Gundaram inscriptions in Telangana

Context

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered eleven ancient inscriptions in the Gundaram Reserve Forest near Peddapalli, Telangana. Dating from the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE, these inscriptions provide new insights into the early history of the Deccan, particularly the Satavahana period.

Key Findings

Link to Satavahana Dynasty: One of the inscriptions, written in early Brahmi script, records that a person from the H?ritiputra lineage, likely part of the Chu?u dynasty, excavated a cave for Buddhist monks. He describes himself as a friend of Kum?ra Hakusiri, a prince of the Satavahana dynasty.
Religious Symbolism: Another inscription includes religious symbols such as a trident and a damaru (a small drum associated with Lord Shiva). This is considered the first known instance of such religious iconography being used in early South Indian inscriptions. It may show how political authority was beginning to associate with religious symbolism during that time.
Additional Names: Other inscriptions mention royal figures like Kum?ra Sakasiri and Akusiri, suggesting that the region was of political importance during the Satavahana period.
Confirmation of Telangana’s Ancient Role: These discoveries support earlier evidence from other sites, such as Kotilingala, showing that Telangana was historically part of Asmaka—one of the sixteen major states (Mah?janapadas) in ancient India, known from texts dating back to the 6th century BCE.
Possible Buddhist Monastic Site: Based on the location and nature of the inscriptions, the area may have once served as a burial ground or spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks.

Fact Box: Satavahana Empire

The Satavahana Empire was one of ancient India’s longest-ruling dynasties, emerging shortly after the fall of the Mauryan Empire around 230 BCE and lasting up to 220–250 CE.
It played a vital role in bridging the cultural and political transition between the Mauryan and Gupta periods, especially across the Deccan region.
Origin: The Satavahanas are often identified with the Andhras mentioned in the Puranas, also referred to as Andhrabhrityas ("servants of the Andhras").
- Their founder is widely believed to be Simuka Satavahana, as confirmed by coins and inscriptions found in Kotilingala (Telangana) and Kondapur.
Capital Cities: The Satavahana capital shifted over time:
- Amaravati/Dhanyakataka (Andhra Pradesh) – often regarded as the primary capital, especially in the east.
- Paithan/Pratishthana (Maharashtra) – served as the western capital during their conflict with western invaders.
Political and Military Achievements
- They restored order in the Deccan after the Mauryas, resisting invasions by Sakas (Western Kshatrapas), Yavanas (Greeks), and Pahlavas (Parthians).
- Notable rulers like Gautamiputra Satakarni and Sri Yajna Satakarni successfully defended the empire and expanded its territory.
- As per classical sources like Pliny, they commanded massive armies with over 100,000 infantry and 1,000 elephants, indicating significant power and military strength.
Cultural and Religious Contributions
- The Satavahanas patronized Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and also supported Buddhism.
- They are among the earliest dynasties to issue coins with rulers’ portraits, contributing to Indian numismatics and administrative evolution.
- Their reign saw the flourishing of Prakrit literature and inscriptions in Brahmi script.

Chutu Dynasty (1-3^rdCentury CE)

The Chutu Dynasty (or Ananda Dynasty), ruled parts of the Deccan region in South India.
Capital: Banvasi (Karnataka).
They rose to power as feudatories of the Satavahanas and claimed sovereignty after the decline of Satavahana rule.
The Chutu Dynasty succeeded the Maharathis of Karnataka and issued coins in large numbers.
Three series of coins have been identified from this dynasty: Chutukulananda, Mulananda, and Sivalananda. These coins represent families, not individual kings.
This Extremely-rare alloy copper unit of Chutukulananda weighs 6.21g.