Post Mauryan Period (200 BC-300 AD) | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Shunga Dynasty (187 BC – 78 BC)

• Capital located at Patliputra, with a secondary capital at Vidisha under the viceroyship of Agnimitra's son.
• Pushyamitra Shunga defended the Gangetic valley and its culture against foreign invasions, particularly Greeks.
• Bharhut stupa was erected by Pushyamitra Shunga, symbolizing cultural resilience.
• Agnimitra, Pushyamitra's son, succeeded him as the ruler.
• Kalidasa's play 'Malvikagnimitra' narrates the love story between King Agnimitra and the handmaiden Malvika.
• Vasumitra, son of Agnimitra, successfully thwarted the attempt of Demetrius I of Bactria to penetrate into India.
• The 'Ashwamedh' sacrifice was performed under Shunga rule for the revival of Brahmanical order. Scholars like Patanjali and Manu were patronized.
• After Agnimitra, Vasumitra ascended to the throne, followed by seven more kings from the same dynasty.
• Shunga's empire encompassed regions such as Bihar, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and northern Madhya Pradesh.
• Devabhuti, the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty, was slain by Vasudeva, who established the Kanva Dynasty, ruling over eastern and central India.
• Shungas issued gold and silver coins, maintaining the administrative structure inherited from the Mauryans.
• Despite their patronage of Brahmanical order, the Shungas showed no antagonism towards Buddhism.
• Art and literature flourished under the Shungas, with the Mathura school of art achieving unprecedented realism.
• Notable compositions, including Manu's 'Manavdharmashastra' or 'Manusmriti' and Kalidasa's 'Malvikagnimitram,' are attributed to this period.
• The Yavanarajya inscription and Dhanadeva-Ayodhaya inscription provide historical mentions of the Shungas.
• Bharhut stupa was another architectural achievement erected during Pushyamitra Shunga's reign.

Satvahanas: Unraveling the Political, Administrative, Artistic, and Cultural Dimensions

Political Set Up

1. Andhras in the Puranas
   • The Satvahanas, often referred to as "Andhras" in the Puranas, emerged as a prominent dynasty.
2. Founder and Capitals
   • Founded by Simuka, the dynasty rose to prominence in the first century BC.
   • Primary capital: Pratishthana (modern Paithan in Maharashtra) on the Godavari river.
   • Second capital: Amravati.
3. Historical Sources
   • Information about the Satvahana history is derived from various sources such as Aitreya Brahmana, Puranas, epics, Brihat Katha of Gunadya, and Kamasutra of Vatsayana.
   • Important inscriptions like Nanaghat, Nasik, Hatigumpa, and Erragudi provide crucial historical insights.
4. Graves and Conquests
   • Satvahana graves, encircled by large stones, are recognized as megalithic, reflecting burial practices.
   • Conquests included the regions of Gujrat and Malawa, as evidenced by the Nasik inscription of Nainikat.
5. Key Rulers
   • Gautamiputra Satkarni, also known as Ekabrahmana, achieved significant victories against Sakas, Greeks, Parthians, and Nahapana.
6. Transition and Decline
   • Rudradaman seized opportunities arising from the weakened successors of Gautamiputra Satkarni.
   • Yajnasut Alakrni reclaimed territories in Gujarat, Malawa, and Andhra.
   • Satvahana power declined, eventually replaced by the Vakataka Dynasty in the same regions.

Adminsitration

1. District Officers and Feudalism
   • 'Amatyas' and 'Mahamatras' served as district officers during the Satvahana rule, known as 'Ahara.'
   • Kings' land donations to Brahmins and administrative officers contributed to the rise of feudalism.
2. Military Camps and Upholding Dharma
   • Gaulmika administered rural areas, while Katakas and Skandhvaras oversaw military camps.
   • The king during Satvahanas' reign was expected to uphold Dharma, as guided by Dharmashastras.

Art & Architecture

1. Promotion of Architecture
   • Satvahanas played a key role in the development of architecture in the Western Ghats, particularly in caves like Ajanta, Nasik, Kaule, Bhaja, Kondain, and Kanheri.
2. Cave-Temples and Stupas
   • Caves were carved to create Chaityas (Buddhist cave-temples) and Viharas (Buddhist rest houses).
   • Kaule Chaitya stands out as the largest cave temple.
   • Important trade and art centers were Nagarjunkonda and Amravati, where stupas were constructed, utilizing white marble for the first time.
3. Ajanta School of Painting
   • The Satvahanas significantly contributed to the development of the Ajanta school of painting, known for its beautiful color combinations, expressive drawings, and spiritual themes.
   • Notably, the entire life of Buddha was depicted in the Saptashati.

Economy

1. Coinage and Metal Usage
   • Satvahanas issued coins (Karshapanas) in various metals, including Silver, Gold, Copper, Lead, and Potin.
   • They were the first native rulers to feature their own portraits on coins.
2. Agricultural Practices
   • Common agricultural practices included paddy transplantation, cotton production, and the exploitation of iron ores in locations such as Karimnagar and Warangal.

Society and Religion

1. Revival of Brahmanism
   • Satvahanas played a pivotal role in the revival of Brahmanism.
2. Matrilineal Naming and Religious Practices
   • Many kings were named after their mothers, reflecting matrilineal societal norms.
   • Alongside Brahmanism, the worship of Krishna and Vasudeva became common with the flourishing of Mahayan Buddhism.

