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U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008

Ancient Dynastic Founders

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Simuka was the founder of which of the following dynasties?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The rise of regional dynasties in the Deccan following the Mauryan decline was spearheaded by local leaders who consolidated power through military and matrimonial alliances.

Explanation Simuka is recognized in Puranic lists and inscriptions (such as the Nanaghat inscription) as the first king and founder of the Satavahana dynasty in the 1st century BCE.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Simuka overthrew the Kanva power to establish Satavahana rule in Central India and the Deccan.
Logic 2: Options A, B, and C (Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas) are the 'Three Crowned Kings' of the Far South, distinct from the Satavahanas of the Deccan.
Logic 3: Simuka’s reign (approx. 120–96 BCE) laid the foundation for a dynasty that would dominate South-Central India for centuries.

Active Recall

Question

Which inscription mentions Simuka as the first Satavahana king?

Answer

The Nanaghat inscription in Maharashtra identifies Simuka as the first king of the dynasty.

Core Insight

Simuka's founding of the Satavahana dynasty marked the first time a major political power emerged from the Deccan to influence the history of North India.

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