The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s3.2

v1.c7.s3.2

Various derivations have been suggested for the term Sātavāhana. According to the *Abhidhānacintāmaṇi*, it means 'he who enjoyed a comfortable mount'.¹ The *Kathāsaritsāgara* has it that the name Sātavāhana was derived from Sāta, a Yakṣa who carried the prince.² Recently it has been suggested that the term may mean 'one who obtained a *vāhana*, alluding to a high position in Mauryan military service.³ Sātakarṇi may have first appeared as a by-name,⁴ later becoming the family name.⁵ But these are merely conjectural explanations. The actual origin of the word is unknown.