Vashishtiputra Pulumavi was one of the notable rulers of the Satavahana dynasty, ruling from 130 CE to 159 CE. He succeeded his father, Gautamiputra Satakarni, and continued the process of consolidating the empire. Pulumavi’s reign is often regarded as a period of stability and gradual expansion, particularly in the eastern regions of India. His rule also witnessed the continued patronage of Brahmanism and Buddhism and significant economic prosperity due to maritime trade. Below are comprehensive notes on Vashishtiputra Pulumavi for UPSC preparation, covering Prelims and Mains aspects.
1. Background and Ascension of Vashishtiputra Pulumavi
- Lineage: Vashishtiputra Pulumavi was the son of Gautamiputra Satakarni and Gautami Balashri. His name reflects the importance of his mother, which was a trend among Satavahana rulers. He ascended to the throne after his father’s death in 130 CE.
- Dynastic Continuity: Pulumavi inherited a vast empire that stretched across the Deccan Plateau, parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. His reign marked the consolidation of the gains made by his father, especially in the western Deccan and Central India.
2. Territorial Expansion during Vashishtiputra Pulumavi’s reign
- Eastern Expansion: Pulumavi is credited with expanding the Satavahana territory further into the eastern Deccan, especially towards Andhra Pradesh. His influence extended deep into the Krishna-Godavari delta.
- Conflict with the Western Kshatrapas: Though Pulumavi continued the conflict with the Western Kshatrapas, the territorial gains made by his father were mostly retained. However, the Satavahanas and Kshatrapas continued their power struggle in Maharashtra and Gujarat during his reign.
- Consolidation in Central India: Although the Satavahana Empire saw no major territorial expansions under Pulumavi, his consolidation efforts maintained political stability.
3. Administration and Governance of Vashishtiputra Pulumavi
- Feudal Structure: Vashishtiputra Pulumavi continued the feudal administrative system of his predecessors. Local rulers and feudal lords were granted a significant degree of autonomy in return for their loyalty and tribute to the central authority.
- Revenue System: The efficient revenue collection system established during Gautamiputra’s reign was further strengthened under Pulumavi. The fertile Krishna-Godavari delta and regions of Maharashtra contributed significantly to the empire’s economic stability.
- Coinage and Inscriptions: Pulumavi issued coins with Prakrit inscriptions like his predecessors. His coins were found across Satavahana territories, reflecting the stability of trade and commerce during his reign. Pulumavi’s coins depicted images of elephants, lions, and ships, indicating his control over trade routes and his patronage of maritime commerce.
- Inscriptions: Several inscriptions, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, refer to Pulumavi’s donations to Buddhist establishments and his patronage of Brahmanical rituals.
4. Economic and Trade Relations
- Maritime Trade: Vashishtiputra Pulumavi’s reign continued to benefit from the empire’s extensive maritime trade networks, particularly with the Roman Empire. His control over important port cities like Sopara, Kalyan, and those along the eastern coast allowed for the flourishing of trade.
- Roman Trade: Roman coins and artifacts have been found in Satavahana territories, indicating the continued importance of trade relations with Rome during Pulumavi’s rule.
- Internal Trade: The Satavahana Empire was strategically located on major trade routes, both inland and maritime. Pulumavi ensured the maintenance and security of these routes, further boosting trade in goods such as spices, textiles, beads, and gems.
- Agriculture: The fertile Godavari-Krishna delta was one of the most productive agricultural areas under Satavahana control. The government promoted the construction of irrigation systems to support agricultural output, which in turn supported the empire’s economy.
5. Religious and Cultural Contributions of Vashishtiputra Pulumavi
- Brahmanical Patronage: Like his father, Pulumavi was a patron of Brahmanism. He performed Vedic sacrifices and adhered to Brahmanical traditions, continuing the Satavahana policy of upholding the varna system.
- Religious Tolerance: Despite his Brahmanical leanings, Pulumavi, like other Satavahana rulers, was tolerant of other religions. He is known to have patronized Buddhist monasteries, making donations for the construction and maintenance of Buddhist stupas.
