Home > Indian History > History of India > Religious conditions During the Satavahanas
Religious conditions During the Satavahanas
Like Sunga period, Satavahanas was also the period of the rise of the Brahmanism.

Share this Article:

Religious conditions During the SatavahanasLike Sunga period, Satavahanas was also the period of the rise of the Brahmanism. Many types of yajanas were prevalent during this period. It can be known from Navaghat inscription that various kinds of sacrifices were performed during this period. Satkarni I is said to have performed two Asvamedha sacrifices and one Rajasuya sacrifices. Sacrifices like agnyadhaya, aiviramshtniva, gavamayina, angirasatirattra, aptoryama, angirasamayana, gargatisutra, chhandb gspapvarnanatiratra, trayodasaratra, etc. were also performed by satakarni I. The system of giving charity and dakshina to the Brahmans were also prevalent. There was prevalence of the rites and rituals all over the place.

Along with the Brahman religion Vaishnava and Shaiva religion were also developing at that time. It can be understood from the names such as `Vishnupalit`, `Vishnudutt`, etc. Various inscriptions indicate the prevalence of the Vaishanava religion likewise names, such as, `Shivadutta`, `Shivabhut`, `Bhutapil`, `Skand`, etc., found in the inscriptions and elsewhere indicate the prevalence of the worship of lord Shiva in the society.

Thus it can be seen that Nandi, nag etc. were also worshipped in the society, places of pilgrimage were given much importance and it was considered pious to go and have bath in holy places and to give charity to the Brahman.

Because of the tolerant attitude of the Satavahana towards the religion, Buddhism also flourished during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty. The Buddhist caves and epigraphs built during this period at Pitalkhara, Nasik, Bhoja, Bedsaondane and Kuda and the Buddhist stupas at Bhattiprobe, Amaravati, Goli, Ghantasala and Gmmadidurru show the progress which Buddhism had made during this period. Various Buddhist caves built during this period. These were mainly of two types. Chaityagrihas or temples, and Layanas or residential quarters for Bhikshus. Buddhist monks and other followers of Buddhism were here to propagate their religion. Some of the Buddhist monks had enough money for this purpose. Buddhist Bhikshus remained in caves only in rainy season while in other seasons they propagated their religion.

Another important feature of the Satavahana period was that a large number of foreigners embraced either Buddhism or Brahmanism. Many of the Yavanas, Sakas, Phalanas and Abhiras settled in Gudoa and became follower of Brahmanism or Buddhism. For example Heliodorous, an ambassador to Bhagabhadra of Vidisa was a follower of Brahmanism.

Thus it can be seen that the Satavahana period was the period of religious tolerance. Not a single example of religious persecution is found.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.