Post Mauryan Period: Satavahana Empire

Satavahana Empire extended from Pune in Maharastra to coastal area of Andhra Pradesh in the second century BC onwards. The Satvahana dynasty was one of the most prominent dynasties of the Andhra Pradesh region around 1st century AD. The majority of the information about Satvahanas was revealed by a large number of silver and lead and copper coins.
The Satavahanas were believed to be Brahmins. The Satavahanas issued coins which had bilingual legends. The names of the rulers were depicted in some south Indian language as well as Prakrit.

Satavahanas were the followers of Buddhism. During Satavahana period, Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda became Buddhist centres of significance.
Simuka, Kanha, Satkarni-I and Satkarni II, Hala, Gautmiputra Satkarni, Pulumayi-II were the important rulers in Satavahana dynasty.

Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty. Satkarni II was the longest ruling king of the Satavahana Dynasty. There is a mention of him in the Hathigumpha inscription of the kharvela where he is described as kharvela’s enemy.

Hala was 17th king of the dynasty. He had compiled a text theme in Prakrat language called Gatha saptasati. Gautmiputra Satkarni was one of the most illustrious ruler of the dynasty. He is described as the Destroyer of the Shaka, Pahalava and Yavana power. He is said to assume the title of raja-raja and Maharaja.

Administration of Satavahanas

The kingdom was divided into the Janpadas and subdivided into Aharas. Each Ahara was ruled by an Amatya. Ahara was further divided into Grama headed by Gamika.
The administrators of the rural areas under the Satavahanas were known as Gaulmikas.

Points to Remember
• Two cave inscriptions were found at Nasik which belonged to Gautmiputra Satkarni.
• The Satvahana inscriptions mention for the first time the office of the Amatya.
• Nanaghat inscription of Naganika(wife of Satkarni-I) was found near Pune.