The economic condition of the Deccan was very good during the reign of the Satavahanas. Beside agriculture many other trades and industries were also popular. The merchants had organized themselves into srenis. The organization of these srenis is one of the special features of the period of Satavahanas. There are different references about the guilds of oil pressure, hydraulic machine artisans, potters, weavers, corn dealers, and bamboo workers. These guilds were the normal feature and very popular in the north as well as in south India. There must have been many more guilds about which the information is not available. These srenis also performed the works. People deposited money in it and received interest. Often people deposited their properties for the whole life. The rate of interest varied and it was probably from 9% to 12% per annum.
Commerce: Trade and commerce flourished during the reign of the Satavahanas. Bhadoch, Sopara, Malyana etc. were the important harbours. Goods were exported to foreign countries from these harbours. Nasik, Junar, Praisthan, Ghaukat, Karhatak were the main commercial centres. These cities were linked with each other through the roads. During the period of Pulutnavi ii to the reign of Sriyana there existed not only the commercial relations with the far east, but also colonization of that area had been successfully made.
Currency: Coins were very much prevalent during the Satavahana period. Many types of coins were prevalent at that time. Most of the coins were made of gold which were called `suvarna`. A gold coin was equal to 35 silver karshapanas. The weight of one karshapana was nearly 1454 grains and one ratti was equal to 183 grains. `Kushan` was another type of silver coin. Small coin of silver and copper were used for day-to-day transactions. These were called `karshapanas.`
Lending and borrowing: Lending and borrowing of money was also prevalent during the Satavahana period. The rate of interest on the deposition of money and the property, varied from 9% to 12% per annum. Compared to the modern rate of interest, it is obvious that rate of interest was higher during this period.
However, it is clear that people preferred to spend the money rather than to deposit it. The economic condition of the people was good. People used to live happily without any tension.