After Pulamayi II, the Sattavahana Empire fell under the hands of weak successors. The period after Pulamayi II till Yajnasri Satakarni was shrouded with darkness. During this period three kings with insignificant records ruled the Sattavahana kingdom. Hence after Pulamayi II, the most important Sattavahana king was Yajnasri Satakarni who ruled from 165 to 195 A.D. Not much information is available about the reign of Yajnasri Satakarni. However historians have determined the extent of his kingdom from the evidential spots of his coins and inscriptions. The coins and inscriptions are found in the regions of Krishna-Godavari Valley, North Konkan, Baroda, Aparanta and Berar, which indicates that these regions use to form a part of the Sattavahana territory during the reign of Yajnasri Satakarni. The coins found in Sopora and Suparka testify that Yajnasri Satakarni successfully recovered the entire territory of Aparanta from their ancient adversary, the Sakas. Historians have opined that Sattavahana king Yajnasri Satakarni had conquered most of the regions occupied by the Sakas. As a whole he recovered Aparanta, Kathiawar and the entire Narmada valley, regarded the major parts of Saka areas. Yajnasri Satakarni was a shrewd diplomat and with such a gift he wholly occupied the Saka kingdom.
Yajnasri Satakarni was a benevolent ruler and worked for public welfare. He was tolerant to the other religious groups and was a friend of the sage Nagarjuna. During his reign, the Sattavahana Empire witnessed an impetus in the naval power and maritime trade. According to some historians, Puranas were re-edited during his time. However none became a competent successor of such a great king like he was. Towards the conclusion of his reign, forces of disintegration collapsed the formidable Sattavahana kingdom. The provincial kingdoms proclaimed their independence. Thus, with the culmination of Yajnasri Satakarni`s rule, the lamp of the Sattavahana power in ancient India was extinguished forever.
