Understanding the Satavahana state requires examining its socio-economic background and the institutional features of its political process. However, limited historical data makes characterizing the social formation challenging. Nevertheless, available information is crucial for understanding state formation.
By the third century B.C., the Krishna-Godavari valleys saw the rise of agrarian settlements focused on paddy cultivation, as evidenced by the name Dhanyakataka/Dhamnakada. This suggests:
However, production relations were likely limited to a simple hierarchy:
Agrarian settlements were small compared to the vast uplands and forests inhabited by tribal populations. The region's economic hub, Paithan, was crucial for:
Ports such as Barygaza, Supara, and Kalyan enhanced regional importance. Mauryan control fostered a local ruling aristocracy, transcending tribal structures. The Satavahana dynasty emerged from this aristocracy, rooted in the differentiated economy and stratified societies of the Krishna-Godavari valleys.
Jain legends suggest Paithan as the Satavahana capital. Historical sources include:
Approximately 30 kings ruled for about four and a half centuries (c. 234 B.C. to A.D. 207). However, the royal genealogy has gaps due to interruptions from:
Simuka, possibly also named Satavahana, founded the dynasty. The meaning of Satavahana is debated, but one interpretation suggests:
Puranas indicate Simuka's 23-year reign, during which he built:
His brother, Kanha (Krishna), succeeded him, extending the kingdom to Nasik and ruling for 18 years. His successor, Siri Satakani (Satakarni), became a key figure, with most rulers adopting his title, such as:
The Hathigumpha inscription mentions Kharavela of Kalinga sending his army west, disregarding Satakarni. This places Satakarni's reign between 200 and 190 B.C.
His successor, Satakarni II, ruled for 56 years (according to the Puranas) and was a contemporary of Kharavela. Other significant rulers include:
The Satavahana rulers patronized both sramanas and brahmanas. Constructing Jain and Buddhist monuments earned them religious merit and higher status, while conducting Vedic rituals and mahadanas legitimized their Kshatriya status. Notably, the Satavahanas maintained gotra names of Vedic brahmanas and followed a matrilineal or cross-cousin marriage system, particularly with the father's sister's daughter, although succession remained patriarchal.
Challenges Faced:
Key Rulers and Expansion:
The Satavahana state was monarchical, resembling the Kautilyan vijigishu, with a team of officials:
Epigraphs mention high-ranking officials like:
The king's power was rooted in influential gahapati-s (swami-s) of nagara-s (towns) and grama-s (villages). Merchants (vanija or negama) were organized into nigama corporations led by a sethi or sreshti.
The Satavahana state was not a fully centralized monarchy, resembling the Mauryan system but with strong provincial rulers and chieftains.
Revenue System:
Coinage:
Trade and Urbanization:
Patronage and Funding: