Post Mauryan India
Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and write the complete sentences.
(1) The last emperor of the Mauryan dynasty was _____ .
(a) Ajatashatru
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Brihadratha
(d) Emperor Ashoka
Answer: (c) Brihadratha
(2) The Nashik inscription mentions king _____ as ‘Trisamudratoyapitavahana’.
(a) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(b) Hala
(c) Yadnashree Satakarni
(d) Simuka
Answer: (a) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(3) Satavahana king, Hala, compiled ______ .
(a) Brihatkatha
(b) Gatha Saptashati
(c) Katantra
(d) Meghdoota
Answer: (b) Gatha Saptashati
(B) Find incorrect pair from Set B and write the correct ones.
| Set ‘A’ | Set ‘B’ |
| (1) Kalidasa | Malavikagnimitram |
| (2) Gunadhya | Gatha Saptashati |
| (3) Sarvavarma | Katantra |
| (4) Patanjali | Mahabhashya |
Answer: (b) Gunadhya – Brihatkatha
Q.2 Explain the following statements with reasons.
(1) During the Satavahana period there was rise of many trade centres.
Answer: Reason: The Satavahana period saw economic prosperity due to agriculture, industries, and trade. The establishment of guilds (shrenis) regulated trade and provided loans, fostering economic growth. Trade centres like Pratishthana, Tagar, Nashik, Sopara, Kalyan, and Bhadoch flourished, supported by Indo-Roman trade. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions Paithan and Tagar as key market towns exporting goods like carnelian and textiles. The Naneghat trade route and ports like Sopara facilitated trade with Rome, contributing to the rise of these centres.
(2) The caste system became rigid during the Satavahana period.
Answer: Reason: The Satavahana society was organized into four varnas, but the caste system became deeply entrenched due to several factors. Intermixture of varnas (Varnasankara) created complexities, while the exclusivity of guilds restricted social mobility. The need to integrate foreigners (Greeks, Shakas, etc.) into the social structure further rigidified caste distinctions to maintain social order. These factors led to a more stratified and rigid caste system.
Q.3 Give your opinion.
Prakrit language was encouraged during the Satavahana period.
Answer: Opinion: The encouragement of Prakrit during the Satavahana period was a significant cultural development that strengthened regional identity and literary traditions. Prakrit, particularly Maharashtri Prakrit, was patronized by rulers like Hala, who compiled Gatha Saptashati, a collection of 700 verses reflecting social life and human emotions. Works like Gunadhya’s Brihatkatha in Paishachi Prakrit further enriched Prakrit literature. This focus on Prakrit, as opposed to Sanskrit, made literature accessible to a wider audience, fostering a sense of regional linguistic pride. The influence of Maharashtri Prakrit is evident in the evolution of modern Marathi, highlighting the lasting impact of this encouragement.
Q.4 Write short notes:
(1) Nashik inscription of Gautami Balashri
Answer: The Nashik inscription, attributed to Gautami Balashri, mother of Gautamiputra Satakarni, details his reign and achievements. It describes him as ‘Shakapahlavyavannisudan’ (destroyer of Shakas, Pallavas, and Greeks), ‘Satavahanakulayashahpratishthapankar’ (restorer of Satavahana glory), and ‘Trisamudratoyapitavahana’ (ruler whose horses drank from three seas). These titles signify his victories over the Shaka Kshatrapas, including Nahapana, and his conquests across Central India and Dakshinapatha. The inscription highlights the Satavahana practice of matronymics and underscores Gautamiputra’s role in reviving the dynasty’s power.
(2) Naneghat – ancient trade route in Maharashtra
Answer: Naneghat is a historic mountain pass in Maharashtra connecting Junnar (ancient Jirnanagar) to the Konkan coast at Murbad. A key trade route during the Satavahana period, it facilitated commerce between the Deccan and coastal ports like Sopara and Kalyan. The Satavahanas excavated a cave at Naneghat, containing Brahmi script inscriptions about Queen Naganika, Satavahana kings’ achievements, and their donations. The cave also housed statues of Satavahana rulers and numeric symbols resembling modern numerals. Facilities like inns (Dharmashalas) and a toll-collection stone jar supported traders, underscoring Naneghat’s economic significance.
(3) Gatha Saptashati
Answer: Compiled by Satavahana king Hala, Gatha Saptashati (Gahasattasai) is a collection of 700 verses in Maharashtri Prakrit, making it the first text in this language. The poems vividly portray human emotions, social transactions, religious observances, ethical norms, and festivals, offering insights into Satavahana society. The text reflects the linguistic connection between Maharashtri Prakrit and modern Marathi, with some words still used today. Its emphasis on Prakrit literature highlights the Satavahanas’ patronage of regional languages and their contribution to cultural heritage.
Q.5 Write information about the Satavahana dynasty with the help of the given points.
(a) Rise and expansion
Answer: The Satavahanas rose to power after the Mauryan Empire’s decline, establishing their rule in Maharashtra, Andhra, and Karnataka. Initially centered in Nashik, Pune, and Aurangabad, their capital was Paithan. Simuka, the first king, laid the foundation, followed by rulers like Shri Satakarni and Hala. Gautamiputra Satakarni significantly expanded the empire by defeating the Shaka Kshatrapas, including Nahapana, and conquering Central India, Dakshinapatha, Avanti, and Surashtra. His victories over republican states and southern kingdoms solidified Satavahana dominance. However, constant conflicts with the Shakas weakened the dynasty after Vashishthiputra Pulumavi and Yajnashree Satakarni.
(b) Administrative system
Answer: The Satavahana state was divided into provinces, each governed by civil officials (Amatya, Mahabhoj) and military officials (Mahasenapati, Maharathi). The village (Grama) was the smallest administrative unit, contributing revenue and soldiers during wars. This decentralized system ensured effective governance. Guilds (shrenis) played a crucial role in regulating trade and industries, supporting the administrative framework.
(c) Trade and industries
Answer: Agriculture was the primary economic activity, complemented by thriving industries and trade. Trade centres like Pratishthana, Tagar, Nashik, Sopara, Kalyan, and Bhadoch flourished, driven by Indo-Roman trade. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea highlights Paithan and Tagar as key exporters of carnelian and textiles. The Naneghat trade route and ports like Sopara facilitated commerce with Rome. Guilds managed trade and provided loans, while coins and fortified cities indicate a robust economy.
(d) Literature and art
Answer: The Satavahanas patronized Prakrit literature, with Hala’s Gatha Saptashati (700 Maharashtri Prakrit verses) and Gunadhya’s Brihatkatha being notable works. Sarvavarma’s Katantra contributed to Sanskrit grammar. In art, a native Indian sculptural style emerged, seen in the Sanchi Stupa’s gateways, rock-cut caves at Bhaje, Nashik, and Karle, and Ajanta caves (8, 9, 10, 12, 13). The Karle Chaitya’s facade and sculptures are exemplary. Coins with ship imagery reflect maritime trade, enriching artistic expressions.
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