Who was the first ruler and founder of the Satavahana dynasty in ancient Deccan history?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the political history of ancient India, specifically the Deccan region. The Satavahanas were one of the earliest important dynasties of the Deccan after the fall of the Mauryan Empire. Knowing the founder and first ruler of the Satavahana line helps in constructing a clear chronological framework for early Deccan history and for understanding how regional powers emerged after Mauryan decline.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the first ruler of the Satavahanas.
• The options include names associated with Deccan dynasties and contemporaries.
• There is an expectation that we recognise which name is considered the founder.
• We assume that standard historical reconstructions of Satavahana genealogy are being followed.

Concept / Approach:
The Satavahanas are often identified with the Andhras mentioned in ancient texts. Epigraphic and literary evidence generally identifies a ruler named Simuka as the founder of the Satavahana dynasty. Sri Satakarni was a later and powerful king, but not the first. Nahapana was actually a ruler of the Western Kshatrapas, not a Satavahana king, and Govinda in this context does not match the role of founder. Therefore, we select the name recognised in historical scholarship as the earliest Satavahana monarch, namely Simuka.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Satavahanas rose to power in the Deccan after the Mauryas. Step 2: Historical sources and inscriptions identify Simuka as the first ruler and founder of the Satavahana dynasty. Step 3: Sri Satakarni, another well known Satavahana ruler, came later and expanded the kingdom. Step 4: Nahapana was not a Satavahana; he belonged to the Western Kshatrapas who later clashed with the Satavahanas. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is Simuka.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks on ancient Indian history mention Simuka as the founder of the Satavahana dynasty and often place his reign in the first century BCE. Sri Satakarni is portrayed as a significant successor who extended Satavahana power, while Nahapana appears as a rival western Kshatrapa ruler. This independent check confirms that Simuka is the first ruler of the line.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Govinda: This name is not generally associated with the founding of the Satavahana dynasty in standard lists of rulers.
Sri Satakarni: He was an important and powerful Satavahana king, but not the earliest ruler and not the founder of the dynasty.
Nahapana: A foreign (Western Kshatrapa) ruler who fought against the Satavahanas, especially against Gautamiputra Satakarni, and cannot be considered a Satavahana king at all.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners remember Sri Satakarni better because of his military conquests and famous inscriptions and may therefore mistakenly choose him as the founder. Others may confuse different Deccan dynasties or blend the Satavahanas with the Western Kshatrapas. To avoid such errors, it is important to separate the founder (Simuka) from later prominent rulers and from rival dynasties.

Final Answer:
The first ruler and founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka.