Telangana’s Shatavahana Heritage

May 2, 2025

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has identified eleven inscriptions from the Shatavahana period during an expedition in the Gundaram Reserve Forest in Telangana. This finding is very important in understanding the political dynamics and cultural affiliations of early Indian history.

Key Facts About Satavahana Dynasty

The term Satavahana in Prakrit is interpreted as “driven by seven,” symbolizing the chariot of the Sun God.
Simuka established the dynasty during the post-Mauryan era, around the mid-1st century BCE.
Main Territories: Present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
Major Capitals: Pratishthana (modern Paithan) and Amaravati.

Notable Rulers

Simuka: The founding king who supported both Jain and Buddhist architectural endeavors.
Satakarni I (70–60 BCE): Known for annexing Kalinga, performing the Ashvamedha sacrifice, and adopting regal titles.
Hala: A literary figure among kings, credited with composing Gatha Saptashati, a collection of 700 love poems in Prakrit.
Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 CE):
- Widely regarded as the most powerful Satavahana ruler.
- Defeated the Shakas and Nahapana, earning titles like Ekabrahmana and destroyer of Kshatriya pride.
- Expanded the kingdom from the Krishna River basin up to the Malwa plateau.
Yajna Sri Satakarni (165–194 CE): Encouraged trade and sea travel, as seen in coins that depict ships.

Governance and Administration

Military Governors (Senapati): Held both civil and military authority in tribal areas, blending regional governance with military oversight.
Feudatory Structure: The empire followed a decentralized model with three main ranks—Raja (with the right to mint coins), Mahabhoja, and Senapati—ensuring local control.
Land Grants: Religious and educational institutions were supported through tax-free land donations to Brahmins and Buddhist monks.

Recent Archaeological Findings

The ASI’s recent expedition focused on the Gundaram Reserve Forest. Among the eleven inscriptions, two stand out for their historical relevance. One inscription references a member of the Hāritiputra lineage, suggesting strong ties with the Satavahana dynasty. It indicates a friendly relationship between the Chutu dynasty and the Satavahanas, denoting political alliances of the time.

Significance of Inscriptions

The inscriptions are written in early Brahmi script and provide critical vital information about the socio-political fabric of early Deccan society. They document the relationship between dynasties and their patronage of Buddhism. The presence of religious symbols like the trident and damaru in the inscriptions indicates a blend of political power and religious authority.

Historical Context of Telangana

Telangana’s historical importance is further understood by its identification as part of Asmaka, one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. This association with early Indian political structures reinforces the region’s significance in ancient history. The inscriptions offer tangible evidence of Telangana’s role in shaping early Indian polity.

Implications for Future Research

These discoveries pave the way for further exploration of the region’s history. They encourage a deeper understanding of the inter-dynastic relationships and cultural exchanges between the Satavahanas and their contemporaries. The ASI’s findings highlight the need for continued archaeological efforts in Telangana and neighbouring regions.

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