TN History Textbook: Post-Mauryan India | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

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75 74
territory. He also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga
who invaded north India.
Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He
performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer him
as a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show
that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. During his reign the
Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and
further improved.
After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became the
ruler. The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by
his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
The Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. After the fall of the Kanvas,
the history of Magatha was a blank until the establishment of the
Gupta dynasty.
The rule of the Sungas was important because they defended the
Gangetic valley from foreign invasions. In the cultural sphere, the Sungas
revived Brahmanism and horse sacrifice. They also promoted the growth
of V aishnavism and the Sanskrit language. In short, the Sunga rule was
a brilliant anticipation of the golden age of the Guptas.
Satavahanas
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas
established their independent rule after the
decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted
for about 450 years. They were also known
as the Andhras. The Puranas and
inscriptions remain important sources for
the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and
Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra
Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in
knowing the economic conditions of that period.
COINS OF SATAVAHANAS 
LESSON 7
POST-MAURYAN INDIA
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The Sunga rule and its importance.
2. The Satavahana rule and their contributions to culture.
3. The Sakas and Bactrians.
4. Kanishka and his achievements.
5. Gandhara art and its salient features.
After the death of Asoka, his successors were not able to
keep the vast Mauryan Empire intact. The provinces started declaring
their independence. The northwest India slipped out of the control
of the Mauryas and a series of foreign invasions affected this region.
Kalinga declared its independence and in the further south the
Satavahanas established their independent rule. As a result, the
Mauryan rule was confined to the Gangetic valley and it was soon
replaced by the Sunga dynasty.
Sungas
The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga,
who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas. He
assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and usurped the throne. The
most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north
India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest.
The Greeks advanced up to Pataliputra and occupied it for
sometime. However, Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost
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75 74
territory. He also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga
who invaded north India.
Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He
performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer him
as a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show
that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. During his reign the
Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and
further improved.
After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became the
ruler. The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by
his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
The Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. After the fall of the Kanvas,
the history of Magatha was a blank until the establishment of the
Gupta dynasty.
The rule of the Sungas was important because they defended the
Gangetic valley from foreign invasions. In the cultural sphere, the Sungas
revived Brahmanism and horse sacrifice. They also promoted the growth
of V aishnavism and the Sanskrit language. In short, the Sunga rule was
a brilliant anticipation of the golden age of the Guptas.
Satavahanas
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas
established their independent rule after the
decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted
for about 450 years. They were also known
as the Andhras. The Puranas and
inscriptions remain important sources for
the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and
Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra
Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in
knowing the economic conditions of that period.
COINS OF SATAVAHANAS 
LESSON 7
POST-MAURYAN INDIA
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The Sunga rule and its importance.
2. The Satavahana rule and their contributions to culture.
3. The Sakas and Bactrians.
4. Kanishka and his achievements.
5. Gandhara art and its salient features.
After the death of Asoka, his successors were not able to
keep the vast Mauryan Empire intact. The provinces started declaring
their independence. The northwest India slipped out of the control
of the Mauryas and a series of foreign invasions affected this region.
Kalinga declared its independence and in the further south the
Satavahanas established their independent rule. As a result, the
Mauryan rule was confined to the Gangetic valley and it was soon
replaced by the Sunga dynasty.
Sungas
The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga,
who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas. He
assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and usurped the throne. The
most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north
India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest.
The Greeks advanced up to Pataliputra and occupied it for
sometime. However, Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost
77 76
Cultural Contributions
The Satavahanas patronized Buddhism and Brahmanism. They
built chaityas and viharas. They also made grants of villages and
lands to Buddhist monks. Vashishtaputra Pulamayi repaired the old
Amaravathi stupa. Their architecture in Nagarjunakonda was also
notable. Brahmanism was revived by the Satavahanas along with
the performance of asvamedha and rajasuya sacrifices. They also
patronized the Prakrit language and literature. Hala’s Sattasai is an
excellent piece of Prakrit literature.
Foreign Invasions of Northwest India
Bactrians
Bactria and Parthia became independent from the Syrian
empire in the middle of the third century B.C. Demetrius, the Greek
ruler of Bactria invaded Afghanistan and Punjab and occupied them.
