Satavahana Dynasty
The Golden Era of Telangana & South Indian History — Rulers, Administration, Culture & Legacy
📌 Overview: The Satavahanas were the first principal dynasty to establish a vast empire in South India. They ruled for approximately 2.5 centuries (1st century B.C.E to mid-3rd century C.E), bringing political unity and cultural renaissance to the Deccan region.
The Satavahanas played a trend-setting role in Telangana history and culture. They were the first major dynasty to rule not only Telangana but also large parts of South India, establishing a vast empire that extended from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east, and up to the river Ganges in the north.
Renowned historian K.M. Panikkar opined that the Satavahanas played a historical role by achieving cultural coordination between Dravidian land and Aryavarta. Their rule witnessed progressive changes in socio-economic and cultural fields, with literature, architecture, and sculpture receiving great royal patronage.
📜 Pre-Satavahana Age: The Historical Background
Telangana has one of the earliest histories in ancient times, serving as a meeting place of northern and southern kingdoms. The word "Telangana" came into usage from the time of the Delhi Sultans, with poet Amir Khusrau making a mention of it.
Key Historical References
- Buddhist Jatakas (600–400 B.C.E) mentioned the area between Godavari and Krishna rivers as Andhapatham or Andhakaratham.
- The first reference to Andhras appears in the Aitareya Brahmana of Rigveda (1000 B.C.E).
- Megasthanese (Greek ambassador, 4th century B.C.E) stated in his work 'Indica' that Andhras had 30 fortified cities, one lakh infantry, two thousand cavalry, and 1000 elephant force.
- Ashoka's 13th rock edict mentioned kingdoms of Kalinga, Andhra, Bojaka, and Rattika to the south of his empire.
Pre-Satavahana Kingdoms
| Ruler / Inscription | Location | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kubiraka | Bhattiprolu Stupa | Ruled with Nigamasabha and Gostis |
| Rajasomaka | Vaddemanu | Inscriptions found |
| Sarisada, Mahasada | Guntupalli & Velpuru | Multiple rulers mentioned |
| Gobada, Samagopa, Narana | Kotilingala | Pre-Satavahana coins found |
| Sivamahastin, Sivaskandahastin | Veerapuram | Coins discovered |
👑 The Satavahanas: Founders of South Indian Unity
⚡ Quick Facts:
Duration: Approximately 2.5 centuries (1st century B.C.E to mid-3rd century C.E)
First Capital: Kotilingala (Karimnagar District, Telangana)
Later Capitals: Prathistanapura (Paithan) → Dhanakataka (Dhanyakatakam)
Empire Extent: Arabian Sea (west) to Bay of Bengal (east), up to river Ganges (north)
The Satavahanas started their rule at Kotilingala in Karimnagar District, and later Prathistanapura became their capital. By the time of the later Satavahanas, it was changed to Dhanakataka (Dhanyakatakam). They carried their conquests in North India up to Magadha.
📚 Sources of Information
Literary Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Puranas | Vishnu, Bhagavata, Matsya Puranas give genealogies |
| Brihatkatha | Written by Gunadhya in Paisachi language |
| Gathasaptasati | Composed by Hala in Prakrit |
| Kamasutra | By Vatsayana – social & economic conditions |
| Indica | By Megasthanese – referred to Andhras |
| Historia Naturalis | By Pliny – Eastern countries' history |
| Periplus of Erythrean Sea | Trade relations between Rome and India |
Archaeological Sources
- Inscriptions: Prakrit language, Brahmi script (only 24 inscriptions available)
- Coins: Lead, copper, potin, and silver coins
- Monuments: Stupas, Chaityas, Sangharamas
- Excavations: Kotilingala, Pedabankur, Dhulikatta, Kondapur, Phanigiri
🏛️ Original Home of Satavahanas: Multiple Arguments
| Argument | Proponents | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Andhra | R.G. Bhandarkar, V.A. Smith | Land between Godavari & Krishna rivers; capital at Dhanyakatakam |
| Maharashtra | P.T. Srinivasa Ayangar, D.C. Sircar | Naneghat & Nasik inscriptions; capital at Prathishtanapuram |
| Vidarbha | V.V. Mirasi | Satavahanas were Andhrabhrityas; Katakam on Bena river |
| Karnataka | Dr. V.S. Sunkankar | Mykadoni inscription; Satavahanahara reference |
| Telangana | Ajaymitra Sastry, Deme Raji Reddy | Coins of Simuka found only at Kotilingala; first capital |
✅ Conclusion: It is proper to state that the first Satavahana kingdom got established in Telangana with Kotilingala as its capital. Coins of early Satavahana rulers — Chimuka Satavahana and Satakarni — are found at Kotilingala, Pedabankur, Dhulikatta, Kadambapur, and Kondapur in Telangana.
