THE DECCAN AND SOUTH INDIA

1. The Satavahanas (50 B.C. – 250 A.D.) also known as the ‘Andhras’, established their kinddom in Deccan in the 1st century B.C. defeating the kanvas.


2. The Satavahana kingdom reached the peak under Gautamiputra Satakarni.


3. The great competitors of Satavahanas were the Sakas.


4. The history of South Indian states is based on Sangam literature.


5. These three states existed around the beginning of the Christian era.
                                                                        
6. The Cholas were in the area of Tanjore, The Pandyas centred in Madurai and the Cheras along the Malabar Coast.


7. The Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas were continually at war with each other.


8. However, the Cholas gained supremacy over others in the 1st Century B.C.



9. The period of these three kingdoms is well known for their trade with European countries through sea. The cholas were great sea power and they even occupied Ceylon for some times.


10. Puhar was the famous Chola Port.


11. Arabia, Egypt and Rome were important trading partner countries.
                                                                  
12. Silappadikaram and Manimakalai are the famous twin epics belong to this period.

NEXT:THE GUPTA EMPIRE