Satavahanas (220 B.C-225 A.

D)

AN
KH
AZ
IY

● The Satavahanas initially continued to rule as vassals of the Mauryas.

R

● After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the Satavahanas were the foremost
among the royal dynasties that tried to preserve and develop the political
and cultural unity of India.

● The first Andhra kings who united the Andhra region between Krishna and
Godavari for the first time.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● According to “K.M.Panikkar”, Sathavahanas have played an important role in
cultural integration between south india and Aryavarta (ancient name of
Northern and Central india).

● Various names of Satavahanas are Shalivahanas, Andhra-Bhrityas,

Andhras.

Evidences related to history of Satavahanas:

● Puranas:

AN
■ Total Puranas: 18
● First Purana: Brahma Purana
● Last Purana: Brahmanda Purana
○ Puranas mention the Andhras as Andhrabhrityas.

KH
○ The Matsya and Bhagavata Puranas refer to the Andhras as Mlechhas.

○ According to Puranas, the reign of the Satavahanas was 456 years.

○ The Puranas have been translated into English by Pargiter under the
title “Dynasties of Kali yuga”.

○ Pargiter, a scholar who researched Puranas, compiled a table of

AZ

Andhra kings.

○ Matsya Purana:

■ Matsyapurana tells about the genealogy of Satavahanas.

IY

■ The Matsyapurana mentions a list of only 18 kings before

Gautamiputra Satakarni, (who is mentioned as the 23rd king in
the Puranas). But no inscriptions or coins related to them were
found.
R

■ Matsyapurana mentions the first Satakarni as Mallakarni.

○ Vishnu Purana:

■ Vishnu Purana is a detailed legend about the lineage of the

Satavahanas

○ Bhavishya Purana:

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ Kaliyuga Rajavrittantam, a part of Bhavishya Purana, contains
details of Andhra genealogy.

● Aitareya Brahmana:
○ Aitareya Brahmana is a part of Rigveda.

○ First mention of Andhras - Aitareya Brahmana

○ It is said that the Andhras are the lineage of one of his 50 children
cursed by Vishwamitra.

AN
○ The Aitareya Brahmana mentions the Andhras as Atavikas.

● Mahabharata:
○ Original name - Jaya Samhita; Written by - Vyasa.

○ The Mahabharata mentions that the Andhras live in a place called

Banavasi.
KH
○ It is said that the Andhras fought on the side of the Kauravas.

● Coins:
○ "Numismatics" is a study of coins.

○ The study of figures (marks) on coins is Sigillography.

AZ

○ The coins of the Satavahanas were made of an alloy of lead, potin,

and silver.

○ Most of the lead coins were minted during the period of

Satavahanas.
IY

○ Coins in circulation during the period of the Satavahanas:

■ Potin coin - Copper + Tin + Lead .

■ Roman coins - Gold and Silver Coins.

R

○ Satakarni I minted silver coins.

○ One gold coin is equal to 35 silver coins - from Vrishabhadatta's

inscription.

○ Coins with Ujjain town on them were minted by: Satakarni I &
Gautamiputra Satakarni.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated the Saka king Nahapana and
reimprinted Nahapans’s silver coins with Satakarni’s symbol
(pratima).

○ Coins with ship sail (తెరచాప) marks - Yajna Sri Satakarni

○ Areas where coins of Satavahanas were found:

■ Salihundam (Srikakulam)

■ Roman gold coins found at Attirala (Kadapa).

AN
■ Vinukonda (Guntur district) - Roman gold coins unearthed.

■ Mint unearthed at Kondapur (Medak District). These coins have

the comment “Siri Chimuka Sata”.

■ NagarjunaKonda (Guntur District)

KH
○ Images printed on coins of Satavahanas:

■ Bull (Taurus), Elephant, lion, Horse, Swastik symbol, Ujjaini

Arch, Ship, Triratna

○ Language on the coins:

■ Minted in 'bilingual' mode (two languages on coins).

AZ

■ 'Prakrit' and 'Desibhasha' were used on the coins.

■ Sivasri Satakarni issued bilingual coins.

● Inscriptions:
IY

○ "Epigraphy" is the science of reading about the study of inscriptions.

○ King Ashoka (3rd century BC) - first to issue inscriptions in India.

○ Mauryas (Ashoka) were the first kings to issue inscriptions in Andhra.

R

○ Satavahanas were the first Andhra kings to issue inscriptions in

Andhra.

○ Krishna (Kanha) was the first Satavahana king to issue an inscription.

○ A study of inscriptions of Satavahanas was done by - Buhler.

○ The official language of Satavahanas is Prakrit

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
○ The language used on the inscriptions is Prakrit.

○ Inscription of Erragudi, Rajulamandagari (Kurnool district):

■ by - Ashoka in Prakrit

■ It conveys the relationship between guru & disciples.

■ Edict confirming Mauryan rule in Andhra.

○ 13th Epitaph(Silasasanam):

■ This inscription shows that the Satavahanas were vassals of the

AN
Mauryas and are called Andhrabhrityas.

○ Nanaghat Inscription:

■ by – Devi Naganika ( wife of Satakarni I)

■ Language – Prakrit.
KH
■ Nanaghat Inscription - praises the King performing Vedic rites.
Uniqueness of this inscription is - it is present in the Buddhist
caves.

■ Statues on the Nanaghat Inscription:

● Naganika’s husband - Satakarni I

AZ

● Naganika’s father - Maharathi Tranakayiro

● Naganika’s sons - Kumara Huku Sri, Sat Srimat Kumara

Satavahana, Vedasiri (eldest son)
IY

■ This inscription deals with the matrimonial relations between

Satavahanas and Marathas.

■ This inscription mentions the victories of the Satakarni I,

R

and that he had the titles Apratihitachakra and

Dakshinapathapati.

○ Hathigumpha Inscription:

■ by - Kharavela.(ruler of Kalinga)

■ Kharavela was a contemporary emperor of Satakarni I.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ According to the Hathigumpa inscription, Kharavela sent an
army to the west in his 2nd regnal year. The army reached
Kannabenna (Krishna) river.

■ It is said that Mushika city was attacked & terror was created
in Pithunda city.

○ Nashik Inscription:

■ by - Gautami Balasri

AN
■ The language is Prakrit

■ This inscription is in prose form.

■ Gautami Balasri's son - Gautamiputra Satakarni (23rd King).

■ In this inscription Balasri is described as Rajarshi's wife.

Pulomavi.
KH
■ This inscription was issued during the reign of Vasishtiputra

■ This inscription describes Gautamiputra Satakarni's

expeditions, achievements, glory and imperial extent and
titles.
AZ

■ This inscription states that Gautamiputra Satakarni, along with

his mother Balasri, gave charity to the monks living on the
Lunarha hill.

○ Amaravati Inscription:
IY

■ by - Pulomavi II / Vashistiputra Pulomavi

■ The language is Prakrit

■ First inscription of Satavahanas in Andhra.

R

■ “Nagabu”- is the first Telugu word found in this inscription.

■ Simhagoshthi is the administrative center in Bhattiprolu.

■ This inscription also states that Amaravati stupa belonged to

the Chetikiya Buddhist sect of Mahachaityam.

■ In the period of Pulomavi, Satavahana Empire spread to Andhra

and its coast.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Junagadh Inscription:

■ by - Saka Rudradaman.

■ The first inscription issued in Sanskrit

■ Tells about the matrimonial relations of the Satavahanas and

the Ujjaini Kshatrapas.

● Rudradaman gave his daughter Rudradamanika to

Satavahana king Vasishthiputra Satakarni in marriage.

AN
○ Bhattiprolu Nigamasabha inscription:

■ by - Kubera.

■ Information about Municipal Councils (Nigamasabha).

■ Describes the urban areas of the Satavahana period.

○ Myakadoni Inscription:

■ By - Pulomavi III
KH
■ Found at - Bellary (Karnataka)

■ The last Satavahana emperor was Pulomavi III.

■ Tells about the fall of the kingdom of Satavahanas.

AZ

■ This inscription gives details about the village administration of

the Satavahanas and Gulmika who was the chief law and order
officer in the village.
IY

○ Unnagar Inscription:

■ Describes the Satavahana system of administration and the

Council of Ministers.
R

○ Andau Rock Inscription:

■ Reveals the rule of the Satavahanas.

● Caves:
○ Statues in Kanheri Cave: Srimukha, Naganika, Satakarni I

○ Statues of Gautamiputra Satakarni found in Amaravati caves.

● Literary sources (Indigenous and foreign literature)

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
○ Indigenous Literature:

■ The texts of this period are in Prakrit and Sanskrit languages.

■ Brihatkatha:

● Written by - Gunadya in Paisachi dialect of Prakrit

● Gunadya- Court poet of Kuntala Satakarni.

● Narrated 7 stories with 7000 verses in Brihatkatha.

● The Satavahana king did not favor Brihatkatha as it was

AN
in Paishachi language, and because of that pain, Gunadya
started burning the documents of the text one by one
into the fire, but the king who came to know about it
went there and stopped him. So, only the unburnt
documents are left.
KH
● It was translated into Sanskrit by Durvinuta, a
descendant of the Ganga dynasty.

● Vishnu Sharma wrote Panchatantra in Sanskrit based on

Brihatkatha.

● Gunadya mentions about slavery in Brihatkatha.

AZ

● Texts based on Brihatkatha:

○ Brihatkatha Manjari - Kshemendra

○ Kathasaritsagaram - Somadevasuri
IY

○ Compilation of Buddha katha Shloka -

Buddhaswami
■ Kathasaritsagara
R

● Written by - Somadevara Suri in Sanskrit

● Based on Brihatkatha, Somadevara Suri wrote a book

called Kathasaritsagara in Sanskrit.

● One can understand the social conditions of the time of

Satavahanas.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● It states that Acharya Nagarjuna was killed by
Satavahana prince.

■ Gathasaptasati:

● Written by - King Hala in Prakrit

● Hala has the title of Kavi Vatsaladu.

● Compiled Gathasaptasati with 700 Prakrit verses.

