History of the Satvahana Dynasty
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1. The Satavahana dynasty ruled between the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE over a large region in central India. Some of their important kings included Simuka, Kanha, Satakarni I, Gautamiputra Satakarni, and Sri Yajna Satakarni. 2. They presided over a period of political expansion, economic growth powered by maritime trade, and cultural flowering evidenced by contributions to literature, art, architecture including at sites like Amaravati and the rock-cut caves. 3. However, their empire gradually declined due to wars with neighboring powers like the Shakas and the rise of new
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POST MAURYAN DYNASTIES
SATVAHANA (235/228 BCE– 224 CE)
1. First King- Simuk (According to Inscription-Naneghat (70-60 BCE)) Sisuka, Sindhuka (Mentioned in
Purana) / Balipuccha (According to Puranas) (He was Feudal of Kanva Dynasty), He killed the Kanva last
ruler Susarman (c. 40 – c. 27/30 BCE) and established an empire (According to Dr. D.C. Sircar).
2. Last King- Pulumavi-IV (217 – 224 CE)
3. Caste: Finally believed that they were Brahmins, though according to Buhler and Dr. Raychaudhary they
were mixture of Brahmin and Naga, Dr. K. Gopalcharya believed in Kshatriya.
4. How many years they ruled ?: Rapson, Smith and many believe that they ruled for 450 years,
R.G. Bhandarkar says 272 years, according to Matsya Purana 460 years.
5. How many rulers ?- Number of rulers 30 (according to Matsya Purana, Vayu Purana).
6. Capitals- Pratishthan/Paithan (Maharashtra), Amaraavati (Andhra Pradesh)
7. Rulers of the Saatvaahana dynasty known as Dakshinaadhipati.
8. Empire Extend: Trans-Vindhyan Region/North- Narmada river/Vindhyan range, South- Krishna River,
East- Kalinga territory, West- Shaka territory. The importance of boundary- Natural on north & south.
9. Today’s Political extend- Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh (Core); Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
(extended).
NOMENCLATURE:
Aandhra (Mentioned in Puranas),
Aandhra-Bhritya (In Purana, Bhritya means servant- Servant of last Kanva),
Aandra Sajaatiya, Andhra Jaatiya (it is believed that the name Andhra is stand for jaati or tribe),
According to Kathaasaritsaagar of Somadeva (सात नामक यक्ष की सवारी करने वाला- Who rides over the Yaksha
whose name was Saat)
Saatavaahana (Mentioned in the inscriptions of Naneghat, it is believed that the word Saatvaahana is
stand or the family or kula)
SOURCES:
1. Literature [Indian-Foreign]
a. Religious-Puraans- Matsya, Brahmaand, Vishnu, Vaayu, Braahman; Aitareya Braahman; Jaina
literatures written by Jinaprabhaasuri;
b. Secular: Harshcharita of Banbhatt, Kaantrak of Sarvavarman, Kathaasaritsaagar of Somadeva,
Gaathaasaptasati and Leelaavati Parinaya/Leelaavati of Haal, Vrihatkathaa of Gunaadhya, Kaavya
Mimaanshaa of Rajshekhara, Kaamsutra of Vaatsyaayan.
