TG STUDIES
Telangana History • Satavahana Dynasty
Satavahana Era 1
Introduction to Satavahana Dynasty
The term Telangana came into use from the time of the Delhi Sultans. A poet named Amir Khusrow was the first to mention Telangana.
The mention of Andhras first appeared in the "Aitareya Brahmana," which is a part of the Rigveda, around 1000 BCE.
Asmaka was the only Janapada that emerged in South India (comprising Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Adilabad), with its capital at Bodhan. (Total Janapadas were 16).
In the 4th century BCE, a Greek ambassador named Megasthenes mentioned in his book "Indica" that the Andhras had cities with 30 fortresses, an infantry of one hundred thousand, a cavalry of two thousand, and an elephant force of one thousand. Pliny also mentioned the same fact.
The forts mentioned by Megasthenes have been identified in Telangana at Bodhan, Kotilingala, Dhulikatta, Peddabankur, Kondapur, Phanigiri, Gajulapuri, and Indrapuri.
A potter's kiln was discovered at 'Peddabankur' in the Karimnagar district.
The Satavahanas were the first major dynasty to rule South India.
They started as feudatories during the Mauryan period and declared independence during the Kanva dynasty period.
Their rule began at Kotilingala in Telangana and later Pratishtanapura (Paithan) became their capital. By the time of the later Satavahanas, it was shifted to Dhanakataka (Dhanyakataka).
The Satavahanas conducted their victorious military campaigns up to Magadha.
Kingdoms that Ruled Telangana Before the Satavahanas
In the 3rd century BCE, Bhattiprolu stupa's 'Dhaturakanda' inscriptions mention that a king named Kubiru ruled with the help of Nigamasabha and Goshthi.
The 'Vaddemanu inscription' mentions Rajasomaka and Jantupalli.
The Velpuru inscription mentions that Saripada, Mahasad, Ashokapada, Sivapada, and Sivamakasada ruled.
Coins of Gobada, Samagopa, Narana, and Kamvayasiri were found at Kotilingala.
"Gobad" was the first to issue coins in Telangana.
The inscriptions of the Satavahanas are in Brahmi script and Prakrit language.
Only 24 long-duration inscriptions have been found: Nashik-8, Kanheri-5, Karla-3, Bhilsa-1, Nanaghat-2, Makadoni-1, Chinnaganjam-1, Amravati-2, Kodavali-1.
The Naneghat inscription was issued by Queen Nayanika (Naganika), wife of Satakarni I. This is only a decorative inscription.
The Kanheri inscription was issued by Krishna (Kanha).
The inscription issued by Gautami Balasiri is at Nashik and mentions the victories of her son Gautamiputra Satakarni.
The Hathigumpha inscription issued by Kharavela, the Kalinga king belonging to the Mahameghavahana dynasty, provides information about his contemporary Satakarni.
The Satavahanas minted lead and copper coins in large numbers.
They also minted 'Potin' coins using an alloy of copper and tin.
Gautamiputra Satakarni also minted silver coins.
Certain symbols were stamped on these: bull, elephant, lion, hill, Ujjain symbol, ship, sun, moon, lotus, and conch shell.
Early Satavahana inscriptions were found only at Naneghat and Nashik.
According to the Matsya Purana, 30 kings ruled for 456 years.
According to the Vayu Purana, 17 kings ruled for 272 years.
All Puranas mention that Srimukha killed the Kanva king Susharma, occupied Magadha, and took over the Satavahana kingdom.
Satavahana Era 2 – Early Satavahanas
Greatest of all – Gautamiputra Satakarni
Last great ruler – Yajna Sri Satakarni
Srimukha (231–208 BCE)
- He is the founder of the Satavahana kingdom.
- Puranas mention him as Sindhuka, Balapuchchhaka, and Bali.
- His reign period was 23 years.
- He initially adopted Jainism and in the end practiced the Vedic religion.
- His coins bear 3 names: 'Siri Chimuka', 'Siri Chimuka Satavahana', and 'Siri Satavahana'.
- He defeated a Naga tribal group called Rathikas and established matrimonial alliances with them.
- His son was Satakarni I.
Krishna
- He was the brother of Srimukha.
- His reign period was 18 years.
- His 'Nashik' inscription shows that the Satavahana administrative system was modeled on Mauryan lines.
- He excavated the Nashik caves. He appointed officials called Dharma Mahamatras for the welfare of Buddhist monks at Nashik. The 'Bhagavata' religion spread to South India during his time.
