The rich history of Maharashtra takes us back to the time when the region of Konkan came under the control of Maurayans in the third and fourth centuries. After the disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, the Satwahanas (230 BC-AD 225) came to rule this region. Pratishthan or modern Paithan was their capital. In succession came the great rulers of the Vakataka, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta empires making Maharashtra a high centre of culture and art. Yadavas were the last of these kingdoms that lost their power in the early 12th century and a long period of Muslim rule started in Maharashtra. Then, in the 17th century, Marathas came over to rule the region. Shivaji was the first great ruler of Marathas, and after the Marathas, the Britishers established their rule in the area.