The pre-Pallava history of the Andhra region (roughly 3rd century BCE – 3rd century CE) was dominated by the Satavahana dynasty (also known as the Andhras), which ruled the Deccan Plateau and established the foundations of early Andhra civilization. After the decline of the Satavahanas in the early 3rd century CE, the region was ruled by several local dynasties, with the Andhra Ikshvakus being the most significant.
Key Pre-Pallava Dynasties in Andhra (c. 230 BCE – 300 CE):
Satavahana Dynasty (2nd Century BCE – 2nd/Early 3rd Century CE):
They were the first major Andhra power, ruling from capitals like Amaravati.
The empire reached its peak under Gautamiputra Satakarni.
They maintained trade relations with the Roman Empire.
Andhra Ikshvakus (Early 3rd – Early 4th Century CE):
Succeeded the Satavahanas in the Krishna River valley.
Capital was Vijayapuri (modern Nagarjunakonda).
While Hindu (Shaivite), they supported Buddhism, leading to the construction of many monuments at Nagarjunakonda.
Other Contemporary Powers:
Bruhatpalayanas: Ruled northern Andhra in the 3rd century CE from Kodur.
Anandagotrikas: Ruled the coastal region (335–425 CE), likely succeeding the Ikshvakus.
Salankayanas: Ruled part of the east coast from Vengi (c. 300–440 CE).
Transition to Pallava Rule:
The early Pallavas actually originated as feudatories within the Andhra region (northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra) after the fall of the Satavahanas.
Pallava king Simhavarman defeated the Ikshvaku king Rudrapurushadatta around 300 CE, establishing Pallava authority over Coastal Andhra (known as Karmarashtra) before moving their capital to Kanchipuram.
Key Features of Pre-Pallava Andhra:
Religion: Vedic Brahmanism (Ashvamedha sacrifices) coexisted with flourishing Buddhism (Nagarjunakonda, Bhattiprolu).
Script: The Bhattiprolu script was a precursor to the Brahmi lipi, which evolved into Telugu scripts.
Economy: Highly prosperous with 30 fortified towns along the Godavari, according to Megasthen