● Kumarila and Sripalita were honored by Hala

AN
● Women who contributed to Gathasaptasati - Anulakshmi,
Anupalabda, Revati, Madhavi

● In Gathasaptasati:

○ Reveals the social conditions of that time.

KH■ Sati was prevalent.

■ No child marriage during this period.
■ Prostitution is prevalent .
■ It also mentions the plight of wives and
girlfriends of sea traders.
■ Entertainment : Group dances, Plays
AZ

○ Telugu words: atta, amma, andam, addam, potta,

penta,pilla..

○ A beautiful description of nature & conditions of

IY

rural life

○ Gathasaptasati begins with prayers to Lord Shiva.

○ Gauri, Indra and Ganesha are mentioned.

R

○ There is mention of sugar and jaggery.

○ It is said that criminals used to be hanged from

trees.

■ Lilavati Parinayam:

● Written by : Kutuhala in prakrit

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● This text describes the story of the Sinhala princess
Lilavati & Hala.

● It is said that the marriage took place at Bhimeswara

temple near Saptama Godavari, Draksharamam.

● It is mentioned in Lilavati Parinayam that a Satavahana

king patronized Acharya Nagarjuna.

■ Kamasutra:

AN
● Written by - Vatsayana in Sanskrit

● Vatsayana - court poet of Kuntala Satakarni.

● In this text, Kamasutra mentions that Kuntala Satakarni

died during the sexual intercourse with his wife
Malayavati.

■ Suhrullekha
KH
● Written by - Acharya Nagarjuna in sanskrit

● Acharya Nagarjuna was a contemporary of Yagnasri

Satakarni.
AZ

● Suhrullekha is a summary of letters and replies between

Satavahana king Yajnashri and Acharya Nagarjuna on
Buddhist issues.

■ Katantra Vyakarana:
IY

● Written by - Sarvavarma in sanskrit

● Written during the time of Kuntala Satakarni.

● Grammar book useful for learning Sanskrit language.

R

■ Harshacharitha:

● Written by - Banabhatta in sanskrit

● It mentions Yagnasri Satakarni as Trisamudradipati.

■ Other Literary works:

● Varahamihira - Brihatkatha Jataka, Brihat Samhita
(Sanskrit)

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Harisena - Brihatkatha Kosha
● Dhanapala - Tilaka Manjari

○ Foreign Literature:

■ Natural History
● Written by - Pliny (Roman) in Latin language.

● This book tells about the trade and commerce of the

time of Satavahanas.

AN
■ Periplus of the Erythraean Sea :
● Written by -Anonymous Greek sailor in the Greek
language.

● Describes the trade of the Andhras with Rome,

Southeast Asia, and the port towns engaged in foreign
trade. KH
● Arikamedu port town has been designated as an
international port town. Arikamedu was known as the
marketplace of the Romans during the time of the
Satavahanas.
AZ

● According to this text, Koddura was the only port town

on the east coast during the Satavahana period.

● Mentions that there were conflicts between Saka and

Satavahanas.
IY

■ Guide to Geography:
● Author - Ptolemy.
R

● Ptolemy in his book "Guide to Geography" describes the

rule and trading centers of the Satavahanas.
● This text describes the port towns of the Satavahanas.
● According to this text Bharukachha port (now
Bharuch)was important on the west coast. After this the
port towns of Sopara and Kalyani were important.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Ptolemy describes Mysolia/Machilipatnam as a great
trading center during the Satavahana period.
■ Si-Yu-Ki:
● Author -Hiuen Tsang
● Huan Tsang was from China. Belongs to the 7th century.
● His title : “King among pilgrims”.
● He visited India from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and gave
details.

AN
■ Indica :
● Written by - Megasthenes in Greek language.
● Megasthenes was the first foreign traveler to visit
India. He was from Greece. He came as an ambassador
KH
during the Mauryan period and gave details about the
description of Pataliputra and the political system of the
Satavahanas.
● The first foreign text that mentions Andhras.
● Megasthenes wrote in his Indica that there were ants in
AZ

India that laid golden mounds.

Various theories regarding the origin of Satavahanas

● Karnataka origin:
IY

○ V.N. Sukthankar

○ Evidence for this argument:

R

■ Mykadoni inscription of Pulomavi III

● The Mykadoni inscription mentions the place as

'Satavahanihara'.

■ The Hirahadagalli stone inscription of the Pallava king

Sivaskandavarma.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● The Hirahadagalli inscription also mentions the place as
Satavahana Ratti.

○ Since these two inscriptions are found in the surrounding areas of

Karnataka, he opined that they are residents of Karnataka region.

○ This theory was rejected by Dr. K. Gopalachari

● Vidarbha Origin:

○ V.V. Mirasi

AN
○ This theory is based on the title of Gautamiputra Satakarni -
“Bennakataka swamy”.

○ The title 'Bennakataka Swamy' is derived from the river Kannabenna.

○ Since this river flows in Wardha district, he thinks that they are
from Vidarbha.

● Maharashtra origin:

○ P.T. Srinivas Iyengar

KH
○ As inscriptions of Satavahanas are available in Nasik, he is of the
opinion that Nashik region of Maharashtra was their birthplace and
AZ

Pratishthana Puram (Paithan) was their first capital.

● Andhra Origin:

○ Maremanda Rama Rao, Gutti Venkata Rao, Dr. Smith, Dr. L.D. Barnett,
Barges, EJ Rapson .
IY

○ This is a standard theory

○ Evidence for this theory:

R

■ Megasthenes mentions in his Indica that the Andhras have 30

forts.

■ Hala’s marriage to Lilavati takes place in "Draksharamam" (East

Godavari).

■ The mountains mentioned in the Nasik inscription are from

Andhra region.

● Satavahanas are Andhrabhrityas - V.V. Mirasi, R.G. Bhandarkar

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Satavahanas are Andhras, not Andhrabhrityas - D.C Sarkar

● Satavahanas are Aryans - B.S.L. Hanumantha Rao.

● Andhra is the name of a race and Satavahana is a name of royal lineage &
Satakarni is a surname - K.A. Nilakantha Shastri

● Satavahanas are referred to as Andhras - R.G. Bhandarkar

● Satavahanas are referred to as Dravidians - R.S. Brahma

● Satavahanas are referred to as Andhra gana belonging to the Assaka tribe -

AN
B.S.L. Hanumantha Rao

Reign of Satavahanas:
● 17 kings, 272 years according to Vayu Purana (this is not standard)

● According to Matsya Purana there were 30 kings, 456 years.

of each ruler.
KH
○ Matsyapurana has clearly stated their genealogy and the reign period

○ According to the Matsya Purana, the period of the Satavahanas - 271

B.C to 174 A.D.

○ We are following the political history of Satavahana on the basis of

AZ

Matsyapurana.

● Satavahanas are divided into Early Satavahanas and Later Satavahanas.

○ 1-23 : Early Satavahanas

IY

○ 24-30: Later Satavahanas

● Greatest of the early Satavahanas - Satakarni I (3rd King)

● Greatest of the later Satavahanas - Yajna Sri Satakarni (27th King)

R

● Greatest of all Satavahanas - Gautamiputra Satakarni (23rd King)

● Ruled for many years - Satakarni II (6th king - 56 years)

● The last ruler of the Satavahanas - Pulomavi III (30th King)

● Founder (Mula Purusha):

○ According to inscriptions, coins and Somadeva's Kathasaritsagara,

their progenitor was Satavahana.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ According to the Puranas, their progenitor is Srimukha.

● Capital of Satavahanas:
○ There are differences of opinion among historians regarding the
capital of the Satavahanas.

○ According to Barnett & Barges:

■ 1st capital of the Satavahanas - Srikakulam (Krishna District)

■ 2nd capital - Dhanyakataka / Dharanikota ( Present day

AN
Amaravathi in Guntur District)

■ 3rd capital - Pratishthana Puram

○ According to Mirasi, Rama Rao and Roy Chaudhary:

■ 1st Capital - Pratishthana Puram /Paithan

KH
(Maharashtra-Aurangabad District)

■ 2nd capital - Dhanyakataka / Dharanikota ( Present day

Amaravathi in Guntur District)

○ The first capital of the Satavahanas is said to be Srikakulam in the

Krishna district - Barnett, V.A. Smith, Barges.
AZ

○ The capital of the Satavahanas is Dhanyakataka near Amaravati - RG

Bhandarkar.

○ The capital of the Satavahanas is Vijayawada - Roy Chowdhury.

○ According to P.V. Parabrahma Sastry, Satavahanas have started ruling

IY

from Telangana.

○ According to Dhame Raja Reddy, the coins and inscriptions of simukha

are found in Kotilingala so their 1st capital is Kotilingala.
R

Political history of Satavahana (according to Matsyapurana)

● Srimukha:

○ founder ; ruled for 23 years.

○ In inscriptions, he was called Chimukha and Sindhuka.

■ Vayu Purana – Sindhuka

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ Matsya purana – Balipuchaka, Bali

○ Srimukha's father - Satavahana / Shalivahana

○ He ruled with 'Pratishthana Puram' as his capital.

○ Puranas state that Srimukha killed the Kanva king Susarma and
removed the nominal power of the Simbulas and established the
kingdom.

○ Evidences related to him:

AN
■ His daughter-in-law Devi Naganika's 'Nanaghat' inscription
(in Prakrit)

■ Coins minted by him were found at Kondapur (Medak) and

Kotilingala (Karimnagar).

KH
○ His coins bear the names Ranagobhadra and Ranagoswami.

○ Devi Naganika in her Nanaghat rock inscription mentions the words

“Raya Simuka Satavahana Sirimato”.

○ He is contemporary of Ashoka.

○ The 13th Rock edict of Ashoka mentions Simukha as feudatory of

AZ

Mauryans.

○ Ashoka has named Satavahanas as “Satyaputra” in his inscriptions.

○ Famous historian D.C. Sarkar opines that Ashoka gave the title
'Raya' to Srimukha.
IY

○ He first embraced Jainism and then Hinduism.

○ His Jain Guru - Kalakasuri (Vimaladitya - Trikalayogi).

