Gundaram Inscriptions Discovered in Telangana Shed New Light on Satavahana Period

Eleven inscriptions found in Gundaram Reserve Forest offer valuable insights into the cultural and political landscape of the early Deccan (1st century BCE – 6th century CE), particularly the Satavahana period.

Key Findings from the Gundaram Inscriptions

1. Hāritiputra Inscription:
   1. Written in early Brahmi script.
   2. Suggests a political alliance between the Satavahana and Chutu dynasties.
   3. The Chutus were contemporaries of the Satavahanas.
2. Trident & Damaru Inscription:
   1. Features a trident and damaru symbol.
   2. Marks the earliest known religious iconography in South India.
   3. Indicates the early association of political authority with religious symbolism.

About the Satavahana Dynasty (2nd Century BCE to 2nd Century CE)

1. Dynasty Overview: The Satavahanas, also known as the Andhras, succeeded the Mauryas in the Deccan region, covering present-day Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
2. Prominent Rulers:
   1. Simuka: Founder of the Satavahana dynasty, who overthrew the Kanva dynasty.
   2. Gautamiputra Satakarni:
      1. The dynasty reached its peak under him.
      2. Known for his military victories against the Shakas (Western Satraps) and for consolidating Satavahana power.
      3. The Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions provide crucial details about his reign.
   3. Hala: Famous for his literary work Gathasaptasati (written in Prakrit).
3. Unique Naming Practice: Many Satavahana kings included their mother’s name in their own, unlike other dynasties.

Coins: The Satavahanas were among the first Indian dynasties to issue coins featuring portraits of their rulers.