Consider the following statements : 1. The Puranas call the Satvahanas ‘Andhrabhritya’ and ‘Andhrajatya’ 2. The history of Satvahanas is especially found in Vishnu and Bhagwat Purana. 3. Names of more than a hundred kings of Satvahanas are found in the Puranas How many of the statements given above are correct?

• The Satavahana dynasty was one of the prominent early historical dynasties of ancient India who ruled for approximately 400 years, with their reign spanning from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
• Their empire at its peak covered much of present-day Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
• They are known for their contributions to the fields of art, culture, and trade and also patronized Buddhism, as evidenced by their support for the construction of stupas, viharas, and chaityas, particularly at sites like Sanchi and Amaravati.
• The term Andhrabhritya is found in the Puranas, which are ancient Indian texts that record historical, religious, and cultural traditions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Matsya Purana, Vayu Purana, and Brahmanda Purana are some of the texts that provide information on the Satavahanas. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• "Andhra" refers to the region that is associated with the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh. The term "Bhritya" is often translated as "servant" or "subordinate.
• According to the Puranic accounts, the Satavahanas were referred to as Andhrabhritya, suggesting that they might have originally served as subordinates or officials under the Mauryan Empire before establishing their own independent rule.
• Most Puranas mention around 30 Satavahana rulers by name. The exact number and names of these kings can vary slightly between different Puranas, reflecting variations in tradition or possible errors in transmission over time. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• The genealogies provided by the Puranas are often considered to be somewhat mythological and not always reliable as historical records.

Some of the most prominent Satavahana kings mentioned in various sources include

• Simuka: Considered the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
• Satakarni I: Expanded the kingdom and is known for his military conquests.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni: One of the most celebrated rulers, known for his victories against the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas.
• Vasisthiputra Pulumavi: Successor of Gautamiputra Satakarni, continued the consolidation of the empire.
• Yajna Sri Satakarni: Often regarded as the last great king of the Satavahana dynasty.