R

○ Srimukha has defeated the leader of “Rathira” clan i.e., Maharathi

Tranakayiro and married his daughter “Naganika” to Simukha’s son
Satakarni-I

○ After Srimukha's death, his son, Satakarni I, being a minor, did not
ascend the throne. Srimukha’s brother Kanha or Krishna came to
power.

● Kanha/Krishna:

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ 2nd king; ruled for 18 years.

○ It was during his reign that the Satavahanas penetrated into

Maharashtra.

○ He engraved two viharas for Buddhist monks : Nashik & Kanheri.

○ He was the first Satavahana king to issue an inscription – Kanheri

inscription.

○ It was during his administration that Bhagavatism entered Andhra

AN
from North India. (First came to light in North India - during the
time of Pushyamitra Shunga)

○ Even though he followed Brahmanism, he also embraced Buddhism -

according to Nashik inscription.

○ He appointed Dharma Mahamatya for the welfare of Buddhist monks.

KH
○ Inscription that indicates the existence of Bhagavatism in India –
“Besnagar” inscription of Heliodorus.

● Satakarni I

○ Son of Srimukha ; greatest of the Early Satavahanas

AZ

○ The Satavahanas, who continued as vassals of the Mauryas, declared

themselves independent during the time of Satakarni I.

○ Matsya Purana mentions him as : "Mallakarna", "Mahaan" .

○ He was the first Satavahana king who added the surname

IY

"Satavahana" to his name.

○ He expanded the kingdom through marital relations.

■ He married Devi Naganika (Nagavaradayini), daughter of

R

Maharathi Tranakayiro, king of the Rathiras.

■ Devi Naganika commissioned the "Nanaghat Inscription"

(Prakrit).

○ Satakarni I expanded his kingdom by annexing Asmaka (Nizamabad),

Akara, Avanti, Mulaka (Aurangabad) and Malwa.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ It is mentioned in the Kharavela’s Hathigumpha Inscription and
Guntupalli Inscriptions that Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga,
attacked and defeated the Satakarni I.

■ According to Hathigumpha inscription, Kharavela have

destroyed the Pithunda city (present day Guntupalli) with
donkeys and he won Mushika city(present day Kondapur in
Sangareddy district) and gained title “Mushikadhipati”.

○ He defeated Pushyamitra Shunga and minted coins bearing the

AN
arch of Ujjain.

○ He also minted coins bearing "Gajagurtu".

○ Besides donating silver coins to Brahmins for the first time, he also
donated tax exempt lands (1st king to do so).

KH
○ Satakarni I also defeated the Yavana king Demetrius.

○ The first king who performed Yajyagas according to Vedic religion.

■ Due to these achievements he performed 2 Aswamedha & 1

Rajasuya yagam.
AZ
IY
R

● Vedasiri:

○ Son of Devi Naganika & Satakarni I

○ Vedasiri is also known as “Purnotsungudu”.

○ During his reign Kharavela attacked Bhattiprolu.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
● Satakarni II

○ 6th king; King who ruled for longest period (56 years)

○ Title: Rajanya Sri Satakarni

○ His court artist : Vashishtiputra Ananda

○ He built the southern arch of the Sanchi stupa and commissioned an

inscription.

○ During his period, Satavahana kingdom expanded towards north

AN
india.

■ He occupied Malwa from Sakas.

■ He conquered Pataliputra (Magadha capital).
■ According to Gargi Samhita, he annexed Vidisha which was the

KH
second capital of Shungas.
○ It was during his reign that the conflicts between Saka and
Satavahana started.

■ There are 2 types of Sakas:

● The greatest of the Karthamaanka dynasty (Malwa

AZ

region) was Rudradama.

● Nahapana was the greatest of the Kshaharat dynasty

(Maharashtra).

○ He recaptured the areas previously lost by the Satavahanas. He is

IY

mentioned in the Bhilsa inscription.

○ His coins found in Malwa bear the remark "Rano Siri Satakanika".
R

● Kuntala Satakarni:

○ 13th king ; Title - Vikramarka

○ During his time, Sanskrit became the official language instead of

Prakrit.

○ He is mentioned in Rajasekhara's Kavya Mimamsa, Vatsayana's

Kamasutra and Gunadhya's Brihatkatha.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
○ Vatsayana - present in his court .

■ Vatsayana's scriptures:

● Kamasutra (Sanskrit)

○ Kamasutra was translated into Telugu by

Panchagnula Adinarayana Shastri.

○ The Kamasutra describes the social life of the

time of the Satavahanas.

AN
○ Malayavati, wife of Kuntala Satakarni (died due to
Karirtha Rati posture).

● Nyaya Bhashyam

○ He defeated Sakas and regained Malwa and Maharashtra.

KH
○ Being humiliated by his inability to speak Sanskrit during a quarrel
with his wife, Kuntala Satakarni asks his court poets to teach him
Sanskrit within six months.

■ After learning Sanskrit he declared Sanskrit as the official

language in place of Prakrit.
AZ

○ His court poets:

■ Sarva Varma:

● Wrote a Sanskrit grammar book called Katantra

Vyakarana.
IY

● It was through this grammar book ,the king learnt

Sanskrit.

■ Gunadhya:
R

● His work - Brihatkatha (Paisachi dialect of Prakrit)

● He quarreled with Sarva Varma regarding teaching

Sanskrit to the king and was expelled from the kingdom.

● He wrote the Brihatkatha in Paisachi dialect and showed

it to the king, who rejected it and due to this Gunadhya
burnt the Brihatkatha.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Based on the one & only unburnt chapter of it,
Somadevasuri wrote Kathasaritsagaram (Sanskrit).

● The hero of the story of Brihatkatha - Kubera /

Labbika.

● It was Somadeva who described the challenge between

Sarvavarma and Gunadya. He mentioned this in his
Kathasaritsagaram.

AN
KH
AZ

● Pulomavi I

○ 15th king; ruled for 10 years.

○ Matsyapurana mentions that he defeated the ruler of Magadha,

Susharma (Kanva clan) and conquered Magadha.
IY

○ Coins of Pulomavi-I are found in “Kuhrama / Kuharam” (near

Pataliputra).

● Hala:
R

○ 17th king ; ruled for only 5 years; himself a poet

○ Titles: Kavi Vatsala, Kavi Raja

○ He compiled the book Gathasaptasati (in Prakrit) with 700 stories.

■ Bana's mention of Gathasaptasati in his Harshacharita suggests

that it was written by Hala.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ This is similar to the Vajjalagga of Jayavallabha, a
Swetambara Jain monk.

■ The Gathasaptasati states that there were civil councils to give

advice in the administration of the Satavahanas.

■ The earliest Telugu words "atta, addam, potta" are mentioned

in Hala’s Gathasaptasati. Gathasaptasati is one of the source
books of Indian literature.

○ Senapati Vijayanadha - main reason for Hala's victories.

AN
○ The Sri Lankan princess Lilavati, who Hala fell in love with and
married.

■ Kutuhala wrote a book titled Lilavati Parinayam.

■ The place of their marriage was near Bhimavaram on the banks

KH
of Sapta Godavari (Draksharamam).

○ His reign is hailed as the Golden Age of Prakrit because during his
reign Prakrit got great popularity.

● Gautamiputra Satakarni:
AZ

○ Greatest of the Satavahanas ; 23rd king

○ He started the Shalivahana era (78 A.D.)

■ The Yadava king Ramachandra Deva (King of Devagiri) was

IY

the only king who followed the Shalivahana era.

○ For the first time in Satavahanas, mother's name is used before

their own name (Mother's name: Gautami Balasri).
R

■ Names derived from that of mother are called Matronymics -

followed by the Satavahanas and the Ikshvakus.

○ Gautami Balasri describes her son's achievements in the "Nasik

Inscription" (dated during the reign of Pulomavi II).

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ In the Nasik inscription Gautami Balasri describes herself as
“Satyavachanadana Ahimsa Nirathaya” and “Rajarshi
Vadhuvu”.

○ He invaded Saurashtra and defeated Nahapana, the great Saka king

of the Kshaharata dynasty, in the battle of Jogal Thambi.

■ Gautamiputra got the title “Kshaharata Vamsa

Niravaseshakara” by defeating Nahapana.

■ After defeating him, he reissued Nahapana's coins with his

AN
symbols.

○ He has the sovereign title of "Rajoran".

○ Along with following Vedic traditions, he also supported Buddhism.

■ "100 nivartanas" of land were donated to Buddhist monks. (1

KH
nivartana = 1.5 acres of land)

■ He gave the caves in Nasik to the Buddhist sect called

“Bhadraniya”.

○ He was the first king of the Satavahanas to have inscriptions in

his name.
AZ

○ He introduced Brahmin supremacy in the kingdom and strengthened

the Chaturvarna system.

■ For the first time in the country, he introduced the method of

IY

offering agrahara to Brahmins.

■ He got the title of Eka Brahmin (in Nashik inscription) as the

protector of the caste system.
R

○ Titles received in recognition of his achievements:

■ Trisamudra Toya Pitavahana (He who made the horses drink

the water of the three seas)

■ Shaka-Yavana-Pahlava Nigadana

● He defeated the Sakas, Pahlavas and Yavanas who had

cooperated with Nahapana.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ He is reputed to be ‘the first South Indian king’.

○ The main reason for Gautamiputra’s success was his minister -

Sivagupta.

○ Gautamiputra Satakarni annexed many kingdoms and changed the

capital of Satavahanas from Dhanyakatakam to Pratishtanapuram.

○ Gautamiputra Satakarni built a city by the name “Bhenakatakam”.

○ His coins were found at Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.

AN
KH
AZ

● Pulomavi II / Vashishtaputra Pulomavi :

○ Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son Pulomavi.

○ It was during his reign - Gautami Balashri got the Nasik inscription
IY

engraved.

○ In the Nasik Inscription, Pulomavi II is mentioned as

Dakshinapadhesvara.
R

○ His contemporary Saka kings: Rudradama, Chashtana

■ Ptolemy stated in his 'Guide to Geography' that Pulomavi was

clashing with Chashtana and that both of them were
contemporaries.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Rudradama, the greatest of the Sakas, attacked the kingdom of
Satavahana and defeated Pulomavi II & thus the capital was shifted
from Pratishtanapura to Amaravati.

