Which rulers were identified through “metronymics”?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Satavahana
A metronymic is a name derived from that of the mother. The Satavahana rulers were identified in this way: their inscriptions give names such as Gotami-puta (“son of Gotami”) and Vasithi-puta. This does not mean that mothers ruled: succession to the Satavahana throne was generally patrilineal, from father to son.
NCERT (2025-26): “2.5 Were mothers important? … We have seen that Satavahana rulers were identified through metronymics (names derived from that of the mother). Although this may suggest that mothers were important, we need to be cautious before we arrive at any conclusion. In the case of the Satavahanas we know that succession to the throne was generally patrilineal.”
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