Period: c. 232 BCE – c. 208 CE
Founder: Simuka
Capitals: Kotilingala, Pratishthana, Amaravati
Primary Language: Prakrit (Brahmi script), Sanskrit
Religion: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
Geographical Extent: Deccan region, parts of modern Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and central India
Origins and the Kotilingala Nucleus
The heartland of the early Satavahanas was modern-day Telangana. Excavations at Kotilingala are pivotal to understanding their rise. Here, archaeologists found:
Pre-Satavahana Rulers: Punch-marked coins issued by local chieftains Gobhada, Siri Kamvaya, Vayasiri, and Samagopa.
The First Satavahanas: In the upper layers, coins of the earliest Satavahana kings—Simuka, Siri Satavahana, and Satakani I—were discovered, literally layered above the previous rulers, testifying to their conquest and the region's role as their initial mint-capital.
Coins found
Early (2nd BCE–1 CE): Kotilingala → Simuka, Kanha, Satakarni I.
Middle (1st–2nd CE): Nasik, Pauni, Amaravati → Gautamiputra, Pulumavi.
Late (2nd CE): Amaravati, Guntur, Nasik → Yajna Sri Satakarni.
How the Dates were Decided
c.232 BC considered as start of Satavahan rule after the death of Ashoka of Mauryan dynasty.
c.78 AD considered as defeat of Nahapana by Gautamiputra Satakarni and start of Chastana Rule.
c.208 AD considered as the end of Satavahana rule and start of Ikshvaku rule.
- Satavhanas were feudataries of Mauryan dynasty and declared independence after the death of Ashoka (268 to 232 BCE)
- Dates decided based on synchronism with Western Kshatrapa king Nahapana (c.32 -78 CE) and Gautamiputra Satakarni (c.60 - 84 CE) defeating Nahapana and 46 year inscription as regnal year
- Over-struck Coins of Nahapana by Gautamiputra Satakarni.The Jogalthembi Hoard provides physical proof of this victory.
- Deciding Nahapana Rule ( c. 32 CE - 78 CE)
- Year 46: The Manmodi inscription is the cornerstone. It dates a donation to his 46th year, meaning his reign began 46 years prior
- Based on above Nahapana ruled from c. 32 - 78 CE and assigning 78 CE as the 18th regnal year as the defeat of Nahapana by Gautamiputra Satakarni (c. 60 – 84 CE, 24 years)
- Chastana (78 - 130 CE) Saka rule starting from 78 AD. The Andau Inscription (The Anchor): This inscription dates Chastana to the year 52 of his reign, during the rule of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 CE).
- It is historically established that Chastana's Kardamaka dynasty replaced Nahapana's Kshaharata dynasty.
- Saka Era began in 78 CE with the start of the month of Chaitra. For practical, civil purposes, this is now observed on March 22nd. However, the traditional religious and lunisolar observance of the same event can shift by a day on the Gregorian calendar from year to year
- The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions one Nambanus as the ruler of the area around . This person has been identified as Nahapana by modern scholars. One historical analysis, published by Schoff in 1912, narrowed the date of the text to AD 59 - 62. It also mentions Nabataean King ruling at that time named Malicahas (40 - 70 CE).
- Pliny the Elder was a Roman scholar and naval commander who died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Pliny's work, written around 77 CE, confirms the presence of a powerful Saka (Indo-Scythian) kingdom controlling the strategic ports and hinterland of western India.
- Nashik Inscription (Year 18): In 78 CE (his 18th year), Gautamiputra Satakarni formally regrants a village previously donated by Nahapana's son-in-law. This administrative act confirms his conquest and consolidation of power shortly after his victory.
- Coins of Vashishtiputra Pulumavi (c. 84 – 120 CE, 36 years) coins over-struck by the next Kshatrapa king, Rudradaman(130–150 CE), proving he defeated the Satavahanas. Specifically mentions his victory over “Satakarni” (a Satavahana ruler) twice Vasisthiputra Sivasri Satakarni (c. 120 – 145 CE, 25 years). Notes he spared Satakarni’s life because of marriage alliance (his daughter was married into the Satavahana family).