○ First inscription of Satavahanas in Andhra - Amaravati inscription (

Pulomavi II)

○ Amaravati stupa was built during his time.

AN
● Sivasri Satakarni/ Vashishtiputra Satakarni:

○ Title: Kshatrapa.

○ Rudradama (Saka ruler) defeated him twice and gave his daughter
Rudradamanika in marriage. This is mentioned in the Girnar or
Junagadh inscription of 150 AD (the first inscription in Sanskrit,
KH
commissioned by Rudradama).

○ He minted bilingual (Prakrit, Tamil) coins under the influence of the

Kshatrapas - 1st Satavahana king to issue coins in two languages.

○ He is referred as Dakshinapathapati by Rudradama in Girnar

inscription.
AZ

● Yagnasri Satakarni:

○ 27th king, greatest of Late Satavahanas.

IY

○ Minted coins with anchored ship marks.

○ Matsyapurana was compiled during his reign.

○ Contemporary of Acharya Nagarjuna.

R

○ For Nagarjuna, Yagnashri Satakarni built the Mahachaitya Vihara at

Nagarjunakonda in Sri Parvata. This Mahavihara had 1500 rooms as
mentioned by Fa Hien.

○ Acharya Nagarjuna built the rampart of Amaravati Stupa &

Yajnashree contributed financially to this.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ It was during his time that the stupa of Amaravati was beautifully
decorated. Buddha statues are carved there.

○ He was the first ruler in the world to introduce Sails (తెరచాప) for
ships.

○ During his time there was a large trade with Rome.

○ His coins were found in Chebrolu of Andhra Pradesh.

○ His Senani / Military Chief- Baavagova / Vijayagova

AN
○ Banabhatta (Harshavardhana's historian ) mentions Yagnasri
Satakarni as Trisamudradipati.

○ Two inscriptions of the Yagnasri period have been found in Andhra

Pradesh. They are:

KH
■ Chinaganjam inscription, Prakasam district
■ Amaravati inscription
● Vijayasri:

○ After Yagnasri, his brother Vijayasri ruled for six years.

○ Sri Parvatha got its name as Vijayapuri after his name.

AZ

○ His coins were found at Taharala near Nagarjuna Konda.

○ An incomplete inscription of his time was found in the ruins of

Vijayapuri (Nagarjunakonda inscription).

○ Nagarjunakonda Inscription:
IY

■ The earliest inscription that mentions Tithi. Earlier, no Tithi

and Nakshatras were mentioned in any inscription.
R

■ In this inscription ‘Vijaya Savastaram Vaisakha tithi’ is

mentioned. In other words, it was from this period that the
years were mentioned in the inscriptions.

● Chandasri:

○ Chandrashri ascended the throne after Vijayasri.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ An inscription dated to his 11th regnal year was found in a village
called Kodavali (Kodavali Inscription) at Pithapuram in East Godavari
District.

● Pulomavi III:
○ 30th and last king
○ Srisanthamula (Ikshvaku king) -defeated and ousted Pulomavi III.
○ Pulomavi III spent his last days in Myakadoni (a village near Bellary) &
commissioned the Myakadoni inscription at Bellary.

AN
■ Myakadoni inscription - mentions about the fall of Satavahana
kingdom.

■ An officer named Gulmika(Territorial chief) is mentioned in this

inscription..

○
came to an end.
KH
With his death, the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled for 450 years

Fall of Satavahana Empire:

● The feudatories revolted during Chandrasena's (29th King of

Satavahanas)time. He could not subdue them.
AZ

● During the period of Pulomavi III(last king), the feudatories became

stronger. He could not control them.

● At the end Shantamula (225-230 AD) of the Ikshvaku dynasty overthrew

IY

Pulomavi III and occupied Dharanikota and Nagarjunakonda.

● After the Satavahanas, their kingdom was divided as follows:

○ Andhra: Ikshvakus
R

○ Maharashtra : Abhiras

○ Karnataka: Chutunagas

○ Tamil Nadu : Pallavas

● The first inscription in which the word Andhra is mentioned is the

Maidavolu Inscription.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Note: According to inscriptions the last ruler of Satavahanas was Pulomavi
III & according to Puranas, the last ruler was Pulomavi IV.

Administration of Satavahanas:
● The administration of the Satavahanas is mentioned in the Nashik and
Unnagar inscriptions.
● Their rule is described in Kautilya's Arthashastra, Vatsayana's Kamasutra
and Manu’s Dharmashastra.

AN
● The Satavahanas followed the Mauryan style of administration.
● In the Maurya period the king was treated as just human but by the time of
the Satavahanas the king equalled to god.
● Ashoka referred to himself as a king while Gautamiputra Satakarni was
called ‘Raraju’. KH
● The titles of Maharaja and Rajadhiraja were first adorned by the Kushans
in North India, while the Satavahanas were the first to adorn these titles in
the south.
● There was a secretariat called Akshapatala to implement the king's advice.
AZ

● Junagadh inscription tells us about administration and the Ministers of

Satavahanas.
● There were 4 main ministers to help the king in governance and they were
known as Amatyas.
IY

○ Vishwa Amatya: King's core advisor (Pradhani / Prime minister)

○ Raja Amatya: executes the orders of the king
○ Maha Amatya: Finance Minister
R

○ Maha Talvari: Commander General of Army

Other important officers

Bhandagaarika Treasurer (collects the tax in kind)

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
Hiranika Treasurer ( collects the tax in monetary
form)

Nibandhanakara Custodian of statutory central government

documents.

Mahadharmika A settler of educational and religious

disputes.

AN
Maha Aryaka Used to resolve legal disputes

Lekhaka The scribe who prepared the documents

and edicts of the king

Mahabhoja KH The highest official after the king in the

kingdom.

Akshapatakas Those who record & preserve the king's

orders and affairs in the form of
documents.
AZ

Rajyabhashak Used to measure the land and collect tax.

Doota Ambassador
IY

Pratihara Defender of the fortress

Maha Talavara Commander in chief

R

● The Satavahanas divided the kingdom into Aharas, Aharas into Vishayas, and
Vishayas into Gramas.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 Division of Kingdom Administrators

Kingdom King

Aharas (Rashtra) Amatyas /Governors (Blood Relatives /

Sons)

Vishaya Vishayadhipati

AN
Grama Gulmika ( overseer of village governance)

Nigama Sabha look after city administration

● Central Administration:
KH
○ The Satavahana empire was not a strong centralized kingdom. There
were many vassal kingdoms.
○ These vassal kingdoms were also called Janapadas (Eg. Anupa,
Rushika.)
○ Janapadas were ruled by officers called Maharatha and Mahabhojas.
AZ

■ The post of Maharatha & Mahabhoja is hereditary.

■ The duty of Maharatha is to collect taxes in the kingdom.
● Provincial Administration
IY

○ Rest of the empire other than the vassal kingdoms is divided into
Aharas / Rashtras.
○ Satavahanaharam, Govardhanaharam, Soparaharam, Mamalaharam,
R

Koduraharam Vyjayanthi etc. are mentioned in the Karle and Nasik

inscriptions of Pulomavi II.
○ According to the Nasik inscription the famous Ahara of that time-
Govardhana Ahara
○ Amatyas were the officials who were appointed as the heads of
Aharas. Apart from them, the chiefs of Aharas are known as
Mahatalavara.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Princes were also appointed as the head of Aharas. They are called
Kumaramathyas.
● Town Administration:
○ Towns in the kingdom are called Nigamas.
○ The assemblies that look after the affairs of the town are called
Nigam Sabha.
○ Members of the Nigama Sabha - Gahapathis

AN
○ The inscription describing the Nigam Sabha is mentioned in
Bhattiprolu inscription issued by Kubera and Megasthenes Indica.
○ Important towns: Bharukachcha (Gujarat), Sopara & Kalyani
(Karnataka), Paithan & Kanheri (Maharashtra), Govardhan &
Dhanyakatakam (Andhra), Kotilingala & Eleshwaram (Telangana).
● Village Administration: KH
○ Smallest division of the Kingdom - Village
○ The Myakadoni inscription describes village governance.
○ There were gram sabhas for village governance. The village head was
called Gramani during the Mauryan period. They were known as
AZ

Gulmika during the time of Satavahanas.

○ Group of several villages is called Gulmi. Its chief was called Gulmika.
○ Gulmika also acted as army chiefs in the boundaries of villages.
IY

○ There was a government officer called Mahakaryaka to solve the

problems of the villagers.
● Bordering States:
R

○ Shakas often invaded the northern borders of the Satavahana Empire.

Able commanders were appointed to protect the northern regions
from their invasions. They are called Maha Senadhipati and
Mahatalavara.
● Satavahanas - Military System
○ Frequent raids by the Satavahana kings indicate that they had a large
military force.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ King is the Commander-in-chie, he himself used to lead armies during
war.
○ The Hathigumpha inscription mentions the Chaturanga Balas
(Infantry, Cavalry, Elephantry & Chariots) of the Satavahanas.
○ The military maneuvers & strategy of the Satavahana period are
revealed through the Amaravati sculptures.
○ A temporary military camp - Skandavaaram
○ Permanent garrison (today's cantonment) - Katakam

AN
○ Every state had a military base.

Social conditions:
● There was a composite culture during Satavahanas. It is a mixture of
Dravida culture and Aryan culture.
KH
● Patriarchal system and joint family system was followed. Head of the house
is father & he is called Gruhapati.
● Chaturvarna system was in operation, but it was not so strong.
○ As the caste system was not strong, inter caste marriages were
prevalent - as mentioned by Kathasaritasagaram.
AZ

● The society is divided into four varnas:

○ Brahmins – Performers of Vedic rituals.
○ Kshatriyas - Administered the system of governance.
IY

○ Vaishyas - business.
○ Shudras - agriculture.
● For the first time, the caste system was formed on the basis of
R

professions during the time of the Satavahanas.

○ According to this it can be said that the caste system emerged from
Shrenis/Guilds. But there is no caste discrimination.
● Kautilya referred to the occupational workers as Sudras.
● The foreigners Sakas, Karthamakas, Western Kshatrapas were assimilated
into the Hindu community and assumed Aryan names.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Eg. Saka Rudradama, Saka Nahapana's daughter Dakshamitra
● The Satavahanas respected the Brahmins who were the symbols of Vedic
Dharma.
● The Nanaghat Inscription mentions that Brahmins were trained in Vedic
education and capable of performing Vedic rituals.
● Andhra kings who donated tax-free villages to Brahmins were Satavahanas.
● There is no evidence of untouchability in Satavahana society.

AN
○ According to Amaravathi inscription - A tanner named Dimika comes
with his family and is depicted as offering Poorna Kumbha to the
Amaravati Stupa.
● Family System:
○ Gathasaptasati mentions that the society of that time was based on
KH
patriarchy and joint family system.
○ Inscriptions at Amaravati Mahachaitya, and in the caves of the
Western Ghats, reinforce this view.
● System of Marriage:
○ During the Satavahana period the system of marriage had a sacred
AZ

place.
○ There was polygamy in the upper classes.
○ A marriage between an upper caste boy and a lower caste girl is called
Anuloma marriage.
IY

○ A marriage between a low-caste boy and an upper-caste girl is called

Pratiloma / Viloma marriage.
R

○ A child born out of an Anuloma marriage is a Ugra santanam.

○ Offspring born of Pratiloma marriage are called Chandala santanam.
○ Widows practiced celibacy (i.e. No widow marriages).
○ As the caste system was not strong, inter caste marriages were
prevalent - as mentioned by Kathasaritasagaram.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Satakarni I married Devi Naganika (daughter of Maharathi
Tranakayiro) & Sivasri Satakarni married Rudradamanika (daughter
of Rudradaman, Saka king).
○ Inter-country marriages were also prevalent.
■ Leelavati Parinayam mentions Hala married Sinhalese princess
Leelavati.
● Position of Women:
○ Women were given freedom, participated equally with men in

AN
festivals, gatherings and assemblies.
○ Women were given property rights and they are free to patronize
any religion.
○ Women used to participate in Yaga’s / Rituals along with male.
KH
○ Women used to donate generously to the construction of Buddhist
Viharas, Chaityas and monasteries.
■ Gautami Balasri donated to the construction of a Buddhist
Vihara on Bhadrayana Konda.
○ Women of this era used to combine their husband's titles with their
AZ

names.
■ Mahasenapatni
■ Mahabhojaki
■ Maharadhi
IY

○ Hala mentions that many of the Gaadhas in Gatha Saptasati were

written by the poets Madhavi, Revathi, Anupamalabdha and
Anulakshmi.
R

○ At Nagarjunakonda - statue of a woman participating in

satisahagamana is found.
○ Strabo - mentions the satisahagamana system during the time of
Satavahanas.
● Slavery System:

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Vatsayana's Kamasutra - mentions about the existence of slavery
during the time of Satavahanas.
○ Gunadya mentions the slave trade in his Brihatkatha.
● Dancers used to apply “Aradalam” as makeup.
● Women used to wear Uttariya (Kabari Bandhalu) instead of blouses.
● Men and women used to wear headgear / turban known as “Ushniya”.
● Vatsayana’s Kamasutra have mentioned the following festivals:

AN
Madanostavam, Koumudi yagam, Ghata Nibandhana, Udyanavana, Halaka.
● The Musical instruments used were: Veena, Flute, Mridangam and Shankam.

Economic conditions:
● Basis of economy of Satavahanas- Agriculture

KH
● The main occupation of these people is agriculture.
● Rights of farmers on land are recognized.
● Even the agricultural land in the kingdom does not belong to the king. Only
the kingdom belongs to the king.
● The king's own lands were Rajakshetra or Rajakhamketa.
AZ

● The main source of revenue for the kingdom is land.

● Land tax - 1/6th of the produce
● Land tax was called Dheyameya or Rajabhaga or Bhaga.
IY

○ Dheya – Land tax was collected in the form of money.

○ Meya – Land tax was collected in the form of produce.
● Along with land tax, road tolls and occupation tax (called Karukara) were
R

collected.
● The one who surveys the land in the field, determines the tax and collects it
- Rajjagahaka.
● Fields where crops are grown - Sitakshetras
● Agriculture Monitoring Officer - Sitadhyaksha
● Farmers are of two types:

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Halika - Small scale farmers
○ Gahapati/Samsarin - Large scale farmers / Zamindars
● The crops grown during this period are described in the Gathasaptasati-
paddy, sugarcane, maize, coconut.
● The main means of travel for these people is the bullock cart.
● Major Taxes:
○ Bhaga - 1/6th of the crop.

AN
○ Karukara - Tax paid by professional associations / Artisans.
○ Kara - A tax levied on vegetables and gardens.
○ Shulka - Water tax
● A group of technical experts was formed to manufacture modern

KH
agricultural implements. It is called Odayantrika.
● Odyantrika has developed the following tools:
○ Udhaga Yantra: A machine that ploughs the land
○ Gati Yantra: A machine used to pull water up
○ Garika Yantra: A machine that separates seeds from raw cotton
AZ

○ Rihatta Gadiya: Tool for fetching water

○ Udaka yantra: Persian Wheel to draw water from wells, canals
● Water resources/Irrigation:
○ Upadhana - Wells
IY

○ Thadaga - lakes/tanks
○ Rahata Gadiya - Lift irrigation
R

○ Paniya Gaharika - Irrigation officer

● Srenis – Professional Associations:
○ With the development of domestic , foreign trade and agriculture, the
production of goods increased in the country.
○ Each Sreni had a headman. They call him Shresthi (Shetty).
○ Each group developed expertise in producing particular commodity.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
○ Those who are involved in a particular profession formed into separate
Sreni.
■ These Srenis eventually formed into castes.
■ Each Sreni formulates its own category rules. It is called the
Sreni dharma.
○ Artisan tax levied by the king – Karukara
○ Srenis in operation during this period: 18

AN
■ Halikas: Farmers
■ Sethi: Traders
■ Selavaddikas: Sculptors
■ Swarnakars: Goldsmiths

KH
■ Gandhikas: Makers of Perfumes
■ Tilapisaka : Oil extractors
■ Gopalas: Cow shearers.
■ Kasakars: Bronze workers
■ Odaka Yantrakas: They operated the water machines
AZ

■ Sardhavahas: Those who are involved in foreign trade

■ Kulars: Potters
■ Kolikas: Weavers
■ Charmakaras : Tanners
IY

■ Mardakas : Instrumentalists
■ Kamaras : Blacksmith
R

■ Thesakaras: Stone polishers

■ Maalakaras : Florists
■ Vadhakas: Carpenters
○ The main source inscription to know about theSreni system of this
period is the Nasik Inscription of Vrishabhadatta (Saka ruler).

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ These srenis worked as banks in those days i.e; they accepted
deposits and gave loans. In those days interest was 12% per annum.
○ According to Vrishabadatta’s Nasik inscription, Vrishabadatta took a
loan of 2000 Karshapanas from Kolika sreni of Govardhan Mandal at
12% interest rate. Later he repaid the loan to Kolika sreni and in turn
Kolika sreni donated the money to Buddhist Monks.
○ The strongest sreni / guild was Kolika sreni (Padmashali),
Economically Satavahana kingdom was strongest because of Kolika

AN
sreni (Padmashali).
● Trade:
○ Domestic traders were known as Sedhis, and those involved in foreign
trade as Sarthavahas.

coins”.
KH
○ Barter system was followed. Trade unions issued “Punch marked

○ The traders travelling long distances formed a union known as

“Bidaras” to fight against thieves.
● Coins:
AZ

○ Satavahanas minted coins made of lead, potin (copper + lead), silver

and gold.
○ Lead coins were minted the most.
○ Gold coins during their period: Suvarnas
IY

○ Karshapanas : Silver Coins

○ One gold coin = 35 Karshapanas
○ Romans coins were found in Andhra & Telangana due to trade with the
R

Roman empire.
● Famous trading centers:
○ Gudur - Famous for fine clothes
○ Vinukonda - Metal industry
○ Palnadu - diamond industry
○ Guntupalli - Copper and iron industry

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Vidisha - Cloths and ivory works
○ Pratisthanapuram - textile industry
● Ports used by Satavahanas for international trade:
○ West Coast Ports:
■ Barigaja / Barukachcha, Gujarat (present day Bharuch)
● Barukachcha was initially under the control of Nahapana.
● After Gautamiputra Satakarni defeated Nahapana,

AN
Barukachcha came under the control of Satavahanas and
became a major port.
● Kalyani was the main port town of Satavahanas before
Barukachcha.
■ Sopara, Maharashtra
KH
■ Kalyani, Karnataka ( Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions
that Kalyani been invaded and destroyed by the Sakas)
○ East coast Ports:
■ Mysolia (present Machilipatnam)
AZ

■ Kantakasila (Ghantasala ,Krishna District - Ptolemy called it

Kantakasila)
■ Koddaira (Gudur, Krishna district)
■ Corangi (East Godavari)
IY

■ Arikamedu (Pondicherry)
● The following texts show that this port was used for
Rome's trade.
R

○ Periplus of the Erythrean Sea - mentions

Arikamedu as an international sea port.
○ Natural History - Pliny (Greek historian).
■ According to Pliny, the Romans imported
cloth called ‘mallasella’ (muslin) from India.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ He complained that all the gold of the
country of Rome had been moved to India.
○ Roman coins from foreign trade have been found in the following
places:
■ Attirala in Kadapa district
■ Salihundam in Srikakulam district
■ Vijayawada, Vinukonda, Nagarjunakonda, Nellore

AN
○ Trade also took place with the eastern islands i.e. Sumatra, Java,
Bornea. The anchored ship mark on the coins of Yajna Sri
Satakarni confirms the foreign trade of that time.
○ "Foreign traders are called Sarthavahas". They all formed a chain and
carried on foreign trade.

