telangana history satavahana

Sathavahana

Dynasty founder - Sathavahana
Kingdom Founder - Sri Muka
Capitals - Koti Lingala (Karimnagar), Dhaanyakatakam
(Amaravati), Paithan (Prathishtanapuram)
Great Ruler - Gautami Putra Satakarni
Last Ruler - Pulamavi- III  
Official Language - Prakrith
Religions - Hinduism and Jainism
Birth place of Sathavahanas
Historians have expressed different views regarding birthplace of Sathavahanas.
Karnataka - VS. Sukthankar
Vidharba - V.V Mirashi
Maharashtra - P.T. Srinivas Iyengar and Jogelker
Andhra - Rapson,Vincent Smith,Bhandarkar,Burlen,Gutti  Venkata rao
Telangana - Dr. P.V Parabramha Shastri
Inscriptions
Naneghat inscription - Naganika
Nasik inscription - Gautami Balasri
Hathigumpa and guntupalli inscription - Karavela
Macadoni inscription - Pulamavi – III
Junegad inscription - SakaRudradamana
JChinna ganjam inscription - Gautamiputra Yagnasri
Nasik inscription - Krishna
Amaravati inscription - Sivamuka Shatakarni.
PURANAS
u Matsya and Vayu Puranas

Books
Buddist Jataka stories.
Religious books of Jains
Gadha sapthashati - Hala
Bruhatkatha - Gunadya
Vatsayaneeyam - Vatsya yana
Lilavathi kavyam - Kuthuhala
Kathasarithsagaram - Somadevasuri
Katantra vyakarana - Sharva Varma
Books of Acharya Nagarjuna - Suhrulekha,Pragynapaarmitha shastram,Ratnavali
Coins
u Silver, Copper, Lead, Potin metal coins were under usage. Their coins were found in Maharashtra, Madya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
u The coin of Satavahana dynasty founder Satavahana was found at Kondapur in Medak district.
u Coins of the kingdom founder Srimukha were found at Kotilingala
Constructions
u They have built Aramas, Viharas (Monestrys) and Chaityalayas at Amaravati, Jaggaiahpet, Battiprolu, Ghantasala, Shalihundam, Ramatirtham, Dharapalem,  Guntupalli, Gudivada, etc.
u The 8, 10,12,13 numbered caves in Ajanta, 12, 15 feet height Buddha statues.
Foreign books
Natural history - Plini
A guide to Geography - Ptolemy
Indica - Meghashatnees
Periplus od Eritrayency -    Anonymous sailor
u The above books are useful for the study of History of Sathavahans.
Sathavahanas Capitals
u Kotilingala, Dhanya Katakam or Amaravati, Paithan
Satavahana Kings
u According to Puranas, there were 30 Satahvahana Kings who ruled for 450 years.
u Ancient coins by named Sadvahana,   belonging to their regime were found at Maski, Gajulabanda, Kondapur and Warangal. It is said that Sadvahana is the founder of Satavahana dynasty.
Srimukha
u He was the founder of Satavahana kingdom
u Srimukha’s names is seen different forms, Sishuka, Sinduka, Sipraka,, Sudra, Chimuka all are his other names .
u He was Samantha king to Mourya Emperor Ashoka

