Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
Which ancient Indian kingdom is known for minting coins made of lead, copper, silver, and gold?
During the reign of the Satavahanas, which regions did they initially establish control over?
What was the main occupation of the people in the Satavahana empire's economy?
Which Indian emperor's death marked the beginning of the Satavahana rule?
Signup and view all the answers
Which two religions were patronized by the Satavahanas during their reign?
Signup and view all the answers
Which architectural marvels are associated with the Satavahana empire?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguished the Satavahana bilingual coins from others of their time?
Signup and view all the answers
In what areas did the Satavahana rulers demonstrate their support?
Signup and view all the answers
Which dynasty succeeded the Satavahanas in the eastern region in the early 3rd century CE?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a notable feature of governance during the Satavahana period despite the lack of convincing evidence of centralized governance?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
The Satavahana Dynasty, also known as the Satavahanas or Andhras, was an ancient Indian kingdom that ruled over parts of central and southern India. They are believed to have originated from the Deccan region and had their capital in Dharanikota. The Satavahanas are considered the first native Indian kings to rule after the death of Ashoka, and they ruled for about 450 years from the mid-1st century BCE to the early third century CE. The area of rule of the Satavahanas is debated, but it is generally agreed that they initially established control over the regions of Andhra and the western coast, and later expanded to include parts of modern-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
The economy of the Satavahana empire was primarily agrarian, with agriculture being the main occupation of the people. The Satavahanas minted coins made of lead, copper, silver, and gold, mostly in lead. Land tax was the main source of revenue, and it varied from ¼ to ⅛ depending on the circumstances. The Satavahanas were patrons of both Jainism and Buddhism, and these religions became popular in the south during their reign. Buddhism is evidenced in the Hatigumpha inscription, which mentions the four powers of Chaturanga.
The Satavahana empire was known for its architecture and art, which included the construction of the five gateways at Sanchi, the rock-cut Chaitya-halls of Bhaja, Karle, Nasik, and Kanheri, and the stupas at Amaravati, Bhattiprolu, Goli, and Ghantasala. The Satavahanas also produced bilingual coins with Tamil on one side and Middle Indo-Aryan on the other.
The Satavahana rulers were known for their role in trade, culture, and ideology. They actively engaged in trade with the Indo-Roman world and supported both Buddhist and Brahmanical organizations as evidenced by their inscriptions. The Satavahanas were also related to the Marathas through marriage, which led to the emergence of the first state in the Deccan part of the subcontinent of India.
The capital cities of the Satavahana empire were Pratishthan (Paithan) and Amaravati. The Satavahana dynasty was succeeded by the Ikshvakus in the eastern region in the early third century CE. Despite the lack of convincing evidence of centralized governance during the Satavahana period, a widespread coinage system was established across the empire.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the history, economy, religion, art, architecture, and trade of the ancient Indian kingdom of the Satavahana Dynasty. Learn about their capital cities, rulers, and the legacy they left behind in central and southern India.
