Q- Discuss the origin and original home land of the Satavahanas.
Ans-
Origin of the Satavahanas (Andhras). –
The word Satavahana represents a ‘Kula‘ or family and the word Andhra represents the name of a ‘Jati’ or a tribe. The Satavahana family of Andhra ‘Jati’ established an independent Kingdom in the west and east of South India after the downfall of the Mauryan empire.
It is also suggested that the original home of the Satavahanas was in Maharashtra. Probably the Satavahanas conquered Andhra region and subjugated the natives of Andhra. They in due course, got so much mixed up with the people of Andhra region that the name Andhra began to be applied to them.
Original Home of the Satavahanas-
There is a lot of controversy regarding the original home of the Satavahanas. Kings called Satavahanas and Satakarnis in inscriptions and coins are given the name of Andhras, Andhra- bhrityah and Andhrajatiyah in the Puranas. From this, scholars have come to the conclusion that the Satavahanas or the Satakarnis were identical with the Andhras. The view of Rapson, Smith and Bhandarkar was that the Satavahanas belonged to Andhradesa. Dr. Smith fixed the capital of the Andhras at Srikakulam but Bhandarkar preferred to fix it at Dhannakataka. According to Dr. Gopalachari, epigraphic, numismatic and literary evidence points to a Western origin the region around Pratishthana which is modern Paithan in the Aurangabad district of former Hyderabad State. It is suggested that the original home of the Satavahanas was in Maharashtra. Probably Satakarni conquered Andhradesa and colonised the same after the subjugation of the natives. The Satavahanas later on lost their northern and western possessions and got so much mixed up with the people of Andhradesa whom they ruled that the Puranas called them not only the rulers of Andhradesa but also gave them the title of the Andhra kings.
The Satavahanas were Brahmanas like the Sungas and Kanvas. This is confirmed by the Nasik cave inscription of Vasishthiputra Pulumay where king Gautamiputra Satakarni is described as a unique Brahman, equal in powers to Ram (Parsurama) and destroyer of the pride and prestige of the Kshatriyas.
Location-
The Andhra ruled over the teritory between Godavari and river Krishna.
Duration of the rule –
There is a great divergent of opinion regarding the duration of the rule of the Satavahanas. The Satavahana dynasty according to most common view lasted from about 212 B.C. to 250 A.D., i.e. for about 400 years.
According to ‘Vayu Purana’, The Satavahanas ruled for 300 years and had 19 rulers.
According to the ‘Marsaya Purana’ The dynasty ruled for 400 years and had 30 Kings.