Previous Year Question
With reference to the Satavahana Rulers which of the following statement/s is/are true?
The Satavahana Kings were the nurtures of Prakrit language.
Public aspect of the arts got more encouragement during the Satavahana period.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Only 1
Both 1 and 2
Only 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. The Satavahana rulers gave significant patronage to the Prakrit language. Most royal inscriptions of the Satavahana period were written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script. The inscriptions from Nanaghat, Nasik and other sites are important evidence of this linguistic tradition.
The Satavahana ruler Hala occupies a particularly important place in the history of Prakrit literature. According to tradition, he compiled the Gathasaptasati, consisting mainly of about seven hundred verses in Maharashtri Prakrit. The work depicts several aspects of rural life, love, social relations and contemporary society.
Historical material available through IGNCA also clearly states that the Satavahana rulers patronized Prakrit as their court language. This shows that Prakrit was not confined merely to ordinary speech but was also extensively used in literature and inscriptions.
Statement 2 is also correct. Art during the Satavahana period developed not merely through royal patronage; merchants, craftsmen, guilds, monks, nuns and ordinary lay devotees also made important contributions. This is why the art of the period displays a strong popular or public aspect.
Numerous donative inscriptions have been found at Buddhist caves and stupas at Amaravati, Sanchi and in the Deccan. Commercial communities and individual donors played an important role in the development of Buddhist centres such as Karle, Bhaja, Nasik and Kanheri in the western Deccan. Stupas such as Amaravati in the eastern Deccan also received extensive community support.
Thus, while the Satavahana period witnessed patronage of Prakrit language and literature, the participation of different sections of society also strengthened the popular aspect of art.