupied by the Shaka king Nahapana.
    • Hala is celebrated for his literary contribution, the Gathasaptasati or Sattasai, a collection of 700 love-themed verses in the Prakrit language.

• Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 CE):

• • • Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest Satavahana ruler and a key figure in restoring the dynasty’s power.
    • His reign lasted 24 years, during which he subdued the Shakas, Pahalavas, and Yavanas.
    • He is lauded as the conqueror of vast territories, extending his rule from the Krishna River in the south to Malwa and Saurashtra in the north, and from Berar in the east to the Konkan in the west.
    • His victory over Nahapana, the ruler of Malwa, was a significant achievement.
    • The Nasik inscription by his mother, Gautami Balasri, documents his accomplishments.
    • Gautamiputra was a patron of Brahmanism but also supported Buddhism, earning him the epithet “Ekabrahmana.”

• Vashishthiputra Pulumavi:

• • • Vashishthiputra Pulumavi succeeded his father, Gautamiputra Satakarni.
    • He extended Satavahana influence to the Krishna River’s mouth and issued coins featuring a ship’s image, highlighting the dynasty’s maritime prowess and trade activities.
    • His coins have been found across Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the region’s significance in their domain.

• Yajna Sri Satakarni:

• • Yajna Sri Satakarni was the last prominent ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • His reign marked the culmination of Satavahana power, leaving a lasting legacy in the Deccan.