Satavahana Dynasty
Satavahana Dynasty(A.D.2nd century)
Origin
This would indicate that the Satavahanas originally claimed association with the legendary solar dynasty, as was common in ancient India. According to Inguva Kartikeya Sarma, the dynasty's name is derived from the words sata ("sharpened", "nimble" or "swift") and vahana ("vehicle"); the expression thus means "one who rides a nimble horse". Satavahana also referred to as the Andhras in the Puranas, were an ancient Hindu dynasty based in the Deccan region. Most modern scholars believe that the Satavahana rule began in the late second century BCE and lasted until the early third century CE, although some assign the beginning of their rule to as early as the 3rd century BCE based on the Puranas, but uncorroborated by archaeological evidence. The Satavahana kingdom mainly comprised the present-day Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. At different times, their rule extended to parts of modern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. The dynasty had different capital cities at different times, including Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati (Dharanikota). Prakrit and sanskrit were their off languages.
History
Kanha's Pandavleni(Pandavleni, also known as Tirthankar Leni, Panch Pandav or Pandav Leni Jain cave, is ancient rock-cut sculptures complex located at Gomai River around 6 kilometer north of Shahada, Maharashtra. These caves were excavated by Jain saints 2,000 years ago. Kanha’s Pandavleni is the 19th cave in the group of 24 caves) mentions the term maha-matra (officer-in-charge), which indicates that the early Satavahanas followed the Mauryan administrative model.
The Matsya Purana mentions that the Andhra dynasty ruled for around 450 years. As the Satavahana rule ended in the early 3rd century, the beginning of their rule can be dated to the 3rd century BCE. The Indica of Megasthenes (350 – 290 BCE) mentions a powerful tribe named "Andarae", whose king maintained an army of 100,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry and 1,000 elephants. If Andarae is identified with the Andhras, this can be considered additional evidence of Satavahana rule starting in the 3rd century BCE. The Brahmanda Purana states that "the four Kanvas will rule the earth for 45 years; then (it) will again go to the Andhras". Based on this statement, the proponents of this theory argue that the Satavahana rule began immediately after the Maurya rule, followed by a Kanva interregnum, and then, a revival of the Satavahana rule. A variation of the theory is that Simuka was the person who restored the Satavahana rule by overthrowing the Kanvas.Evne the vayu purana has enough evidences of Satavahan’s ruling. These days most of the kings patronised Budhism.
Administration
The Satavahanas followed the administration guidelines of the Shastras. Their government was less top-heavy than that of the Mauryans, and featured several levels of feudatories.The Satavahanas followed the administration guidelines of the Shastras. Their government was less top-heavy than that of the Mauryans, and featured several levels of feudatories:
Shatavahana Administration Structure :
By and large they followed the Mauryan form of Administration( Centralised) with few innovations to meet local cultural needs. They discharge their duties according to the tenets of Dharmashtras for overall well being.The Satavahana administration was very simple and was according to the principle laid down in Dharmashastras. They had no absolute power. Their power was checked in practice by customs and shastras.
Administration Structure
The King and His Council
King was the supreme authority highest official of the Government and his office was hereditary.
The king himself led his armies in the battle-field and was commander-in-chief of his forces. The king laid no claim of divine right and does not take high sounding title like Samrat/Virat. They had only the most modest title of Rajan/Maharaja.King is the only protector of Dharma and not the one who designed it. Succession to the throne was by “Law of Primogeniture” (i.e., Eldest son occupies throne). Shatavahana kings performed Ashwamedha and Rajasuya sacrifices. Crown Prince was known as Yuvaraja or Kumara.
Council
King was assisted by many officials like Amatyas and Mahamatras. Amatya -The highest official in a province was ‘Amatya’ or minister. His office was not hereditary.
Visvasa Amatya- Head of all amatyas and other rajamatyas are under his command (Like present day Central Cabinet Secretary)
Maha Senapati- Commander-in-Chief
Mahamatras- Head of Departments
Mahataraka- Chamberlien ( a chief officer in the household of a king or nobleman.)
Bhandagarika- Controller of stores
Heranika -The one who has control over Treasurer
Gnapaka - Accountant
Pratihara & Duta - Messenger
Lekhaka - Writer or clerk
Patlika Palaka - Director of Archives
Nibandhkara- One who registers documents
Gramani/ Gramika/ Gaumika – Village Head
Mahatalavara - "great watchman"
‘Uparakshita’ -Special Officer who was charged with the duty of building caves etc for the monks.
They had divided their empire among a number of feudal chiefs who managed the land revenue system and looked after the administration.
The ahara appears to have been the largest geographical subdivision of the Satavahana polity. Several inscriptions refer to aharas named after the governors appointed to rule them (e.g. Govardhanahara, Mamalahara, Satavanihara and Kapurahara). This suggests that the Satavahanas attempted to build a formal administrative and revenue collection structure. The inscriptions of Gautamiputra Satakarni suggest the existence of a bureaucratic structure, although it is not certain how stable and effective this structure was. For example, two inscriptions from Nashik Cave 11 record donations of agricultural land to ascetic communities. They state that the ascetics would enjoy tax exemption and non-interference from the royal officials. The first inscription states that the grant was approved by Gautamiputra's minister Sivagupta on the king's verbal orders, and preserved by the "great lords". The second inscription records a grant by Gautamiputra and his mother, and mentions Syamaka as the minister of the Govardhana ahara. It states that the charter was approved by a woman named Lota, who according to archaeologist James Burgess' interpretation, was the chief lady-in-waiting of Gautamiputra's mother. The Satavahana-era inscriptions mention three types of settlements: nagara (city), nigama (market town) and grama (village). The Satavahanas were described as 'lords of the three oceans' and promoted overseas colonization and trade. Under them, Buddhist art attained the superb forms of beauty and elegance preserved to this day in the cave-temples of western India and the survivals from the stupa of Amaravati, Goli, Nagarjunikonda. This tradition was followed by successors of Satavahana in the eastern and western Deccan.