Nayanika

Nayanika (1st century BCE) was the queen regent of the Satavahana dynasty during the minority of her son Satakarni II.

She was the first woman historically confirmed to have ruled over an Indian kingdom (although there are legendary women rulers before her) with the exception of Agathokleia, who ruled in a part of India which later became Pakistan. She was believed to be first women to have her face on Indian coins.

She was married to king Satakarni. She was the mother of king Satakarni II ((r. 50 – 25) BCE). Her son was a minor when he became king, and she ruled in his place as regent during his minority.