c. Foreign- Geography of Claudius Ptolemy (100–170 CE), Pliny’s Naturalis Historia (100 CE), Periplus
of the Erythraean Sea (100 CE), Indica of Megasthenes (350–290 BCE) (describe about ‘Andarae’
name and an Army).](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/satvahanadynasty30bce-185ce-220117083457/85/History-of-the-Satvahana-Dynasty-1-320.jpg)
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2. Archaeological [Epigraphs/Inscription/Edict/Copper Plate, Numismatics, Architecture- Art]:
a. Epigraphs-
i. Naneghat inscription of Nayanika (2nd &the 1st century BCE) (The inscriptions present the
world's oldest numeration symbols for "2, 4, 6, 7, and 9" that resemble modern era numerals)
ii. Nasik Inscription of Gautamiputra Shaatkarni (200 CE) (Indicates about the empire extend,
titles of Gautamiputra, Achievements of Gautamiputra)
iii. Nasik Inscription of Kanha/Krishna (100-70 BCE) (Inscription about the excavated cave
dedicated to Sramans)
iv. Nasik Prashashti of Balashri (Balasri was the mother of Gautamiputra) (about the extent of his
empire, war and achievements)
v. Kanheri Inscription (mentions the marriage of Saatavaahana ruler Vashishtiputra
Shaatakarni to the daughter of Rudradaman-I)
vi. Haathigumphaa inscriptions- 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. (talks about the war
between Chedi and Saatvaahana)
vii. Junaagadh Inscription of Rudradaaman- 150 CE (talks about the war between Saatvaahana)
b. Coins/ Numismatics- Made of Copper, Potin (copper, tin and lead), Lead, Silver, Gold; Coins depicted
with the Boat, Conch, Fish on reverse and on obverse King portrait; Overstrikes of Nahapana's coins
by Gautamiputra Shaatkarni found in a hoard at Jogalthambi, Nashik District, MH.
c. Monuments (Stupa, Monastery, Rock Cut Caves)-Amaraavati, Saanchi Stupas; Kaanheri, Kaarle,
Naasik, Junnar caves and monastery dedicated to the Bhadraayan Sect, Mahaasanghik Sect, Baudha,
Jaina and Braahman Religions.
d. Excavations- Karimnagar and Dhanrikota- AP; Ter, Paithan, Adam, Kayar- MH; Vairat, Sambhar- RJ
etc.
LIST OF THE 30 RULERS:
S. Nagaraju relies on the Puranic lists of 30 kings,
and gives the following regnal dates:
1. Simuka (r. 228 – 205 BCE)
2. Krishna (r. 205 – 187 BCE)
3. Satakarni I (r. 187 – 177 BCE)
4. Purnotsanga (r. 177 – 159 BCE)
5. Skandhastambhi (r. 159 – 141 BCE)
6. Satakarni II (r. 141 – 85 BCE)
7. Lambodara (r. 85 – 67 BCE)
8. Apilaka (r. 67 – 55 BCE)
9. Meghasvati (r. 55 – 37 BCE)
10. Svati (r. 37 – 19 BCE)
11. Skandasvati (r. 19 – 12 BCE)
12. Mrigendra Satakarni (r. 12 – 9 BCE)
13. Kunatala Satakarni (r. 9 – 1 BCE)
14. Satakarni III (r. 1 BCE-1 CE)
15. Pulumavi I (r. 1 – 36 CE)
16. Gaura Krishna (r. 36 – 61 CE)
17. Hāla (r. 61 – 66 CE)
18. Mandalaka aka Puttalaka or Pulumavi II
(r. 69 – 71 CE)
19. Purindrasena (r. 71 – 76 CE)
20. Sundara Satakarni (r. 76 – 77 CE)
21. Chakora Satakarni (r. 77 – 78 CE)
22. Shivasvati (r. 78 – 106 CE)
23. Gautamiputra Satkarni (r. 106 – 130 CE)
24. Vasisthiputra aka Pulumavi III (r. 130 – 158
CE)
25. Shiva Sri Satakarni (r. 158 – 165 CE)
26. Shivaskanda Satakarni (r. 165–172)
27. Sri Yajna Satakarni (r. 172 – 201 CE)
28. Vijaya Satakarni (r. 201 – 207 CE)
29. Chandra Sri Satakarni (r. 207 – 214 CE)
30. Pulumavi IV (r. 217 – 224 CE)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/satvahanadynasty30bce-185ce-220117083457/85/History-of-the-Satvahana-Dynasty-2-320.jpg)
