Question

The greatest claim to fame of the Satavahanas is on account of ____________
A)Pursuing a tolerant religious policy and giving common patronage to Buddhism and Brahmanism
B)Adoption of Prakrit as their court language in preference to Sanskrit
C)Great economic prosperity and brisk inland and foreign trade
D)Great contribution to Indian art as evident from the art of Amravati and Nagarjunakonda.

Answer 1

Hint: Satavahanas were an ancient Indian dynasty also referred to as the Andhras. They were based in the Deccan region. Their reign began in the second century BCE and lasted till the third century BCE.

Complete answer: It was widely believed that Satavahanas resisted the invasion of foreign rulers and established peace in the Deccan region, they patronized the Prakrit instead of the Sanskrit language. The Satavahanas were the supporters of Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Satavahanas created a cultural bridge and played an imperative role in transferring cultural symbols and ideas to Southern India, by providing an alluring range of architecture and paintings in regions of Ajanta cave, Amravati and Nagarjunakonda. The architectural development of the Satavahanas can be found in the sculptures of the Amravati Stupas. They constructed Buddhist Stupas at Amravati, Goli and Ghantasala with beautiful marble slabs and elegant style. The Ajanta and Ellora paintings throughout the caves were patronized by Satavahanas and these paintings are the greatest examples of prehistoric art in India.
Option D is the correct answer.

Note: The Satavahanas were among the early rulers who issued coins with portraits of the rulers, many coins of gold, copper issued in Prakrit dialect, have been discovered in the Deccan region.