Satavahana Coins: A Guide

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The list of Satavahana Kings and their years of rules. 3. Identification of Satavahana coins. 4. The identification of the coins of individual rulers of the Satavahana dynasty. 5. Satavahana silver portrait coins. 6. Symbols on Satavahana coins and their significance. 7. Flow chart for study of Satavahana coins. 8. Epilogue. Select bibliography. Satavahana was one of the most illustrious dynasties of ancient India who according to 'puranas' ruled over the Deccan and central India after the Mauryas, Sungas and Kanvas. It was indeed an indigenous dynasty that started from the Kotalingala on the banks of River Godavari in Telangana and revived the Vedic Indian culture. Satavahanas left behind great works of art such as those at famous Sanchi and Amaravati 'stupas' and rock cut temples in western India. During their long rule Satavahana dynasty provided peace, prosperity through foreign trade and they patronized a kind of art which flourished for many centuries that spread to other countries such as Sri Lanka and south-east Asia. Hence it was no surprise that Satavahana period is listed as one of the two periods of peace and prosperity in 5000-year history of India. Satavahanas issued coins made of copper, lead, point and silver. The language of Satavahana coins was Prakrit except for the reverse side of the rare silver coins was ancient Telugu. The script of the coins was Brahmi of the period. This book is a guide which helps in deciphering the legends on Satavahana coins and helps in identification of the coins of the individual Satavahana rulers.…