Srimukha initially ruled the Kotilingala area of Karim Nagar district.
u Srimukha’s coins were found at Kotilingala
u According to Jain literature, Srimukha has followed Jainism, he constructed many pillars
u Later on recognizing the rejuvenation of Brahminism, for the protection of his new kingdom, he followed the Brahminism.
u After the death of Ashoka, Srimukha declared himself independent.
u Srimukha got his elder son Satakarni I,   married to Devi Naganika, the daughter of Maharashtra king  Maharathitranaikaro.
Kanha
u By the time of Srimukha’s death, his son Sathakarni was not young enough to rule the kingdom.  Hence, Srimukha’s brother Kanha came into the power.
u Kanha’s Maha matra, has built caves for Sramans (Buddhist monks) at Nasik.
u Maha matras are employees in those period.  Their names were mentioned in Ashoka’s inscriptions
u According to Kanheri inscription where the word Maha matra, indicates that Sathavahanas followed the administration method of Mouryas.
Sathakarni I
u After the death of his uncle Kanha, Sathakarni became the King. Sathakarni-I, was great among the early  Sathavahana rulers.
u His wife Naganika has put an inscription at Nanaghat after his death, which explains his victories
u Naganika has described Sathakarni I in Nanaghat inscription as Ekaveera, Shoora, Apratihata Chakra, Dakshina Padatipati.
u Pushyamitra has destroyed the Mourya dynasty and established Shunga rule in Magadha which created disturbances in the Mourya Empire.
u Taking this as an opportunity, Sathakarni has occupied East Malava kingdom. Ujjaini symbols can be seen on Sathakarni’s coins.
u In Chulla Kalinga Jatakam, it is said that Ashmakadipati (Sathakarni-I) has won against Kalingadeesha (Kalinga ruler Kharavela).  Sathavahana kingdom extended towards Eastern side.
u Sathakarni I has performed two Ashwamedha and Rajasuyagam. (Sacrifiees)
u A coin which was minted during Ashwamedha was recently found near Pune.
u Sathakarni was a follower of Vedic religion.  He performed Aptoryama,  Anarambhaneeya, Triratra, Dasharatra, Trayodashi ratri yagnams. He donated lands, cows to Brahmins.
Purnostanga
u He is son of Sathakarni I. His coins were found at Nevasa.  His original name is Vedasiri.
u With a revenge Kalinga King Kharavela attacked on Sathavahana kingdom and destroyed Pithunda town (Bhattriprolu or Pratipalapuram)
u According to Guntupalli inscription, Kharavela was Mahisakadipati.
u Sathavahana kingdom has financially suffered with the attack of Kharavela.
Sathakarni II
u Sathakarni II has ruled a prolonged period of 56 years
u His coins were found at Telangana, Maharashtra and Malawa areas
u He had a title Rajanya Sri Sathakarni
u According to Yuga purana, Sathakarni II defated Shakas and occupied Magadha and Kalinga kingdoms.
u Great Artist and Sculpture  Vashistiputra Ananda was there in his court.
u This artist has put an inscription on Sanchi Pillar Southern entrance.
Apeelaka
u During his regime, Shaka king tried to occupy Ujjain, but Apeelaka has spoiled it.
u According to Jain literature Kalakacharya Kathanika, on winning this battle, Apeelaka, has started Vikrama Sakam in AD 58.
u One of his coins was found in Chattisgarh.
Kuntala Sathakarni
u Kuntala Sathakarni’s name was praised and mentioned in Vastayana’s Kama Sutra, Somadeva Suri’s Katha saritsagaram, Rajasekhara’s Kavya Meemamsa, Gunadya’s Brihatkatha.
u Gunadya and Sharva Varma were his court poets
u Gunadya -  Brihatkatha (paisachi language)
u Sharva Varma – Katantra Vyakaranam (Sanskrit grammar book)
u Based on Gunadya’s Brihatkatha, Vishnu Sharma wrote Panchatantram.
u Vastayana’s has mentioned that while romancing with his wife Malmati,  Kuntala Sathakarni behaved rudely and she died.
Pulomavi I
u He is the fifteenth king of Sathavahanas. Pulomavi has attacked Magadha in North India, killed the Magadha King Susharma and occupied Magadha.
u He defeated Kshatravasa and occupied the erstwhile areas of Sathavahanas, Akara (Eastern Malwa), Avanthi (West Malwa)
u With this Sathavahana kingdom extended upto Pataliputra and created Akhand Bharat.
u The Sathavahana coins found at Kumrahar (Ancient Pataliputra), Bheetha (Near Allahabad) stand as evidence of Pulomavi victory over North India.
Hala
u He was seventeenth king of Sathavahanas
u He ruled Pratishtanapuram as his capital. Hala was a great poet. He had a title Kavi vastaludu
u He collected the Prakruta ‘poetic stories’ and wrote a scripture Gadha saptasathi(sattasai) which reflected the contemporary social conditions.
u There are 700 romantic stories in this book.
u According to Leelavati Prakruta Kavyam, Hala loved Ceylon Princess Leelavathi, and they got married at Saptagodavari area of Draksharamam.
u Hala was praised as balladeer
Kutuhala wrote Leelavathi kavyam.
u Scriptures like Abhidana Chintamani, Leelavathi Kavyam, Deshinamala, etc., have praised Hala.
Gowtamiputra Sathakarni
u He was 23rd king of Sathavahanas
u He was greatest king among the Sathavahanas
u After his death, his mother, Balasree has put up Nasik inscription.
u Few opine that he started Shalivahana Saka in AD 78.
u He killed Kshaharata dynasty ruler Nahaphana
u The coins found at Jogalthambi indicates his victory over Nahphana.
u On eradication of Kshaharata dynasty, he wore a title Kshaharata vamsha Niravaseshakara.
u Jogalthambi is near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. Gowtamiputra Sathakarni’s coins were found there. From his regime, it has become a tradition of using mother’s name before their name.
u Gowtami Putra Sathakarni was the first to use maternal symbols.
u He conquered three seas and got the title Trisamudra Peetavahana.  It is said that his chariot horses drink three seas waters.
u His inscriptions were found at Nasik, Kanheri, China Ganjam
u He designed Arcadeson Sanchi pillar.
Titles of Gowtami Putra Sathakarni
Satavahana kula Yashapratishtapanakara
Kshatriya darpadamanamardana
Sakayavana pahlava Nighadhana
Eka Brahmanuda
Eka shura
Eka dhanurdara
Aagama Nilaya
u His mother Balasree has praised him a lot. Balasree had a title Rajarshi Vadhuvu.
u Nashik inscription describes Gowtami Putra Sathakarni as Benakata Swamy.
u He wore a sovereign title ‘Rajarano’ (Rajaraju)
u In the recent excavation at Nagarjuna konda, coins of Gowtami putra Sathakarni along with the dyes of coins manufacturing were found.
Vaashistaputra Pulomavi (Pulomavi II)
u He was son of Gowtami Putrasathakarni
u His inscriptions were found at Nashik, Karle and Amaravathi
u According to Nashik inscription, he had a title Dakshinapadeshwara
u Ptolemy has mentioned in his book that the ruler of Hippokuran, Kardamukha Chasthana was his contemporary.  He had a title Navanagara Swamy.
u He ruled Dhanyakatakam as his capital. His coins, and inscriptions were found at Dhanyakatakam.

