Satavahanas dynasty was ruled in Southern and Central part of India starting from around 230 B.C. and they were the first ancient dynasty of Maharashtra. The Satavahana`s tradition of art and architecture, characterized the iconic presentation of Buddha and such presentations in sculptures were common till this period. These sculptures reflecting the Satavahana art mainly include:

Amaravati Sculptures of Satavahana Empire: The famous Amaravati stupa is the masterpiece of the Satavahanas art having a dome structure, 20 feet high, with its four rectangular offsets. It was surrounded with a railing having 192 feet diameter and 600 feet circumference and it stood 13 or 14 feet high above the pavement. The Amaravati sculptures show some of the traces of the influence of the Gandhara and the Mathura schools to some extent. The erotic sculptures are less in numbers but can be marked with their presence. Speciously, the female figures are carved sensuously and the erotic appeal of the figures and situations is felt easily. The theme of nature and related things are most charmingly depicted through the art of carving with emphasizing on vigour, activity and grace. One more important stage of development in sculptural history is marked during this period, since they had a practise of depicting the Buddha as a divine being and receiving worship. The iconic presentation of Buddha was common till this period.

Nagarjunakonda Sculptures of Satavahana Empire: Nagarjunakonda was another center of showing the Satavahana art, where the sculptural tradition of Amaravati seems to continue at the art of this place. The Buddhist themes dominate the entire picture of artistic creations. Throughout the sculptures the main themes is of showing various episodes revolving around the Buddha and his life. But the outstanding example of the sculpture of that ages & art of Satavahanas is the depiction of the Enlightened Buddha. The images of Buddha are mainly in the `sthanaka` i.e. standing or `asana` i.e. sitting position and marvelously portray a serene oval face of Buddha with a moderately built body. The images in sitting position shows striking similarity with each other`s in carving rounded shoulders. In many images, the right hand of Buddha is held up to give a symbolic gesture of `abhaya` means protection- or `pravachana` means preaching.

Karle Sculptures of Satavahana Empire: The famous chaitya hall built at Karle is considered as another example of the magnificence of the Satavahana architecture. The hall is more than 124 feet long, 46 feet broad and 46 feet high. It also marked with construction of the Garbhagriha, the Pradakshina and the Mantapa. Here, along with the doorway, even the elegant Chaitya window, encompassing the woodwork of sculptures has remained till today. The construction of all the monuments is responsible for the " soft luminous atmosphere" inside it.

Kanheri Sculptures of Satavahana Empire: The remains of a brick Chaitya at Chandravalli and of a stupa at Sannati have also been discovered in Karnataka, marking the art of the Satavahana art. Some historians strongly believe that art schools like the Kshatrapa, the Vakataka, Kalachuri, Chalukya, Pallava, Pandya, etc had a direct obligation to the art of the Satavahanas.

Ajanta Sculptures of Satavahana Empire: In the field of carvings and paintings also the Satavahanas art was marked, in the caves of Ajanta the painting was started with the Satavahanas. Sculpture of Buddha in cave 10 is shows Buddha as seated on a cushion and wearing red robe. On his forehead a chandan mark in noted. He is shown as surrounded by standing monks and householders.

The glory of the Satavahanas is rightly reflected from the tradition of art and architecture, which was evolved and developed by them. The sculpture of this period is mostly of architectural accomplishment. Many famous places in Andhra like Goli, Jaggayapeta, Ghantasala, Bhattiprolu, Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda have revealed the remains of stupas and sculptures.