⏳ Chronology: A Complicated Issue
The chronology of the Satavahanas is a complicated issue. There is difference of opinion among historians regarding the starting of their rule. However, there is unanimity of opinion that the Satavahana rule ended around 225 or 230 C.E.
| Historian | Starting Date |
|---|---|
| Gurti Venkat Rao | 271 B.C.E |
| R.G. Bhandarkar | 73 B.C.E |
| Dinesh Chandra Sircar | 30 B.C.E |
| H.C. Roychowdary | 60 B.C.E |
| A.M. Sastry | 52 B.C.E |
| Parabrahma Sastry | 80 B.C.E |
Consensus: Satavahanas ruled for approximately 250 years, ending around 225-230 C.E.
👥 Caste of the Satavahanas
Different opinions prevailed among scholars regarding whether the Satavahanas were Brahmins or non-Brahmins:
- Brahmins: Gautamiputra Satakarni referred to as 'Eka Brahmana'; mother's gotra joined with names
- Kshatriyas: Performed Asvamedha and Rajasuya sacrifices; Gautami Balasri called 'Kshatriya Patni'
- Naga Race: 'Dvatrimsat Puttalika' mentions founder born to Naga king and Brahmin widow
- Sudras: Satavahana in Kannada meant a ryot
👑 Satavahana Rule – Political Developments
Historians have divided the Satavahanas into early and later Satavahanas. The rulers from the establishment of the rule till the accession of Gautamiputra Satakarni were called the early Satavahanas, and those from Gautamiputra Satakarni till the last king were referred to as later Satavahanas.
Early Satavahanas
| Ruler | Period | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Simuka | Founder | Killed Susarma of Kanva dynasty; established kingdom; ruled 23 years |
| Krishna (Kanha) | Brother of Simuka | Ruled 18 years; first to issue inscription; extended kingdom to Nasik |
| Satakarni I | Son of Simuka | Ruled 18 years; performed Asvamedha & Rajasuya sacrifices; 'Dakshinapathipati' |
| Satakarni II | 6th ruler | Ruled 56 years; occupied Malwa from Sakas |
| Hala | 17th ruler | 'Kavivatsala'; wrote Gathasaptasati; married Simhala princess Lilavati |
Later Satavahanas
| Ruler | Period | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Gautamiputra Satakarni | 106–130 C.E | Greatest monarch; defeated Sakas, Yavanas, Pallavas; 'Trisamudratoyapitavahana' |
| Vashistiputra Pulumavi | 130–154 C.E | Capital at Dhanyakatakam; 'Dakshinapatiswara' |
| Vashistiputra Satakarni | 154–165 C.E | Defeated by Rudradaman twice |
| Yagnasri Satakarni | 165–194 C.E | Last great ruler; patronized Acharya Nagarjuna and Buddhism |
🏛️ Administrative Organization
Powers of the Emperor
- Head of state and supreme commander-in-chief
- Hereditary monarchy in vogue
- Titles: Raja and Maharaja
- Performed Asvamedha and Rajasuya sacrifices
- Idea of divine right monarchy formed
Administrative Staff
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Amatyas | Ministers |
| Mahamatras | High officials |
| Maharathis | Provincial governors |
| Mahasenapati | Commander of army |
| Bhandarika | Safeguard income in kind |
| Heranika | Treasurer |
| Dutakas | Spies |
| Lekhaka | Secretary |
| Gramaka | Village official |
Administrative Units
- Rajakamkheta – Direct rule of king
- Feudatory areas – Chutus, Kurus, Ikshavakus
- Border areas – Under army commanders
🌾 Economic Development
Agriculture
- Major crops: Rice, Jowar, Jute, Gingelly, Sugarcane
- Other crops: Wheat, red gram, black gram, castor, coconut, cotton
- Water sources: Wells, canals, embankments
- Persian Wheel used for lifting water
Crafts & Guilds
| Craft | Guild |
|---|---|
| Weavers | Kolikas |
| Oil extractors | Tilapasikas |
| Brass workers | Kasakaras |
| Potters | Kularikas |
| Blacksmiths | Kamaras |
| Goldsmiths | Suvarnakaras |
| Carpenters | Vadhakas |
💰 Guilds discharged functions of present-day banks – accepted deposits, gave loans, collected interest (generally 12% per year).
