Satavahanas and Western Satraps Civilizations Discovered in Dhandar
The beauty of preserving an ancient civilization lies in discovering signs and symbols that connect the past to the present. Prof. Suresh Chopane, a well-known researcher and environmentalist, recently found coins and objects from the 3rd century AD, during the rule of the Western Satraps.
Prof. Chopane's findings suggest that Mandar village, on the Wani-Shirpur road, was once the ancient city of Dhandar, ruled by the Satavahanas and Western Satraps over 1800 years ago. He urges the Archeology Department to excavate the site.
Among the discoveries are copper coins, identified as drachmas, from the reign of King Bhartrdaman. These coins were found with a local farmer. Historical evidence also points to the rule of Shaka Satrap Rupiyamma in Paoni, Bhandara district, and Satavahana-era villages in the Chandrapur and Yavatmal areas, with excavations at Kayar near Wani supporting this.
Dhandar is believed to have been a city spread over 2 km, with brick houses of the wealthy surrounded by smaller mud houses. The city had two large lakes, which still exist, and a stone panchayat hall beside the lake. Artefacts such as big broken pots, lamps, black stone household items, statues of women, and animal bones have been found. Farmers and villagers have also reportedly found rare gold and silver ornaments and coins, although many remain hidden.
The bricks in the area measure 10 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 3 inches thick, while the mud pots are 2 feet wide, 1 inch thick, and 5 feet tall. Statues show that men and women wore Rajasthani-style lehengas, cholis, and jewelry made of clay balls. The advanced settlement reared cows and bulls, with milk and curd being widely consumed. The findings depict a well-developed and settled community for its time.
-t-thumb.jpeg)