From Taxila, he sent two of his commanders, Appolodotus and
Menander for further conquests. Appolodotus conquered the Sindh
and marched up to Ujjain. Menander extended his rule up to Mathura
and from there he made attempts to capture Pataliputra. But he
was stopped by the army of V asumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra
Sunga.
Menander was also known as Milinda and the capital of his
kingdom was Sakala (Sialcot). He evinced much interest in
Buddhism and his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena was
compiled in the Pali work, Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).
He also embraced Buddhism. A Greek ambassador Heliodorus
became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.
The Greek influence in India lasted for more than a century after the
death Menander.
The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was
succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in
the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western
Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices. The
seventeenth king of the Satavahana dynasty was Hala. He reigned
for a period of five years. Hala became famous for his book
Gathasaptasati, also called Sattasai. It contains 700 verses in Prakrit
language.
The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra
Satakarni. He ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D.
His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his
mother Gautami Balasri. Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole
of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana,
the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism.
Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists.
Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son
Vashishtaputra Pulamayi. He extended the Satavahana power up to
the mouth of the Krishna river. He issued coins on which the image
of ships was inscribed. They reveal the naval power and maritime
trade of the Satavahanas. The last great ruler of Satavahanas was
Yajna Sri Satakarni.
Economic Condition
There was a remarkable progress in the fields of trade and
industry during the Satavahana rule. Merchants organized guilds to
increase their activities. The craft guilds organized by different
craftsmen such as potters, weavers and oil pressers also came into
existence. Silver coins called Karshapanas were used for trade.
The Satavahana period also witnessed overseas commercial activity.
Ptolemy mentions many ports in the Deccan. The greatest port of
the Satavahanas was Kalyani on the west Deccan. Gandakasela
and Ganjam on the east coast were the other important seaports.
Page 3


75 74
territory. He also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga
who invaded north India.
Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He
performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer him
as a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show
that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. During his reign the
Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and
further improved.
After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became the
ruler. The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by
his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
The Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. After the fall of the Kanvas,
the history of Magatha was a blank until the establishment of the
Gupta dynasty.
The rule of the Sungas was important because they defended the
Gangetic valley from foreign invasions. In the cultural sphere, the Sungas
revived Brahmanism and horse sacrifice. They also promoted the growth
of V aishnavism and the Sanskrit language. In short, the Sunga rule was
a brilliant anticipation of the golden age of the Guptas.
Satavahanas
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas
established their independent rule after the
decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted
for about 450 years. They were also known
as the Andhras. The Puranas and
inscriptions remain important sources for
the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and
Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra
Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in
knowing the economic conditions of that period.
COINS OF SATAVAHANAS 
LESSON 7
POST-MAURYAN INDIA
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The Sunga rule and its importance.
2. The Satavahana rule and their contributions to culture.
3. The Sakas and Bactrians.
4. Kanishka and his achievements.
5. Gandhara art and its salient features.
After the death of Asoka, his successors were not able to
keep the vast Mauryan Empire intact. The provinces started declaring
their independence. The northwest India slipped out of the control
of the Mauryas and a series of foreign invasions affected this region.
Kalinga declared its independence and in the further south the
Satavahanas established their independent rule. As a result, the
Mauryan rule was confined to the Gangetic valley and it was soon
replaced by the Sunga dynasty.
Sungas
The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga,
who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas. He
assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and usurped the throne. The
most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north
India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest.
The Greeks advanced up to Pataliputra and occupied it for
sometime. However, Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost
77 76
Cultural Contributions
The Satavahanas patronized Buddhism and Brahmanism. They
built chaityas and viharas. They also made grants of villages and
lands to Buddhist monks. Vashishtaputra Pulamayi repaired the old
Amaravathi stupa. Their architecture in Nagarjunakonda was also
notable. Brahmanism was revived by the Satavahanas along with
the performance of asvamedha and rajasuya sacrifices. They also
patronized the Prakrit language and literature. Hala’s Sattasai is an
excellent piece of Prakrit literature.
Foreign Invasions of Northwest India
Bactrians
Bactria and Parthia became independent from the Syrian
empire in the middle of the third century B.C. Demetrius, the Greek
ruler of Bactria invaded Afghanistan and Punjab and occupied them.
