Telangana Was Part of Asmaka Mahajanapada, Reveals ASI Inscription
Of these, 10 inscriptions belong to the Satavahana period.
Hyderabad: Fresh epigraphical evidence unearthed in Telangana has established that the region was part of the ancient Asmaka mahajanapada, one of the 16 major political entities that flourished in the Indian subcontinent during the 6th century BCE, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
According to Dr K. Munirathnam Reddy, director (epigraphy), ASI, an epigraphical survey conducted in the Gundaram reserve forest region of Peddapalli district revealed an early Satavahana site yielding 11 inscriptions dated between the 1st century BCE and the 5th century CE.
Of these, 10 inscriptions belong to the Satavahana period. One inscription mentions Kumara Hakisiri, son of Satakarni I and Naganika, as the ruler of the Asmaka rajya, providing clear evidence that present-day Telangana formed part of the Asmaka mahajanapada.
“The discovery confirms that the Asmaka region, which corresponds to parts of present-day Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts, with Bodan as its capital, was one of the 16 mahajanapadas of ancient India,” Dr Munirathnam Reddy said.
The 16 mahajanapadas included Kosala, Kashi, Anga, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kamboja.
He said the inscriptions also shed light on the religious patronage of the Satavahanas, particularly towards Buddhism. The records indicate that the rulers provided shelter to Buddhist monks and made donations to support monastic life, reflecting the role of the dynasty in the spread of Buddhism in the region.
The director noted that questions remain about the political condition of the Andhra region during the 6th century BCE, when Telangana was part of the Asmaka mahajanapada.
“So far, no epigraphical evidence has been found that clearly explains the political status of the Andhra region during this period. This area needs focused attention and further research to bridge existing gaps in our understanding,” he said.
Dr Munirathnam Reddy said continued archaeological and epigraphical studies are essential to reconstruct the early political and cultural history of the Deccan region.