According to the Sastras, only Kshatriyas could become kings. But many important dynasties did not belong to the class of Kshatriyas.
1. The Mauryas were not Kshatriyas. The Brahmin books consider them to be people belonging to. a lower class. Modern historians believe that the Mauryas were Vaisyas.
2. Sungas and Kannuas were Brahmins.
3. The Sakas that came from Central Asia were considered uncultured by the Brahmins.
4. Satavahana Kings claimed they were Brahmins:
The most famous Satavahana King, Gautami Putra Satakarni called himself ‘Eka-Brahmin’ He also claimed to be the one who destroyed the pride of the Kshatriyas.