Yagnya Sree Sathakarni
u He was last ruler of famous Sathavahanas. Inscriptions and coins treat him as Gowtami Putra Yagnya Sree
u His inscriptions were found at Nasik, Kanheri, China Ganjam
u Taking the opportunity of the internal clashes between Jeeva Dhama and Rudra Simha of Kshaharata dynasty, he occupied Konkan and Sourashtra regions.
u Impressed by the principles of Acharya Nagarjuna, he built a Paravata Maha Viharam at Nagarjuna Konda and expressed his affection towards Buddhism.
u Pargiter has said that during the period of Yagnya Sree, Mastya purana was written.
u Bana his Harsha Charitra has mentioned Yagnya Sree as Trisamudreeshwara.
u Historians of China and Tibet said that Yagnya Sree has built a Chaityalaya and Maha Vihara  to Acharya Nagarjuna. Acharya Nagarjuna has constructed Dhanyakataka Great pillar’s stone wall.
u Acharya Nagarjuna has written Shuhrulekha for Yagnya Sree
u According to a story in Katha Saritsagara, Nagarjuna was killed by a Sathavahana prince. With this revolution took place in this kingdom, Samantha’s revolted against them, and gradually Sathavahana kingdom diminished.
u According to the inscription of Chinna Ganjam, he performed one yagna.
u His coins which has symbols of boats indicate that during his regime foreign sea trade was held.
u During this regime, business with Rome was carried out.
Vijaya Sree Sathakarni
u His inscription was found at Nagajuna konda
u He built the town Vijayapuri near Sriparvata.
Pulomavi III
u He was last of Sathavahana rulers. According to Yuga purana, Iskshavaku king Shanta Mula has defeated Pulomavi II and occupied Dhanyakatakam.
u Pulomavi III went to Bellary in Karnataka and ruled there for some period and he died there.
u His inscription was found at Macadhoni near Bellary.
u This inscription informs about the fallout of Sathavahana kingdom.
Administration
u Satavahanas followed the Mouryan administrative system.
u Kingdom was hereditary
u Their kingdom was not centralized.  Even their Samantha rulers, like Emperors, had their own symbols and minted coins.
u Patriarchal system existed during their regime.
u Administration was carried with the advices of Ministers.
Vishwasamatya - Prime Minister
Mahamatya - Financial Minister
Rajamatya - Those who implement royal orders
Mahatalavara - Commander General of Army
Mahamatrs - Ministers who were appointed for special works
Officers
Bandagarika - Person who looks after income derived through goods
Hiranyaka - Person who looks after military affairs.
Mahasenapathi - Person who writes inscriptions and gazettes
Lekaka - Person who writes and preserves King’s Orders
Heranika -     Person who looks after income derived through liquid cash
Prathihara - Sentry
Dutha - Ambassador
Maha aryaka - Person who looks after legal affairs
Parindavara - Spies in Kings internal security
Maha dharmika - Person who looks after education and religious affairs
Rajju gahaka - Surveyor and looks afterland settlements
Nibandanakara (akshapataka) -  Persons who writes and preserves royal orders
u There was a record office Akshapatalika department
u For the administrative convenience Sathavahanas and categorized their kingdom into Aahara, Vishaya and Villages.
u Head of the Aahara was Amatya
u Amatyas do not have hereditary rights.  Regularly they were transferred
u Head of the Vishaya was Vishayapati
u Head of the Village was Gramika, Gramani,Gumika etc
u A group of villages were called Gulmi. Head of the Gulmi was called Gulmika.
u Gulmika was Army Chiefs of border areas. The information related to them can be seen in Macadoni inscription.
u Officers by Gumikas were there in some villages.  Their prime responsibility is to maintain law and order
u Samantha kings were called Maharadha, Mahabhojaka
u During their regime the satrap kingdoms were called Janapadas
u During the Sathavahana regime,Bharukaccha, Sopara, Kalyani, Paithan, Tagara, Junnar, Carle were famous business centres.
u For administration of this towns there were Nigama Sabha. These can be said as Trade unions.
u There was a reference about Nigama Sabhas in Bhattiprolu inscription and Megasthanese’s Indica.
u Community heads were called as Gahapati. They were members in the Nigam Sabha.
u Land tax was the prime source of kingdom’s income. 1/6 was collected as Land tax.
Economic conditions:
u The part of the king in the crop was called as Deyameya or Rajabhagam.
u Sathavahanas were the first to donate lands in the South India.
u Compensation to the Bramhins and Sramanas was started during the Sathavahana’s regime.
u The agricultural land in the kingdom did not belong to the King.
u Farmers have rights on the lands.
