The Satvahanas succeeded the Mauryas in the Deccan and central India after a gap of about 100 years. The article connects them with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas, although it also notes an important difference: the Puranas speak of Andhra rule, while the name Andhra does not occur in Satvahana inscriptions.
For exams, this article is important because questions are often asked from Gautamiputra Satkarni, Vashistiputra Pulumayi, Yajnashri Satakarni, Satvahana coins, administration, religion, Prakrit language, Karle Chaitya, Amravati Stupa and Gatha Saptasati.
Table of Contents
Origin and Early History of the Satvahanas
The Satvahanas ruled in the Deccan and central India.
- They succeeded the Mauryas after a gap of 100 years.
- They are considered identical with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas.
- The Puranas mention Andhra rule, not Satvahana rule.
- The name Andhra does not occur in Satvahana inscriptions.
- The early Satvahana kings appeared not in Andhra, but in north Maharashtra.
- Their earliest coins and inscriptions have been found in north Maharashtra.
At one stage, the Satvahanas lost their dominions in Maharashtra and western India to the Shakas. Their power was later restored by Gautamiputra Satkarni.
Gautamiputra Satkarni
Gautamiputra Satkarni ruled from ADE 106–130.
He was one of the most important Satvahana rulers.
Main Achievements of Gautamiputra Satkarni
- He called himself the only Brahmana.
- He defeated the Shakas.
- He destroyed many Kshatriya rulers.
- He destroyed the Kshahrata lineage, to which his enemy Nahapana belonged.
- He occupied Malwa and Kathiawar, which were under Shaka control.
- He is mentioned as Ekbrahman in the Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions.
- The title Kshatriya Darpa Mardana, meaning destroyer of the pride of Kshatriyas, is mentioned in the Nasik inscription.
Gautamiputra’s victory over Nahapana is corroborated by more than 8,000 silver coins found near Nasik that bear marks of being restruck by the Satavahana ruler.
Vashistiputra Pulumayi
Vashistiputra Pulumayi ruled from AD 130–154.
He is important because he shifted or set up his capital at Paithan, also called Pratishtan, on the Godavari in the Aurangabad district.
Important Points About Vashistiputra Pulumayi
- He set up his capital at Paithan / Pratishtan.
- His capital was located on the Godavari.
- Rudradaman I, the Shaka ruler of Saurashtra, defeated the Satvahanas twice.
- Rudradaman did not destroy the Satvahanas because of matrimonial relations.
- Pulumayi’s marriage with the daughter of Rudradaman I is mentioned in the Junagarh inscription.
- He repaired the old Amravati Stupa.
Yajnashri Satakarni
Yajnashri Satakarni ruled from AD 165–195.
- He recovered north Konkan from the Shakas.
- He also recovered Malwa from the Shakas.
This shows that Satvahana-Shaka rivalry continued even after Gautamiputra Satkarni.
Material Culture of the Satvahanas
The Satvahanas used a variety of tools and weapons.
Tools and Weapons
Key iron tools and weapons used by the Satavahanas included:
- Socketed hoes
- Sickles
- Spades
- Ploughshares
- Axes
- Adzes
- Razors
- Tanged and socketed arrow-heads
- Daggers
They obtained iron from Karimnagar and Warangal.
Satvahana Coins
The Satvahanas may have used gold as bullion, but they did not issue gold coins like the Kushanas.
They issued mainly coins of:
- Lead
- Potin
- Copper
- Bronze
Unlike the Kushanas who minted extensive gold currency, the Satavahanas primarily issued coins made of lead, potin, copper, and bronze, using gold largely as bullion.
Agriculture and Economy
The Satvahanas knew the art of paddy transplantation.
They also produced cotton.
According to Pliny, the Andhra kingdom maintained an army of:
| Army Unit | Number |
|---|---|
| Infantry | 100,000 |
| Cavalry | 2,000 |
| Elephants | 1,000 |
Archaeological evidence at Peddabankur in Karimnagar district (c. 200 BCE–200 CE) shows widespread use of fire-baked bricks and flat, perforated roof tiles.
Social Organisation Under the Satvahanas
Gautamiputra Satkarni claimed that he had established the four-fold Varna system, which had fallen into disorder.
The Satvahanas were the first rulers to make land grants to Brahmanas.
However, it adds that more examples are found of grants being made to Buddhist monks.
Donations to Buddhism
Both artisans and merchants made generous donations to the Buddhist cause.
They set up small memorial tablets.
The gandhikas, or perfumers, are repeatedly mentioned as donors.
Pattern of Administration
The Satvahana king is represented as possessing qualities of mythical heroes such as:
- Rama
- Bhima
- Keshava
- Arjuna
The Satvahanas retained some administrative units from Ashokan times.
Important Administrative Terms
| Term | Meaning / Role |
|---|---|
| Ahara | District; also known in Ashokan times |
| Amatyas | Officials |
| Mahamatras | Officials |
| Senapati | Appointed as provincial governor |
| Gaulmika | Rural administrative head and head of a military regiment |
| Kataka | Military camp and administrative centre |
| Skandhavaras | Military camps and settlements used as administrative centres |
Gaulmika
Rural administration was placed in the hands of the Gaulmika.
