Society of the Satavahanas

Society of the Satavahanas

Extent of Satavahana Kingdoom

 

The society during the Satavahana period retained much of its earlier flexibility and the contact with the North accelerated the process of acculturation. At it’s zenith, the Satavahana empire extended from Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west and embraced the entire region between the Narmada in the north to the Krishna in the south. Though the Satavahana empire was a vast one, the polity was simple, copied to a good extent from the earlier Mauryan system. Their government was based on hereditary absolute monarchy, i.e, the succession of the throne was hereditary in the male line.

For administrative purposes, the empire was divided into aharas (or) rashtras governed by amatyas, which were further divided into nigamas (towns) and gramas (villages). There was considerable autonomy in managing the affairs of these smaller units and merchant guilds (srenis) played an important role in this regard.

In spite of the regulations of the sutrakaras, caste-system did not grow rigid in the Andhra region. Gautamiputra Satakarni abhorred the assimilation of the foreign tribes into the Hindu-fold and claimed to have stopped varna-sankara (or) assimilation of castes and assumed the title “VINIVARTITA CHATURVARNA SAMKARA”. The caste of Satavahanas itself is a matter of serious debate. The satavahanas were hostile to the kshatriyas and from the beginning they allied themselves with the Brahmins. Satakarni I performed vedic sacrifices including Aswamedha and Rajasuya. Gautamiputra Satakarni proclaimed himself as “EK BRAHMINA”, “KSHATRIYA DARPA MANAMARDHANA” (one who has suppressed the pride of kshatriyas) and “DVIJAVARA KUTUMBA VIVARDHANA” (one who has improved the lot of Brahmin families).

Along with the 4-fold caste system, society was divided into 4 classes based on the profession of people, who were called according to their profession as,

• Halika – cultivator


• Sethi – Merchant


• Vachika – Carpenter


• Kolika – Weaver


• Kamara – Blacksmith


• Suvarnakara – Goldsmith

Though these crafts were well organized into guilds, they did not crystallize into castes.

These professionals along with the feudatories were grouped into 4 sections,

1^st Section – Maharathis, Mahabhojas and Mahasenadhipathis

2^nd Section – Amatyas and Sethis

3^rd Section – Halikas and Suvarnakaras

4^th Section – Kolikas and Kamaras

Position of Women:

One of the outstanding features of the Satavahana society was the high status and considerable freedom enjoyed by the women. Royal ladies like Naganika and Balasri played a dominant role in the affairs of the State. The Satavahana kings took pride in associating their names with their mothers like Gautamiputra and Vashishtiputra (Metronymics).

The royal ladies patronized Buddhism and made liberal grants to the chaityas and viharas. Women of rich families were educated and participated in debates and discussions. Several Gathas in sapthasati were composed by women. The Satavahan women were fashion conscious. They were fond of ornaments like ear rings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Both sexes mingled freely, especially during certain festivals.

The “Saptasathi” of Hala and the sculptures at Amaravati reflect a society in which people are happy, contended with a joyous outlook on life, caring for the pleasures of the world. Since the satavahanas controlled part of the Deccan and part of the northern India, they acted as couriers of Aryanism to southern India.

Satavahana Kingdom at its zenith

Related Topics : Indian History for APPSC Exams

Source : Govt. Jobs Material