The prosperity of the Satavahana kingdom depended upon agriculture, industry, and trade. Land revenue was the chief source of income for the State. The State levied two types of taxes, known as Rajabhoga and Deyameya. The State collected 1/6th of the land’s produce as revenue. The State encouraged land grants to Brahmins and other needy people. The king had his own private landed property, called Rajakheta.

The Nasik inscription refers to Odayantrakas, which might indicate a guild of wage-workers or water machines. These were used to draw water from wells and tanks. Sometimes, buffaloes and donkeys were also used for ploughing. Besides land revenue, taxes levied on roads, ports, professions, mines, and markets also formed a source of income for the State.

Industries and Trade

Industries and commerce occupied an important place in the State’s economy. Gathasaptasati describes a list of village professional groups, which formed into a Sreni (guild), including:

• Kularikas – Potters
• Odayantrikas – Makers of hydraulic engines
• Tilapisakas – Oil pressers
• Dhannikas – Corn dealers
• Kolikas – Weavers
• Vasakaras – Bamboo workers

The head of each guild was known as a Sresti. The guilds promoted trade and crafts in many ways. They also provided banking facilities, receiving cash deposits and land endowments. The interest or income from these deposits was used according to the wishes of the donors.

Trade and Commerce

Agriculture and industry stimulated the growth of internal and external trade. Important inland commercial centers included:

• Paithan, Tagara, Junnar, Nasik, Amaravati, Vijayapura, Kudura, Dhanyakataka, Dhulikatta, Peddabankur, Kondapur, and Kotilingala.

The Satavahanas maintained trade contacts with the Roman Empire.

• Exports: Muslin, spices, and medicinal herbs.
• Imports: Wine, copper, tin, lead, coral, topaz, gold, and silver.
• The balance of trade was in favor of India.

Major Ports

• West Coast: Barukachcha (Broach), Sopara, and Kalyan.
• East Coast: Ghantasala, Guduru, and Arikamedu.

The chief means of transport for external trade were caravans and riverboats. Barter of goods was common, but coins were also in circulation.

Coinage and Currency

The Satavahana kings issued coins made of lead, potin, copper, and silver.

• Karshapana: A common silver coin of that age.
• Suvarna: The gold coin of the era.