Give an account of the rise of the Satavahana Empire.

After the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, many new powers arose. Among them, the Satavahanas are mentioned as the earliest ruling dynasty in Maharashtra.
The Satavahanas ruled over a vast region of Maharashtra, Andhra, and Karnataka.
Paithan in Maharashtra was the capital of the Satavahanas. The mention of Puranas the Andhras or ‘Andhrabhrutyas’ Probably these terms refer to the Satavahanas.
Simuka was the first Satavahana king to be mentioned in the Naneghat inscription.
The most important king of this dynasty was Shri Satakarni, Hala, Gautamiputra Satakarni and Yajna Satakarni.
Gautamiputra Satakarni conquered the Shakas and also Central India and the entire regions of Dakshinapatha.
He also established his dominance over the Republic states in Central India and Rajasthan.
Gautamiputra proved his strength by gaining victory over Nahapana.
The Satavahana rule became weak due to the constant struggle between Shakas and Satavahanas.