Nanaghat Cave Inscriptions

Written by Alok Mohan on July 15, 2022. Posted in Uncategorized

Inscription number 157.
Nanaghat Cave Figure-label Inscription. of the time of Satakarni 1.
Nana Ghat is on the western ghats between the konkan coast and the ancient town of Junnar. This pass is about 120 kilometres north of Pune.
 It was on ancient trading route, and is famous for the caves engraved with Sanskrit inscriptions in Brahmi script during the time of Satavahana dynasty.
Provenance: Nanaghat Pass leading from Konkan to Junnar,
in Pune district. Maharashtra.
Script: Brahmi of the second half of first century B.C.
Language: Prakrit
References: Buhler Archeological survey of Western India. V, pp-64, Luders’ list, Numbers 1113-18, Sel Inss, I,
pp-190-92.
Footnote
From Archeological survey of western India, V, P1, L1, Numbers 3-9. The first six Inscriptions are engraved above the Position of the beads,
of what were relievo figures now entirely destroyed,
since the names of the reigning king and his queen. Sri- Satakarni and Devi Naganika (No.2) are in the genitive case. The inscriptions are attributed to Nagamnika, the queen of the Satavahana dynasty, known as Satkarni brahmin kings.
it appears that the labels and representations belong to them,
them and to the fathers of either (No.1 and No.4 respectively) and the royal Princes. The name of vedisri is
not traceable.
He is known to have been a son of Satakarni and Naganinika (see Nanaghat Cave Inscription of Naganinika infra 158 below) The 7th Inscription (No.9 of the Plate)
belongs to much later times, those of Gautamiputra Satakarni 1, or Pulumayi accoing to Buhler. But the script
is exactly similar to the rest of the inscriptions on the
cave. (except for d).The Present form has alternately been used frequently even in Asokan inscriptions. It is engraved over a cistern, near the large cave.
2. Buhler restored भायल and took him to be a younger bother of Satakarni.
3. Earlier scholars assigned the Nanaghat inscdptions to the
middle of the 2nd century BC on grounds of palaeography.
But now the palaeography of these records, has been proved to
be later. (For references. see Ray Chaudhuri .P.H.A.I. 4th ed. pp-337ff.
English Translation of the inscription

No. 1. The illustrious King Simuka Satavahana
No. 2. (Statue) of queen Nagamnika and of king Sri Satakarni.
No, 3. Prince Bhaga —-
No.4. Great charioteer ( Maharathi) Tranakarya ( 7)
No. 5. Prince Saktisri
No. 6. Pince Satavahana
No. 7. A cistern, the meritorious gift of Govindadasa,
an innabitant of Suparaka.
Footnote

1. The actual name of the queen must have been Naga.Anika
or Amnika, or Arnika, which is generally found suffixed to female names in early South Indian inscriptions. Male names usually have the suffix anaka or amnaka or annaka, arnaka).
2. Simuka’s Viruda, Satavahana, suggests that either it was
his second name, or it means a descendant of Satavahana.
The latter alternative is more plausible. since it became the family name as early as the time of Simuka’s immediate
successor. and Satakarni is satisfactory . They cannot be connected with the Satiyaputas of Asokas R. E.II.
The name Sata-vahana has been read on some coins recently published
in J.N.S.I.
3. Modern town of Sopara.
4. Satavahanas were succeeded by the Ikshvakus in the 3rd century AD

Although the Pauraṇic genealogy addresses the ethnicity of the Satavahanas as Andhras, but there should be no doubt that they originally belonged to Nasik-Pune region, wherein large number of coins of Simukha, the founder of the Satavahana dynasty were found.

Alok Mohan

The admin, Alok Mohan, is a graduate mechanical engineer & possess following post graduate specializations:- M Tech Mechanical Engineering Production Engineering Marine engineering Aeronautical Engineering Computer Sciences Software Engineering Specialization He has authored several articles/papers, which are published in various websites & books. Studium Press India Ltd has published one of his latest contributions “Standardization of Education” as a senior author in a book along with many other famous writers of international repute. Alok Mohan has held important positions in both Govt & Private organisations as a Senior professional & as an Engineer & possess close to four decades accomplished experience. As an aeronautical engineer, he ensured accident incident free flying. As leader of indian team during early 1990s, he had successfully ensured smooth induction of Chukar III PTA with Indian navy as well as conduct of operational training. As an aeronautical engineer, he was instrumental in establishing major aircraft maintenance & repair facilities. He is a QMS, EMS & HSE consultant. He provides consultancy to business organisations for implimentation of the requirements of ISO 45001 OH & S, ISO 14001 EMS & ISO 9001 QMS, AS 9100, AS9120 Aero Space Standards. He is a qualified ISO 9001 QMS, ISO 14001 EMS, ISO 45001 OH & S Lead Auditor (CQI/IRCA recognised certification courses) & HSE Consultant. He is a qualified Zed Master Trainer & Zed Assessor. He has thorough knowledge of six sigma quality concepts & has also been awarded industry 4, certificate from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Knowledge Hub Training Platform  He is a Trainer, a Counselor, an Advisor and a Competent professional of cross functional exposures. He has successfully implimented requirements of various international management system standards in several organizations. He is a dedicated technocrat with expertise in Quality Assurance & Quality Control, Facility Management, General Administration, Marketing, Security, Training, Administration etc. He is a graduate mechanical engineer with specialization in aeronautical engineering. He is always eager to be involved in imparting training, implementing new ideas and improving existing processes by utilizing his vast experience.