- End Year 208 CE Calculation - The Rentala Inscription: Dated to his 5th regnal year, it calls him "Siri Cāṃtamūla" and places the date in the "vijaya-saṃvachare" (the victory year). Scholarly analysis of the 60-year Jovian cycle identifies this "Vijaya" year as 213-214 CE, placing his accession around 208-209 CE.
Debate of 46 Regal or 46 Saka
Rulers
Foundational Kings (c. 232 – 98 BCE)
Sri Satavahana (c. 232 BCE)
Reign: c. 232 BCE
Key Deeds: Early consolidation; Kotilingala nucleus.
Evidence & Sources: Copper coins at Kondapur (Telangana), Aurangabad, Akola (Maharashtra); lead coins at Nevasa, Kondapur.
Simuka / Chimuka (c. 231 – 208 BCE, 23 years)
Key Deeds: Founder; conquered pre-Satavahana kingdoms; marital alliance with Maharathi dynasty.
Evidence & Sources: Coins from Kotilingala and Kapparaopet; Kanaganahalli Mahastupa inscription (“Year 16 of Vasisthiputra Sri Chimuka Satavahana”). Puranic mention of Balipuccha (founder, disputed).
Krishna / Kanha (c. 208 – 190 BCE, 18 years)
Evidence & Sources: Nasik Caves Inscription (Cave 19), recording donation by Sramana Mahamata.
Satakarni I (c. 190 – 172 BCE, 18 years)
Evidence & Sources: Coins in Hyderabad; Naneghat inscription; Sanchi Southern Gateway donation by Ananda.
Vedi Sri / Purnotsanga & Sakti Sri / Haku Sri (c. 172 – 154 BCE, 18 years)
Evidence & Sources: Naneghat inscriptions; coins of Sakti Sri from Besnagar and Ujjain; Gattusingaram inscription.
Satakarni II (c. 154 – 98 BCE, 56 years)
Evidence & Sources: Coins; Sanchi stupas (decorated gateways).
Obscure Kings (c. 98 BCE – 19 BCE)
Lambodara (c. 98 – 80 BCE, 18 years) – Puranic list.
Apilaka (c. 80 – 68 BCE, 12 years) – Copper coin from Balpur, Chhattisgarh.
Meghasvati (c. 68 – 50 BCE, 18 years) – Coin with fragmentary legend “ghasada.”
Svati (c. 50 – 38 BCE, 12 years) – Puranic list.
Skandasvati (c. 38 – 31 BCE, 7 years) – Puranic list.
Mrigendra Satakarni (c. 31 – 28 BCE, 3 years) – Puranic list.
Kuntala Satakarni (c. 28 – 20 BCE, 8 years) – Mentioned in Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra.
Svatikarna / Satakarni III (c. 20 – 19 BCE, 1 year) – Puranic list.
Trade and Roman Era (c. 19 BCE – 30 CE)
Pulumavi I (c. 19 BCE – 5 CE, 24 years)
Key Deeds: Roman trade; port of Kalliena.
Evidence & Sources: Coin hoards: Karla (Maharashtra), Tarhala (Akola); Strabo’s Geography (Book II) mentions trade with Roman Egypt.
Gaura Krishna / Arishta Satakarni (c. 5 – 30 CE, 25 years)
Hala (c. 30 – 35 CE, 5 years) – Literary evidence: Gathasaptasati patronage.
Saka Confrontation (c. 36 - 78 CE)
Mandalaka / Puttalaka (c. 35 – 40 CE, 5 years) – Puranic list.
Purindrasena (c. 40 – 45 CE, 5 years) – Puranic list.
Sundara Satakarni (c. 45 – 50 CE, 5 years) – Kanaganahalli label inscription.
