Question

During the Satavahanas period coins were made up of ___________.
A)Lead
B)Potin (Alloy)
C)Silver
D)All the above

Answer 1

Hint: 1)They were an Indian dynasty in the Deccan region.
2)The dynasty existed during the 2nd century.
3)It was a monarchical form of government.

Complete answer:
The Satavahanas dynasty is also known as the Andhras according to the Puranas during the reign of the 2nd century to early 3rd century and at present the kingdom is situated in Telangana in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra and has extended to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

The first king of the Satavahana dynasty is Simuka whose origin was found in the inscription named Naneghat who ruled around 23 years. He defeated the king of the Kanva dynasty named Balipuccha. He was succeeded by his brother named Kanha who is also known as Krishna who expanded his kingdom to Nashik.

Regarding the issue of coins it is known that the Satavahanas were the earliest Indian rulers who issued their own coins along with the portraits of their rulers and was started with the King Gautamiputra Satakarni. The coins of the dynasty were made up of lead, copper and potion which was written in Prakrit language. The coins did not possess any fixed size or design but represented various symbols such as elephants, lions, horses and chaityas.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: 1)The term Satavahana is derived from the word Sapta-Vahana which means driven by seven which according to the Hindu mythology means the chariot of the sun God which is drawn by seven horses.
2)It is considered that the Satvahanas had a great contribution in the establishment of the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi.
3)The Satvahanas belonged to the religion of Hindus and claimed Brahmical status.