The Satavahanas | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Origin: Early Satavahanas

The Early Satavahanas were the rulers of the regions now known as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which were always their core territory. The Puranas mention a total of 30 rulers, many of whom are known through their coins and inscriptions.

Simuka (230–207 BCE)

• Simuka, the founder of the dynasty, became independent around 230 BCE and expanded his rule over present-day Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh, including Malwa.
• He and his successors established their authority over the entire Deccan Plateau, from the mouth of the Krishna River.
• Simuka later made Srikakulam his capital.
• He was succeeded by his brother Kanha(207–189 BCE), who further extended their territory into present-day Andhra Pradesh.

Satakarni (180–124 BCE)

• Satakarni I, the earliest widely recognized Satavahana king, was known for his military expansion in all directions.
• He is mentioned in the Hathigumpha inscription as the Lord of the West who defied Kharavela of Kalinga.
• According to the Yuga Purana, he conquered Kalinga after Kharavela’s death.
• Satakarni I expanded Satavahana rule over Madhya Pradesh, pushing back the Sungas from Pataliputra and ruling there for 10 years.
• He extended his conquests north of the Narmada River into eastern Malwa, which was threatened by the Shakas and Greeks.
• He gained control of Sanchi, where an inscription refers to him as Rajan Shri Satakarni.
• In the Godavari valley, he called himself Dakshina-pathapati, or Lord of the Southern Regions.
• The Nanaghat inscription of Nayanika describes him as Dakshina-pathapati, showing that Satavahana dominion extended beyond the western Deccan.
• Satakarni I performed two Asvamedha sacrifices and one Rajasuya sacrifice.
• By this time, the dynasty was well established with capitals at Kotilingala and Pratishthanapura(Paithan).

After Satakarni, many small rulers succeeded him, believed to be under the suzerainty of the Kanva dynasty.

• Hala, the 17th King of the Satavahana line, was another great king who compiled the “Gatha saptasati” or Gaha Sattasai, a text mainly on love themes, written in Prakrit. Hala is also mentioned in another text,Lilavati.
• According to the Puranas (Matsya Purana, Vayu Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Vishnu Purana), the Satavahana king killed the last Kanva ruler of Magadha and presumably took control of his kingdom. This feat is usually attributed to Pulomavi(30–6 BCE), who then ruled over Pataliputra.

Later Satavahanas:

• In the 1st century CE, the Sakas from Central Asia invaded India and established the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• During the reign of the Western Satrap Nahapana, the Satavahanas lost significant territory, including eastern Malwa,Southern Gujarat, and Northern Konkan.
• However, the Satavahanas soon regained their western possessions, as evidenced by coins of Nahapana being over-struck by the name Gautamiputra Satakarni.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni was responsible for re-establishing Satavahana power in the region by driving out the Shakas.

Gautamiputra Satakarni (A.D. 106 - 130):

• Known for defeating the Shakas and diminishing the pride of the Kshatriyas. 
•  He supported the interests of the twice-born and worked to prevent the mixing of the four varnas. 
•  His accomplishments are highly praised in the Nasik prasasti, which was written by his mother, Gautami Balasri. 
•  The Nasik inscription states that he brought down the arrogance of the Kshatriyas, which included the local Indian princes and Rajputs from regions like Rajputana, Gujarat, and Central India. 
•  He defeated the Shakas (Western Kshatrapas), Yavanas (Indo-Greeks), and Pahlavas (Indo-Parthians). 
•  Gautamiputra also ended the power of the Khakharata family, specifically the Kshaharata family of Nahapana. 
•  He restored the honor of the Satavahana dynasty. 
•  His rule extended over a large region, from the Krishna river in the south to Malwa and Saurashtra in the north, and from Berar in the east to Konkan in the west. 
•  He made generous donations to the Buddhists and showed support for Brahmanism, indicated by his title Ekabrahmana. 
•  Gautamiputra was the first ruler of the Satavahana dynasty to issue coins with his portrait, influenced by the style of the Western Satraps. 
•  After conquering Malwa from a Saka ruler, he issued local coins in Malwa for the people’s convenience. 
•  On the front of these coins, there is an image of an elephant with its trunk raised, and on the back, a unique symbol of Ujjain, which was not found on any coins of the Satavahana but was common in Malwa. 
•  Gautamiputra took several titles, including Trisamudrapibatohayavahana (meaning one whose horses drank from three oceans) and Sakayavanapallavanisudana (destroyer of the Saka, Yavana, and Pahlavas). 
•  He was succeeded by his son, Vasisthiputra Sri Pulamavi.

