Satavahana Dynasty: Identifying the Greatest Ruler
The question asks to identify the ruler of the Satavahana dynasty who is regarded as the greatest king and is known for being the destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas and Pahlavas. Let's analyze the options:
Understanding the Satavahana Kings
The Satavahana dynasty ruled parts of central and southern India from roughly the 3rd century BCE to the early 3rd century CE. Several rulers contributed significantly to its history.
- Simuka: He was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty. While important historically, he is not typically described as the greatest king or specifically as the destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas.
- Hala: This ruler is known for his literary contributions, particularly the compilation of the 'Gaha Sattasai' (Gatha Saptashati), a collection of Prakrit folk poetry. He was a notable king, but the description in the question points to a ruler known primarily for military achievements against foreign powers.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni: This ruler is widely considered the most prominent king of the Satavahana dynasty. His reign marked a significant revival and expansion of the empire. Historical inscriptions, most notably the Nashik inscription attributed to his mother Gautami Balasri, explicitly describe him as the destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas and Pahlavas. He claimed to have restored the glory of the Satavahana lineage after a period of decline caused by foreign invasions. His victories re-established Satavahana dominance in the Deccan region. Therefore, he fits the description of the greatest king and the destroyer mentioned.
- Yajna Sri Satakarni: He was one of the later significant rulers of the Satavahana dynasty, known for reviving the dynasty's fortunes and issuing coins featuring ships, indicating maritime trade. While a capable ruler, Gautamiputra Satakarni is more famously associated with the specific epithet of destroying the Sakas, Yavanas, and Pahlavas and is often considered the dynasty's zenith.
Conclusion on the Greatest Satavahana King
Based on historical records and the specific description provided in the question—being the greatest king and the destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas and Pahlavas—Gautamiputra Satakarni is the correct identification.
Similar Questions
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Who were the first to make land grants to Brahmins?
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Important Questions from Post Mauryan Age
Which of the following statement is correct?
I. Most of the Ashoka’'s inscriptions were in Prakrit language.
Il. Kalinga is the ancient name of coastal Orissa.
Which of these statements are correct
(A) Shaka administration continued largely along the lines of the Achaemenid and Seleucid system in Iran
(B) The kingdom during Shaka was divided into provinces, each under a military governor called Mahakshatrapa
(C) Another official title was Meridrach, an officer in charge of designated area in Shaka administration
(D) The minting of some coins during shakas in joint names of two rulers meant that the king associated himself with a ruler of lesser status
(E) Shaka kings took lesser titles as Samant
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Which of these statements are correct
(A) The post-Mauryan centuries saw a great spurt in the minting of coins
(B) The kings of the north-west imitated Greek. Roman and Iranian coin-types
(C) The increasing use of money did not drive out the barter systems, particularly in rural areas in post-Maurya period
(D) During post-Mauryas diverse use of coins indicates the variant trading economies
(E) Gold coins during post-Mauryas were Nishka & Suvarna and silver coins Shatamana were in use
Choose the most appopriate answer from the options given below:
Which of the following is not mentioned in the Satavahana inscriptions, while specifying the exemptions granted to the donees of land-gifts ?
Kanishka was a ruler of ______ dynasty.