Chakora Satakarni (c. 50 – 55 CE, 5 years) – Puranic list.
Shivasvati (c. 55 – 62 CE, 7 years)
Mandalaka / Puttalaka (c. 35 – 40 CE, 5 years) – Puranic list.
Purindrasena (c. 40 – 45 CE, 5 years) – Puranic list.
Sundara Satakarni (c. 45 – 50 CE, 5 years) – Kanaganahalli label inscription.
Chakora Satakarni (c. 50 – 55 CE, 5 years) – Puranic list.
Shivasvati (c. 55 – 62 CE, 7 years)
Nasik inscription mentions son Gautamiputra Satakarni.
Resurgence (78 - 150 CE)
Gautamiputra Satakarni (c. 60 – 84 CE, 24 years)
Key Deeds: Defeated Nahapana; expanded empire; patron of inscriptions at Nasik, Karle.
Evidence & Sources: Nasik prasasti (Year 18); Jogalthembi coin hoard overstruck from Nahapana; Periplus of the Erythraean Sea references trade towns; Greek and Roman sources.
Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi II (c. 84 – 120 CE, 36 years)
Inscriptions from Nasik to Andhra; Kanaganahalli inscription.
Maharathi : Vasisthiputra Somadeva son of Maharathi Kasuikaputra Mitradeva
Mahasenapathi : Medhuna
Pulumavi is a contemporary of Chastana (78-130 CE)
Sannati inscription of the time of Vasişthīputra Sivasri Pulumāvi.
Banavāsi inscription of Vasisthiputra Sivasri Pulumävi This is a memorial stone (chaa-pattharo) to the chief queen of Vasişthiputra Sivasri Puļumāvi (raño vasithiputasa sivasiri-pulumävisa mahadeviya)
Nasik inscription of the time of Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi, year 2. Records a private donation. Note the title raño vāsithiputasa sāmisiripulumaisa.
Karle inscription of the time of Vāsişthiputra Sri Puumavi (?), year 5. Records a private donation. Ca. 88 CE.
Nasik inscription of Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi, year 6.
Myākadoni inscription of (Vasisthiputra) Sri Puumavi, year 6. Excavation of a tank by Samba in a locale called sätavāhanihāra. Note that the king is called rano sātavāhananam (si) ripulum.
Karle inscription of the time of Vasişthiputra Sri Pulumavi, year 7. Records the donation of a village to the monks at Valūraka (Kärle) by Mahāratthi Väsişthiputra Somadeva, son of Mahārathi Kausikiputra Mitradeva.
Nasik inscription of Väsisthiputra Sri Pulumävi, year 19 = Gautami Balasri's praśasti of Gautamiputra Sri Satakarņi.
Nasik inscription of Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi, years 19 and 22. Grant of another village for the upkeep of the Queen's Cave, in place of the village mentioned in (18).
Karle inscription of the time of Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi, year 24.. Private donation; the donors have Iranian names (Harapharana and Setapharana).
Kanaganahalli inscription of the time of Vāsişthiputra Sri Puļumāvi, year 35. Records a private donation.
Dharanikota inscription of the time of (Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi], [year 35).
Väsana inscription of Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumāvi.
The Amaravati inscription was written by Pulumavi II and is the first inscription of Satavahanas in Andhra Pradesh. This indicates that the Satavahana empire spread to Andhra during the Pulumavi II period. Private donation. The king is referred to with the Saka title svāmi (ra[ño] vā[ sithi]puta [sa] [sä]mi-siri-pulumävisa).
According to Ptolemy (85-165 CE) , Chashtana (78-130 CE) directly ruled Ujjain, while Paithan (Pratisthana) continued to be ruled by Siroptolemaios or Siropolemaios (identified with Sri Pulumayi, son of Gautamiputra Satakarni)
Sannati prasasti of Gautamiputra Sri Satakarni. Probably earlier than the Nāsik prasasti reading: [s]iri sátakanisa samuditabalavahanasa abhagavahanasa sätavahanasa benäkata-vidabha-uparigiräparanta-asaka-müdakasa jayavi-cakora-vala-rathadakhina (path ... su]súsakasa pitu-satu-vera-niyatakasa aneka-sam)gamavijita-vijayasa khakharata-kula-ghātakasa aneka-rāja-mathaka-patigahitasa padana-säsanasa ekakusasa eka-dhanudha[ dharasa]. "KI restores the metro nymic of the king as väsethi, although I would expect gotami. Sannati prasasti [of Gautamiputra Sri Sätakarni).. This inscription is in Sanskrit and in the vasantatilaka meter. Probably belongs with the preceding inscription (11).
Meritorious gift of the upper most slab (agatuko-pata) and its line by the nun Dharmasri of the Kotujila family on the l0th day of 2nd fortnight of summer in the 35th (regnal) year of king Vasisthiputra Sri Pulumavi along with her parents, all the preceptors, group of elders and ascetics for the well being and happiness of all creatures.
The other rulers whose bust type silver coins have been found are Vasishthiputra Sivasri Pulumavi , Vasishthiputra Satakarni, Vasishthiputra Vijaya Satakarni, Vasishthiputra Skanda Satakarni and Yajnasri Satakarni.
A one line inscription from a panel of the Mahā Stūpa in Kanaganahalli reveals the giving away of the city of Ujjain by a King Pudumāvi. King Pudumāvi is handing Pudumāvi Ajayatasa Ujeni deti (King Pudumāvi is handing over Ujjayini to Ajayata)
There was probably a prolonged struggle between Puḷumāvi and Chashṭana. During the last years of Chashṭana’s reign when he must have been extremely old after a lengthy rule he would have been just a nominal monarch. The crown prince of the Kārdamakas, Jayadāman, must have held the reins of the administration and led the attack on the Sātavāhanas. It is possible that Puḷumāvi succeeded in gaining
an upper hand but opted for a more practical decision.
c. 104 AD - Knowing that Ākarāvanti was difficult to hold and for years was the bone of contention between the two powers he agreed for a treaty where he ‘gifted’ Ujjain to Jayadāman and got married his younger brother, the Sātavāhana Crown prince, to Kārdamaka’s crown prince’s grand daughter. This gesture by Puḷumāvi must have established harmony between the two powers and secured the northern border allowing Puḷumāvi to conquer and consolidate territories in the south of his dominion.
Vasisthiputra Sivasri Satakarni (c. 120 – 145 CE, 25 years) – Coins in Krishna & Godavari districts; Junagadh Rock Inscription (marital alliance with Rudradaman I).
c. 122 CE : The Silasa Sanskrit Inscription : This inscription is critical because it provides a rare snapshot of a Satavahana king operating far north in the region of Malwa, which was a contested zone between the Satavahanas and the Western Kshatrapas.
Sivaskanda Satakarni (c. 145 – 152 CE, 7 years)
Year 2 of his reign records that King Vashishtiputra Satakarni was stationed at a military camp (skandhavara) in the village of Silasa, which is located in the Ujjain region.From this camp, he made a grant of a village to a Brahmin.
Sivaskanda Satakarni (c. 145 – 152 CE, 7 years)
Rudradaman recaptured all the former territories previously controlled by Nahapana. Satavahanas were restricted to their original base in the Deccan and around Amaravati.
150 AD Saka Resurgence: Saka 72 : The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman which was also known as the Girnar Rock inscription is basically prose inscribed on a rock located near Girnar hill near Junagadh, Gujarat. In the inscription, he had mentioned about the defeat of Satakarni, lord of Dakshinapatha.
In spite of the matrimonial link, at least two wars took place between them where in he defeated Sātavāhanas but spared the life of Satakarni, essentially because of their relationship.