History of the Satvahana Dynasty
- 1. 1 POST MAURYAN DYNASTIES SATVAHANA (235/228 BCE– 224 CE) 1. First King- Simuk (According to Inscription-Naneghat (70-60 BCE)) Sisuka, Sindhuka (Mentioned in Purana) / Balipuccha (According to Puranas) (He was Feudal of Kanva Dynasty), He killed the Kanva last ruler Susarman (c. 40 – c. 27/30 BCE) and established an empire (According to Dr. D.C. Sircar). 2. Last King- Pulumavi-IV (217 – 224 CE) 3. Caste: Finally believed that they were Brahmins, though according to Buhler and Dr. Raychaudhary they were mixture of Brahmin and Naga, Dr. K. Gopalcharya believed in Kshatriya. 4. How many years they ruled ?: Rapson, Smith and many believe that they ruled for 450 years, R.G. Bhandarkar says 272 years, according to Matsya Purana 460 years. 5. How many rulers ?- Number of rulers 30 (according to Matsya Purana, Vayu Purana). 6. Capitals- Pratishthan/Paithan (Maharashtra), Amaraavati (Andhra Pradesh) 7. Rulers of the Saatvaahana dynasty known as Dakshinaadhipati. 8. Empire Extend: Trans-Vindhyan Region/North- Narmada river/Vindhyan range, South- Krishna River, East- Kalinga territory, West- Shaka territory. The importance of boundary- Natural on north & south. 9. Today’s Political extend- Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh (Core); Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (extended). NOMENCLATURE: Aandhra (Mentioned in Puranas), Aandhra-Bhritya (In Purana, Bhritya means servant- Servant of last Kanva), Aandra Sajaatiya, Andhra Jaatiya (it is believed that the name Andhra is stand for jaati or tribe), According to Kathaasaritsaagar of Somadeva (सात नामक यक्ष की सवारी करने वाला- Who rides over the Yaksha whose name was Saat) Saatavaahana (Mentioned in the inscriptions of Naneghat, it is believed that the word Saatvaahana is stand or the family or kula) SOURCES: 1. Literature [Indian-Foreign] a. Religious-Puraans- Matsya, Brahmaand, Vishnu, Vaayu, Braahman; Aitareya Braahman; Jaina literatures written by Jinaprabhaasuri; b. Secular: Harshcharita of Banbhatt, Kaantrak of Sarvavarman, Kathaasaritsaagar of Somadeva, Gaathaasaptasati and Leelaavati Parinaya/Leelaavati of Haal, Vrihatkathaa of Gunaadhya, Kaavya Mimaanshaa of Rajshekhara, Kaamsutra of Vaatsyaayan. c. Foreign- Geography of Claudius Ptolemy (100–170 CE), Pliny’s Naturalis Historia (100 CE), Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (100 CE), Indica of Megasthenes (350–290 BCE) (describe about ‘Andarae’ name and an Army).
- 2. 2 2. Archaeological [Epigraphs/Inscription/Edict/Copper Plate, Numismatics, Architecture- Art]: a. Epigraphs- i. Naneghat inscription of Nayanika (2nd &the 1st century BCE) (The inscriptions present the world's oldest numeration symbols for "2, 4, 6, 7, and 9" that resemble modern era numerals) ii. Nasik Inscription of Gautamiputra Shaatkarni (200 CE) (Indicates about the empire extend, titles of Gautamiputra, Achievements of Gautamiputra) iii. Nasik Inscription of Kanha/Krishna (100-70 BCE) (Inscription about the excavated cave dedicated to Sramans) iv. Nasik Prashashti of Balashri (Balasri was the mother of Gautamiputra) (about the extent of his empire, war and achievements) v. Kanheri Inscription (mentions the marriage of Saatavaahana ruler Vashishtiputra Shaatakarni to the daughter of Rudradaman-I) vi. Haathigumphaa inscriptions- 