- His patronage to both Brahmanical and Buddhist institutions reflects the Satavahanas’ policy of religious inclusivity, which helped maintain harmony in their diverse empire.
- Art and Architecture: The Satavahana period under Pulumavi saw the flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture, particularly the construction of Buddhist stupas and chaityas (prayer halls). Notable examples include the stupa at Amaravati and cave complexes in Nashik and Karle.
- Stupa at Amaravati: The Amaravati Stupa is an iconic example of Satavahana-era art and was expanded during Pulumavi’s reign. This monument highlights the influence of both Buddhism and Brahmanism on the architecture of the time.
6. Foreign Relations
- Conflict with the Western Kshatrapas: Vashishtiputra Pulumavi had to contend with continued hostilities from the Western Kshatrapas. His principal opponent was Rudradaman I, who was one of the most powerful rulers of the Kshatrapa dynasty.
- Rudradaman’s Success: In a major conflict, Pulumavi was defeated by Rudradaman, and the Kshatrapas regained control over territories in Gujarat and Malwa. This is recorded in the Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I, where Rudradaman acknowledges Pulumavi’s strength but claims victory over him.
- Despite this defeat, Pulumavi’s rule was characterized by general stability, and the Deccan Plateau remained firmly under Satavahana control.
7. Inscriptions and Numismatic Evidence
- Nasik Caves Inscriptions: The Nasik Cave inscriptions highlight Pulumavi’s patronage to Buddhist institutions and the continuity of Satavahana contributions to religious and social establishments.
- Coins: Pulumavi issued silver, copper, and lead coins. His coins, like his father’s, bore Prakrit legends and depicted symbols such as elephants and ships, reflecting the empire’s strong ties to both inland and maritime trade.
- Pulumavi’s coins are found extensively in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and even in parts of Gujarat, indicating the geographical reach of his administration.
8. Legacy and Successors of Vashishtiputra Pulumavi
- End of Expansion: Pulumavi’s defeat by Rudradaman I marked the end of Satavahana dominance in Gujarat and Malwa, but the empire retained its core territories in the Deccan and the eastern regions.
- Cultural Patronage: His rule contributed to the flourishing of Buddhist architecture and culture, especially in regions like Amaravati and Nashik. His patronage left a lasting impact on Indian art and Buddhist iconography.
- Succession: Pulumavi was succeeded by his younger brother or son, Shivasvati, after his reign. The Satavahana dynasty continued to rule for a few more decades, though it gradually declined after Pulumavi’s reign.
- Junagadh Inscription: The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I is one of the most important historical records that provide insight into Pulumavi’s reign and his conflict with the Western Kshatrapas.
9. Important Points to Remember (Prelims Focus)
- Vashishtiputra Pulumavi ruled from 130 CE to 159 CE and succeeded Gautamiputra Satakarni.
- He expanded Satavahana influence in the Krishna-Godavari delta and consolidated Satavahana control in the Deccan Plateau.
- His reign was marked by conflicts with the Western Kshatrapas, especially with Rudradaman I, who defeated Pulumavi.
- Pulumavi continued to issue coins with Prakrit inscriptions and patronized both Brahmanism and Buddhism.
- He was a great patron of Buddhist art and architecture, particularly seen in the development of stupas like the Amaravati Stupa.
Conclusion
Vashishtiputra Pulumavi played a crucial role in the consolidation of the Satavahana Empire during the early centuries CE. Though his reign was marked by a notable defeat at the hands of Rudradaman I, he managed to retain control over core Satavahana territories and maintained political stability. His patronage of Buddhist architecture, his contributions to the trade networks of the time, and his religious tolerance reflect the cultural synthesis that characterized the Satavahana rule. For UPSC, his reign is significant for understanding the later phase of the Satavahana dynasty, its struggles with the Western Kshatrapas, and its contributions to Indian art and religion.