Satavahana dynasty ruled over peninsular India for around 460 yrs from 230 BCE to 236 CE and remained one of the most illustrious & powerful empires of ancient India. Puranas mention Simuka as the founder of Satavahana dynasty who rose to power soon after death of emperor Ashoka.

The origin of the name Satavahana has many interesting legends, one of this is from Kathasaritsagara which tells the story of a Yaksha who used to take the form of a lion and carry about the son of a sage on its back. From this that boy came to be know as Satavahana.

Satavahanas were Brahmanas by caste, this is evident from the Nashik cave inscription of King Pulumavi Vasitiputra, his father Gautamiputra is described as 'eka-bamhana' (unique Brahmana) and 'Khatiyadapa-mana-damana' (the subduer of arrogance & pride of Kshatriyas).

Though they were Aryas and belonged to the Brahmana caste they married Naga and even Saka women without inhibition and adhered strongly to the Vedic religion.

Ashoka's proclamation to ban slaughter/sacrifice of animals seems to have interfered in the Vedic sacrifices of Brahmanas. After Ashoka's death, the Brahmana founders of the new dynasties like Shungas and Satavahanas performed various Vedic sacifices soon after coming to power.