📌 Topic 01 of 6 · Chapter 06 · Post-Mauryan & Gupta Empire
Post-Mauryan Dynasties — Shungas, Kushanas, Satavahanas
Shunga dynasty, Indo-Greek kings, Kushana empire (Kanishka), Satavahanas — political history of post-Mauryan India.
🏛️ Shunga Dynasty (185–73 BCE)
- Founded by Pushyamitra Shunga who killed the last Mauryan king Brihadratha (185 BCE)
- Brahmin dynasty — revived Brahmanical Hinduism; performed Ashvamedha yajna
- Patronised Sanchi Stupa — added the famous toranas (gateways)
- Repelled Bactrian Greek invasion — Pushyamitra defeated Menander’s forces
- Capital: Pataliputra (later Vidisha)
- Kalidasa’s play Malavikagnimitra is set in Shunga period
🏛️ Indo-Greek Kings (200–100 BCE)
- After Alexander’s death, Bactrian Greeks established kingdoms in northwest India
- Most important: Menander (Milinda) — converted to Buddhism; Milindapanha records his dialogue with monk Nagasena
- Indo-Greek coins: first coins with rulers’ portraits in India; bilingual (Greek + Brahmi)
- Introduced Hellenistic art — influenced Gandhara art
🏛️ Kushana Empire (1st–3rd century CE)
| Ruler | Period | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Kujula Kadphises | 1st century CE | Founded Kushana empire; unified Yuezhi tribes |
| Wima Kadphises | 1st century CE | First Indian coins with image of Shiva; gold coins |
| Kanishka I | 78–144 CE (approx.) | Greatest Kushana king; Fourth Buddhist Council; Gandhara art; Saka era (78 CE) |
| Huvishka | 2nd century CE | Continued Kanishka’s policies; patronised Buddhism |
| Vasudeva I | 2nd–3rd century CE | Last great Kushana king; Shaivism |
⭐ Kanishka I: Kanishka is one of the most important rulers in Indian history. He patronised the Fourth Buddhist Council (Kashmir), promoted Mahayana Buddhism, patronised Gandhara art (Greco-Buddhist art), and his reign is associated with the Saka era (78 CE) — used in India’s national calendar.
🏛️ Satavahana Dynasty (1st BCE–3rd CE)
- Also called Andhra dynasty — ruled the Deccan
- Most important king: Gautamiputra Satakarni — defeated Shakas; called “Destroyer of Shakas”
- Nasik inscription describes Gautamiputra’s achievements
- Patronised Buddhism — built Amaravati Stupa
- Used Prakrit language in inscriptions
- Important for trade — controlled Deccan trade routes
- Capital: Pratishthana (Paithan, Maharashtra)
📝 Exam Tip:
• Menander = Indo-Greek king = converted to Buddhism = Milindapanha
• Kanishka = Fourth Buddhist Council = Saka era (78 CE) = Gandhara art
• Wima Kadphises = first coins with Shiva image
• Gautamiputra Satakarni = greatest Satavahana king = defeated Shakas
• Shunga dynasty = Brahmanical revival = patronised Sanchi Stupa
• Menander = Indo-Greek king = converted to Buddhism = Milindapanha
• Kanishka = Fourth Buddhist Council = Saka era (78 CE) = Gandhara art
• Wima Kadphises = first coins with Shiva image
• Gautamiputra Satakarni = greatest Satavahana king = defeated Shakas
• Shunga dynasty = Brahmanical revival = patronised Sanchi Stupa