Q. Who is recognized by authentic historical and epigraphic sources as the earliest known Hindu king to patronize Hinduism in Andhra Pradesh? Answer:
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Notes: Gautamiputra Satakarni (Satavahana dynasty, 1st–2nd century CE) is recorded in inscriptions as the earliest major royal patron of Hinduism in Andhra Pradesh; no authentic evidence supports Santamula-I.