u Kings own land was called as Rajakshetram or (Rajakamkhet)
u For the donation of lands, Kings used to buy and land and donated it.
u Gowtami Putrasatakarni has donated around 100 nivarthanas of land which he got hereditary.
u Barren lands in village were cultivated by farmers on turn wise by Gramani, and that income would be sent to the King.
u This kind of free cultivation was called Vishti.  In Telugu it is called as Vetti or Vetti chakiri.
u Transferring of lands along with the people on that land has started during their regime.
u To supply water to the the fields, Water machines were used.
u To remove seeds from the cotton, they used a machine called “Rakkasi lotai giraka”.
u Profession tax was called Karukara
u There were road taxes.
Army
u Hathi Gumpa inscription explains that there existed four kinds of military.
Skandavaram - Temporary Army camps
Katakam - Military base
u Kharavela has demolished the Pithunda town with donkeys.
Occupations and Occupational societies
1) Halikas - farmers
2) Gopalaka - cow herds
3) Sethi - business men
4) Kolikas - weavers
5) Thilapistikas - Oil millers
6) Odhayantrikas - boatsmen
7) Selavardhakas - architects
8) Vasakaras - Medarulu
9) Sarthavahas - those who do foreign business
  10) Vadakas - Carpenters
  11) Kasakaras - Black Smith
    12) Kamaras - Blacksmith
    13) Kularas - Potterman
14) Gadikas - Spices Makers
15) Suvanaka - Gold smith
16) Chanku karas - Leather workers
17) Lekakas - Writers
18) Mani karas     -   Stone polishers
Community Associations
u During those days each profession had its own association
u These associations were called as Shreni.(Guild)  Each Shreni had its President called Shreshti (Shetty)
u These Shreni decides the rules and regulations to the members of the community.
u These rules and regulations were called as “Shreni Dharma”.
u These Shreni’s worked like todays banks.
u There were 18 Shrenis (Guilds) in those days.
u According to Sakha Kshatrapa Rishabhadutta’s  Nasik inscription, those days interest of 12% was charged.
u In Goverdhan Mandal, the Kolishreni has donated clothes to Sramans, through the interest of 2000 karshapanas paid by Rishabadutta.
Commerce
u Amaravati inscription explains about the domestic trade.
u Bullock cart was the main transport mode
u There were roads linked to business centres and port cities
u There were roads linked from Machilipatnam, Vinukonda to Golconda, There, Prathistana to Bharukaccha. Dr.Fleet has mentioned that the indications of those roads are still available.
u Gudur region was famous of soft clothes, handloom clothes, Vinukonda was known for Metal industry.  Palanadu area was known for Diamond industry.
Foreign Trade
u Periplus and Ptolemy books explains about the foreign trade.
u The business men who did foreign trade were called as Sarthavaha
u Dharanikas (Grain merchants) are one among them
u Yagna Sri Sathakarni’s 12 boat coins were found at Chebrolu in Guntur District.  They had oars and screen symbol.
u Sathavahanas are the first to discover Boat lighthouse.
u Ports in East coast:
Ghantasala
Kodur
Maisolia
Korangi
u Ports in West Coast:
Kalyani
u Bharukaccha (Bharuch)
Sopara
u There was business with Rome.
u Roman coins were found at Suryapet, Yeleswaram, Nagarjuna Konda in Telangana, Salihundam, Vinukonda, Vijayawada in Andhra region.
u Pliney in A.D.70, has expressed excitement about the clothes that were exported from India.  He described that the Roman women wore the clothes which were so soft like cobwebs.
u Roman emperors encouraged foreign trade.
u Coins of Roman emperors from Liberia to Karakalla were found in Andhra region.
u Pliney has mentioned that Romans were fond of luxury goods which came from India.
u Pliney astonished that about 5 lakhs pounds is going to India for the luxury goods from Roman empire.
u Ptolemy has written that diamonds were found in Eastern Narmada banks.
u Alluru inscriptions says about “yonaka divve’
u Tonnes of Gold was imported from Rome to Andhra
u In those days common people also wore Gold ornaments, this can be seen in Ajanta, Ellora, Sanchi, Nagarjuna Konda pictures.
u In those days the businessmen who travelled from East coast to far off Islands and countries started camps at those places.
u Names such as Kakulam, Tilinga, Panduranga, Amaravati, Vijaya, Kouthura (Kottura) can be seen in South East countries.
u Ptolemy has said that the capital of the Country Arakan was Trilinga, while there was a city named Kakulam on Siam Canal.
u Exports :
Scented speices
Gems
Pearls
Silk clothes
u Imports :
Gold
Silver
Copper
Glass items
u Trade and business were carried out in barter system.