In spite of the heavy losses suffered in later years due to Rudradaman’s conquest, the Satavahanas somehow managed to retain their control over their primary stronghold in Nasik and western Deccan
Gautamiputra Sri Yajna Satakarni (c. 152 – 181 CE, 29 years)
Inscriptions: Chinna Ganjam (Year 27), Kanheri; coins overstriking Nahapana.
Decline (181 - 208 CE)
Gautamiputra Vijaya Satakarni (c. 181 – 187 CE, 6 years) – Evidence: Inscriptions (Chebrolu, Guntur).
Vasisthiputra Chandra Sri Satakarni (c. 187 – 198 CE, 11 years) – Coins in Krishna & Godavari districts.
Mathariputra Sri Pulumavi (c. 198 – 208 CE, 10 years) – Rentala inscription; Abhira and Ikshvaku expansion marks effective end of Satavahana rule.
Administration & Political System
Nature of Rule: Decentralized feudal monarchy.
Hierarchy:
King (Raja): Supreme ruler; hereditary succession; grand titles (Maharaja, Dakshinapathapati).
Economy
Agriculture: Crop production, irrigation systems.
Trade: Domestic and foreign, especially Roman trade (wine, lead, bronze imports; exported pearls, silk, ivory).
Industry: Crafts, artisans, guilds (goldsmiths, stone-cutters, weavers, potters).
Currency: Silver and copper coins; coin hoards show trade connections.
Ports: Kalliena, Sopara – controlled and taxed foreign merchants.
Society & Culture
Social Structure: Varna system upheld; Maharathis, Mahabhojas below king; Rajamatyas, Amatyas, Mahamatras next.
Religion: Hinduism (Vedic Brahmanism), Buddhism (donations, viharas, stupas like Amaravati), Jainism tolerated.
Language & Literature: Prakrit official; Sanskrit; Gathasaptasati, Brihatkatha.
Art & Architecture: Ajanta, Ellora, Karle caves; Amaravati Stupa; Buddhist chaityas and viharas.
Education & Learning: Centers attached to monasteries; literary patronage encouraged.
Achievements & Legacy
Political: Consolidation of Deccan; military victories against Sakas, Yavanas, Pahlavas.
Economic: Thriving trade and port economy; artisan guilds; coin circulation.
Cultural: Monumental architecture; support for Buddhism, Hinduism; literature and arts flourished.
Naval & Trade: Established maritime trade networks to Roman world; influenced Southeast Asian trade.
Decline & Aftermath
Gradual fragmentation after last king (Mathariputra Sri Pulumavi).
Successor States/Vassals: Ikshvakus (east), Abhiras (west), Chutus (south), Vakatakas, Pallavas (Kanchipuram), Western Satraps (northwest).
Legacy: Foundation for Deccan culture, trade, art, and administration; integration of multi-religious patronage; influence lasted for centuries.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/107159028.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Some Early Dynasties of South India By Sudhakar Chattopadhyaya
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satavahana_dynasty
http://asiasworld.net/india/royal-dynasties-in-india/satavahana-dynasty/index.cfm
Decline (181 - 208 CE)
Gautamiputra Vijaya Satakarni (c. 181 – 187 CE, 6 years) – Evidence: Inscriptions (Chebrolu, Guntur).
Vasisthiputra Chandra Sri Satakarni (c. 187 – 198 CE, 11 years) – Coins in Krishna & Godavari districts.
Mathariputra Sri Pulumavi (c. 198 – 208 CE, 10 years) – Rentala inscription; Abhira and Ikshvaku expansion marks effective end of Satavahana rule.
Administration & Political System
Nature of Rule: Decentralized feudal monarchy.
Hierarchy:
King (Raja): Supreme ruler; hereditary succession; grand titles (Maharaja, Dakshinapathapati).
Crown Prince (Kumara): Heir, often viceroy/governor of province.
Feudatories (Maharathis, Mahabhojas): Powerful local rulers with autonomy.