Vasisthiputra Sri Pulamavi (78–114 CE): 

• Ptolemy referred to him as Siriptolemaios (Shri-Pulumayi).
• He was a contemporary of the Western satrap Chastana.
• Some of his lead coins feature two-masted ships, highlighting the seafaring and trading skills of the Satavahanas during the 1st-2nd century CE.
• He was succeeded by his brother Vashishtiputra Satakarni.

Vashishtiputra Sātakarni (130-160 CE): 

• Vashishtiputra Sātakarni faced significant conflict with the Scythian Western Kshatrapas in the West.
• To establish an alliance, he married the daughter of Rudradaman I from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty.
• Despite this alliance, he was ultimately defeated by Rudradaman I, which had a profound impact on Satavahana power and prestige.
• This defeat is noted in the Junagadh rock inscription, which praises Rudradaman for sparing Satakarni despite defeating him twice in battle.
• Vashishtiputra Sātakarni was one of the last rulers of the Satavahana dynasty in India. He succeeded Vashishtiputra Satakarni in 145 CE but faced defeat twice at the hands of his Western Satrap rival, Rudradaman.

Yajna Sri Satakarni (167-196 CE):

• Yajna Sri Satakarni is regarded as the last great king of the Satavahana Dynasty.
• His reign is known from his coins and references in the regnal lists of the Matsya Purana.
• He is notable for his victory over the Western Satraps, where he reconquered their southern regions in western and central India.
• This victory led to the decline of the Western Satraps and marked a significant achievement in his reign.

Satavahana Administration

The Satavahana period's coins, sculptures, and literature provide insights into the contemporary administration, as well as the political, social, economic, religious, and cultural conditions of the time.

King:

• The South during this period was governed by monarchies, with the king as the highest official of the government in a hereditary position.
• Satavahana rulers did not adopt grandiose titles nor did they believe in the divine right of kings. Instead, they governed according to the principles outlined in the Dharma Shastras and social customs, lacking absolute power.
• The king led his armies in battle and served as the commander-in-chief.
• A council of ministers assisted the king in administration.
• The king was not only the head of the government but also acted as a protector of his people, viewing his subjects as children and prioritizing their welfare.

Feudatories:

• A unique aspect of Satavahana administration was the presence of feudatories of varying grades.
• The empire was divided among feudal chiefs responsible for managing the land revenue system and administration.
• There were three grades of feudatories:
• Raja: The highest grade, with the authority to impose taxes and mint coins.
• Mahabhoja and Maharathi(or Senapati): Both titles were hereditary, with the mahabhoja possibly ranking higher. The mahabhojas were primarily located in the western Deccan and were related by blood to the feudatory maharathi.
• Towards the end of the Satavahana period, two additional feudatories were established:Mahasenapathi and mahataralavara.
• The Satavahanas initiated the practice of granting tax-free villages to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks. These granted lands were protected from interference by royal officials, soldiers, etc. Brahmanas helped enforce the Varna system, contributing to societal stability, while Buddhist monks promoted peace, good conduct, and respect for political authority.

Administrative Units and Officers:

• The Satavahana administration retained some administrative units from the time of Ashoka. Districts were called Ahara, with officers known as Mahamatta or Amatya.
• Beyond districts controlled by feudatories, the empire was divided into janapadas and aharas, with the latter corresponding to modern districts. The division below ahara was grama.
• The highest official in a province was the Amatya or minister, whose position was non-hereditary. Individuals of proven ability were appointed to this role. A village was administered by a Gramika.
• Several officials assisted the king, with the most important being Senapati,Mahabhoja,Koshadhyaksha,Rajadoof, and Amatya.
• A special official called Uparakshita was responsible for constructing caves, etc., for monks. Monks and Brahmanas were held in high esteem, adhering to and preaching high standards of conduct, and were exempt from ordinary government laws.