From Taxila, he sent two of his commanders, Appolodotus and
Menander for further conquests. Appolodotus conquered the Sindh
and marched up to Ujjain. Menander extended his rule up to Mathura
and from there he made attempts to capture Pataliputra. But he
was stopped by the army of V asumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra
Sunga.
Menander was also known as Milinda and the capital of his
kingdom was Sakala (Sialcot). He evinced much interest in
Buddhism and his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena was
compiled in the Pali work, Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).
He also embraced Buddhism. A Greek ambassador Heliodorus
became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.
The Greek influence in India lasted for more than a century after the
death Menander.
The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was
succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in
the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western
Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices. The
seventeenth king of the Satavahana dynasty was Hala. He reigned
for a period of five years. Hala became famous for his book
Gathasaptasati, also called Sattasai. It contains 700 verses in Prakrit
language.
The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra
Satakarni. He ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D.
His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his
mother Gautami Balasri. Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole
of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana,
the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism.
Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists.
Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son
Vashishtaputra Pulamayi. He extended the Satavahana power up to
the mouth of the Krishna river. He issued coins on which the image
of ships was inscribed. They reveal the naval power and maritime
trade of the Satavahanas. The last great ruler of Satavahanas was
Yajna Sri Satakarni.
Economic Condition
There was a remarkable progress in the fields of trade and
industry during the Satavahana rule. Merchants organized guilds to
increase their activities. The craft guilds organized by different
craftsmen such as potters, weavers and oil pressers also came into
existence. Silver coins called Karshapanas were used for trade.
The Satavahana period also witnessed overseas commercial activity.
Ptolemy mentions many ports in the Deccan. The greatest port of
the Satavahanas was Kalyani on the west Deccan. Gandakasela
and Ganjam on the east coast were the other important seaports.
79 78
Kanishka’s Conquests
At the time of his accession his empire
included Afghanistan, Gandhara, Sind and
Punjab. Subsequently he conquered
Magadha and extended his power as far as
Pataliputra and Bodh Gaya. According to
Kalhana, Kanishka invaded Kashmir and
occupied it. His coins are found in many
places like Mathura, Sravasti, Kausambi and
Benares and therefore, he must have con-
quered the greater part of the Gangetic plain.
He also fought against the Chinese and acquired some
territories from them. During the first expedition he was defeated
by the Chinese general Pancho. He undertook a second expedition
in which he was successful and he scored a victory over Panyang,
the son of Pancho. Kanishka annexed the territories of  Kashgar,
Yarkand and Khotan into his empire.
The empire of Kanishka was a vast one extending from
Gandhara in the west to Benares in the east, and from Kashmir in
the north to Malwa in the south. His capital was Purushapura or
modern day Peshawar. Mathura was another important city in his
empire.
Kanishka and Buddhism
Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign.
However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also
Greek and Hindu gods. It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards
other religions. In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism
came into vogue. It is different in many respects from the religion
taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came
to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thus
 
Headless statue
of Kanishka
Sakas
The Sakas or the Scythians attacked Bactria and Parthia and
captured them from the Greek rulers. Following the footsteps of
the Greeks, the Sakas gradually extended their rule over
northwestern India. There were two different groups of Sakas –
the Northern Satraps ruling from Taxila and the Western satraps
ruling over Maharashtra.
The founder the Saka rule in India in the first century B.C.
was Maues. His son and successor was Azes I, who was considered
to be the founder of the Vikrama era.
Sakas rulers of Taxila were overthrown by the Parthians.
Kushanas
The Kushanas were a branch of Yuchi tribe, whose original
home was central Asia. They first came to Bactria displacing the
Sakas. Then they gradually moved to
the Kabul valley and seized the
Gandhara region. The founder of the
Kushana dynasty was Kujula
Kadphises or Kadphises I. He
occupied the Kabul valley and issued
coins in his name. His son Wima
Kadphises or Kadphises II conquered the whole of northwestern
India as far as Mathura. He issued gold coins with high-sounding
titles like the ‘Lord of the Whole World’. He was a devotee of
Lord Siva.
Kanishka (78 – 120 A.D.)
Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana
dynasty. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78
A.D. He was not only a great conqueror but also a patron of religion
and art.
Gold Conins of
Kushanas
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75 74
territory. He also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga
who invaded north India.
Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He
performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer him
as a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show
that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. During his reign the
Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and
further improved.
After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became the
ruler. The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by
his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
The Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. After the fall of the Kanvas,
the history of Magatha was a blank until the establishment of the
Gupta dynasty.
The rule of the Sungas was important because they defended the
Gangetic valley from foreign invasions. In the cultural sphere, the Sungas
revived Brahmanism and horse sacrifice. They also promoted the growth
of V aishnavism and the Sanskrit language. In short, the Sunga rule was
a brilliant anticipation of the golden age of the Guptas.
Satavahanas
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas
established their independent rule after the
decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted
for about 450 years. They were also known
as the Andhras. The Puranas and
inscriptions remain important sources for
the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and
Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra
Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in
knowing the economic conditions of that period.
COINS OF SATAVAHANAS 
LESSON 7
POST-MAURYAN INDIA
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The Sunga rule and its importance.
2. The Satavahana rule and their contributions to culture.
3. The Sakas and Bactrians.
4. Kanishka and his achievements.
5. Gandhara art and its salient features.
After the death of Asoka, his successors were not able to
keep the vast Mauryan Empire intact. The provinces started declaring
their independence. The northwest India slipped out of the control
of the Mauryas and a series of foreign invasions affected this region.
Kalinga declared its independence and in the further south the
Satavahanas established their independent rule. As a result, the
Mauryan rule was confined to the Gangetic valley and it was soon
replaced by the Sunga dynasty.
Sungas
The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga,
who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas. He
assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and usurped the throne. The
most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north
India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest.
The Greeks advanced up to Pataliputra and occupied it for
sometime. However, Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost
77 76
Cultural Contributions
The Satavahanas patronized Buddhism and Brahmanism. They
built chaityas and viharas. They also made grants of villages and
lands to Buddhist monks. Vashishtaputra Pulamayi repaired the old
Amaravathi stupa. Their architecture in Nagarjunakonda was also
notable. Brahmanism was revived by the Satavahanas along with
the performance of asvamedha and rajasuya sacrifices. They also
patronized the Prakrit language and literature. Hala’s Sattasai is an
excellent piece of Prakrit literature.
Foreign Invasions of Northwest India
Bactrians
Bactria and Parthia became independent from the Syrian
empire in the middle of the third century B.C. Demetrius, the Greek
ruler of Bactria invaded Afghanistan and Punjab and occupied them.
From Taxila, he sent two of his commanders, Appolodotus and
Menander for further conquests. Appolodotus conquered the Sindh
and marched up to Ujjain. Menander extended his rule up to Mathura
and from there he made attempts to capture Pataliputra. But he
was stopped by the army of V asumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra
Sunga.
Menander was also known as Milinda and the capital of his
kingdom was Sakala (Sialcot). He evinced much interest in
Buddhism and his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena was
compiled in the Pali work, Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).
He also embraced Buddhism. A Greek ambassador Heliodorus
became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.
The Greek influence in India lasted for more than a century after the
death Menander.
The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was
succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in
the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western
Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices. The
seventeenth king of the Satavahana dynasty was Hala. He reigned
for a period of five years. Hala became famous for his book
Gathasaptasati, also called Sattasai. It contains 700 verses in Prakrit
language.
The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra
Satakarni. He ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D.
His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his
mother Gautami Balasri. Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole
of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana,
the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism.
Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists.
Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son
Vashishtaputra Pulamayi. He extended the Satavahana power up to
the mouth of the Krishna river. He issued coins on which the image
of ships was inscribed. They reveal the naval power and maritime
trade of the Satavahanas. The last great ruler of Satavahanas was
Yajna Sri Satakarni.
Economic Condition
There was a remarkable progress in the fields of trade and
industry during the Satavahana rule. Merchants organized guilds to
increase their activities. The craft guilds organized by different
craftsmen such as potters, weavers and oil pressers also came into
existence. Silver coins called Karshapanas were used for trade.
The Satavahana period also witnessed overseas commercial activity.
