Political History: The Pre-Gupta Period

Political History of the Pre-Gupta Period

1. Sungas:

   • Assassination of Mauryas: Pushyamitra Sunga's assassination of Brihadratha marked the end of the Maurya rule. This event paved the way for the establishment of the Sunga dynasty.
   • Kanvas: The Kanvas took over after Vasudeva, a minister, murdered the last Sunga ruler. Pulamayi I of Satavahanas then killed Suserman, the last Kanva ruler.
   • Satavahanas: Simukha founded the Satavahana dynasty, and Pulamayi III was its last ruler. During this period, feudal practices started to emerge.
   • Indo-Greeks: The Indo-Greeks were the first foreign rulers in north-western India post-Maurya period. They introduced Hellenistic art and issued the first gold coins, with Menander being the most famous among them.

2. Sakas:

   • Branches: The Sakas had five branches ruling different parts of India, with the western branch being particularly significant until the fourth century A.D.
   • Rulers: Moga, the first Saka ruler in western India, and Rudradaman I were prominent figures. Other notable rulers included Nahapana, Ushavadatta, Ghamatika, Ghastana.

3. Parthians:

   • Origin: The Parthians replaced the Sakas in north-western India, originating from Iran. Gondophernes emerged as a famous Parthian king.

4. Kushans:

   • Replacement of Parthians: The Kushans succeeded the Parthians in north-western India.
   • Prominent Ruler: Kanishka, the most famous Kushan ruler, initiated the Saka era in 78 A.D. Vasudeva I marked the end of the Kushana rule.

5. Nagas:

   • Successors: The Nagas succeeded the Kushanas.

Gupta Period

• Sources: Varman dynasty inscriptions, prasastis, Tamra Sasanas, literary works (Kalidasa, Sudraka), Chinese pilgrims' accounts (Wang Huein Tse, Fa-Hien, Hiuen-Tsang).
• Chronology of Kings: The Gupta dynasty saw rulers like Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta I, Skandagupta, Purugupta, and Buddha Gupta, each contributing to the empire's growth.
• Administration: Primogeniture was the basis of succession, and kings adopted grand titles. The king held supreme authority in state and administration.

Revenues

1. Subsistence Allowance: Vriui served as the subsistence allowance for the king.
2. Land Share: The state claimed a significant share (one-fourth to one-sixth) of the land produce.
3. Taxes: Various taxes like Udranga, Uparikara, Kalpta, Hiranya, Kara, Bali, Visthi (forced labor) contributed to state revenue.

4. Provincial Administration:

   • Desas or Bhuktis: Provinces were governed by Uparikas.
   • Districts: Provinces were divided into districts (Vishayas) administered by Adhisthana Adhikarna.
   • Military Exchequer: Ranabhandahi-Karana managed military finances.
   • Law and Order: Dandaparsadhikarna handled law and order.

5. Village Administration:

   • Gramikas: Village administrative and judicial tasks were overseen by Gramikas.
   • Elders: Village elders like Kutumbikas, Mahamataras assisted Gramikas.
   • Royal Servant: Gram-Vridha served as the royal servant in the village.

Economic and Cultural Aspects

1. Handicrafts and Industries:

   • The Jatakas constantly referred to 18 important handicrafts and industries, highlighting the economic diversity of the period.

2. Trade and Exports:

   • Ujjain played a crucial role in trade, being a nodal point for two major routes. The town was famous for exporting agate and Carnelian stones, contributing to economic prosperity.

3. Pottery:

   • Red ware emerged as the most popular and typical pottery during the Pre-Gupta period, reflecting the artistic and cultural preferences of the time.

4. Religion and Cultural Exchanges:

   • St. Thomas' arrival during Gondophernes' reign marked a significant cultural and religious exchange, with the propagation of Christianity in India.
   • Bacterian Greeks, being the first to invade and rule over North Western India, left a lasting impact on the region's culture and history.