Gautamiputa sirisatkarni was a ruler of the Satavahana Empire in present-day Deccan region of India. He was mentioned as the important and greatest ruler of Satavahana Dynasty. He ruled in the 1st or 2nd century CE
The information available about Gautamiputra Satakarni comes from his coins, the Satavahana inscriptions, and the royal genealogies in the various Puranas. The best known of these is the Nashik prashasti inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri, which credits him with extensive military conquests

Gautamiputra Satkarni belonged to the Satavahana dynasty. Let's understand in detail about the Satavahana dynasty and Gautamiputra Satkarni.

The Satavahana Dynasty:
- The Satavahana dynasty was one of the earliest and most significant dynasties in ancient India.
- They ruled over a major part of the Deccan region from around the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
- The empire was centered around the Krishna River and its capital was initially at Pratishthana (modern-day Paithan) and later shifted to Amaravati.

Gautamiputra Satkarni:
- Gautamiputra Satkarni was one of the most prominent rulers of the Satavahana dynasty.
- He succeeded his father, Gautamiputra Satakarni, and ruled from approximately 103 to 127 CE.
- His reign is considered a golden period for the Satavahana dynasty.

Key Achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni:
1. Military Campaigns:
- Gautamiputra Satkarni was known for his military prowess and successful campaigns.
- He expanded the boundaries of the Satavahana empire by defeating several neighboring kingdoms and tribes.
- He conquered the western regions up to the Arabian Sea, parts of Central India, and pushed the Sakas (Scythians) beyond the Narmada River.

2. Patronage of Buddhism:
- Gautamiputra Satkarni was a patron of Buddhism and supported the spread of the religion.
- He built several Buddhist monuments and viharas (monastic complexes) during his reign.
- The Amaravati stupa, one of the largest stupas in ancient India, was constructed during his rule.

3. Trade and Economy:
- Gautamiputra Satkarni's reign witnessed significant economic growth and flourishing trade.
- The Satavahana empire had control over important trade routes, especially with the Roman Empire in the west.
- Trade in precious stones, textiles, spices, and other commodities flourished during this period.

4. Art and Architecture:
- The rule of Gautamiputra Satkarni witnessed a significant development in art and architecture.
- The Amaravati School of Art, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, reached its peak during his reign.
- The Satavahana rulers were known for their patronage of art and their contributions to the architectural landscape of ancient India.

Overall, Gautamiputra Satkarni's reign was a significant period in the history of the Satavahana dynasty. His military conquests, patronage of Buddhism, promotion of trade, and contribution to art and architecture make him one of the most notable rulers of ancient India.