u For their convenience Traders minted Punch marked coins.  Business associated also minted coins with their association emblems.
u These coins were used between the dealings of assocations.
They were more of Gold and silver.  Copper was less used
u Coins with names Ranogo Bhadra, Ranosama gopa coins made of copper and potein were found at Kotilingala in Karim Nagar district.  These are the first coins of Andhra region.
u Sathavahanas minted coins with potin, copper and silver.
u Karsha panam, kushanam, suvarnam, padaka or pratika were the coins under usage in those days.
u These coins were in round, square and egg shaped.
u Names of the kings, elephant, horse, ox, Triratna, swastika, ox feet, sun, couch, lotus symbols were encrypted on this coins.
u Silver coins of Gowtami putra Yagyasri were found at Kolhapur, Jogalthambi.
u Lead coins were more ancient.
Karsha panas - Silver coins
Suvarnas - Gold coins
One gold coins is equal to 35 silver coins
Social status:
u There was no organized caste system during the Sathavahana regime. Bramhins, Ksatriyas, Vysas, Shoodras were there.  According to the professions, sub castes came up.
u There was no strong caste system.  Exchange of profession was there.
u Nashik inscription mentions that Gowthami Putra Sathakarni has stopped the caste conversions
u Halaka, Golaka, Kolika sub castes were mentioned their inscriptions
u Foreigners have settled in their kingdom and got merged with Hinduism.
u Patriarchal system was there.
u Collective family system was there.
u According to Amaravati inscription, in those days members of the families were done charities.
u Cobbler Dhimika came to Amaravati along with family members and presented Purnakumba to Amaravati pillar and put an inscription.
u In those days Brahmins enjoyed special privileges. Kshatriyas collected taxes. Vysyas, Land lords, Shoodras used to work for the higher strata of the society.
u In those days slaves were there.
u Gadha Saptasathi describes about Sati sahagamana. Strabo has said that Greeks have stunned by seeing the Sati sahagamana.  There is a picture of Sati sahagamana in Nagarjuna konda sculpture.
Women status:
u Woman had respectable position in the society
u Women used to wear their husband’s job title
u Contemporary scriptures explained about six kinds of stridhanam
u Women participated in religious and scholar discussions
u Gadha Saptasathi has described about women scholars
u Women donated huge amounts to Buddhist viharas
u Women and men liked ornaments. According to Amaravati Sculptures, those days’ men and women wear ordinary attire.
u Women have shown great interest on red clothes and flowers
u Dancers used to apply “aradalam’ a scented powder
u Dances and music were pastimes
u Veena, Flute, Mridangam, Shankam were the instruments in those days
u There is a mentioned about festivals Halaka, Udyanagamana, Ghata nibandhan, Madanostava in Vatsayana’s Kamasutra.
Religious conditions
u Sathavahana kings followed Vedic religion and rejuvenated it.
u Sathakarni I has performed many Yagnas and donated huge amounts to Brahmins
u Gowtamiputra Sathakarni has encourased Bramhim religion and got the titles Eka Brahmina, Agama Nilaya
u Vedasri, Yagyasri titles indicate their fondness towards vedic fondness
u Nanaghat inscription mentions about the deities namely Indra, Sankarshana, Vasudeva, Chandra, Surya, Yama, Varuna
u Mythological Hinduism has entered into Hinduism
u Shaivism and Vaishnavism gained popularity. Worship of Shiva and Keshava started
u Gadha Saptashati named Pashupati, Rudra, Ganapati, Gowri, Parvati has Shaiva Gods.
u Leelavati Kavyam has mentioned that Sapta Godavari (Draksharamam) Lord Bheemeshwara was Shaiva Shrine and that temple was a Golden temple. It is further said that there was a Pasupata religion.
u Vaishnavim which had the presiding deity as Vasudeva which was familiar at North India has entered into Southern India during the time of Sathavahana.
u Gadha Saptasathi has described Lord Krishna as Madhu Madana, and Damodhara
u Radha, who is symbol of eternal love was first mentioned in Gadha Saptasathi.
Jainism
u Ashoka’s Grandson Samprati has built a Jain Vihara near Vaddemanu at Amaravati.
u He was popular as Jain Ashoka
u According to the inscription, which was found recently, Kharavela has built Maha Meghavahana Vihara at that place.
u The founder of Sathavahana dynasty Sri Mukha was a patron of Jainism.  His coins were found at Munulagutta near Karim Nagar
u According to Kharavela’s inscription, the Guntupalli caves are meant for Jains