Local Administration:

• During this period,local administration gained significance. Separate organizations were established to oversee the administration of towns and villages.
• Towns were managed by a body known as the Nagarsabha, while villages were governed by Gram Sabhas. These organizations operated independently without external interference.

Military Administration:

• The military administration of the Satavahanas was notably efficient. Their army comprised foot soldiers,cavalry, and elephants, with foot soldiers forming the backbone of the army.
• Foot soldiers were at the forefront, flanked by horses and elephants. Soldiers were equipped with weapons such as swords, spears, axes, and armor.
• The expansion of the Satavahana empire was largely due to effective military administration. A regiment was stationed in each village to maintain peace and order, funded by rural inhabitants.
• The administrator of rural areas was the gaulmika, who headed a military regiment consisting of 9 chariots,9 elephants,25 horses, and 45 foot soldiers.
• Military camps and settlements were known as Kataka and Skandhavaras. Thus,coercion played a crucial role in Satavahana administration.

Social Condition

The Satavahanas, who were Brahmanas, significantly promoted Brahmanism during their rule. They placed the Brahmanas at the top of the social hierarchy and attempted to revive the Varna system. The Smritis even claimed that a ten-year-old Brahmana would be more respected than a hundred-year-old Kshatriya. The Satavahanas were the first rulers to make land grants to Brahmanas.

The orthodox Brahmanas from the north viewed the Andhras as a mixed caste, suggesting that the Andhras might have been earlier tribal people integrated into Brahmanical society. Satavahana society was divided into four classes based on economic activity and status:

• First Class: High officials and feudatory chiefs who governed provinces and districts.
• Second Class: Petty officers like Amatyas and Mahamatras, along with wealthy traders.
• Third Class: Middle-class individuals such as physicians, writers, peasants, goldsmiths, and perfumers.
• Fourth Class: People in the lowest vocations like carpenters, blacksmiths, fishermen, and gardeners.

During this period, the rise of crafts and commerce brought many merchants and artisans to prominence. Merchants took pride in identifying themselves by the towns they belonged to. Artisans and merchants made generous donations to the Buddhist cause. Among artisans, gandhikas, or perfumers, are mentioned as donors in small memorial tablets set up by them. Over time, the term gandhika became so general that it came to denote all kinds of shopkeepers. The modern title "Gandhi" is derived from this.

Family Structure:

• Family was the smallest unit of society, with the eldest living member, known as the 'Grihapati,' commanding the greatest respect and obedience from other family members. Women held a respected position in society, receiving higher education and participating in religious functions. Some rulers even included their mother's name in their own, such as Gautamiputra, Vashishthiputra, Pulumavi, and Kaushakiputra. This practice indicates the high status of women, who sometimes assumed guardianship over their minor sons and acted as regents. Women also participated in Ashvamedhas, a significant Vedic ritual.

Marriages:

• Gautamiputra Satakarni established a fourfold Varna system and prohibited intermarriage between different social orders. This confusion was likely caused by Saka infiltration and the superficial Brahmanisation of tribes in the Deccan. Mixed marriages were frowned upon, although there were some instances of such unions. Vashishthiputra Pulumavi himself married the daughter of Saka ruler Rudradaman, thus legitimizing such marriages.
• During this period, intermarriages among Hindus and foreign tribes such as the Sakas, Parthians, and Greeks were common, leading to the absorption of these foreigners into the Hindu social order, primarily as Kshatriyas.

Economic Condition

The economic condition during the Satavahana period was marked by prosperity in agriculture and trade. The common people enjoyed a good quality of life, benefiting from various facilities and being economically well-off. They inherited many aspects of material culture from the Mauryas and improved their living standards through a blend of local and northern influences.

Agriculture:

• Agriculture flourished under the Satavahanas, with the village economy well-developed. Rice was cultivated in the fertile region between the Krishna and Godavari rivers, and cotton was also produced. Peasants extensively used iron tools, and wells were constructed for irrigation, contributing to agricultural productivity.

