2020-03-06 Fri

The term Satavahana is originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Sapta-Vahana’ meaning ‘driven by seven’. According to Hindu mythology, ‘the chariot of the sun god is drawn by seven horses’. This would ratify the claim that the Satavahanas are originally associated with the legendary solar dynasty.

The Satavahana Empire ruled large parts of India from the 2nd Century BCE till 2nd Century CE. The Satavahana Empire had played an important role in Indian history. This empire is also known as the Andhras in Deccan and their capital was at Paithan or Pratishthan. They ruled a large part of Telangana, Andhra-Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and parts of today's Gujarat.

This silver drachma which weighs around 2.1g was issued by king Vasithiputra Sri Satakarni during his rule in Satavahana Empire. The obverse of this coin depicts the bust of king facing towards the right with a prominent nose and thick lips, a stylish hair-bun in the front above the forehead and long ears, with Brahmi legend around Raiyon Vasithiputasa Siri Satakanisa. The reverse of this coin depicts the central motif of hill and Ujjayini symbol withTamil-Telugu legend "Vahitti Makanasa tire Hatakanasa around.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction