Satavahana Dynasty and Culture

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently documented 11 ancient inscriptions in Peddapalli, Telangana, attributed to the Satavahana dynasty. These inscriptions, written in Brahmi script and Prakrit language, date back to the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE. They provide critical insights into the political, cultural, and social life of the Satavahana period and confirm Telangana’s place within Asmaka, one of the sixteen Mahājanapadas, highlighting its early integration into major historical developments.

Key Facts About the Satavahana Dynasty

Origins and Expansion

• The Satavahanas ruled from the 1st century BCE to the early 3rd century CE, succeeding the Mauryas in the Deccan and central India.

• Initially centered in north Maharashtra (upper Godavari valley), their influence extended to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

• They are often identified with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas, though this name is not found in their inscriptions.

Notable Rulers and Achievements

Material Culture and Economy

• Iron tools such as ploughshares and arrowheads were prevalent, aiding agriculture.

• Major iron-smelting centers were located in Karimnagar and Warangal.

• Paddy transplantation techniques led to intensive rice cultivation in the Krishna-Godavari delta.

• Cotton production in Andhra is noted by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History.

Urbanization and Trade

• Urban centers like Peddabankur (200 BCE–200 CE) had brick structures, wells, and advanced drainage.

• Pliny recorded 30 walled towns in eastern Deccan.

• A vibrant Indo-Roman trade network is reflected in the spread of Roman and Satavahana coins in the Krishna-Godavari region.

Coinage

• Featured Prakrit inscriptions and symbols such as:

  • Ships (trade)

  • Elephants (strength)

  • Lions (power)

  • Chaityas, Dharmachakras, and star motifs (religion and state).

• Minted using lead, potin (copper-lead-tin alloy), copper, and bronze; gold used as bullion.

Society and Administration

• The Satavahanas, originally a Deccan tribe, were later brahmanized.

• Matrilineal elements existed (e.g., kings named after mothers), though succession remained patriarchal.

• Society supported a robust artisan and merchant class—gandhikas (perfumers) notably funded Buddhist causes.

Administrative Structure

• Three-tier governance:

  1. Raja (King): Sole authority to mint coins.

  2. Mahabhoja: Feudal sub-ruler.

  3. Senapati: Military governor.

• Provinces (Ahara or Rashtra) were managed by Mahamatras.

• Military-based governance:

  • Senapati acted as provincial administrator.

  • Gaulmika ensured rural law and order.

  • Kataka and Skandhavara served as mobile military-cum-administrative centers.

Military Power

• As noted by Pliny, the Andhra kingdom possessed a formidable army of infantry, cavalry, and war elephants, signifying its military dominance in the region.

Religion and Patronage

• The rulers were Brahmanas, performing Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha and Vajapeya, and worshipped Krishna and Vasudeva.

• Despite promoting Brahmanism, the Satavahanas were significant patrons of Buddhism, especially the Mahayana school:

  • Granted land to monks in Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.

  • More land grants were made to Buddhist monks than Brahmanas.

  • The Naneghat inscriptions reveal religious donations and tax exemptions for Buddhist institutions.

Art and Architecture

• Pioneered rock-cut architecture, including:

  • Karle Chaitya and Nasik Viharas

  • Rebuilding of Amaravati Stupa with narrative sculptures.

• Supported the Amaravati School of Art, known for its fine, elaborate Buddhist reliefs.

• Patronized early Ajanta Caves (Caves 9 and 10), rich in Buddhist iconography.

Language and Literature

• Prakrit was the official language and inscriptions were in Brahmi script.

• The Gāthāsaptaśatī (Gāthāsattasai), a collection of 700 verses in Prakrit attributed to King Hala, is a landmark literary work from this era.

Decline and Legacy

• The Satavahana dynasty declined by the 3rd century CE, primarily due to internal succession struggles and external pressures.

• They were succeeded in the eastern Deccan by the Ikshvakus, who continued their Buddhist patronage and administrative patterns.

• The Pallavas emerged as a dominant power in the southern region following the Satavahana decline.

Conclusion

The discovery of Satavahana-era inscriptions in Telangana underscores the dynasty’s deep-rooted influence on early Deccan polity, culture, and trade. Known for their military strength, administrative innovations, support for Buddhism and Brahmanism, and progressive social elements like matrilineal naming, the Satavahanas played a pivotal role in shaping ancient South Indian civilization. Their legacy continued through successors like the Ikshvakus, who built upon their administrative and cultural foundations.