Satakarni I
- He was the son of Srimukha.
- His reign period was 18 years.
- His wife's name was Nayanika (Naganika); the inscription she issued is named Naneghat, which features the statues of their daughter Maharathi Tranakayiro, sons Kumara Hakusri, Kumara Satavahana, and Vedisri (eldest son).
- He performed two Ashvamedha sacrifices, one Rajasuya sacrifice, and 20 kratus.
- His titles – Apratihatachakra, Ekavira, Dakshinapathapati.
- He issued coins with an 'elephant' symbol.
- Puranas mention him as 'Mahan' and 'Mallakarna'.
- He issued coins with the 'Ujjain city' symbol.
His Contemporary Rulers
- Pushyamitra Sunga – Magadha
- Kharavela – Kalinga
- Demetrius – Indo-Greek
It is known through the 'Chulla Kalinga Jataka' that he attacked Kalinga Kharavela.
He was the first to give tax-free land grants to Brahmins.
He expanded his empire through matrimonial alliances.
The name of his wife Naganika's father was Maharathakairo (King of Rathika).
Satakarni II
- According to Puranas, he was the 6th king.
- His reign period was 56 years.
- He constructed the southern gateway to the 'Sanchi' stupa. 'Ananda' had an inscription carved on the southern gateway.
- He is regarded as the first South Indian king to expand his rule into North India.
After him, 8 kings ruled: Lambodara, Apilaka, Meghasvati, Svati, Skandasvati, Mrihendra Svatikarni, Kuntala Satakarni, and Svatikarni.
Apilaka: Reign period was 12 years. According to Puranas, he was the 8th king.
Kuntala Satakarni
- His title was Vikramarka.
- According to Puranas, he was the 13th king.
- In his court, Sarvavarma authored 'Katantra Vyakaranam' in Sanskrit.
- Sarvavarma taught Sanskrit to Kuntala Satakarni in 6 months.
- 'Brihatkatha' was authored in Paisachi language in his court by Gunadhya.
- His wife's name was Malayavati. She died due to a sexual posture called 'Karirta'.
Kuntala Satakarni is mentioned in the following texts:
- Vatsyayana Kama Sutra (Translated into Telugu by Panchangula Narayana Sastry)
- Rajasekhara's Kavya Mimamsa
- Gunadhya's Brihatkatha
After him, Svatikarni ruled.
Pulomavi I
- He was the 15th king. The Vayu Purana states that he defeated the Kanva king Susharma and ruled Magadha for 10 years.
- Pulomavi means 'born in grass'.
- The ruler after him was Sivasvati.
Hala
- 17th king among the Satavahana emperors.
- He was a patron of Saraswati and a scholar/literary figure.
- His title was Kavi Vatsala.
- 'Bana' stated in his Harshacharita that Hala authored Gatha Saptasati.
- His wife's name was Lilavati.
- Kutuhaludu authored "Lilavati Parinayam" about his marriage.
Satavahana Era 3 – Later Satavahanas
Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 CE)
- He is the greatest of all Satavahanas. His reign period was 24 years.
- Started the Shalivahana Saka era in 78 CE.
- His father's name was Sivasvati. Mother's name was Gautami Balasri. After her son's death, she issued a "Nashik" inscription detailing his greatness.
- His title – Trisamudra Peetavahana.
- He defeated the Sakas, Pallavas, and Yavanas. He eradicated the Kshatrapa lineage.
- The entire Telugu region was under his control during his time.
- The tradition of kings adding their mothers' names to their own names started from his time.
- He defeated the Saka king 'Nahapana' at a battle near Nashik called 'Jogalthambi', collected the silver coins issued by him, and reissued them with his own symbols.
- While following Vedic religious traditions, he also patronized Buddhism.
Pulomavi II / Vasisthiputra Satakarni
- He was the son of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
- His capital was Dhanyakataka. The 'Nashik' inscription was issued during his reign.
- His title was Navanagara Swami.
- The prominent Amaravati Stupa was constructed during his time. It is said that a local king named 'Viluwa' or 'Nagaraju' built it.
- The inscription issued by Rudradaman is named Junagadh, which mentions that Satakarni was defeated twice. This is the first inscription issued in Sanskrit.
- He made donations to Buddhist monks at Karla.
- 'Ptolemy' was in his court. He proposed the geocentric model. The book written by him is "Guide to Geography".