■
KH
○ Exports according to Periplus of the Eritrean Sea:
Spices, Dental supplies, Mallasellas (silk fabrics), Pearls,
Decorative items, Sandalwood, Diamonds, Ebony.
○ Imports:
■ Corals : From the Eastern Sea Regions
AZ

■ Camphor, Silk : China

■ Gold : from Malaya, Sumatra islands
■ Sandalwood, pearls : Malayan region
IY

■ Alcohol: Italy, Arabia

Literature:
● Their official language - Prakrit
R

● Inscriptions of Satavahanas are found in Prakrit.

● Hala’s period was the golden age of Prakrit.
○ Hala is a great poet. He wrote "Gathasaptasati" in Prakrit.
● Telugu evolved from the Desi language of Prakrit.
● Desi language words, thought to be very close to Telugu language - D.C.
Sarkar.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Era of emergence of Telugu language- Satavahana era.
● First word in Telugu - Nagabu present in Amaravati Inscription.
● Gathasaptasati is a Prakrit text with Telugu words like: Atta, Addam, Potta,
Pandi etc…
● Vernacular words were also used along with Prakrit in the inscriptions of the
Satavahanas.
● The best texts in the Prakrit language during the time of the
Satavahanas:

AN
○ Gathasaptasati - Hala
○ Brihatkatha - Gunadhya
○ Lilavati Parinayam - Kutuhala
● Sanskrit:
KH
○ Kuntala Satakarni promoted Sanskrit language.
○ By the time of the Later Satavahanas Sanskrit language became
popular in the entire Deccan.
○ Mahayana Buddhists wrote scriptures in Sanskrit.
AZ

○ Saka king Rudradama Commissioned the Junagadh inscription (first

complete Sanskrit inscription).
○ Famous Sanskrit texts published during the time of Satavahanas:
■ Sarvavarma - Katantra Vyakarana
IY

■ Vatsayana - Kamasutra
○ All the writings of Aryadeva and Acharya Nagarjuna who lived in this
period are in Sanskrit.
R

■ Chitta Shuddhi Prakarana - Written by Arya Deva

○ Writing of scriptures in Sanskrit language started in Satavahana era.

Education:
● Their educational system was the Gurukula system of education.
● Lhasa University in Tibet was formed on the basis of Dhanyakataka
University.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Nagarjuna proposed the theory of Shreyo Rajya in Rasa Ratnavali.
● The Chinese traveler I-Tsing said that Nagarjuna's Suhrullekha was
critically examined by all his students.
● Education was taught in Prakrit and native languages.
● Kings used to study Kshatriya Vidyas. The Hathigumpha inscription states
that they will be proficient in Shabda, Artha, Rupa, Ganaka, Lekhaka, Vidhi,
Vyavahara, Gandharva and martial arts.

AN
Religious Conditions of the Age of the Satavahanas:
○ By the time the Satavahanas established their empire, Jainism and Buddhism
were popular in the southern country.
○ Jainism flourished in Kalinga and Karnataka states.

KH
○ Buddhism was established in Andhra.
○ The spread of Vedic religion started due to Satavahanas adopting and
supporting Vedic religion.
○ On the whole three religions were popular during their time.
○ Although the Satavahanas were Vedic religion followers, they showed great
AZ

tolerance and supported all religions.

○ The priest of this period was called 'Maha Archaka'.
○ Vedic Religion (Hinduism):
■ Satavahanas - Brahmins; Official religion- Vedic religion.
IY

■ The Satavahanas revived the vedic religion, which had fallen into
disfavour during the Mauryan period.
R

■ According to the names Vedasri and Yajnasri, it is known that the

Satavahana kings practiced the Vedic religion.
■ Kings who performed Yajyagas:
● Satakarni I
● Satakarni II
● Gautamiputra Satakarni

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Yajnasri Satakarni
■ Gautamiputra Satakarni preserved the virtues of Varnashrama,
nurtured Brahmin families and earned the titles of Eka Brahmin and
Agama Nilaya.
■ There is some evidence in the Nanaghat inscription that the
Satavahanas adopted the Vedic religion.
● Satakarni I gave Godana, land and gold gifts to the Brahmins.
● The prayers to the following deities appear in the

AN
Nanaghat inscription- Indra, Vasudeva, Surya, Chandra,
Yama, Varuna.
■ According to the Nashik inscription:
● Gautamiputra Satakarni is Agama Nilaya (studied traditional
sciences) KH
○ Hala’s Gatha Saptashati starts with a prayer to Lord Shiva and ends
with Gowri Stotram.
○ Bhagavatism:
■ Bhagavata religious symbols are also present on Gautamiputra
AZ

Satakarni inscriptions.
■ Gadhasaptasati also contains Radhakrishna stories and Vishnu stories
related to Bhagavata religion.
■ Lord Krishna is mentioned in Gathasaptasati as follows.
IY

● Madhu Vadana.
● Damodar
R

● Lakshminarayana
■ Hala (in Gathasaptasati) introduced the character of Radha for the
first time in Indian literature.
○ Shaivism:
■ The branch of Shaivism prominent during this period was Pasupatam
● This is the first branch of Shaivism

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Founder of this sect: Lakulisa
● Pashupati is worshiped in this religion:
○ Pasu means: individual soul
○ Pati means: Soul of Lord
■ Animal sacrifice is prohibited in this sect of Shaivism.
■ Shaivism of Lakulisa is a symbol of peace.
■ Gathasaptasati starts with Shiva Stuti and ends with Gauristotra.

AN
■ Oldest Shaivite Temple in Andhra Pradesh - Gudimallam (Chittoor
District)
● Here you can see the statue of Lord Shiva standing on a huge
Shivalinga with red eyes and braids.

KH
● He is wearing animal skin around his waist. An animal is held in
the right hand of a hatchet on the left shoulder. Looks like a
hunter. This sculpture is similar to the Yaksha sculpture in the
Barhut sculptures.
■ This is the first Shivalinga not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in the
whole of India.
AZ

■ 14 Shiva temples have been discovered in Veerapuram in Kurnool

district. These are the first Shiva temples built in Andhra, i.e. they
prove that Shiva temples were the first temples built in the
construction of Hindu temples.
IY

■ Names of Shaiva deities in Hala’s Gathasaptasati: Pashupati, Rudra,

Gauri, Ganapati, Parvati.
■ There are many stories of Shiva and Vishnu in Gathasaptashati.
R

■ Gathasaptashati mentions the worship of Ganapati and the worship of

Shakti.
■ Names of Satavahana kings (Shivaskandha, Sivasri) and swastika
symbols on coins also indicate the predominance of Shaivism.
○ Jainism:
○ During the time of the Satavahanas, Jainism spread a little in Andhra.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
○ Jain literature says that Simukha was a Jain and he built Jain
temples.
■ According to the Avashyaka Sutra (part of jain literature),
Satavahana king, who ruled Pratishtanapuram, was a Jain
devotee.
○ Apart from him, each of his 52 military commanders built a Jain
temple according to the text 'Kalpa Pradeepa'of Jina Prabhasuri.
○ The Jain text Kalakasuri Prabandha mentions that a Satavahana king

AN
(name unknown) patronized a Jain monk named Kalakasuri who came
to Pratishthanapuram.
○ Jain literature states that the Jains held a Jain meeting at
Venkatatatipuri (Viajayawada) during the Satavahana era.

KH
■ Arhabali presided over this meeting.
○ Ashoka's grandson Samprati worked to spread Jainism in Andhra and
Dravidian countries.
■ Samprati is known as Ashoka of Jainism.
■ Samprati built a vihara at Vaddemanukonda near Amaravati
AZ

Stupa.
○ Mahamegha Vahana Vihara was built by Kalinga Kharavela in
Guntupalli, near Amaravathi.
■ Guntupalli was first a Jain settlement and later became a
IY

Buddhist settlement.
○ Kondakundacharya:
■ Prominent Digambara Jain monk who propagated Jainism in
R

Andhra.
■ The area where he built his ashram is Konakandla
(Ananthapuram District).
■ The cave where he did yoga: Kondakunda.
■ He propagated two Jain Philosophies:
● Shadvadam

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Anekantha vadam
■ He divided the Digambara sect into 2 sub-sects:
● Balatkara Gachcham
● Vakra Gachcham
■ Literary works of Kondakundacharya:
● Samayasara ● Dashabakhti
● Pravachanasara ● Panchastikayasa

AN
● Mulacharam ra

■ His disciples:
● Simhanandi - founded Vakra Gachcham ashramam at
Peruru, Kadapa district.

KH
● Kundakeerthi - wrote the text ‘Sutraavatharam’.
● Indranandi- wrote the text ‘Shrutavatara’.
○ Kolanupaka (Nalgonda district) is a famous Jain religious center in
Telangana.
● Buddhism:
AZ

○ Buddhism spread to Andhra and Telangana in the 6th Century B.C

during the lifetime of Gautama Buddha.

○ On the request of Shambhala king Suchendran, Gautama Buddha

visited Amaravati.
IY

○ According to the belief of Tibetan Buddhists, Buddha gave

Kalachakra mula preachings at Amaravati.

■ Kalachakra refers to a Buddhist Tantric method.

R

○ It was mentioned in the 13th rock edict of Ashoka that, by that

time itself, Andhras were following Buddhism.

○ 3rd Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra, according to the text

"Kathavatthu", Andhakas (Andhras) participated in the discussions
that went on in this assembly.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
○ Even though Satavahana kings patronized Vedic religion, they also
encouraged Buddhism, but Satavahana queens patronized Buddhism.

○ Gautami Balashri went to the Nashik Caves in Maharashtra to pray

for health when her son fell ill - A cave monastery was built and
donated to the Buddhist monks of the Bhadrayaniya Buddhist sect.

■ After his recovery, Gautamiputra Satakarni donated a hundred

nivartanas of land to the Buddhist monks. He carved the
arches of the Sanchi Stupa.

AN
○ Krishna built a cave for hermits in Nasik, donated it and carved an
inscription. Moreover, he appointed an officer named Dharma
Mahamatya to see the good and bad of the Buddhists there.

○ Naganika dedicated the Nanaghat cave to Buddhists.

at Karle caves.
KH
○ Pulomavi II donated a village to the Maha Sanghika Buddhist monks

○ Yagnasri Satakarni built Sri Parvata Vihara to Acharya Nagarjuna.

