Question

Answer the following in about 500 words:

Who were the Satavahanas? Explain early state formation in the Deccan with reference to the Satavahanas. ​

Answer 1

Who were Satavahanas?

Satavahanas was a prominent dynasty that ruled the regions of the Deccan such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana during the time period of second century to third century. In this period of time, they could also temporarily conquer and rule certain parts of Madhya Pradesh [such as Sanchi] and Karnataka.

As their origin and the setting up of the kingdom is a mixture of facts and fiction, there is no certainty in the stories that revolve around the Satvahanas rule. All basic facts that are listed out by archaeologists are based on material evidence such as ancient scriptures, archaeological evidences etc. It is believed that they are natives to Andhra Pradesh as many texts call their dynasty as the Andhra Dynasty.

Rulers:

The first ruler of this dynasty is Simuka as per ancient records. He is believed to have over thrown the previous Kanva dynasty and established rule there. The most powerful ruler in this dynasty was Gautamiputra Satkarni who enlarged the army size and expanded the empire to other regions such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Pulumavi IV was the last ruler who reigned the dynasty as it is before it was dissected into five smaller parts.

Achievements:

⇒ The Satvahanas are known for establishing a close trade relationship with the Roman Empire through the Indian coast in the east.

⇒ They were the first rulers to establish a well-maintained Empire in the Deccan.

⇒ Unlike the rule of Mauryan empire, there were no extreme taxations.

⇒ They are the first rulers to inscribe the the pictures of rulers in their coins.

⇒ They have contributed towards the spread of Buddhism.

⇒ Under their rule, the Buddhist area of Sanchi prospered with many monuments and other structures dedicated to the religion.

⇒ They are known for spreading the art of writing inscriptions in the Deccan along with establishing various monuments and carvings in various regions under their rule.

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Explain early state formation in the Deccan with reference to the Satavahanas. ​

The first ruler of the dynasty, that is, Ruler Simuka is said to have defeated the last ruler of the Kanva dynasty, that is, Ruler Susharman of Magadha. Later on as rulers changed, the empire slowly started to expand. Satakarni I [who is also known as Dakshinapathapati] and his sucessor Satkarni II started to expand the kingdom by conquering Kalinga, the eastern Malwa region, Godavari, Sanchi, regions of Madhya Pradesh, Paitan etc. The kingdom was vast by the time rulers such as Gautamiputra Satakarni started his reign as the ruler.

Attached is the ancient map of India depicting the complete empire of the Satavahana dynasty.

Source: Internet

Answer 2

Question:Who were the Satavahanas?

Answer: The term “Satvahana” originated from the Prakrit which means ” driven by seven” which is an implication of the Sun God’s chariot that is driven by seven horses as per Hindu mythology.

The first king of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka was immediately active after Ashoka’s death. Built Jain and Buddhist temples.

Features of Satavahana Administration:

• The Satavahana king is represented as possessing the divine qualities of ancient gods such as Rama, Bhima, Arjuna, etc.
• The kingdom was divided into districts called ahara. Their officials were known as amatyas and mahamatras.
• Certain military elements are found in the administration of the Satavahanas. For example, the senapati was appointed provincial governor. It was probably done to keep the tribal people in the Deccan who were not completely brahmanised under strong military control.
• The military character of the Satavahana rule is also evident from the common use of terms like kataka and skandhavara in their inscriptions.
• The Satavahana kingdom had three grades of feudatories – Raja (who had the right to strike coins), Mahabhoja and Senapati.

Question: Explain early state formation in the Deccan with reference to the Satavahanas.

Answer:

• Ruler Simuka is said to have defeated the last ruler of the Kanva dynasty, that is, Ruler Susharman of Magadha.

• Later on as rulers changed, the empire slowly started to expand.

• Satakarni I [who is also known as Dakshinapathapati] and his sucessor Satkarni II started to expand the kingdom by conquering Kalinga, the eastern Malwa region, Godavari, Sanchi, regions of Madhya Pradesh, Paitan etc.

• The people of the Deccan were fairly acquainted with the use of iron and agriculture.

• The Satavahanas probably exploited the rich mineral resources of the Deccan such as iron ores from Karimnagar and Warangal and gold from Kolar fields.

• They mostly issued coins of lead, which is found on the Deccan and also coins of copper and bronze.

• The paddy transplantation was an art well known to the Satavahanas and the area between the Krishna and Godavari, especially at the mouth of the two rivers, formed a great rice bowl.

• The people of the Deccan also produced cotton. Thus a good portion of the Deccan developed a very advanced rural economy.

• The people of the Deccan learnt the use of coins, burnt bricks, ring wells, etc. through its contacts with the north.

• There was regular use of fire-baked bricks and use of flat, perforated roof tiles which must have added to the life of the structures.

• The Andhra in the east Deccan included 30 walled towns, besides numerous villages.

• The Satavahanas originally seem to have been a tribe of the Deccan.

• The artisans and merchants formed an important class of society due to flourishing trade and commerce.

• Among the artisans, the Gandhikas (perfumers) are mentioned as donors and later the term came to be used for all kinds of shopkeepers. The title ‘Gandhi’ is derived from this ancient term Gandhika.

• In the Satavahana phase, many temples called chaityas and monasteries called viharas were cut out of the solid rock in the northwestern Deccan or Maharashtra with great precision and patience.

#Extra:

The Decline of the Satavahanas Pulamavi IV is considered the last king of the main Satavahana line. He ruled until 225 AD. After his death, the empire fragmented into five smaller kingdoms.

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#Reference:

• My own notes
• online resources
• Answer is in approx 500 words
• For your ease, I written my answer points wise
• If your not satisfied, you can delete my answer ^^

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