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. (talks about the war between Chedi and Saatvaahana) vii. Junaagadh Inscription of Rudradaaman- 150 CE (talks about the war between Saatvaahana) b. Coins/ Numismatics- Made of Copper, Potin (copper, tin and lead), Lead, Silver, Gold; Coins depicted with the Boat, Conch, Fish on reverse and on obverse King portrait; Overstrikes of Nahapana's coins by Gautamiputra Shaatkarni found in a hoard at Jogalthambi, Nashik District, MH. c. Monuments (Stupa, Monastery, Rock Cut Caves)-Amaraavati, Saanchi Stupas; Kaanheri, Kaarle, Naasik, Junnar caves and monastery dedicated to the Bhadraayan Sect, Mahaasanghik Sect, Baudha, Jaina and Braahman Religions. d. Excavations- Karimnagar and Dhanrikota- AP; Ter, Paithan, Adam, Kayar- MH; Vairat, Sambhar- RJ etc. LIST OF THE 30 RULERS: S. Nagaraju relies on the Puranic lists of 30 kings, and gives the following regnal dates: 1. Simuka (r. 228 – 205 BCE) 2. Krishna (r. 205 – 187 BCE) 3. Satakarni I (r. 187 – 177 BCE) 4. Purnotsanga (r. 177 – 159 BCE) 5. Skandhastambhi (r. 159 – 141 BCE) 6. Satakarni II (r. 141 – 85 BCE) 7. Lambodara (r. 85 – 67 BCE) 8. Apilaka (r. 67 – 55 BCE) 9. Meghasvati (r. 55 – 37 BCE) 10. Svati (r. 37 – 19 BCE) 11. Skandasvati (r. 19 – 12 BCE) 12. Mrigendra Satakarni (r. 12 – 9 BCE) 13. Kunatala Satakarni (r. 9 – 1 BCE) 14. Satakarni III (r. 1 BCE-1 CE) 15. Pulumavi I (r. 1 – 36 CE) 16. Gaura Krishna (r. 36 – 61 CE) 17. Hāla (r. 61 – 66 CE) 18. Mandalaka aka Puttalaka or Pulumavi II (r. 69 – 71 CE) 19. Purindrasena (r. 71 – 76 CE) 20. Sundara Satakarni (r. 76 – 77 CE) 21. Chakora Satakarni (r. 77 – 78 CE) 22. Shivasvati (r. 78 – 106 CE) 23. Gautamiputra Satkarni (r. 106 – 130 CE) 24. Vasisthiputra aka Pulumavi III (r. 130 – 158 CE) 25. Shiva Sri Satakarni (r. 158 – 165 CE) 26. Shivaskanda Satakarni (r. 165–172) 27. Sri Yajna Satakarni (r. 172 – 201 CE) 28. Vijaya Satakarni (r. 201 – 207 CE) 29. Chandra Sri Satakarni (r. 207 – 214 CE) 30. Pulumavi IV (r. 217 – 224 CE)
- 3. 3 DETAIL OF SELECTED RULERS: S.N. King Reign (c.) Achievements 1. Simuka 235-212 BCE Destruction of Kanva, Capital-Paithan, War with Shaka, Construction and donation for Jain, Bauddha caves, monasteries and temples. 2. Kanha/Krishna 212-195 BCE Name mentioned in Naasik Inscription, Donation for Buddhist caves. 3. Shaatkarni-I & Nayanika/Naganika She belongs to Amiya Dynasty 195-166 BCE Saatkarni-I(Firstmostimportantking) andwife Nayanikaruledfor30 years(09 yearsking,21 yearsqueen),{he had Vedisri andSatisri two sons} Sources- Naaneghaat/Naanaaghaatinscriptionof Nayanikaa, Periplusof the ErythraeanSea, Virud- Lord of Dakshinaapath,Apratihat,Pashchimpati(wenttoWest probablyfightwithShaka), Pratishthaanpati, Extensionof an Empire: Inthe westuptoWestMaalavaa, Inthe East uptoBaraar of Vidarbha,Inthe northuptoAnup-purof Narmadaa Valley, Religious:02 AshwamedhYagyaand01 RaajsuyaYagya, Grants of land to the BuddhistandBrahmanism(Itisthe firstepigraphical evidence). Political:DefeatedbyKhaarvelamentionedinthe Hathigumpha inscription. 