Ptolemy mentions many ports in the Deccan. The greatest port of
the Satavahanas was Kalyani on the west Deccan. Gandakasela
and Ganjam on the east coast were the other important seaports.
79 78
Kanishka’s Conquests
At the time of his accession his empire
included Afghanistan, Gandhara, Sind and
Punjab. Subsequently he conquered
Magadha and extended his power as far as
Pataliputra and Bodh Gaya. According to
Kalhana, Kanishka invaded Kashmir and
occupied it. His coins are found in many
places like Mathura, Sravasti, Kausambi and
Benares and therefore, he must have con-
quered the greater part of the Gangetic plain.
He also fought against the Chinese and acquired some
territories from them. During the first expedition he was defeated
by the Chinese general Pancho. He undertook a second expedition
in which he was successful and he scored a victory over Panyang,
the son of Pancho. Kanishka annexed the territories of  Kashgar,
Yarkand and Khotan into his empire.
The empire of Kanishka was a vast one extending from
Gandhara in the west to Benares in the east, and from Kashmir in
the north to Malwa in the south. His capital was Purushapura or
modern day Peshawar. Mathura was another important city in his
empire.
Kanishka and Buddhism
Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign.
However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also
Greek and Hindu gods. It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards
other religions. In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism
came into vogue. It is different in many respects from the religion
taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came
to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thus
 
Headless statue
of Kanishka
Sakas
The Sakas or the Scythians attacked Bactria and Parthia and
captured them from the Greek rulers. Following the footsteps of
the Greeks, the Sakas gradually extended their rule over
northwestern India. There were two different groups of Sakas –
the Northern Satraps ruling from Taxila and the Western satraps
ruling over Maharashtra.
The founder the Saka rule in India in the first century B.C.
was Maues. His son and successor was Azes I, who was considered
to be the founder of the Vikrama era.
Sakas rulers of Taxila were overthrown by the Parthians.
Kushanas
The Kushanas were a branch of Yuchi tribe, whose original
home was central Asia. They first came to Bactria displacing the
Sakas. Then they gradually moved to
the Kabul valley and seized the
Gandhara region. The founder of the
Kushana dynasty was Kujula
Kadphises or Kadphises I. He
occupied the Kabul valley and issued
coins in his name. His son Wima
Kadphises or Kadphises II conquered the whole of northwestern
India as far as Mathura. He issued gold coins with high-sounding
titles like the ‘Lord of the Whole World’. He was a devotee of
Lord Siva.
Kanishka (78 – 120 A.D.)
Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana
dynasty. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78
A.D. He was not only a great conqueror but also a patron of religion
and art.
Gold Conins of
Kushanas
81 80
-Moulding human body in a realistic manner with minute
attention to physical features like muscles, moustache and
curtly hair.
- Thick drapery with large and bold fold lines.
-Rich carving, elaborate ornamentation and symbolic
expressions.
-The main theme was the new form of Buddhism – Mahayanism
– and the evolution of an image of Buddha.
A large number of monasteries were also built from first to
fourth centuries A.D. Ruins of about fifteen monasteries were found
in and around Peshawar and Rawalpindi. The Buddhist stupas
erected during this period had Graeco-Roman architectural impact.
The height of the stupa was raised and ornamentation was added to
the structure of the stupa. These changes made the stupa more
attractive.
Mathura School of Art
The school of art that developed at Mathura in modern Uttar
Pradesh is called the Mathura art. It flourished in the first century
A.D. In its early phase, the Mathura school of art developed on
indigenous lines. The Buddha images exhibit the spiritual feeling in
his face which was largely absent in the Gandhara school. The
Mathura school also carved out the images of Siva and Vishnu along
with their consorts Parvathi and Lakshmi. The female figures of
yakshinis and apsaras of the Mathura school were beautifully carved.
Successors of Kanishka and end of Kushana Rule
The successors of Kanishka ruled for another one hundred
and fifty years. Huvishka was the son of Kanishka and he kept the
empire intact. Mathura became an important city under his rule.
image worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.