Ministers (Amatyas/Mahamatras): Advisors in policy, revenue, justice, warfare.
Provincial Administration: Aharas/Rashtras (districts) governed by Rashtrika/Rajnika.
District & Local: Ahara (Amachya), Nagara (Nagarika/Pura-pala), Village (Gramika/Gramini, Gram Sabha).
Key Officials: Senapati (army), Bhandagarika (treasury), Mahadaraka (judiciary), Lekhaka (scribe), Gaulmika (military/local), Sarvadhyaksha (department head).
Revenue: Land tax, trade tolls, taxes on artisans, tribute from feudatories.
Ministers (Amatyas/Mahamatras): Advisors in policy, revenue, justice, warfare.
Provincial Administration: Aharas/Rashtras (districts) governed by Rashtrika/Rajnika.
District & Local: Ahara (Amachya), Nagara (Nagarika/Pura-pala), Village (Gramika/Gramini, Gram Sabha).
Key Officials: Senapati (army), Bhandagarika (treasury), Mahadaraka (judiciary), Lekhaka (scribe), Gaulmika (military/local), Sarvadhyaksha (department head).
Revenue: Land tax, trade tolls, taxes on artisans, tribute from feudatories.
Economy
Agriculture: Crop production, irrigation systems.
Trade: Domestic and foreign, especially Roman trade (wine, lead, bronze imports; exported pearls, silk, ivory).
Industry: Crafts, artisans, guilds (goldsmiths, stone-cutters, weavers, potters).
Currency: Silver and copper coins; coin hoards show trade connections.
Ports: Kalliena, Sopara – controlled and taxed foreign merchants.
Society & Culture
Social Structure: Varna system upheld; Maharathis, Mahabhojas below king; Rajamatyas, Amatyas, Mahamatras next.
Religion: Hinduism (Vedic Brahmanism), Buddhism (donations, viharas, stupas like Amaravati), Jainism tolerated.
Language & Literature: Prakrit official; Sanskrit; Gathasaptasati, Brihatkatha.
Art & Architecture: Ajanta, Ellora, Karle caves; Amaravati Stupa; Buddhist chaityas and viharas.
Education & Learning: Centers attached to monasteries; literary patronage encouraged.
Foreign Relations
Rivals: Western Kshatrapas (Sakas), Yavanas, Pahlavas.
Alliances: Marital alliances with Saka rulers (Rudradaman I) and local feudatories.
Trade: Roman Empire (via ports Kalliena, Sopara); Mediterranean goods imported; exports included silk, pearls, ivory, cotton.
Rivals: Western Kshatrapas (Sakas), Yavanas, Pahlavas.
Alliances: Marital alliances with Saka rulers (Rudradaman I) and local feudatories.
Trade: Roman Empire (via ports Kalliena, Sopara); Mediterranean goods imported; exports included silk, pearls, ivory, cotton.
Achievements & Legacy
Political: Consolidation of Deccan; military victories against Sakas, Yavanas, Pahlavas.
Economic: Thriving trade and port economy; artisan guilds; coin circulation.
Cultural: Monumental architecture; support for Buddhism, Hinduism; literature and arts flourished.
Naval & Trade: Established maritime trade networks to Roman world; influenced Southeast Asian trade.
Decline & Aftermath
Gradual fragmentation after last king (Mathariputra Sri Pulumavi).
Successor States/Vassals: Ikshvakus (east), Abhiras (west), Chutus (south), Vakatakas, Pallavas (Kanchipuram), Western Satraps (northwest).
Legacy: Foundation for Deccan culture, trade, art, and administration; integration of multi-religious patronage; influence lasted for centuries.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/107159028.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Some Early Dynasties of South India By Sudhakar Chattopadhyaya
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satavahana_dynasty
http://asiasworld.net/india/royal-dynasties-in-india/satavahana-dynasty/index.cfm