It is also known as Paravata Vihara or Mahachaitya.

○ Sect patronized by Gautamiputra Satakarni, Pulomavi II-

AZ

Bhadrayaniya Sect.

○ It could be said that during the Satavahana period Buddhism

flourished more due to the support of merchant classes and different
craftsmen, rather than patronage of the kings.
IY

■ They competed in donating villages, lands and wealth to

Buddhist monks - as mentioned in Nasik, Junnar and Kanheri
inscriptions.
R

● In the town of Govardhana, Vrishabhadatta set up a fund

of 2000 karshapanas at a weaver’s Sreni.
○ He arranged to give clothing to Buddhist monks
every year with the interest earned on it.
● The woman named Vishnu Dutta donated 3500
Karshapanas to Nasik Vihara.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Inscriptions reveal that a rich man named Bhutapala
made many donations.
● Thus, apart from royal favor, only by popularity,
Buddhism flourished brilliantly in the Satavahana era.
○ Mahavamsa, Ceylon's Buddhist work is informing that under the
leadership of Mahadeva Bhikshu, propagator of Chaityakavada, four
lakhs sixty thousand monks from Pallavabogga (palnadu) in Andhra
have gone to attend the ceremony of Suvarna maraka Buddhist

AN
Stupa, built at Anuradhapura in Tamraparni (Srilanka), by Srilankan
king Tissadutta Duppigamini (1st century B.C), who was contemporary
of Satavahana rulers.

○ Satakarni-I sent a team to Sri Lanka under the leadership of a

Buddhist monk named Ruha Aryaka.
KH
○ In Buddhism, there was even the worship of the serpent goddess. It
was painted as Serpents were curling around stupas. On Dulikatta
stupa (Karimnagar district) five headed Nagamuchilinda sculpture
was carved wonderfully.

○ At Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda on seated Buddha, cobras are found

AZ

raising their hoods.

○ Prominent Buddhist sects during the time of the Satavahanas:

■ Hinayana:
IY

● Hinayana means Lesser vehicle.

● It believes in original teachings of Buddha or Doctrine of
elders.
R

● Orthodox, Conservative school of Buddhism.

● Sought individual salvation through self discipline &
meditation.
● Buddha should not be worshipped in the form of idols.
● Encompasses 18 sub schools. Most important among them:
Sarvastivada, Thervadin & Sautantrika.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ Mahayana:
● Mahayana meant Greater Vehicle.
● Sought salvation through grace & help of Buddha &
Bodhisattvas.
● Mahayanists worship Buddha in idol form.
● Mahayana sects include: Zen, vajrayana (tantric)
buddhism

AN
● In the 1st century AD, Mahayana Buddhism emerged in
Andhra.
● In the 2nd buddhist council Buddhism got separated into
Mahasanghikas & Sthaviravadins.
○ Mahasanghikas were Mahayanists.
KH
● In Mahasanghikas, 2 branches - Purvasaileeyas
(Pubbasaileeyas) & Aparasaileeyas have emerged.
○ Main center of Purvasaileeyas - Amaravathi.
○ Main center of Aparasaileeyas - Nagarjunakonda.
○ 18 branches have developed in Buddhism & among them 9 were in
AZ

Andhra.
○ Chaityaka sect of Buddhism originated in Amaravathi.
○ Of the 9 Buddhist sects that originated in Andhradesa, only
IY

Mahishasaka sect belongs to Hinayana.

■ From this it is clear that Mahayana Buddhism dominated in the
Andhra region.
R

○ The details of the nine major Buddhist sects of the Satavahana

period and their main centers are given below:
■ Mahasanghika / Arya Sanghis:
● Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Guntupalli, Salihundam,
Indrapalanagaram (Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri District), Adurru
(East Godavari District) are the main centers.
● Prajnaparamita is the holy book for this sect.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Kukkutika or Gokulika sect also belongs to Mahasanghika.
■ Chaityaka:
● This sect arose from the Mahasanghika sect itself.
Mahadeva Bhikshu is considered to be its founder.
● They introduced traditions of worshiping stupas with
incense and lamp offerings and worshiping the Buddha in
the form of idols.
● Amaravati is their main center.

AN
● It is from this sect that the Buddhist sects Rajagirika,
Purvasaila, Aparasaila and Uttarasaila emerged.
● Shaila and Chaitya were used as synonyms for Stupa
during the Satavahana period.
■ Rajagirika: KH
● According to scholars, Gudivada in Krishna district may
be the center of Rajagirika. This Buddhist sect continued
mainly in Guntupalli.
■ Purvashaila / Mahaveenashaila:
AZ

● Amaravati being their center, the town also got the name
Purvashaila. Another center for this is Alluru in Krishna
district.
■ Aparasaila:
IY

● Nagarjunakonda and Kantakasala (Ghantsala) are the

main centers of this sect.
■ Uttarasaila:
R

● This branch continued in Jaggayyapeta, Bavikonda and

Thotlakonda areas.
■ Bahushrutiya:
● Nagarjunakonda is its main centre.
● Satya Siddhi Shastra written by Harivarma is their holy
book.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ Siddharthika:
● This branch is mainly concentrated in Gudivada,
Guntupalli, Amaravati, Ghantasala areas.
■ Mahisasaka:
● Of the nine Buddhist sects of the Satavahana period,
Mahisasaka was the only one belonging to the Hinayana
religion. Rest of them are Mahayana sects.
● Based on this, it should be understood that Mahayana was

AN
strong during the Satavahana period.
● This sect existed in Nagarjunakonda, Keshanapalli etc.
○ Mahadeva Bhikshu was the first Buddhacharya in Andhra
■ He introduced Chaityakavada, a tradition of worshiping
KH
symbols related to Buddha's life- Lotus(birth),
Horse(Mahabhiniskramanam), Bodhi tree (enlightenment),
Dharma chakra (1st sermon),Stupa(Nirvana) etc..
■ Chaityakas - were the first to attribute worldly qualities to
Buddha.
AZ

■ It was Chaityakas in Andhra who ascribed supreme qualities to

Buddha & laid foundation for idol worship.
■ Chaityakavada in Buddhism developed during the Satavahana
era.
IY

■ Chaitya - Buddhist place of prayer. Here the symbols related to

the life events of the Buddha are worshipped.
■ Worshipers of Chaityas - Chaityakavadis
R

■ Chaityakavadam - worship of Chaityas with symbols of

Buddha's life events.
■ 'Pratitya Samutpada Siddhanta' belongs to Buddhism. Most of the
Satavahanas adopted this religion.
■ The branch of Buddhism that is popular in Andhra is Mahayana or
Maha Sanghika

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● The main Mahayana center is Dhanyakataka.
■ Spreader of Mahayana Buddhism in Andhradesa - Acharya Nagarjuna
(initiator of this sect - Ashwaghosa).
■ Acharya Nagarjuna:
● Acharya Nagarjuna was a famous Buddhacharya of Satavahana
Yuga.
● He lived in Nagarjunakonda , contemporary of Yagnasri
Satakarni.

AN
● He built the rampart/ stone arcade of Amaravati Mahastupa
& Shilamantapa at Srisailam.
■ Acharya Nagarjuna expanded Mahayana Buddhism in Andhra
Desham.
KH
● Nagarjuna formulated the Madhyamika Doctrine to reform
Mahayana Buddhism.
● The main source text to know about Nagarjunacharya is
Lankavatara Sutra Vritti.
● Nagarjunacharya established the Nagarjuna University in his
AZ

name at Sri Parvatham.

● Southeast Asian students used to come here for
education.
● 2nd University in India (1st - Taxila)
IY

● Nagarjunacharya attended the 4th Buddhist council.

● Nagarjuna started 2 new philosophies in Mahayana Buddhism:
R

● Madhyamika doctrine
● Sunyata / Sunyavada doctrine
○ Nagarjuna did not accept soul philosophy.This was
called Sunyavadam.
○ As his Sunyata philosophy is similar to Einstein’s
“Theory of Relativity”, he is also called “Indian
Einstein”.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Nagarjuna's texts:
○ A total of 24 texts were written in Sanskrit language.
Few Important texts:
■ Upadesam
■ Suhrullekha
■ Madhyamika Shastra
■ Ratnavali / Rasa Ratnakaram (on chemistry)

AN
■ Rasavadham (on physics)
■ Mahapragna Paramita Shastra
■ Aarogya Manjari
○ Mahapragna Paramita Shastra

KH
■ It means the frontier of knowledge
■ Nagarjuna proposed Madhyamika Vadam and
Sunya Vadam in this book.
■ This book is the foundation book of Mahayana
Buddhism
AZ

○ Suhrullekha
■ This is a letter Nagarjuna wrote to his friend
Yagnasri Satakarni.
■ The most popular of all Nagarjunacharya's works is
IY

Suhrullekha.
■ I-Tsing (Chinese traveler) stated that every
student in those days used to memorize this text.
R

○ Ratnavali:
■ This text deals with administrative matters.
■ The chapter Rajaparikata of this book describes
the policy of Shreyorajya.
■ In the chapter Rasavidhanam of this book,
Nagarjuna explains the theory of Rasavadam. That

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 is why this book is also called Rasaratnakaram or
Rasaratnavali.
○ Sunya Saptashadi / Sunya Saptashati:
■ Even though Sunyavada is explained in Mahaprajna
Paramita Shastra, its philosophical content is
explained in this book.
■ Nagarjunacharya built a large library at Sriparvatam
(Nagarjunakonda) and collected many scriptures from Fa-Hien

AN
writings.
■ A.R. Saraswati - discovered Nagarjunakonda in 1926.
■ According to Somadevasuri's Kathasaritsagaram, Acharya
Nagarjuna was killed by his disciple Aryadeva by Brahmin

KH
conspiracies- as stated by B.S.L Hanumantrao.
■ Titles of Nagarjuna:
● Indian Einstein
● Indian Martin Luther
● Philosopher of Madhyamika Vada
AZ

● 2nd Buddha
■ Nagarjunacharya's Sunyavada is the source of Jagatguru Adi
Shankaracharya's Mayavada.
○ Other Buddhist monks during the Satavahana era:
IY

■ Bhagavanta
■ Ananta
R

■ Dharma Nandi
■ Chandramukhanadha

● Buddhist Education System:

○ Buddhist education begins with a program called Pabbaja.

○ There are Buddhist universities in Dhanyakataka and Sri Parvatam.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Tibetan texts say that a University of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet,
built on the model of the university in Dhanyakatak.
○ Acharya Nagarjunacharya established a large library in Sri Parvatam
- as known from Fa-Hien writings.
○ I-Tsing writings show that every student here used to memorize
Suhrullekha.

Architecture:

AN
● The Mahaparinibhava Sutta is the main source text for Buddhist
architecture.
● Stupas:
○ Structures built over the remains of Buddha are called 'Stupas'.

KH
○ Oldest Buddhist Stupa in India - Pipravaha Stupa
○ Bhattiprolu stupa - is the oldest stupa in Andhra.
○ Presently the largest stupa in the world - Borobudur Stupa
(Indonesia) was built by Purnavarma.
○ On one Plaque of Dhulikatta stupa(Telangana), Nagamuchilinda’s
AZ

Sculpture along with 5 heads was engraved (Snake with 5 heads).

○ According to Hiuen Tsang, Ashoka built the Salihundam, Bhattiprolu &
Amaravathi stupas in Andhra. Satavahanas rebuilt these stupas and
expanded them.
IY

○ Stupas are divided into 3 types:

■ Uddeshika
● Stupas built to express devotion to the Buddha are
R

called Uddeshika stupas.

■ Dhatugarbita
● Stupas built over the relics of Buddha.
● Ashoka built 84000 Stupas by collecting the remains of
Buddha and sending them all over India.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Dhatugarbita in Andhra are Nagarjunakonda, Amaravati,
Jaggaiyapet, Salihundam, Bhattiprolu.
■ Paribhodhaka
● Stupas built on materials used by great Buddhist
acharyas.
○ Amaravati Stupa:
■ Largest and unique among all the Stupas of Andhra.

AN
■ Colonel Colin Mackenzie (1st Director General of Survey of
India) unearthed it in 1797.
■ Built during the period of Vashishtiputra Pulomavi II
■ Buddhist monk Mahadeva Bhikshu was sent by Ashoka to repair
this stupa.
KH
● Mahadeva Bikshu was the first Buddhist priest who
propagated Buddhism in Andhra.
■ In the Amaravati Stupa, Mahadeva Bhikshu kept the crushed
bones of Gautam Buddha in a saffron jar.
■ Events of Buddha's life, Jataka stories and Pancha Kalyanas are
AZ

engraved on a plate of white stone known as Ayakapatakam.

● Ayakapatakam also has pictures of Purna Khumbham &
Vinayaka.
● Pancha Kalyanas:
IY

○ Lotus: Birth of Buddha

○ Horse: Buddha Leaving the House (Mahabhi
R

Nishkramana)
○ Peepal tree: Enlightenment (Bodhi Tree)
○ Chakra: The First Sermon (Dharma Chakra
Pravartana)
○ Stupa: Mahaparinirvana (Death of Buddha)
■ Details of Amaravati Stupa:

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ● Main center of Hinayana
● The main center of Purvashaila Chaityakavada
● It is a Dhatugarbha Stupa.
● Birthplace of Chaityavada
● In the 4 directions of this Stupa, 4 platforms were built
and on each of them 5 Ayaka pillars were built.
● These Ayaka pillars represent the Pancha Kalyanams.

AN
● There is no such system of Ayaka pillars in any other
Buddhist country except in Andhra.
● Amaravati stupa has 3 group dance scenes.
● A tanner named Dimika comes with his family and is
depicted as offering Poorna Kumbha to the Amaravati
Stupa. KH
● Based on this scenario, A.P. government considered
Purnakumbha as the official symbol.
● Viharas:
○ The resting places of Buddhist monks are called viharas.
AZ

○ It is usually square in shape.

○ In the middle of these there is a Madhya Shala.
○ There are restrooms on two or three sides of the Madhya Shala.
IY

○ Once in every 15 days (new moon, full moon) Buddhist monks used to
hold Uposadha meetings in Madhyashala.
● Chaityas
R

○ The prayer hall of Buddhist monks is called Chaitya.

○ These are rectangular in shape.
○ Chaitya has right and left pillars. They used to pray between these
two.
○ Guntupalli is the oldest Chaityam in Andhra Pradesh.
■ It is located in Jilakarragudem in West Godavari district.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ Guntupalli Chaityam is compared to the 'Barabar Caves' of
the Mauryan period.
○ Famous Chaityas in the West :
■ Karle: It was financed by Bhutapala. Pulomavi II donated a
village to the Mahasanghika Buddhist monks of this Chaitya.
● It is the largest of all the Chaityas of India .
● The construction of this Chaitya Mantapa was financed
by a Kharavela scribe named Chulagoma.

AN
■ Nashik: A woman named Vishnudatta donated 3,500
karshapanas to this chaitya
■ Kanheri
● Sangharama
KH
○ Vihara + Chaitya = Sangharama (conducive to studies)
○ Each Sangharama has 5 sections.
■ Mahachaitya
■ Stupachaitya
AZ

■ Buddha Chaitya
■ Education, teaching and prayer hall
■ The Viharas surrounding these structures
● Gruhalaya
IY

○ Guntupalli is the only Buddhist gruhalaya built out of stone in Andhra

○ It is known that Gautami Balasri had built a gruhalaya and a Vihara for
the Buddhist bhikkhus of Bhadrayaniya sect (for the recovery of his
R

son Gautami Putra Satakarni from illness).

Sculpture:
● Amaravati is the name of Buddhist Andhra sculpture style.
● According to scholars, the skill of Andhra sculptures began at the
arch/torana of Sanchi Stupa & reached the pinnacle in Amaravati and
Nagarjunakonda sculptures.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
● According to the critics, while the Sanchi sculptures show the features of
rural life, the Amaravati sculptures show the features of civilized life.
● A sculpture called Punyashila - located in Jaggayyapeta.
● The best sculpture of the Satavahana period was of Lord Shiva with Trishula
in Gudimallam (Chittor).
● Sculpture style:
○ All 3 types of sculpture styles are found in India.

AN
○ Gandhara Style:
■ Introduced by the Kushanas.
■ In this the Buddha appears in Greek attire.
■ Appears as a preacher in a standing posture wearing a pleated
top.
○ Mathura Style:
KH
■ Started with the Shunga Dynasty.
■ In this the Buddha is seen in a seated meditation posture.
■ At the back of the head is seen the Gnana Chakra.
AZ

○ Amaravati Style:
■ Started with the Satavahana period.
■ The most beautiful & decorative of 3 styles.
■ Creepers / vines / flowers are extensively used.
IY

■ Buddha is seen sitting in padmasana on a lotus.

■ Gandharvas and Yakshas are seen dancing around the Buddha.
R

■ A white elephant sculpture was carved next to the statues of

Buddha.
■ Buddha's important moments are painted on expensive white
stone slabs.
■ Amaravati sculpture belongs to the sculptural tradition of living
art.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ■ There are three communal dance scenes in Amaravati. In
Karle Caves there are male and female dance troupes.
■ All the postures mentioned in Bharatanatyam are present in
these dance scenes.
■ The ornaments worn by women in these sculptures are
exquisitely painted. Women wear many ornaments like
necklaces, bangles, bangles, manjiras, jewels, bangles etc.
■ So the sculpture of the time of Satavahanas came to be known

AN
as Amaravati style.
■ Inscriptions reveal that the Buddhist sculptors who carved
wonderful sculptures in this way were called Nelavardhaks.
■ Ferguson in his work, ‘Tree & Serpent Worship’, has described

Paintings:
KH
Amaravati sculptures as ‘Epitome of Indian Architecture’.

○ Caves 9 and 10 of Ajanta Caves belong to the Satavahana period.

(Total Caves-30)
○ The Shweta Gaja Jataka / Shaddhanta Jataka image in the 10th
AZ

cave belongs to the Satavahana Yuga. The king and queen are
worshiping the Bodhi tree with 15 people performing a group dance.
○ The Mauryas were the first to start the construction of Ajanta Caves
IY

○ Sentiments manifested in Ajanta Caves - Hinduism, Buddhism.

○ For the 1st time ‘completely evolved painting’ was visible.
○ In the cave temples of Bedsa, Pithalkhora & Junnar also paintings of
R

Satavahana period were found.

Important points

● Inscriptions:

○ Cave inscription - Mahamatra

○ Myakadoni inscription - Pulomavi III

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507
 ○ Nanaghat Inscription - Naganika
○ Hathigumpha Inscription - Kharavela
○ Nasik Inscription - Gautami Balasri
○ Junagadh inscription - Rudradama
○ The Nasik Inscription of Krishna - 2nd Satavahana king Krishna
○ Chinaganjam - Yajnasri Satakarni
○ Nagarjunakonda Inscription - Vijayasri Satakarni

AN
○ Karle-Baja-Amaravati Inscriptions - Pulomavi II

● Structures of Satavahanas:

○ South arch/torana of Sanchi Stupa - Satakarni II

○ Amaravati stupa - Pulomavi II
KH
○ Mahavihara on Nagarjuna Konda - Yajna Sri Satakarni
○ Town of Vijayapuri - Vijayasri Satakarni
● Satavahana Kings - Titles:

○ Satakarni I - Dakshinapathapathi
AZ

○ Hala - Kavi Vatsaludu

○ Vasishtiputra Pulomavi - Dakshinapatheswara
○ Yagnashree Satakarni - Trisamudradhisvara
● Other things:
IY

○ Author of Tilakamanjari - Dhanapala

○ Varadhirajyam means: Satavahana kingdom
○ Romilla Thapar said that Andhra is the bridge/Varadhi between north
R

and south regions.

○ The Satavahanas were the first dynasty to rule the Deccan.
○ The first kings to donate land in India: Satavahanas.

t.me/Riyazkhan_2507