Vasisthiputra Siva Sri Satakarni
- He was also a son of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
- He married the daughter of Rudradaman.
- He was the first Satavahana king to issue coins with both Prakrit and Tamil languages.
- His title was Kshatrapa.
Yajna Sri Satakarni (165–194 CE)
- According to Puranas, he was the 26th king. The last great ruler among the Satavahanas.
- He performed many Yajnas and earned this name.
- He issued coins with the symbol of a two-sailed ship or a ship with an anchor.
- The compilation of the Matsya Purana began during his time.
- Acharya Nagarjuna lived in his court.
- Yajna Sri constructed a Mahavihara or Paravata Vihara on Saparvata or Nagarjunakonda for Nagarjuna.
- The last king to rule all the regions of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Vijayasri Satakarni
- He was the 28th king.
- Built Vijayapuri town near Saparvata.
- After him, Chandrasena / Chandrasri ruled.
Pulomavi III
- He was the 30th or last king.
- His commander-in-chief was Srimantamuludu.
- He issued the 'Makadoni' inscription in Bellary.
Satavahana Administration System
- Their administrative methods are known through the Nashik and Karla cave inscriptions.
- Initially, their administration followed Mauryan administrative traditions.
- The king was the head of the state. There was a belief that the king was an incarnation of divinity.
- Kings assumed titles like Maharaja.
There were 4 Amatyas to assist the king in administration:
| Officer | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Visva Amatya | King's personal advisor (Prime Minister) |
| Raja Amatya | Executor of the king's orders |
| Maha Amatya | Finance Minister |
| Maha Talavara | Commander-in-Chief |
Alongside them, those who gave advice to the king:
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Maharathis | Officials governing provinces |
| Mahabhojakas | Provincial governor status |
| Mahasenapati | Military commander |
| Hiranyaka | Treasurer (handling monetary revenue) |
| Bhandarika | Custodian of revenue in kind |
| Mahataraka | King's bodyguard |
| Nibandhakara | Custodian of document-based revenue |
| Gramaka | Village headman |
| Mahamantris | Officials looking after the responsibilities of Buddhist monks |
The Satavahana kingdom was divided into three parts:
- Raja Khanketa region – Area under the king's direct administration
- Samanta (Feudatory) region
- Border regions
- The Satavahana kingdom was divided into Aharaas (provinces). Their governors were Amatyas.
- Cities were called Nigamas.
- Community elders were called Gahapatis.
- The official looking after village administration was called Gramika or Gumika.
- Gaulmikas meant military commanders.
- Gaulmika means commander of 30 soldiers.
- A government official called "Mahakaryaka" existed for solving problems in villages.
- The king's own land was called "Raja Khanketa".
Their army was divided into 4 types:
- Ratha (Chariot)
- Gaja (Elephant)
- Ashvika (Cavalry)
- Chaturanga (Four-fold army)
Satavahana military camps were called Skandhavara and Kataka.
Skandhavara meant a temporary military camp, and Kataka meant military garrisons in cities.
The primary income of the government was land revenue. It was called by 2 names: Rajabhoga and Deyameya.
Land revenue was collected at the rate of 1/6th.
A tax called "Karakara" was levied on crafts.
Land grants were made to Buddhists and Brahmins.
The first king to make land grants to Brahmins – Gautamiputra Satakarni.
Satavahana Economy & Society
Water lifting devices called Udaka yantras were used to draw water from wells.
- Udaga yantra – Plowing machine
- Ghatika yantra – Machine to pull water upwards
- Garika yantra – Machine used to separate seeds from raw cotton
Rajjagahaka assessed and collected land revenue.
At that time there were 18 occupational guilds / Ashtadasha Vargas:
| Guild | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Kolikulu | Weavers |
| Tilisakulu | Oil pressers |
| Kasakus | Brass workers |
| Kularikulu / Kumarulu | Potters |
| Tesakus | Polishers |
| Manikakus | Gem workers |
| Mala karulu | Flower merchants |
| Oda yantrikulu | Water machine makers |
| Lohavaniyulu | Iron merchants |
| Suvarna karulu | Goldsmiths |
| Vathakulu | Carpenters |
| Selavadhakulu | Stone/relief carvers |
| Avesinulu | Artisans |
| Lekhakulu | Scribes |
| Chammakarulu | Leather workers |
| Pasakarulu | Basket makers (Medari) |
| Meethikulu | Stone polishers |
| Gadhikulu | Fragrance/spice merchants |
People following each occupation formed individual guilds. They had presidents called Sreshthi.
Moneylenders charged 12% interest.
Domestic merchants formed associations. These associations were called Nibhaya or Nikaya or Nigama.
The meeting of these associations was called "Goshthi".
The president of a Goshthi is called a Shetty.
Trade with Rome flourished during their period.
Pliny's book – "Natural History"
One gold coin was equal to 35 silver coins.
Important Satavahana ports at the time:
- East coast: Mysoli (Masulipatnam), Coldura, Kantakasela, Allosigna.
- West coast: Barukach (Broach-Gujarat), Sopara (Sohal), Kalyan.
Main exports: Spices, pearls, precious stones, silk garments.
Main imports: Silver, gold, wine.
Religion
- Vedic and Buddhist religions spread during their time.
- Satavahana kings patronized the Vedic religion while queens practiced Buddhism.
- The book Gatha Saptasati begins with a prayer to Shiva and ends with a hymn to Gauri. It was authored by Hala.
- The most ancient Shiva lingam is in Gudimallam, Chittoor district.
- The first Jain teacher in Andhra region was 'Kunda Kundacharya'; he authored the book 'Samayasaram'.
- According to 'Kalpa Pradeepa' of Jheeva Prabhusuri, 52 commanders in the Satavahana court built 52 Jain temples in their own names.
- The first Buddhist teacher in the Andhra region was 'Mahadeva Bhikshu'. He introduced the tradition called Chaityakavada, which worshiped Buddha's symbols.
- Amaravati Stupa was built during the time of Pulomavi II.
- In 1797, Colonel Colin Mackenzie discovered the Amaravati Stupa.
- The birthplace of the Mahasanghika sect is 'Dhanyakataka'.
- Acharya Nagarjuna was born in a village called 'Vedali'. He was a contemporary of Yajna Sri Satakarni.
- Official language of Satavahanas – Prakrit.
- They were the first kings in India to make land grants.
- The Bhagavata religion was founded in North India by Vasudeva.
Titles
| King | Title |
|---|---|
| Satakarni I | Dakshinapathapati |
| Yajna Sri Satakarni | Trisamudradhipati |
| Pulomavi II | Dakshinapadeshvaru |
| Gautamiputra Satakarni | Rama Keshava |
Poets – Texts
| Poet | Text |
|---|---|
| Aryadeva | Chittasuddhi |
| Nagarjuna | Dasabhumika Sutra |
| Arya Manjusri | Kalpasutra |
The 'White Elephant Jataka' painting in Ajanta Cave No. 10 belongs to the Satavahana era.
Acharya Nagarjuna's Texts:
- Sunyasaptati
- Ratisastra
- Manimangalam
- Suhrillekha
Additional Important Facts Related to the Satavahana Era
| Question / Topic | Answer |
|---|---|
| Place where the ruins of a great city were unearthed | Kadambapur |
| Historians Rappen and Baruwa referred to which river as 'Kanna Benna' | Vain Ganga |
| The last to rule the Telangana region | Kaushikiputra Satakarni |
| Another name for Nibandhakarus | Akshapatalus |
| Karimnagar district's 'Musulagutta' is a | Jain site |
| Meaning of the term Skandhavara | Military camp |
| Meaning of the term Kataka | Military garrison |
| City flattened by Kharavela by making donkeys trample it | Pithunda (Pidunda) |
| Mint city | Kondapur |
| Rivers used for foreign trade | Musi, Godavari |
| Metal least used during their period | Copper |
| Metal most used during their period | Silver |
| Text mentioning Buddha's footprints | Gatha Saptasati |
| Ritual-dominant religion | Vedic |
| Period when 'Pasupata Shaivism' gained popularity in South India | 1st Century CE |
| Pasupata Shaivism | 'Lakulisha Shivacharya' |
| The kavya Lilavati was written in | Prakrit |
| Selavadhakus mean | Sculptors |
| Vasakarus mean | Basket makers (Medari) |
| Varnas / Classes | 4 |
| Official religion | Vedic |
| State language | Prakrit |
| Foundation for world stories | Brihatkatha (Authored by Gunadhya in Kondapur) |
| Telugu words like 'Atta' and 'Pilla' were used in | 'Gatha Saptasati' |
| Persons honored by Hala | Kumariludu, Sripalitudu |
| First literate poet in Telangana | Gunadhya |