u According to an inscription which found at a Hill near Guntakal, the noted Jain guru Kondakundacharya of first century AD has stayed near Konakandla village there.
u His original name is Padma nandi Bhattaraka
u He established Saraswati Gaccha.
u His scripture “samayaa saaram’ is about Shwetambara and Digambara jains
According to Jain literature, during those days, Jains held a big meeting near Venkatatatipuri.
Buddhism
u Sathavahana kings not encouraged Buddhism.
u Buddhism was spread like a people’s movement
u Businessmen, women, ordinary people encouraged Buddhism and they built pillar, Viharas
u Seeing the people’s adornment, Sathavahana kings were tolerant towards Buddhism
u Gowtamiputra Sathakarni and his son Pulomavi has donated to Buddhists
u Dhanyakatakam was a big Buddhist centre
u Chaityakas were mentioned in Amaravati inscription
u The founder of Chaityaka sect Mahadeva Bikshuvu (First Buddhist guru in Andhra)
u Chaityakas were first to mention about divine qualities to Lord Buddha
u Chaityakas worship the symbols of Lord Buddha’s life
u The important Chaityaka branches inAndhra
1. Apara Saila - Nagajuna Konda
2.   Purva Saila - Amaravati
3.   Uttara saila - Jaggaiahpet
4.   Rajagiraka - Guntupalli
5.   Siddarthaka - Gudivada
u The Maha Chaityaka principles later on become Mahayanaism
u Acharya Nagarjuna’s ‘Pragya paramita Sasthram’ is the standard book of Mahayanaism
Acharya Nagarjuna
u There are difference of opinions regarding the birth place of Acharya Nagarjuna.  According to Lankavatara Sutra, his place of birth is Vedali in South India.
u He proposed Moderate, Mahayana, zero based principles
u Acharya Nagarjuna was contemporary to Yagna Sri Sathakarni
u Yagna Sri Sathakarni has built Maha Chaitya, Maha Viharas for Acharya Nagarjuna
u According to Tibetan literature, Acharya Nagarjuna has built stone arcade to Mahachaitya at Dhanyakatakam.
u He is the guiding force of Shankara’s Mayavada theory.
u Acharya Nagarjuna has written the scripture Suhrulleka and dedicated it to Yagna Sri Sathakarni
u Titles of Acharya Nagarjuna:  1.  Second Buddha  2.  Indian Einstein
u According to Kathasarithsagaram, Brahmins have killed Acharya Nagarjuna
Aryadeva, who become Guru after Acharya Nagarjuna has been killed by Brahmins
Education- Literature
u Great importance was given to Education and languages
u Sathavahana kings were experts in Shabha, Artha, Roopa, Ganaka, Lekaka, Vidhi, Vyavahara, Gandharva educations
u Kings established Gurukulas.  Economics, logic, Grammar, Music, Philosophy, Astrology, Political sciences was taught in them.
u There were universities at Nagajunakonda and Dhanyakatakam.  Students from all over the world came to that places.
u It is said that the Lhasa University was built on the model of Dhanyakataka Education centre.
u According Pahiyan, Acharya Nagarjuna has built a huge library at Sriparvatam
u Acharya Nagarjuna has proposed Welfare state principle in his book Ratnavali Rajya parikatha
u Itsing has said that the Suhrulleka was by hearted by the students.
u Sathavahanas continued Prakrutam as their official language
u Their inscriptions were in Prakutra language in Brahmi script
u Hala himself was a poet. He had a title Kavi Vatsalya. He compiled seven hundred romantic stories in his book Gadha saptasathi. This book was written in prakruta language
u Names of poets and poetess Bodhisva, Chulluva, Amara Raja, Kumare, Makaranda sena, Sri raja, Reva, Madhavi, Andhra Lakshmi came into light through Gadha saptasathi
u Nature beauty, Shiva Parvathy, Lakshmi Narayana were described in this stories.
u Gunadya has written Brihatkatha in paisachi language
u Only one chapter ‘One Lambakam” is available now. Based on this Somadeva suri wrote Katha Saritsagaram, Kshemendra  Brihathkatha manjari.  Budha in 9th Century AD has written “Brihathkatha Sholka Sangraham’ in Sanskrit.
u A scholar during that period Sharva Varma has written a Sanskrit grammar book Katantra vyakaranam”
u The first total sanskirt inscription in India belongs to Saka Rudra dhama
u Acharya Nagarjuna’s all theory books were written in Sanskrit.
u During those days Prakruta language has lost its prominence, Sanskrit has occupied its place.
u Buddhists has started their writings in Sanskrit.
u According to Brihathkatha, there was a language by named Deshi in those days.
u Silver coins minted by Sathavahanas from Gowtamiputra Sathakarni’s period had Prakruta and Desi languages
u Deshi language is commoner language.  Pulomavi word is a deshi word.
u Telugu words atta, potta, valuga, pilla, pandi, addam, teeradu, kusuma, venta (cotton) tuppa (ghee) were found in Gadhasaptasathi
u From the Hala’s period Gadha has become Telugu grammar word.
