The Satavahanas (IAST: Sātavāhana), were an Indian dynasty based in the Deccan region. The beginning of the Satavahana rule is dated variously from 271 BCE to 30 BCE. Satavahanas dominated the Deccan region from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The dynasty reached its zenith under the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni and his successor Vasisthiputra Pulamavi. The kingdom fragmented into smaller states in the early 3rd century CE. The most liberal estimates suggest that it lasted until around 220 CE.