Kanishka also sent missionaries to Central Asia and China
for the propagation of the new faith. Buddhist chaityas and viharas
were built in different places. He patronised Buddhist scholars like
Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. He also convened the Fourth
Buddhist Council to discuss matters relating to Buddhist theology
and doctrine. It was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagar
in Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra. About 500 monks
attended the Council. The Council prepared an authoritative
commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given
final shape. Asvagosha was a great philosopher, poet and dramatist.
He was the author of Buddhacharita. Nagarjuna from south India
adorned the court of Kanishka. The famous physician of ancient
India Charaka was also patronized by him.
Gandhara Art
The home of the Gandhara school of art is the territory in and
around Peshawar in northwestern India. The best of the Gandhara
sculpture was produced during the first and
second centuries A.D. It originated during the
reign of Indo-Greek rulers but the real patrons
of this school of art were the Sakas and the
Kushanas, particularly Kanishka. Gandhara art
was a blend of Indian and Graeco-Roman
elements. Specimens of Gandhara sculpture have
been found in Taxila, Peshawar and in several
places of northwest India. The Gandhara school
made sculptures of the Buddha in various sizes,
shapes and postures. The reliefs depict Buddha’s
birth, his renunciation and his preaching. The
salient features of Gandhara art are:
REPRESENTATION OF 
THE BUDDHA IN 
GANDHARA ART 
 
Page 5


75 74
territory. He also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga
who invaded north India.
Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. He
performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer him
as a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show
that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. During his reign the
Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and
further improved.
After the death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became the
ruler. The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by
his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the Kanva dynasty.
The Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. After the fall of the Kanvas,
the history of Magatha was a blank until the establishment of the
Gupta dynasty.
The rule of the Sungas was important because they defended the
Gangetic valley from foreign invasions. In the cultural sphere, the Sungas
revived Brahmanism and horse sacrifice. They also promoted the growth
of V aishnavism and the Sanskrit language. In short, the Sunga rule was
a brilliant anticipation of the golden age of the Guptas.
Satavahanas
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas
established their independent rule after the
decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted
for about 450 years. They were also known
as the Andhras. The Puranas and
inscriptions remain important sources for
the history of Satavahanas. Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and
Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra
Satakarni. The coins issued by the Satavahanas are also helpful in
knowing the economic conditions of that period.
COINS OF SATAVAHANAS 
LESSON 7
POST-MAURYAN INDIA
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The Sunga rule and its importance.
2. The Satavahana rule and their contributions to culture.
3. The Sakas and Bactrians.
4. Kanishka and his achievements.
5. Gandhara art and its salient features.
After the death of Asoka, his successors were not able to
keep the vast Mauryan Empire intact. The provinces started declaring
their independence. The northwest India slipped out of the control
of the Mauryas and a series of foreign invasions affected this region.
Kalinga declared its independence and in the further south the
Satavahanas established their independent rule. As a result, the
Mauryan rule was confined to the Gangetic valley and it was soon
replaced by the Sunga dynasty.
Sungas
The founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga,
who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas. He
assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and usurped the throne. The
most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north
India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest.
The Greeks advanced up to Pataliputra and occupied it for
sometime. However, Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost
77 76
Cultural Contributions
The Satavahanas patronized Buddhism and Brahmanism. They
built chaityas and viharas. They also made grants of villages and
lands to Buddhist monks. Vashishtaputra Pulamayi repaired the old
Amaravathi stupa. Their architecture in Nagarjunakonda was also
notable. Brahmanism was revived by the Satavahanas along with
the performance of asvamedha and rajasuya sacrifices. They also
patronized the Prakrit language and literature. Hala’s Sattasai is an
excellent piece of Prakrit literature.
Foreign Invasions of Northwest India
Bactrians
Bactria and Parthia became independent from the Syrian
empire in the middle of the third century B.C. Demetrius, the Greek
ruler of Bactria invaded Afghanistan and Punjab and occupied them.
From Taxila, he sent two of his commanders, Appolodotus and
Menander for further conquests. Appolodotus conquered the Sindh
and marched up to Ujjain. Menander extended his rule up to Mathura
and from there he made attempts to capture Pataliputra. But he
was stopped by the army of V asumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra
Sunga.
