According to one theory, the word "Satavahana" (Brahmi script: Sādavāhana or Sātavāhana, IAST: ) is a Prakrit form of the Sanskrit Sapta-Vahana ("driven by seven"; in Hindu mythology, the chariot of the sun god is drawn by seven horses). This would indicate that the Satavahanas originally claimed association with the legendary solar dynasty, as was common in ancient India. According to Inguva Kartikeya Sarma, the dynasty's name is derived from the words sata ("sharpened", "nimble" or "swift") and vahana ("vehicle"); the expression thus means "one who rides a nimble horse". Saatakarni means one who possesses capability of "lion ears". Saatavahana means one who uses Lion as his vehicle.