The Gaulmika was the head of a military regiment consisting of:
- 9 chariots
- 9 elephants
- 25 horses
- 45 foot-soldiers
This shows a connection between rural administration and military organisation.
Tax-Free Land Grants
The Satvahanas granted tax-free villages to:
- Brahmanas
- Buddhist monks
This is an important feature of Satvahana administration and society.
Three Grades of Feudatories
The Satvahana kingdom had three grades of feudatories.
| Grade | Title / Status |
|---|---|
| Highest grade | King called Raja, with the right to strike coins |
| Second grade | Mahabhaja |
| Third grade | Senapati |
This structure shows that Satvahana political organisation included subordinate rulers and officials.
Religion of the Satvahanas
The Satvahana rulers were Brahmanas.
The Satvahanas were among the earliest rulers to issue tax-free land grants to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks.
Brahmanical Practices
The Satvahanas performed Vedic sacrifices such as:
- Ashvamedha
- Vajapeya
They also worshipped many Vaishnava gods, including:
- Krishna
- Vasudeva
- Others
Satvahanas and Buddhism
Although the Satvahana rulers were Brahmanas, they also promoted Buddhism.
They granted lands to Buddhist monks.
The Mahayana form of Buddhism had a considerable following in their kingdom, especially among the artisan class.
Important Buddhist centres under the Satvahanas included:
- Nagarjunakonda
- Amravati
Nagarjunakonda and Amaravati developed into major seats of Buddhist culture under the Satavahanas and their successors, the Ikshvakus.
Architecture Under the Satvahanas
In the Satvahana phase, many chaityas and monasteries were cut out of solid rock in the north-western Deccan, especially in Maharashtra.
The two common religious constructions were:
- Chaitya — Buddhist temple
- Vihara — Monastery
Chaitya
A Chaitya was a large hall with many columns.
It was a Buddhist temple where monks could meditate.
The most famous chaitya built by the dynasty was the Karle Chaitya in Maharashtra.
The Karle Chaitya in Maharashtra is one of the grandest rock-cut halls, featuring the following dimensions:
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Length | 40 metres |
| Width | 15 metres |
| Height | 15 metres |
Vihara
A Vihara was a monastery.
It consisted of a central hall entered through a doorway from a verandah in front.
Viharas were excavated near chaityas for the residence of monks during the rainy season.
At Nasik, three viharas carry inscriptions of Nahapana and Gautamiputra.
Rock-Cut Architecture in Andhra
Rock-cut architecture is also found in Andhra in the Krishna-Godavari region.
The Krishna-Godavari region of Andhra is particularly renowned for free-standing Buddhist stupas.
The most famous among them were:
- Amravati
- Nagarjunakonda
Amravati Stupa
The Amravati Stupa began around 200 BCE.
It was completely reconstructed in the second half of the 2nd century AD.
- Its dome measured 53 metres across the base.
- It seems to have been 33 metres in height.
- It is full of sculptures showing scenes from the life of the Buddha.
Nagarjunakonda
Nagarjunakonda prospered most in the 2nd century under the patronage of the Ikshvakus, who were successors of the Satvahanas.
It contains:
- Buddhist monuments
- Earliest Brahmanical brick temples
- Nearly two dozen monasteries
This makes Nagarjunakonda important for both Buddhist and Brahmanical architectural history.
Language of the Satvahanas
The official language of the Satvahanas was Prakrit.
All inscriptions were:
- Composed in Prakrit
- Written in the Brahmi script
A major literary contribution of the era is the Gatha Saptasati (Gathasattasai).
It is a Prakrit text attributed to the Satvahana king Hala.
It contains 700 verses, written in Prakrit.
FAQs on The Satvahanas
Who were the Satvahanas?
The Satvahanas were rulers of the Deccan and central India who succeeded the Mauryas after a gap of about 100 years.
Are Satvahanas and Andhras the same?
The Satvahanas are considered identical with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas. However, the name Andhra does not occur in Satvahana inscriptions.
Where did the early Satvahana kings appear?
The early Satvahana kings appeared in north Maharashtra, where their earliest coins and inscriptions have been found.
Who restored Satvahana power?
Gautamiputra Satkarni restored Satvahana power after the Shakas had dispossessed them of their dominions in Maharashtra and western India.
Who was Gautamiputra Satkarni?
Gautamiputra Satkarni was a major Satvahana ruler who defeated the Shakas, destroyed the Kshahrata lineage of Nahapana and occupied Malwa and Kathiawar.
What was the title Kshatriya Darpa Mardana?
Kshatriya Darpa Mardana means destroyer of the pride of Kshatriyas. It is mentioned in the Nasik inscription for Gautamiputra Satkarni.
Who was Vashistiputra Pulumayi?
Vashistiputra Pulumayi was a Satvahana ruler who set up his capital at Paithan or Pratishtan on the Godavari.
