The Iron Age sites
Excavations have revealed that the Hyderabad region has been inhabited since the Iron Age. The sites have been dated to 500 BCE.
The Mauryans and The Satavahanas
The Telangana region was a part of the massive Mauryan empire. The Mauryan king , Ashoka, was ruling the Telangana region in the third century BCE. After his death, which took place in 232 BCE, the Mauryan empire weakened and began to decline. Taking advantage of this, their (The Mauryan's) feudatories- the Satavahanas establsihed their own empire in the Deccan region.
The Satavahna dynasty had its capital first established in Kotilinga.Later on the capital shifted to other regions such as Paithan and Amaravti (Dharanikota). As a testimony to the reign of the Satavahanas, we have material evidence: coins issued by Kings Simuka, Siri Satavahana, Satakani I, Satasiri, Satakani II, Vasitiputta Pulumayi, Vasittiputta Satakani and their governers. Their empire covered a vast region- stretching from most of Deccan plateau to Central India. Their rule lasted from 230 BCE to 220 CE (Almost 450 years!). The decline of the Satavahana empire began in 210 AD. After the collapse of the mighty Satavahana empire, may dynasties took their place. The Telangana region splintered into many parts and many dynasties ruled the area- the Ikshvakus, Vakatakas, Vishnukundins, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Vemulavada Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Mudigonda Chalukyas, Kanduri Chodas and Polvasa dynasty. With this, the ancient era comes to an end. |
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