History of the Satavahanas

The Satavahanas are believed to have originated in Andhra, the east coast delta of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, from which they moved westward up the Godavari, eventually establishing their power in the west during the general political confusion that followed the breakup of the Mauryan empire. The Satavahana dynasty was sometimes referred to as the Andhra dynasty. Let us learn more about Satavanhanas Dynasty and their glory period in India. Read on to know more.

The Origins and Development of the Satavahanas Dynasty

Simuka is mentioned as the first king in a list of royals in a Satavahanas inscription discovered at Naneghat, and he is referred to as such. Numerous Puranas assert that the dynasty’s first monarch reigned for 23 years and refer to him by a variety of names, including Sishuka, Sindhuka, Chhismaka, Shipraka, and others. According to some researchers, these are incorrect spellings of the name Simuka as a result of manuscript copying and recopying. Simuka’s age cannot be determined definitively based on the available info. According to the following views, the satavahanas became an important dynasty in between 271 BCE and 30 BCE. The Puranas state that the first Andhra ruler ended the reign of the Kanva monarchs. In other sources, he is referred to as Balipuccha. D. C. Sircar dates this incidence to around 30 BCE, which is backed up by a great number of other scholars. Also, Dhanyakataka was the capital of Satavahanas.

The reign of the Satavahana Dynasty

According to the Matsya Purana, the Andhra dynasty ruled over India for around 450 years. The Satavahana’s authority dates all the way back to the third century BCE, despite the fact that they lost power in the early third century. According to the Brahmanand Puran, “the four Kanvas shall rule the planet for 45 years before returning to Andhras.” This statement is used by proponents of this theory to imply that the Satavahana reign began immediately following the Mauryan reign and was followed by a Kanva and then a revival of the Satavahana Kingdom and capital of Satavahanas.

Simuka, according to one version of the story, was the Mauryans’ successor. According to one form of this story, Simuka was the one who restored Satavahana control by toppling the Kanvas, and the editor of the Puranas incorrectly designated him as the dynasty’s founder.

Start of the Dynasty and what followed

According to the majority of current researchers, the Satavahanas became an important dynasty in the first century BCE and ruled until the beginning of the second century C.E. This notion has been offered based on puranic records as well archaeological and numismatic evidence. The argument that their reign dated back further in time has been thoroughly debunked, as the numerous Puranas contradict one another and are not totally supported by epigraphic or numismatic evidence. Additionally, the different Puranas conflict with one another.

Economic Situation

Agriculture and commerce flourished at the time. The ordinary man lived a happy life since he was amply supplied with all of life’s requirements. They were financially secure. They inherited numerous qualities from the Mauryas’ material culture, which resulted in improved and rich lifestyles. Under their direction, a free blending of indigenous and northern components occurred.

They learned to employ money, learned to burn the brinks, and ring their wells by learning it from the Mauryas, all of which contributed to their advancement. Agriculture flourished during the Satavahanas reign, and the village’s economy grew as a result. Between Godavari and Krishna rivers, there was a rice field that was utilized for farming purposes. Cotton production was also active. Iron utensils were commonly used and available to the peasantry, notably in the Carnatic region. Irrigation was provided on the property via wells.

As a result of this decision, commerce and industry were boosted. Sanghas, or guilds, were established to safeguard the interests of merchants and other professionals. Numerous guilds existed, for example, coin merchants, potters, metal artists, and oil pressers. Each of these guilds was accountable for the interests of its trade and then worked to advance them mutually. Several of these guilds had the recognition of the government and were at various times employed as bankers.

The Foreign Trade

Concerning commerce and industry, both domestically and internationally, Supara, Broach, and Kalyan were renowned ports that served as gateways for foreign trade and business. India relies heavily on trade with countries such as Egypt, Arabia, and Rome. Moreover, the Indian traders built their settlements in far-eastern countries, where they introduced Indian culture to the indigenous people.

It was dubbed “Swargabhoomi,” which translates as “heaven” in Hindi. India exported materials such as textiles, cotton, spices, and a variety of other things. India imported luxury goods from around the world, including wine, glassware, and other pleasures. Additionally, it was a prosperous period for the inland trading industry. Travel between northern and southern India got much easier as a result of improved roads and transportation.

Conclusion

Regardless of the extent of their conquests in the 4th–3rd centuries B.C. in the Deccan, it was during the capital of Satavahanas that the proper historical period in this region began. Despite the absence of convincing evidence of centralized governance during this time period, a widespread system of coinage was created throughout the empire. When the Indo-Roman trade reached its pinnacle during this time period, Satavahanas dynasty reflected itself in the generous sponsorship of Buddhist and Brahmanical organizations, which may be traced back to period inscriptions.

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