What is the importance of Yajnashri Satakarni?
Yajnashri Satakarni recovered north Konkan and Malwa from the Shakas.
What coins did the Satvahanas issue?
The Satvahanas mainly issued coins of lead, potin, copper and bronze.
What was Ahara in Satvahana administration?
Ahara was the district unit in Satvahana administration.
Who was Gaulmika?
Gaulmika was the rural administrative head and also the head of a military regiment.
What religions did the Satvahanas support?
The Satvahana rulers were Brahmanas and performed Vedic sacrifices, but they also promoted Buddhism by granting land to monks.
What is Chaitya?
A Chaitya was a Buddhist temple, usually a large hall with columns, used by monks for meditation.
What is Vihara?
A Vihara was a monastery used as residence by monks, especially during the rainy season.
Which was the most famous Satvahana chaitya?
The most famous chaitya is Karle Chaitya in Maharashtra.
Why is Amravati Stupa important?
The Amravati Stupa began around 200 BCE and was reconstructed in the second half of the 2nd century AD. It contained sculptures showing scenes from Buddha’s life.
What was the official language of the Satvahanas?
The official language of the Satvahanas was Prakrit.
In which script were Satvahana inscriptions written?
Satvahana inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script.
What is Gatha Saptasati?
Gatha Saptasati is a Prakrit text attributed to Satvahana king Hala. It contains 700 verses.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – The Satvahanas
- The Satvahanas succeeded the Mauryas in the Deccan and central India after a gap of 100 years.
- The Satvahanas are considered identical with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas.
- The name Andhra does not occur in Satvahana inscriptions.
- Early Satvahana kings appeared in north Maharashtra, not Andhra.
- Satvahana power was restored by Gautamiputra Satkarni.
- Gautamiputra Satkarni ruled from ADE 106–130.
- Gautamiputra called himself the only Brahmana.
- He defeated the Shakas and destroyed many Kshatriya rulers.
- He destroyed the Kshahrata lineage of Nahapana.
- More than 8,000 silver coins of Nahapana near Nasik show restriking by Satvahana king.
- Gautamiputra occupied Malwa and Kathiawar.
- He is mentioned as Ekbrahman in Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions.
- His title Kshatriya Darpa Mardana is found in the Nasik inscription.
- Vashistiputra Pulumayi ruled from AD 130–154.
- Pulumayi set up his capital at Paithan / Pratishtan on the Godavari.
- Rudradaman I defeated the Satvahanas twice but did not destroy them due to matrimonial relations.
- Pulumayi’s marriage with Rudradaman’s daughter is mentioned in the Junagarh inscription.
- Pulumayi repaired the old Amravati Stupa.
- Yajnashri Satakarni ruled from AD 165–195.
- Yajnashri Satakarni recovered north Konkan and Malwa from the Shakas.
- Satvahanas obtained iron from Karimnagar and Warangal.
- Satvahanas did not issue gold coins like the Kushanas.
- They issued coins mainly of lead, potin, copper and bronze.
- They knew the art of paddy transplantation.
- They also produced cotton.
- According to Pliny, the Andhra kingdom had 100,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 1,000 elephants.
- Peddabankur shows use of fire-baked bricks and flat, perforated roof tiles.
- Gautamiputra claimed to have restored the four-fold Varna system.
- Satvahanas were first rulers to make land grants to Brahmanas.
- More land grant examples are found for Buddhist monks.
- Gandhikas, or perfumers, are repeatedly mentioned as donors.
- Satvahana district was called Ahara.
- Officials were called Amatyas and Mahamatras.
- Senapati was appointed provincial governor.
- Rural administration was handled by Gaulmika.
- Kataka and Skandhavaras were military camps and administrative centres.
- Satvahanas granted tax-free villages to Brahmanas and Buddhist monks.
- Satvahana rulers were Brahmanas.
- They performed Vedic sacrifices such as Ashvamedha and Vajapeya.
- They worshipped Vaishnava gods such as Krishna and Vasudeva.
- They promoted Buddhism by granting land to monks.
- Mahayana Buddhism had considerable following among artisans.
- Nagarjunakonda and Amravati became important Buddhist centres.
- Chaitya means Buddhist temple.
- Vihara means monastery.
- The most famous chaitya was Karle Chaitya in Maharashtra.
- Karle Chaitya was about 40 m long, 15 m wide and 15 m high.
- At Nasik, three viharas carry inscriptions of Nahapana and Gautamiputra.
- Amravati Stupa began around 200 BCE.
- Amravati Stupa was reconstructed in the second half of the 2nd century AD.
- Amravati dome measured 53 m across the base and about 33 m in height.
- Nagarjunakonda contains Buddhist monuments and early Brahmanical brick temples.
- The official language of the Satvahanas was Prakrit.
- Satvahana inscriptions were written in Brahmi script.
- Gatha Saptasati is attributed to Satvahana king Hala.
- Gatha Saptasati contains 700 verses in Prakrit.