(NIOS History – Senior Secondary Notes)

Introduction

• 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.

Major Dynasties

1. Shunga Dynasty (185–73 BCE)

• 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.

2. Kanva Dynasty (73–28 BCE)

• Founder: Vasudeva Kanva

• Replaced the Shunga rulers.

• Ruled Magadha for a short period.

• Defeated by the Satavahanas.

3. Satavahana Dynasty

• 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.

Foreign Rulers

Indo-Greeks

• Came from Bactria.

• Famous ruler: Menander (Milinda).

• Converted to Buddhism after discussions with Nagasena.

• Book: Milinda Panha.

Contributions

• Improved coinage.

• Promoted trade.

• Introduced Hellenistic art.

Shakas (Scythians)

• Came from Central Asia.

• Famous ruler: Rudradaman I.

• Repaired Sudarshana Lake.

• Junagadh Inscription written in Sanskrit.

Parthians

• Ruled parts of north-west India.

• Famous ruler: Gondophernes.

• Had a short rule before the Kushanas.

Kushana Dynasty

Founder

• Kujula Kadphises

Greatest Ruler

• Kanishka (78 CE)

Capital

• Purushapura (Peshawar)

Contributions

• Organized the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.

• Promoted Mahayana Buddhism.

• Encouraged trade through the Silk Route.

• Patron of art, literature and learning.

Economy

Agriculture

• Agriculture remained the main occupation.

• Irrigation facilities improved.

• Land grants became common.

Trade

• Flourishing internal and overseas trade.

• Trade with Rome, Central Asia, and South-East Asia.

• Exported:

  • Spices

  • Cotton textiles

  • Ivory

  • Pearls

• Imported:

  • Gold

  • Wine

  • Glassware

Coins

• Extensive use of gold, silver, copper and lead coins.

• Kushanas issued large numbers of gold coins.

Society

• Society became more diverse.

• Growth of towns and cities.

• Merchant guilds became powerful.

• Women participated in religious activities.

• Caste system became more rigid.

Religion

Buddhism

• Spread widely during Kushana rule.

• Mahayana Buddhism became popular.

Jainism

• Continued to flourish in western and southern India.

Hinduism

• Worship of Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti became widespread.

• Bhakti tradition gained importance.

Art and Architecture

Gandhara School

• Influenced by Greek art.

• Buddha images with realistic features.

• Grey stone sculptures.

Mathura School

• Indigenous Indian style.

• Red sandstone sculptures.

• Buddha and Hindu deity images.

Stupas and Caves

• Sanchi

• Bharhut

• Amaravati

• Karle Caves

• Ajanta Caves (early phase)

Literature

• Milinda Panha

• Mahabhashya by Patanjali

• Sanskrit and Prakrit literature flourished.

• