Unturned History Glory - Nagani Satkarni, queen reflecting valour, courage and confidence.

When arguments blazes over feminism, because world admires women hiding behind the dupatta/burqa and enjoy silence. The day she speaks, it starts hurting everyone's emotions be it family, soceity, country and even the religion. Yet it is curious to know who imposed such mentality upon us, because our history is evident of courageous and warrior Queen who fought for their kingdom despite of gender disparity and exhibited excellent governance. 

Satvahana Rule 

The term “Satvahana” originated from the Prakrit which means ” driven by seven” which is an implication of the Sun God’s chariot that is driven by seven horses as per Hindu mythology. 

* It is believed that after the decline of the Mauryas and before the advent of the Satavahans, there must have been numerous small political principalities that were ruling in different parts of the Deccan (for about 100 years).

* Probably the Rathikas and the Bhojikas that have been mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions gradually progressed into the Maharathis and Mahabhojas of pre-Satavahana times.

* The Satavahanas are considered to be identical to the Andhras who are mentioned in the Puranas, but neither the name Andhra appears in the Satavahana inscriptions nor do the Puranas mention the Satavahanas.

* According to some Puranas, the Andhras ruled for 300 years and this period is assigned to the rule of the Satavahana dynasty, with their capital at Pratishthana (modern Paithan) on the Godavari in Aurangabad district.

* The Satavahana kingdom majorly comprised present-day Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana. At times, their rule also included parts of Gujarat, Karnataka as well as Madhya Pradesh.

The kingdom had different capitals at different times. Two of the capitals were Amaravati and Pratishthana (Paithan).

* The earliest inscriptions of the Satavahans belong to the first century BCE when they defeated the Kanvas and established their power in parts of Central India.

* It is important to mention that the early Satavahana kings appeared not in Andhra but in Maharashtra, where most of their early inscriptions have been found. Gradually they extended their power over Karnataka and Andhra.

* Their greatest competitors were the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India, who had established themselves in the upper Deccan and western India.

* The Satavahans were Brahmanas and worshipped gods like Vasudeva Krishna.

* The Satavahans kings used matronyms like Gautamiputra and Vaishishthiputra, although they were not matriarchal or matrilineal in any sense.

* They assumed the title of Dakshinapatha Pati (Lord of Dakshinapatha).

* The Satavahanas are known for starting the practice of giving royal grants of land to Brahmans and Buddhist monks.

* Simuka was the founder of the Satavahana Dynasty.

* The Satavahanas were the first native Indian kings to have issued their own coins which had the rulers’ portraits on them. Gautamiputra Satakarni started this practice which he imbibed from the Western Satraps after vanquishing them.

* The coin legends were in Prakrit. Some reverse coin legends are in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada also.

* They patronised Prakrit more than Sanskrit.

Even though the rulers were Hindus and claimed Brahmanical status, they supported Buddhism also.

They were successful in defending their areas from foreign invaders and had many battles with the Sakas.

The term "Nagina Satakarni" likely refers to Naganika, the queen of Satakarni I, a ruler of the Satavahana dynasty. Naganika is known for the Naneghat inscription, which provides valuable information about Satakarni I and his reign. The inscription describes Satakarni as the "Lord of Dakshinapatha" and mentions his performance of Ashvamedha sacrifices to proclaim his sovereignty. 

Question why such treasure of history is not taught to us in our classrooms. The biggest reason of loosing strength of our rich culture is maximum adulteration to our history. The tradition and modernity that our golden comprises of is beyond imagination for other religions and countries. Yet we have forgotten that should be inscribed with golden letters.