Architecture
u Hala has mention in his Gadha Saptasathi that in those days Gowri, Ganapati, Indra temples were built.
Religion was the main intention for building temples in those days.
u Gudimallam Shiva Temple belonging to 2nd Century which was discovered recently belongs to Sathavahana’s period.
u Buddhist architecture gained prominence
u Pillars (stupas), Chaityas, Viharas were important in Buddhist architecture
Pillars
u Stupas are built on the remains of Lord Buddha or noted Buddhist Gurus.
Stupas are Pillars are 3 kinds:
1.   Dhatugarbhas :   Built on the body remains of Lord Buddha. Bhattiprolu, Amaravati, Ghantashala, Shalihundam, Jaggaiahpet, Indrapuri, etc are Dhatu garbha stupas.
2.   Paribhojakas : Built on the items used by Great Buddhist gurus
3.   Uddesikha stupas : Built in the memory of persons.
Chaityagriha:
u This is Lord Buddha’s temple.  Daily puja’s and worship done here.
u The first Chaityagriha of Sathavahana’s period was found at Guntupalli
u There were Chaityagrihas at Khedsa, Kanheri, Karle
u Shalihundam, Guntupalli, Nagarjuna konda, Ramatirtha Chaityagrihas were built with bricks.
u Chaityalayas were built in rectangular shape.
Vihara Sangaramams
u Viharas are built for the stay of Buddhist monks.  Viharas are there in Guntupalli.  They were built in rectangular shape.
u The place where a Pillar or stupa, Chaitya, Vihara, Education centre is located is called as Sangarama
u Viharas at , Nagarjuna konda, Ramatirtha Chaityagrihas were built withlay
u Huein Tsang has mentioned that there were 40 Sangaramam in Andhra region.
u Pahiyan has mentioned has Yagna Sri Sathakarni has built a Seven storied Vihara which had 1500 rooms.
Kotilingala
u Coins found during the excavations carried out at Kotilingala in Karim Nagar district during 1980 has opened a new chapter in Telangana history. Evidences were found that Srimukha was the founder of Sathavahana Kingdom.  His capital was Kotilingala from there he extended it to Paithan.
u During the excavations carried out here, first time, beneath the layers of Satavahanas, coins and inscriptions were found which belonged to the rulers before Satavahanas.15 coins of King Gobadha, 3 coins belongs to Naranaku,  4 coins belongs to Kamvaya, 39 coins of Samagopu. Words belonging to 3rd century AD in Brahmi script Ranogobadasha, sirinaranasa, kamvaya sirisa, ranosamagopa were found.
u According to those coins and inscriptions, it is believed that prior to Sathavahanas, around 200 years ago, local kings ruled the area. Dr.Deme Raja Reddy who researched on this confirmed that Srimukha was a satrap of Samagopa and later on declared himself as independent king.
u It is believed that the fort in the Kotilingala was built in 4th century and the buddhist pillar that was excavated inside the fort belongs to 3rd century.
Buddhist places during Sathavahanas
During the Sathavahanas regime, many Buddhist shrines were established. Sathavahanas built pillars, chaityas and Viharas at  Tambalapalli, Pashigoan, Munulagutta, Mirzapet in Karim Nagar district and Kondapur in Medak, Geesukonda, in Warangal district, Phanigiri, Vardhanman Kota, Tirumalagiri, Nagaram, Arvapalli, Gopulayapalli in Nalgonda district, Nelakondapalli in Khammam district.
Buddhist inscriptions
u Prakruta inscriptions of Sathavahana regime was found in Telangana’s Dhulikatta, Kotilingala, Nelakondapalli and Pedda Bankur.
Amaravati Pillar
u Before Ashoka, one Nagaraju built the Amaravati Pillar
u During the Satavahanas, this pillar was developed
u Amaravati pillar was reconstructed during AD 150
u The area near the base is 162 feet and the upper portion is 142 feet
u There were stages around this pillar. On every pillar there were Ayaka pillar which are vertical shape.
u On these Ayaka pillar, 5 important events related to Gouthama Buddha were designed.
1.   Buddha’s born - Lotus
2.   Mahabhinishkramanam - Horse
3.   Gyanodayam - Bodhi tree
4.   Dharma Chakra Pravarthanam - Dharma Chakra
5.   Niryanam (death) - Pillar
u Ferguson has described Amaravati Sculpture as the crown of Indian Sculpture.
u Colonel Macanjee found the Amaravati pillar in 1797
u A stone plate with a Telugu word Nagabu was found in Amaravati remains
u Amaravati Buddha idol was model for Buddha statues constructed at various places.
u Amaravati construction designs were followed everywhere, hence, it became popular Amaravati Sculpture.
u Sanchi-Barhut designs and nearness to Gandhara design is reflected in this idol.
Paintings
u The paintings in 9th 10th caves in Ajanta belongs to Sathavahanas period. Shweta gaja Jataka painting in 10th cave also belongs to that time.

