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POST-MAURYAN DEVELOPMENTS
The Mauryan Empire declined around 185 BCE after the assassination of Brhadratha Maurya by Pushyamitra Shunga.
The period from 200 BCE to 300 CE is known as the Post-Mauryan Period.
Many regional kingdoms emerged, leading to political decentralization.
Foreign rulers also entered India and contributed to Indian culture.
Founder: Pushyamitra Shunga
Capital: Pataliputra
Defeated the last Mauryan ruler.
Promoted Brahmanism and performed Ashvamedha Yajna.
Patronized Sanskrit learning and art.
Bharhut Stupa received important additions during this period.
Founder: Vasudeva Kanva
Replaced the Shunga rulers.
Ruled Magadha for a short period.
Defeated by the Satavahanas.
Founder: Simuka
Greatest ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni
Capital: Pratishthana (Paithan)
Controlled the Deccan region.
Encouraged trade with the Roman Empire.
Issued lead and copper coins.
Supported both Buddhism and Brahmanism.
Came from Bactria.
Famous ruler: Menander (Milinda).
Converted to Buddhism after discussions with Nagasena.
Book: Milinda Panha.
Improved coinage.
Promoted trade.
Introduced Hellenistic art.
Came from Central Asia.
Famous ruler: Rudradaman I.
Repaired Sudarshana Lake.
Junagadh Inscription written in Sanskrit.
Ruled parts of north-west India.
Famous ruler: Gondophernes.
Had a short rule before the Kushanas.
Kujula Kadphises
Kanishka (78 CE)
Purushapura (Peshawar)
Organized the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
Promoted Mahayana Buddhism.
Encouraged trade through the Silk Route.
Patron of art, literature and learning.
Agriculture remained the main occupation.
Irrigation facilities improved.
Land grants became common.
Flourishing internal and overseas trade.
Trade with Rome, Central Asia, and South-East Asia.
Exported:
Spices
Cotton textiles
Ivory
Pearls
Imported:
Gold
Wine
Glassware
Extensive use of gold, silver, copper and lead coins.
Kushanas issued large numbers of gold coins.
Society became more diverse.
Growth of towns and cities.
Merchant guilds became powerful.
Women participated in religious activities.
Caste system became more rigid.
Spread widely during Kushana rule.
Mahayana Buddhism became popular.
Continued to flourish in western and southern India.
Worship of Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti became widespread.
Bhakti tradition gained importance.
Influenced by Greek art.
Buddha images with realistic features.
Grey stone sculptures.
Indigenous Indian style.
Red sandstone sculptures.
Buddha and Hindu deity images.
Sanchi
Bharhut
Amaravati
Karle Caves
Ajanta Caves (early phase)
Milinda Panha
Mahabhashya by Patanjali
Sanskrit and Prakrit literature flourished.
Development of Buddhist texts.
Rise of powerful regional kingdoms.
Growth of trade and urban centres.
Cultural exchange with foreign countries.
Development of Gandhara and Mathura art.
Spread of Buddhism and Mahayana.
Expansion of Indian culture across Asia.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 185 BCE | End of Mauryan Empire |
| 185 BCE | Shunga Dynasty founded |
| 73 BCE | Kanva Dynasty began |
| 1st Century BCE | Satavahana expansion |
| 78 CE | Beginning of Kanishka Era |
| 2nd Century CE | Reign of Rudradaman I |
185 BCE – Mauryan Empire ended.
Pushyamitra Shunga – Founder of Shunga Dynasty.
Simuka – Founder of Satavahana Dynasty.
Gautamiputra Satakarni – Greatest Satavahana ruler.
Menander – Indo-Greek ruler; Milinda Panha.
Rudradaman I – Junagadh Inscription.
Kanishka – Greatest Kushana ruler.
Fourth Buddhist Council – Kashmir.
Silk Route – Boosted international trade.
Gandhara & Mathura – Major schools of art.
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