Menander was also known as Milinda and the capital of his
kingdom was Sakala (Sialcot). He evinced much interest in
Buddhism and his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena was
compiled in the Pali work, Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).
He also embraced Buddhism. A Greek ambassador Heliodorus
became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.
The Greek influence in India lasted for more than a century after the
death Menander.
The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was
succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in
the west. The third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western
Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices. The
seventeenth king of the Satavahana dynasty was Hala. He reigned
for a period of five years. Hala became famous for his book
Gathasaptasati, also called Sattasai. It contains 700 verses in Prakrit
language.
The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra
Satakarni. He ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D.
His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his
mother Gautami Balasri. Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole
of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana,
the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism.
Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists.
Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son
Vashishtaputra Pulamayi. He extended the Satavahana power up to
the mouth of the Krishna river. He issued coins on which the image
of ships was inscribed. They reveal the naval power and maritime
trade of the Satavahanas. The last great ruler of Satavahanas was
Yajna Sri Satakarni.
Economic Condition
There was a remarkable progress in the fields of trade and
industry during the Satavahana rule. Merchants organized guilds to
increase their activities. The craft guilds organized by different
craftsmen such as potters, weavers and oil pressers also came into
existence. Silver coins called Karshapanas were used for trade.
The Satavahana period also witnessed overseas commercial activity.
Ptolemy mentions many ports in the Deccan. The greatest port of
the Satavahanas was Kalyani on the west Deccan. Gandakasela
and Ganjam on the east coast were the other important seaports.
79 78
Kanishka’s Conquests
At the time of his accession his empire
included Afghanistan, Gandhara, Sind and
Punjab. Subsequently he conquered
Magadha and extended his power as far as
Pataliputra and Bodh Gaya. According to
Kalhana, Kanishka invaded Kashmir and
occupied it. His coins are found in many
places like Mathura, Sravasti, Kausambi and
Benares and therefore, he must have con-
quered the greater part of the Gangetic plain.
He also fought against the Chinese and acquired some
territories from them. During the first expedition he was defeated
by the Chinese general Pancho. He undertook a second expedition
in which he was successful and he scored a victory over Panyang,
the son of Pancho. Kanishka annexed the territories of  Kashgar,
Yarkand and Khotan into his empire.
The empire of Kanishka was a vast one extending from
Gandhara in the west to Benares in the east, and from Kashmir in
the north to Malwa in the south. His capital was Purushapura or
modern day Peshawar. Mathura was another important city in his
empire.
Kanishka and Buddhism
Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign.
However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also
Greek and Hindu gods. It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards
other religions. In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism
came into vogue. It is different in many respects from the religion
taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came
to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thus
 
Headless statue
of Kanishka
Sakas
The Sakas or the Scythians attacked Bactria and Parthia and
captured them from the Greek rulers. Following the footsteps of
the Greeks, the Sakas gradually extended their rule over
northwestern India. There were two different groups of Sakas –
the Northern Satraps ruling from Taxila and the Western satraps
ruling over Maharashtra.
The founder the Saka rule in India in the first century B.C.
was Maues. His son and successor was Azes I, who was considered
to be the founder of the Vikrama era.
Sakas rulers of Taxila were overthrown by the Parthians.
Kushanas
The Kushanas were a branch of Yuchi tribe, whose original
home was central Asia. They first came to Bactria displacing the
Sakas. Then they gradually moved to
the Kabul valley and seized the
Gandhara region. The founder of the
Kushana dynasty was Kujula
Kadphises or Kadphises I. He
occupied the Kabul valley and issued
coins in his name. His son Wima
Kadphises or Kadphises II conquered the whole of northwestern
India as far as Mathura. He issued gold coins with high-sounding
titles like the ‘Lord of the Whole World’. He was a devotee of
Lord Siva.
Kanishka (78 – 120 A.D.)
Kanishka was the most important ruler of the Kushana
dynasty. He was the founder of the Saka era which starts from 78
A.D. He was not only a great conqueror but also a patron of religion
and art.
Gold Conins of
Kushanas
81 80
-Moulding human body in a realistic manner with minute
attention to physical features like muscles, moustache and
curtly hair.
- Thick drapery with large and bold fold lines.
-Rich carving, elaborate ornamentation and symbolic
expressions.