Literature

1. Language and Literary Contributions
   • Most inscriptions of the Satvahana rulers were in Prakrit, their official language.
   • Hala, a significant ruler, composed Gathasaptasati, showcasing literary prowess.

INDO-GREEKS (200 BC – 100 CE)

1. Settlement and Localization

   • Indo-Greeks, originating from Greece, gradually settled in India, assimilating into the local culture over time.

2. Branches of Rule

   • Indo-Greek rule in India manifested in three branches: Bactria (North Afghanistan), Taxila (Takshashila), and Sakal or Sialkot (now in Pakistan).

3. Cultural Exchange at Taxila

   • Heliodorus, an ambassador from the Taxila branch, was sent to the court of the King of Vidisha.
   • He erected a stone pillar in Greek style, distinct from Asokan style, dedicated to Lord Vasudeva.

4. Rulers and Buddhist Influence

   • Significant rulers from the Sakal or Sialkot branch, including Demetrious and Menander (Milind), played a pivotal role.
   • Menander adopted Buddhism under Nagasen, contributing to the Sanskrit text "MILINDPANHO," a valuable historical source.

5. Challenge to Ganga Valley Kings

   • The Sakal branch posed challenges to the kings of Ganga Valley, including the Mauryans and Shungas.

6. Numismatic Innovations

   • Indo-Greeks were trailblazers, issuing gold coins featuring inscriptions of images of both kings and gods.
   • India adopted the use of curtains (yavan) from Greek influence.

7. Governance and Cultural Integration

   • The Indo-Greeks embraced Indian social and religious practices, demonstrating a process of indigenization.
   • Technical advancements in metallurgy, medicine, astronomy, stone-cutting, and perfume-making showcased their cultural assimilation.

8. Patronage of Buddhism and Hinduism

   • Indo-Greeks made significant contributions to the development of the Gandhara School of Art, blending Greek techniques with Buddhist themes (Greeko-Buddhist Art).
   • Key sites of this artistic development included Taxila, Peshawar, Bactria, Bamiyan, Hadda in Afghanistan, and Baigram in Kashmir.

9. Artistic Features in Gandhara School

   • Images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas depicted with muscular bodies, beards, and mustaches.
   • Greek Gods and Kings were also portrayed in the artwork.
   • Characteristics like the use of grey sandstone, outer robes (Roman influence), facial images, and andromorphic (human form) Gods reflected the amalgamation of Greek and Indian influences in the Gandhara School of Art.

PARTHIANS: Iranian Influence and Christian Propagation

1. Iranian Rule in Northwestern India

   • Around 100 BC, kings with Iranian names, like the Pahlavas of Indo-Parthians, established control in northwestern India.

2. Gondophernes and St. Thomas

   • Gondophernes, a significant Indo-Parthian ruler, is associated with the arrival of St. Thomas for the propagation of Christianity in India.

SAKAS (100 BC – 150 CE): Warriors and Indianization

1. Origin and Early Kings

   • The Sakas, also known as Scythians, hailed from Western China.
   • Maues or Moga, around 80 BC, was the first notable Saka king, ruling as a 'Satrapas' (governor) and 'Mahasatrapas.'

2. Centers of Saka Rule

   • Mathura, Ujjain, and Girnar served as key centers for Saka rulers in northern India.
   • They exerted influence over the western Ganga valley, parts of central India, and Gujarat.

3. Rudradaman and Indianization

   • Rudradaman of Ujjain, mentioned in the Junagarh inscription, played a significant role.
   • He repaired the Sudarshan lake for improved irrigation and adopted Sanskrit for inscriptions.

4. Art and Culture Patronage

   • Saka rulers, while at war with Satvahanas, patronized Indian art and culture, leading to their Indianization.
   • Artistic development flourished in Sanchi, Mathura, and Gandhara.

5. Vikramaditya and Vikram Samvat

   • The King of Ujjain defeated the Sakas, assumed the title of 'Vikramaditya,' and established the Vikram Samvat era in 58 CE.

KUSHANAS (50 CE – 230 CE): Silk Route Rulers and Buddhist Contributions

1. Origin and Capital

   • The Kushanas, originating from China (Yueh-Chis), ruled in North-West India, with Purushpur (Peshawar) as their capital.

2. Key Rulers

   • Kanishka, a prominent Mahayan Buddhist, was a crucial ruler, alongside others like Wem Kadphises, Huviska, and Vasiska.

3. Buddhist Council and Literature

   • The fourth Buddhist council at Kundalvan Vihar in Kashmir during Kanishka's reign had Vasumitra as its president.
   • Ashwaghosh, the vice-president, composed "Buddha Charita," a biography of Buddha, at Patliputra.

4. Nagarjuna and Madhyamika Philosophy

   • Nagarjuna, a key figure, propounded the Madhyamika Philosophy of Mahayan Buddhism.
   • Known as the "Einstein of India," Nagarjuna discussed the idea of relativity.

5. Saka Era and Silk Route Prosperity

   • Kanishka founded the Saka era in 78 CE, marking a significant historical epoch.
   • Kushanas ruled over Silk route regions, benefiting economically.
   • They issued gold standard coins and played a role in processing Chinese raw silk at Bharoch in Gujarat.

6. Cultural Contributions

   • Kushanas introduced advancements such as the greater use of saddles, armor, turbans, trousers, helmets, long coats, and improved cavalry.
   • They implemented the Satrap system, dividing the empire into Satrapies under Satraps for effective governance.