Trade
- Internal trade centers: Kotilingala, Dhulikatta, Kondapur
- External trade: With Roman Empire
- Exports: Cotton, pepper, spices, pearls, diamonds, silk
- Imports: Silver, copper, glass articles, cosmetics
- Ports: Sopara, Kalyan, Bharukachham (west); Ghantasala, Gudur, Machilipatnam (east)
🕉️ Religious Developments
Vedic Religion
- Satakarni I performed many Vedic rites
- Gautamiputra Satakarni was 'Eka Brahmana'
- Vaishnavism and Shaivism started
- Oldest Sivalinga at Gudimallam (Chittoor District)
Jainism
- Srimuka (founder) was a follower of Jainism
- Acharya Kondakunda lived at Konakondla (Kurnool District)
- Wrote: Samayasara, Mulacara, Panchashaktiya, Pravachanasara
- Propagated Anekantavada philosophy
Buddhism
- Spread to Telangana before Asoka's rule
- Bavari story in Suttanipada – Bavari from Asmaka accepted Buddhism
- Mahasanghika branch birthplace: Dhanyakatakam
- Acharya Nagarjuna – contemporary of Yagnasri Satakarni
- Founded Madhyamikavadam (Sunyavadam)
- Buddhist places in Telangana: Kondapur, Phanigiri, Tirumalagiri, Dhulikatta, Pasegam, Meerjampet
📖 Educational & Literary Progress
| Work | Author | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Gathasaptasati | Hala | Maharastri Prakrit |
| Brihatkatha | Gunadhya | Paisachi |
| Kathasaritsagara | Somadevasuri | Sanskrit |
| Katantra Vyakaranam | Sarvavarma | Sanskrit |
| Kama Sutra | Vatsayana | Sanskrit |
| Lilavati | Kutuhala | Maharastrian Prakrit |
| Suhrullekha | Acharya Nagarjuna | Sanskrit |
🎓 Universities established at Dhanyakatakam and Nagarjunakonda – taught grammar, state craft, economics, logic, mathematics, legal science, astrology, and astronomy.
🎨 Architecture, Sculpture & Painting
Buddhist Monuments
- Stupa: Structure built over Buddha's remains
- Vihara: Habitation of monks and nuns
- Chaitya: Prayer hall of Buddhists
Amaravati Art of Sculpture
- Brilliant from 2nd century B.C.E to 2nd century C.E
- Centers: Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayyapeta
- Spread to Southeast Asian countries – Annam, Thailand, Java, Sumatra, Borneo
- James Fergusson in 'Tree and Serpent Worship' gave highest importance to Amaravati art
Painting
- Ajanta cave numbers 9 and 10 belong to Satavahana times
- Jataka stories of Mahayana Buddhism depicted
- Paintings at Bedsa, Pithalkhora, and Junnar
📝 Exam Point of View
🔹 Key Facts for Competitive Exams
- Founder: Simuka (Srimuka) – killed Susarma of Kanva dynasty
- First Capital: Kotilingala (Karimnagar District, Telangana)
- Later Capitals: Prathistanapura (Paithan) → Dhanyakatakam (Amaravati)
- Greatest Ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 C.E)
- Last Great Ruler: Yagnasri Satakarni (165–194 C.E)
- Duration: ~250 years (1st century B.C.E – 225 C.E)
- Language: Prakrit (official), Sanskrit (literary)
- Script: Brahmi
🔹 Important Titles
- Gautamiputra Satakarni: Eka Brahmana, Kshatriya Darpamana Mardana, Trisamudratoyapitavahana, Dakshinapathipati
- Satakarni I: Apratihata Chakra, Veera, Sura, Dakshinapathipati
- Hala: Kavivatsala
- Yagnasri Satakarni: Trisamudradhiswara
🔹 Important Inscriptions
- Naneghat Inscription: Issued by Naganika (wife of Satakarni I)
- Nasik Inscription: Issued by Gautami Balasri (mother of Gautamiputra Satakarni)
- Hathigumpha Inscription: Kharavela (Kalinga king) – mentions Satakarni
- Mykadoni Inscription: Pulumavi (last Satavahana ruler)
- Kanheri Inscription: Issued by Krishna (Kanha)
🔹 Important Coins
- Coins of Simuka found only at Kotilingala
- Coins of Gautamiputra Satakarni found at Kondapur and Pedabankur
- Restruck coins of Nahapana found at Jogalthembi (9270 coins)
- Coins with ship figure of Yagnasri Satakarni found at Nagarjunakonda
- Roman coins found at several places in South India
🔹 Important Excavation Sites
- Kotilingala: First capital; fort walls, coins, Jain stone shades
- Pedabankur: 22,000+ Satavahana coins; brick forts; Roman coins
- Dhulikatta: Buddhist Stupa; mud fort; Brahmi inscriptions
- Kondapur: Roman trade center; 4000+ Satavahana coins; mint center
- Phanigiri: Buddhist holy place; coins of Rudrasena II
🔹 Quick Revision Points
✅ Satavahanas were the first major dynasty to unite South India politically.
✅ Kotilingala was the first capital – coins of Simuka found only here.
✅ Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated Sakas, Yavanas, and Pallavas.
✅ Agriculture, crafts, and trade flourished – guilds functioned as banks.
✅ Buddhism received perfect development – Mahayana and Hinayana branches arose.
✅ Amaravati art spread to Southeast Asian countries.
✅ Prakrit and Sanskrit languages patronized – Gathasaptasati, Brihatkatha composed.
🏁 Conclusion
After the decline of the Mauryan empire, Satavahanas became independent and established a vast empire. Between North and South India, Deccan served as a bridge. They ruled for around two and a half centuries, providing a stable and long rule and contributing to:
- Economic and social development of the people
- Tremendous growth of Vedic and Buddhist religions
- Prakrit and Sanskrit languages
- Arts of architecture, sculpture, and painting
