Nahapana

Nahapana was a significant ruler of the Western Kshatrapas, a dynasty of Indo-Scythian origin that ruled parts of northwestern India during the 1st or 2nd century CE. He was the son of Bhumaka and is known for his extensive territorial control, which included Southern Gujarat, western Malwa, and Northern Konkan, stretching from Bharuch to Sopara and encompassing the Nasik and Poona districts. Nahapana introduced a silver currency in western India, featuring his bust on the obverse and motifs like thunderbolts and arrows on the reverse. His reign was marked by conflicts with the Satavahana Empire, particularly with Gautamiputra Satakarni, who eventually defeated him and drove the Sakas out of Malwa and Western Maharashtra. Despite his defeat, Nahapana's legacy in coinage and administration had a lasting impact on the region.