The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has documented eleven Satvahana Era inscriptions during a recent survey in the Gundaram Reserve Forest in Telangana.

About the Gundaram Inscriptions

• The inscriptions, engraved on a rock surface known as Sitammalodi  and they date from the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE. 
• These Inscriptions provide rare insights into the early cultural and political history of the Deccan region, especially during the Satavahana period.

Key Findings from the Inscriptions

• One inscription mentions a person from the Haritiputra lineage, likely from the Chutu dynasty, who excavated a cave for Buddhist monks.
  • He refers to himself as a friend of Kumara Hakusiri, a prince of the Satavahana dynasty, indicating  political or social ties between the Satavahanas and the Chutus.
• Symbols like a trident and damaru, which are religious motifs are also found.
  • This is the first known case of such religious symbols appearing with early inscriptions in South India.
• Royal names like Kumara Sakasiri and Akusiri appear, emphasizing the region’s importance during the Satavahana era.
• The findings also reinforce Telangana’s connection to Asmaka, one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas from ancient Indian history (6th century BCE).

Satavahana Dynasty

• The Satavahanas (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE) were the first significant dynasty to rule the Deccan after the Mauryas. 
• Founded by: Simuka, post-Mauryan period (mid-1st century BCE).
• Capital: Pratishthana (modern Paithan in Maharashtra). 
• Territories: At their peak, they ruled a vast territory across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
• Notable Rulers:
  • Simuka: Founder of the dynasty.
  • Satakarni I: Expanded the kingdom and performed Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha.
  • Gautamiputra Satakarni: The greatest Satavahana ruler; defeated the Western Kshatrapas and revived Satavahana power.
  • Vasishthiputra Pulumavi & Yajna Sri Satakarni: Later rulers who maintained Satavahana dominance.
• Contributions & Achievements:
  • Trade & Economy: The Satavahanas controlled major trade routes, including the Dakshinapatha (Southern trade route), and had maritime trade with the Roman Empire.
  • Religion: They also supported Buddhism, especially through donations to rock-cut caves like those at Ajanta, Karla, and Amaravati.
  • Coinage: Issued lead, copper, and silver coins with Prakrit & Brahmi inscriptions.
  • Architecture: Built Buddhist stupas, viharas, and chaityas, including the famous Amaravati Stupa and Nagarjunakonda structures.
  • Literature: Patronized Prakrit language; Gatha Saptashati, a collection of poems, was composed during this period.