Satavahana Dynasty [2nd century BC-3rd century AD] | UPSC State PSC Notes

Satavahana Dynasty History

• The Satavahanas were an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled the Deccan region from the late 2nd century BCE to the Early 3rd century CE.
• The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati.
• They fought several wars with the Saka Western Satraps that lasted for a long time. Control over the ports on the west coast such as Brigukachcha (Broach), Kalyan, and Sopara was one of the reasons for this conflict.
• The dynasty reached its zenith under the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni and his successor Vasisthiputra Pulamavi.
• The Satavahanas are referred to as the Andhras, Andhra jatiyah, and Andhra bhrityas in the Puranas.
• The Satavahanas are mentioned in later Vedic literature, in the accounts of Megasthenes, and in Ashoka’s inscriptions.
• The oldest Satavahana inscription is found on a slab of the upper drum (Medhi) of the Kanaganahalli Great Stupa in North Karnataka.

Satavahana Rulers

Simuka (100-70 BCE)

• Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
• In the Nanaghat inscription, he is mentioned as the first king.

Kanha (70-60 BCE)

• Besides the Puranas, Kanha is mentioned as the “Kanha-raja” (King Kanha) of the “Satavahana-kula” (Satavahana family) in a Nashik cave inscription.

Satakarni I

• The Naneghat inscription of his queen Nayanika describes him as the “Lord of Dakshinapatha”.
• He conquered western Malwa, Anupa (the Narmada Valley), and Vidarbha (Berar).
• He performed vedic sacrifices including Rajsuya and Ashwamedha yajnas.

Gautamiputra Satakarni

• Gautamiputra Satakarni was the greatest ruler of the Satavahana Dynasty.
• He revived the Satavahana power after a decline caused by Saka invasions. During his reign, the empire reached its peak.
• The information about Gautamiputra Satakarni comes from his coins, the Satavahana inscriptions, and the royal genealogies in the various Puranas.
• The Nashik prashasti inscription of Gautamiputra’s mother Gautami Balashri credits him with extensive military conquests.
• Nashik prashasti is an inscription found in Pandavleni Caves in Nashik. It is engraved after his death, during the reign of his son Vasishthiputra Pulumayi.
• According to Nashik prashasti, his empire extended from Malwa and Saurashtra in the north to Krishna river in the south; and from Konkan in the west to Vidarbha (Berar) in the east.
• He is known as the destroyer of the Sakas, Pahlavas (Parthian), and Yavanas (Greeks).
• His inscriptions indicate that his empire was divided into units known as Aharas. Each Ahara was governed by an Amatya.
• In Nashik prashasti inscription of Balashri, he is called Ekabrahmana (unrivalled Brahmana).
• He patronized Buddhist monks. The monks were exempted from taxes and granted immunity from any interference by the royal officers.

Vasishthiputra Pulumayi

• Vasishthiputra Pulumayi was a contemporary of the western satrap, Chastana.

Vashishtiputra Satakarni

• He had matrimonial alliances with the Western Kshatrapa dynasty. He married the daughter of Rudradaman I.

Yajna Sri Satakarni

• Yajnashri Satkarni was the last powerful ruler of this dynasty.
• He recovered the North Konkan region from the successors of Rudradaman.
• His coins showed that he was enthusiastic about the expansion of naval power.

Satavahana Administration

• The Satavahana rulers followed Shastras for their administration.
• Their government was less centralized compared to the Mauryans’.
• The monarchy was hereditary throughout their rule. The Satavahanas took the title of “Rajan,” without claiming any divine right.
• Feudatories under the King:
  • Rajas: Princes who can mint coins in their names.
  • Maharathis and Mahabhojas: Hereditary positions restricted to a few families who could grant villages in their names. According to Nanaghat and Kanhaeri Inscriptions they had matrimonial relations with the ruling family.
  • Mahasenapati: Look after the civil Functions.
  • Mahatalavara: Watchmen.
• Administrative Units:
  • The empire was divided into Janapadas and Aharas.
  • Aharas were similar to modern-day districts.
  • The administration of ‘aharas’ were assigned to “Amachas“. Amachas were transferred periodically.
  • Aharas were further divided into “Gamas” (Gram). Gamika was the officer in charge of Gama.
• Mahatarakas: Great Chamberlains.
• Bhandagarikas: Storekeepers.
• Heranikas: Treasurer.
• Nibamdhakaras: Officer-in-charge of registration of documents.
• Dutakas
• Pratiharas.

Society

Social Class
First Class	Mahabhojas Maharathis Mahasenapatis
Second Class	Amatyas, Mahamatras, Bhandagarikas Non-officials: 1.Naigama (Merchant), 2.Sarthavaha (head of the Traders),and 3.Sresthin (chief of the trade guild)
Third Class	Vaidya (Physician) Lekhaka (Scribe) Suvarnakara (Goldsmith) Gandhika (Perfumer) Halakiya (Cultivator)
Fourth Class	Malakara (Gardener) Vardhaki (Carpenter) Dasaka (Fisherman) Lohavanija (Blacksmith)

Satavahana trade

• The Satavahanas had trade relations with the Far East countries like Indo-China and Malay.
• The entire coastal tract from Kaveripattinam to Tamralipti was the center of commercial activity.
• Coin inscribed with the image of “ship with double mast” found on the Coromandel coast demonstrate Satavahanas’ special attention to naval power and maritime trade.

Main Ports

• East Coast: Kantakossyla, Koddura, Motupalle.
• West Coast: Kalyan (mentioned as Calliene in Periplus of the Erythrean Sea), Barygaza, Sopara.

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