Trade and Industry:

• Trade and industry received significant encouragement, with traders and professionals forming their own guilds or 'sanghas.' Guilds existed for various trades, including coin dealers, potters, oil pressers, and metal workers. These guilds, recognized by the government, looked after the collective interests of their members and even acted as bankers.
• Both internal and external trade thrived. External trade was conducted through famous ports like Supara, Broach, and Kalyan, with trade relations established with countries such as Arabia, Egypt, and Rome. Indian traders also set up settlements in far-eastern countries, spreading Indian culture and referring to these lands as 'Swargabhoomi' or paradise. India exported goods like cotton, textiles, and spices while importing wine, glass, and luxury items.
• Internal trade was also prosperous, facilitated by improved roads and transport. Several towns emerged in Maharashtra during this period, with Paithan, Nasik, and Junar becoming prominent markets and trade centers. In the southeast, Vijaypur and Narsela were well-known trade hubs. Trader guilds operated in groups, and the Satavahana kings issued numerous coins of gold, silver, copper, and bronze to encourage trade.
• The increasing trade activity is evident from the presence of Roman and Satavahana coins.

Taxes:

• Taxes during the Satavahana period were neither heavy nor numerous. Sources of income included proceeds from the royal domain, salt monopoly, and ordinary and extraordinary taxes. Both soldiers and officials were paid in kind.

Towns and Material Culture:

• Towns began to emerge in Maharashtra by the 1st century BC, with the eastern Deccan witnessing the development of towns a century later. Pliny noted that the Andhra region in the eastern Deccan included 30 walled towns. The Satavahanas learned about coins, burnt bricks, writing, and ring wells from the Mauryas and northern contacts, significantly advancing their material culture.
• In places like Peddabankur in the Karimnagar district, the regular use of fire-baked bricks and flat, perforated roof tiles contributed to the longevity of constructions.

Coinage

• The Satavahanas were the first native Indian rulers to issue their own coins featuring portraits of their rulers, starting with King Gautamiputra Satakarni. This practice was derived from the Western Satraps, whom he defeated, and it itself originated from the Indo-Greek kings to the northwest.
• The coins of the Satavahanas provide unique insights into their chronology, language, and even facial features, such as curly hair, long ears, and strong lips. They primarily issued lead, copper, and bronze coins, with portrait-style silver coins often struck over coins of the Western Kshatrapa kings.
• The Ikshvakus, who succeeded the Satavahanas in the early 3rd century AD in the eastern Deccan, also issued their coins. The coin legends of the Satavahanas, across all areas and periods, consistently used a Prakrit dialect. Some reverse coin legends are in Kannada and Telugu, indicating the use of these languages in their heartland, such as Godavari, Kotilingala, Karimnagar in Telangana, and Krishna, Amaravati, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.
• Their coins displayed various traditional symbols, including elephants, lions, horses, chaityas (stupas), and the "Ujjain symbol," a cross with four circles at the ends.
• The legendary Ujjayini Emperor Vikramaditya, after whom the Vikram Samvat is named, might be identified with Satakarni II, a Satavahana emperor, as the Ujjayini symbol also appeared on Satavahana coins.

Religious Condition

• During the Satavahana period, both Hinduism and Buddhism experienced significant growth. The Satavahana rulers were followers of Brahmanism, actively engaging in religious practices such as Aswamedha Yajnas and making generous donations to Brahmanas. Various deities were worshipped by the people, including Indra, Surya (the Sun God), Chandra (the Moon God), Vasudeva, Krishna, Pasupati, and Gauri. Among these, Shaivism and Vaishnavism emerged as the most popular forms of Hinduism, with Brahmans occupying the highest social position.
• Despite being Brahmanas, the Satavahana kings exhibited tolerance towards other faiths, including Buddhism. They extended similar donations to Buddhist institutions as they did to Hindu ones, facilitating the spread of Buddhism during this period. Numerous Buddhist caves, chaityas (prayer halls), and stupas (burial mounds) were constructed across different regions.
• In the southern part of India, nearly all caves were associated with Buddhism. Grants of land were sometimes allocated for the upkeep of these chaityas, viharas (monasteries), stupas, and for the support of monks or bhikshus. Various sects of Buddhism thrived in the south, with different classes of monks actively preaching Buddhist teachings. Significant stupas were erected in the Krishna River Valley, including the renowned stupa at Amaravati. These stupas were adorned with marble slabs, intricately sculpted with scenes from the life of Buddha, depicted in a distinctive slim and elegant style.
• The Satavahana Empire also extended its influence to Southeast Asia, spreading Indian culture to those regions. The Amaravati style of sculpture became prominent in Southeast Asia during this time.

Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda:

• Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh emerged as crucial centers of Buddhist culture under the Satavahanas and their successors, the Ikshvakus. Similarly, Buddhism thrived in the Nasik and Junar areas of the Western Deccan in Maharashtra, supported by traders.The Satavahanas significantly contributed to the enhancement of the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi. The construction of the gateways and balustrades occurred after 70 BCE and is believed to have been commissioned by the Satavahanas. An inscription notes the gift of one of the top architraves of the Southern Gateway by artisans associated with the Satavahana Emperor Satakarni.

Foreign Races:

• One notable aspect of this period was the integration of foreign groups such as the Sakas, Greeks, Kushans, and Abhiras into the folds of Hinduism or Buddhism. These groups became integral parts of Indian society, exhibiting tolerance and engaging in the exchange of gifts during religious festivals and other occasions.

ASI’s Kondapur excavations:
ASI, 2009-11

• Found Stupa& other Buddhist structures. Hence believed Kondapur is a Buddhist site.

ASI, 2014

• Found images of Lajja Gowri– the Fertility Goddess for Tantric worshippers. Meaning Satvahan kings followed Tantric Cult.
• Alters & animal bones. Meaning Satvahan kings scarified animals to seek male child.
• Kaolin(lime+clay)image of a Brahmin priest embracing the king

Literature

• The Satavahana rulers were passionate about literature and made significant strides in this field under their patronage. Many of the Satavahana rulers were learned individuals with a deep interest in literature. During this period, languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, and local languages flourished.
• Prakrit language and literature, in particular, saw remarkable development. The Satavahana rulers actively supported the Prakrit language and inscribed most of their records in it. One of the notable kings, Hala, was a distinguished poet who composed the 'Gatha Saptasati', a collection of 700 stories in Prakrit.
• Hala also encouraged several scholars to reside in his court. Notably, Gunadhya, a prominent scholar, wrote the 'Brihat Katha-manjari', a narrative in the Paisachi language about Naravahanadatta (Kuber, the God with Nara as his vehicle). Another scholar, Sarva Varman, authored a treatise on Sanskrit Grammar.
• These contributions reflect the Satavahana rulers' commitment to literature and their role in fostering literary excellence during their reign.

Architecture

• During the Satavahana period, there was a remarkable advancement in the field of architecture. The rulers took a keen interest in constructing caves, viharas (monasteries), chaityas (prayer halls), and stupas (burial mounds). Most of the rock caves in the Deccan region were carved during this time, showcasing impressive size and beauty. The caves, monasteries, chaityas, and stupas found in Orissa, Nasik, Karle, and Bhuj are excellent examples of the contemporary architectural style and decoration.
• A chaitya was a large hall supported by numerous columns, while a vihara featured a central hall accessible through a doorway from a verandah at the front. The Chaitya of Karle was particularly renowned, measuring 40 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and 15 meters in height. It boasted rows of 15 columns on each side, with each column built on a stair-like square plinth. The capitals of the pillars featured sculpted figures of elephants, horses, or riders, and the rooftops were adorned with elegant carvings.
• The viharas served as residential spaces for the monks. At Nasik, three viharas bear inscriptions of Gautmiputra and Nahapana, indicating their historical significance.
• Among the most famous architectural achievements of this period are the stupas, with the Amravati Stupa and the Nagarjunakonda Stupa being particularly notable. A stupa was a large round structure built over relics of the Buddha. The Amravati Stupa, measuring 162 meters in diameter and 100 feet in height, is renowned for its intricate sculptures. The town of Nagarjunakonda features not only Buddhist monuments but also ancient Hindu brick temples.

Numerous sculptures were also created during this era, with many depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. At Amravati, a beautiful scene illustrates the worship of Buddha's feet, while the depiction of Buddha preaching at Nagarjunakonda exudes serenity and calmness.