Who was the last king of the Mauryan dynasty?a)Devvarmanb)Satadhanvan...
The Last King of the Mauryan Dynasty: Brihadratha
The Mauryan dynasty was one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in ancient Indian history. Established by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, it ruled over a vast empire that extended across most of the Indian subcontinent. The dynasty reached its peak under the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who is known for his promotion of Buddhism and his efforts to spread peace and harmony.
Background of the Mauryan Dynasty
The Mauryan dynasty was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established his rule. Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara, who further expanded the empire. The Mauryan dynasty continued to flourish under the rule of Ashoka, who became one of the most famous and respected emperors in Indian history.
Brihadratha: The Last King
Brihadratha was the last king of the Mauryan dynasty. He was the grandson of Ashoka and the son of Samprati, who was also a ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Brihadratha ascended to the throne after the death of his father Samprati.
However, Brihadratha's reign was short-lived and marked by instability and internal conflicts. The empire started to weaken, and it faced external threats from various regional powers. The decline of the Mauryan dynasty can be attributed to a combination of factors such as weak successors, internal rivalries, and external invasions.
End of the Mauryan Dynasty
The exact circumstances of the end of the Mauryan dynasty are not well-documented. According to historical accounts, Brihadratha was assassinated by his army general Pushyamitra Shunga, who then established the Shunga dynasty in 185 BCE.
The Shunga dynasty marked the end of the Mauryan rule and the beginning of a new era in Indian history. The Mauryan Empire, which had once been a powerful and united empire, disintegrated, and various regional powers emerged in different parts of the subcontinent.
In conclusion, Brihadratha was the last king of the Mauryan dynasty. His reign witnessed the decline and disintegration of the empire, paving the way for the emergence of new dynasties in ancient India.