Gadha saptasathi has described that in those days people painted Ramayana, Mahabhagavata on the walls of their houses.

u Acharya Nagarjuna’s writings

1.   Pragya Paramita Shastram

2.   Suhrulleka

3.   Shunya saptashati

4.   Rasa Ratnakaram (Rasayana Vadam)

5.   Dwadashanikaya Shastram

6.   Arogya manjari (Medical science book)

7. Madyamika karika

8. Pramana Vibhetena Shastram

9. He wrote comment on Madhaymika Shastram in the name of Akutobhya

Arya Deva

u He is disciple of Acharya Nagarjuna.  His writings

1.   Sathusrutakam

2.   Akshara Satakam

3.   Sata shastram

Buddha Swami - Katha shloka anugraham

Dhanpala - Tilka manjari

Udyotanudu - Kuvalaya Mala

Important points

u The South Indian political history began with Sathavahanas

u V.S.Sukthankar, Srinivas Sastry have said that Sathavahanas were servants of Andhrites

Srimukha

u Sathavahana Kingdom founder - Srimukha

u Capital - Kotilingala

u Coins - Kotilingala, Munulagutta (Karim Nagar District)

u Srimukha initially followed Jainism, later on keeping the welfare of this kingdom in mind, he changed to Brahmanism.

Sathakarni I

u Naganika, wife of Sathakarni I has put Nanaghat inscription after his death.

u Sathakarni I was described as Dakshina padapati in Nanaghat inscription.

u According Chulla Kalinga jataka, Sathakarni I defeated Kalinga king Kharavela

u Gunadya – Brihathkatha (Paisachi language

u Sharva Varma-  Kathantra Vyakaranam (Sanskrit grammar)

u Pulomavi I captured Maghada Kingdom and established Sathavahana Kingdom in the entire India.

u Hala – Gadha Saptasathi (Prakrutam) His title – Kavivatsala

Gowtamiputra Sathakarni

u He is greatest of Sathavahana kings

u His mother Balasree has put Nashik inscription after his death.  This explains about his victories.

u Using of the maternal names (signs) started from Gowtamiputra Sathakarni

u His coins were found at Jogulthambi (Tamil Nadu)

u His titles:  Trisamudratoya peethavahana  2. Benakata swamy

Yagna Sree Sathakarni

u He built Paravata Mahavihara for Acharya Nagarjuna

His boat symbolled coins explains about the foreign trade

Pulomavi III

u He is the last of Sathavahana kings

u His inscription was found at Makadhoni (Bellary, Karnataka)

u There is a mention about word Gulmika in this inscription

Administration

u Gumika – Law and Order Officers

u Some villages were made as a group and that is called Gulmi.  Gulmika is the head of that group

u Nigama Sabha – Bhattiprolu inscription

u Sathavahanas were the first to donate lands in South India

u Kings own land is called Rajakhamketa

u Sarthavahas – Those who did foreign trade

u Interest was 12% in those days

u Perfumes were imported

u Trade unions minted Punch Marked coins

u Paternal system was prevalent

u A Cobbler Dhimika has gifted Purna kumbham to Amaravati pillar

u Women wore the job titles of their husbands to their names

u Sathavahanas followed Brahmanism

u Konda Kundacharya has established Saraswati Gaccha. He wrote Samayasaram.

u Sathavahanas built pillars, chaityas and Viharas at  Tambalapalli, Pashigoan, Munulagutta, Mirzapet in Karim Nagar district and Kondapur in Medak, Geesukonda, in Warangal district, Phanigiri, Vardhanman Kota, Tirumalagiri, Nagaram, Arvapalli, Gopulayapalli in Nalgonda district, Nelakondapalli in Khammam district. 

u Buddhist Chaityaka Branches – Their centres

1.   Apara Saila - Nagajuna Konda

2.   Purva Saila - Amaravati

3. Uttara saial - Jaggaiahpet

4.   Rajagiraka - Guntupalli

5.   Siddarthaka - Gudivada

u Acharya Nagarjuna proposed Moderate, Mahayana, zero based 

Principles

u Acharya Nagarjuna’s ‘Pragya paramita Sasthra’ is the standard book of Mahayanaism

u Titles of Acharya Nagarjuna:  1. SecondBuddha 2.  Indian Einstein

u It is said that the Lhasa University was built on the model of Dhanyakataka Education centre.

u Gudimallam Shiva Temple belonging to 2nd Century which was discovered recently belongs to Sathavahana’s period.

u Ferguson has described Amaravati Sculpture as the crown of Indian Sculpture.

u Shweta gaja Jataka painting in Ajanta’s10th cave also belongs to that time.

u A stone plate with a Telugu word Nagabu was found in Amaravati remains