Post Mauryan Period | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

After Mauryas - Post Mauryan Period

• After the demise of Asoka, his successors struggled to maintain the vast Mauryan Empire, leading to provinces asserting their autonomy.
• The northwestern regions of India slipped from Mauryan control, facing a series of foreign invasions.
• Kalinga proclaimed independence, while the Satavahanas established their rule in the southern regions.
• The Mauryan authority dwindled to the Gangetic valley, eventually yielding to the Sunga dynasty.

Sunga Dynasty: Rise and Rule 

• Pushyamitra Sunga, the initiator of the Sunga dynasty, formerly served as the chief commander under the Mauryas.
• He seized power by assassinating the final Mauryan monarch, ascending to the throne himself.

Satavahanas: Dominion in the Deccan 

• Following the decline of the Mauryan empire, the Satavahanas established their sovereignty in the Deccan region.
• Their reign endured for approximately 450 years, showcasing their longevity and influence in ancient India.
• Referred to as the Andhras in the Puranas, the Satavahanas were a prominent Indian dynasty.

Bactrian Invasion by Greeks 

• Bactria and Parthia gained independence from the Syrian empire around the mid-3rd century B.C.
• Demetrius, a Greek ruler of Bactria, launched an invasion of Afghanistan and Punjab, successfully occupying these territories.
• The period of Indo-Greek rule extended from approximately 180 BC to around 55 BC.
• The Sakas, also known as the Indo-Scythians, initiated their invasion of northwest India starting from the 1st century BC.

Sakas 

• The Sakas, also known as the Scythians, launched invasions on Bactria and Parthia, seizing control from the Greek rulers.
• Maues or Moa/Moga, who reigned from 20 BCE to 22 CE, emerged as the initial Saka ruler in India.
• Upon settling in India, the Sakas integrated into Hindu society, gradually adopting Hindu names and religious practices.

Kushanas 

• Kanishka, a prominent ruler of the Kushana dynasty, is believed to have reigned from 78 CE to 101 or 102 CE.
• 78 CE marks the initiation of the "Saka era" in the Indian calendar.
• Known for his patronage of Buddhism, Kanishka convened the fourth Buddhist mahasangha or council.
• Kushana coins, renowned for their exceptional quality, adhered to the weight standards observed in Roman coins.

Shaka Era – National Calendar

• The national calendar, based on the Saka Era, was introduced on 22nd March 1957 alongside the Gregorian calendar for various official purposes:
  • Gazette of India
  • News broadcast by All India Radio
  • Calendars issued by the Government of India
  • Government communications addressed to the public
• The national calendar follows the Saka Era, with Chaitra as the first month and a standard year of 365 days. It was synchronized with the Gregorian calendar, ensuring a fixed correspondence between the two systems. For instance, 1 Chaitra typically aligns with 22nd March, shifting to 21st March in leap years.