4. Shaatkarni-II 166-111 BCE He has mentionedin Bhilsa and Hathigumpha inscriptions, The war betweenShaka-Kshatrapa and Saatvaahan is still continuing. Kaavyamimaanshaa of Raajshekhar and Kaamshutra of Vaatsyaayan discussed about Saatkarni-II. 5. Haal 20-24 CE He was literature lover,Promoted Prakrit Language and wrote few texts on this language like Gaathaasaptasati, Leelavati: Marriage with Srilankan lady. Vrihadkathaakosh by Gunaadhya and Kaatnatraa by Sarvaverman describes about Haal. 6. Gautamiputra Shaatkarni (Second most important king) 106-130 CE Virud: Venkatak (because of the city he establishedwith this name), Raajaa-gaja,Vindhya-naresh, Tri-Samudra-Toya-Pitaa-Vaahan (Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea), Lord of Vindhya, Rikshaavat, Mahendra; Var-Varan-Vikram-Chaah-Vikram (walk like an elephant), Advitiya Brahman, Krishna, Balaraam, Sankarshan. Political: Khatiya Dapmaan Madnas, Sak-Yavan-Pahlava-Nisudanas, Khakharaat-vaya-Niravasesakaras, He defeated Shaka (Malwa and Kathiyawar) king Nahapan (24-70 / 66-71 / 119–124 CE), Religion: According to Naasik Inscription he used ask everything to his mother- Balasri, Donation of Villageslike Alkaalkiya for Buddhist and Karanjak for Brahmans. 7. Vashishthiputra Pulumavi 130-154 CE Virud: Dakshinaapatheshwar, Mahaaraaj, Navanagar-swaami, Political: He was the “First Andhra Emperor”, He was defeatedby Rudradaaman two time. He tried to developedMatrimonial alliance to Rudradaman king but he refused, then he offeredmatrimonial alliance to his brother Shivasri Shaatkarni. Religious: Renovation and more beautification of Amaraavati Stupa. 8. Shivasri Shaatkarni 154-165 CE He was the Son in Law of Rudradaaman. 9. Sri Yajna Satakarni 172 – 201 CE He was the last important ruler. After the death of Rudradaaman he conquered the land which was earlier occupied by Rudradaaman. He has big Maritime army and control over the trade.
- 4. 4 IMPORTANCE OF THIS PERIOD: Political- 1. In comparison to others they ruled for long times (460 years). 2. They were played an important role as guardian of South to enter the foreigners in to their land. 3. Feudalism starts during this period. 4. The structure of defense- 100,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 1,000 elephants- Megasthenes. Socio-Cultural- 1. Spread of Culture out of territory, ex:- Jaava, Sumaatraa, Malaayaa. 2. The height of Prakrit language influence with Marathi ex:- Gaathaasaptasati of Haal. 3. Use of मातृसूचक/Parental name, ex:- Gautamiputra Saatkarni 4. Origin of jati on the basis of work, ex:-Charwaha-Shepherd (Golik), Farmer (Haalik) 5. Contribution of women in every field. Economical- 1. Development of Trade, Commerce, 2. Marine trade, ports on Western and Eastern coast, 3. Use of new metals for /coins- Lead, Potin. Religious- 1. Revival of Brahaminism along with other religion and sects too. Art and Architecture - 1. Development of various art influences with Greco-Roman art. 2. Splendor architecture, ex:- Amaraavati, Sanchi, Rock Cut Caves, Stupas, Monastery. DECLINE: 1. Inept rulers of later times. 2. Long war with the Shakas. 3. Emergence of new powers-Feudals: a. North-western Deccan, Northern Konakan, Southern Gujarat- Abhiraas Dynasty; b. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Vidarbha) & Gujarat- Vakataka; c. North Mysore, Karnataka- Kuntal dynasty; d. Andhra Pradesh between Krishna to Godavari- Ikshvaaku dynasty; e. South-western Deccan (Karnataka)- Chutus Dynasty; f. North-western Deccan (Andhra Pradesh)- Bodhis Dynasty; g. Northern Andhra Pradesh- Brihatphalaayanas Dynasty h. Tamilnadu- Pallava Dynasty.
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