-The main theme was the new form of Buddhism – Mahayanism
– and the evolution of an image of Buddha.
A large number of monasteries were also built from first to
fourth centuries A.D. Ruins of about fifteen monasteries were found
in and around Peshawar and Rawalpindi. The Buddhist stupas
erected during this period had Graeco-Roman architectural impact.
The height of the stupa was raised and ornamentation was added to
the structure of the stupa. These changes made the stupa more
attractive.
Mathura School of Art
The school of art that developed at Mathura in modern Uttar
Pradesh is called the Mathura art. It flourished in the first century
A.D. In its early phase, the Mathura school of art developed on
indigenous lines. The Buddha images exhibit the spiritual feeling in
his face which was largely absent in the Gandhara school. The
Mathura school also carved out the images of Siva and Vishnu along
with their consorts Parvathi and Lakshmi. The female figures of
yakshinis and apsaras of the Mathura school were beautifully carved.
Successors of Kanishka and end of Kushana Rule
The successors of Kanishka ruled for another one hundred
and fifty years. Huvishka was the son of Kanishka and he kept the
empire intact. Mathura became an important city under his rule.
image worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.
Kanishka also sent missionaries to Central Asia and China
for the propagation of the new faith. Buddhist chaityas and viharas
were built in different places. He patronised Buddhist scholars like
Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. He also convened the Fourth
Buddhist Council to discuss matters relating to Buddhist theology
and doctrine. It was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagar
in Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra. About 500 monks
attended the Council. The Council prepared an authoritative
commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given
final shape. Asvagosha was a great philosopher, poet and dramatist.
He was the author of Buddhacharita. Nagarjuna from south India
adorned the court of Kanishka. The famous physician of ancient
India Charaka was also patronized by him.
Gandhara Art
The home of the Gandhara school of art is the territory in and
around Peshawar in northwestern India. The best of the Gandhara
sculpture was produced during the first and
second centuries A.D. It originated during the
reign of Indo-Greek rulers but the real patrons
of this school of art were the Sakas and the
Kushanas, particularly Kanishka. Gandhara art
was a blend of Indian and Graeco-Roman
elements. Specimens of Gandhara sculpture have
been found in Taxila, Peshawar and in several
places of northwest India. The Gandhara school
made sculptures of the Buddha in various sizes,
shapes and postures. The reliefs depict Buddha’s
birth, his renunciation and his preaching. The
salient features of Gandhara art are:
REPRESENTATION OF 
THE BUDDHA IN 
GANDHARA ART 
 
83 82
MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. The Sungas were succeeded by
(a) Mauryas (b) Kushanas
(c) Kanvas (d) Satavahanas
2. Nasik inscription describes the achievements of
(a) Pushyamitra Sunga (b) Gautamiputra Satakarni
(c) Kanishka (d) Menander
3. The author of Buddhacharita was
(a) Nagarjuna (b) Asvagosha
(c) Vasumitra (d) Nagasena
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was …….
2. The famous Prakrit book Sattasai was written by …..
3. …… was considered to be the founder of the Vikrama era.
4. Saka era was founded by ……. in the year…..
5. The Garuda pillar at Besnagar was erected by …..
6. The Chinese General who was defeated by Kanishka was
…..
III. Match the following.
1. Sakala a) Azes I
2. Purushapura b) Pushyamitra Sunga
3. Pataliputra c) Menander
4. Taxila d) Kanishka
Like Kanishka he was also a patron of Buddhism. The last important
Kushana ruler was Vasudeva. The Kushana empire was very much
reduced in his rule. Most of his inscriptions are found in and around
Mathura. He seems to have been a worshipper of Siva. After
Vasudeva, petty Kushan princes ruled for sometime in northwestern
India.
Learning Outcome
After learning this lesson the students will be able to explain
1. The reign of Pushyamitra and the importance of Sunga
rule.
2. The Satavahana rule and Gautami Putra Satakarni’s
achievements.
3. The socio-economic conditions of the Satavahana period
and also their cultural contributions.
4. Kanishka and his military achievements.
5. The role of Kanishka in the spread of Mahayana
Buddhism.
6. The salient features of the Gandhara art and also
Mathura art.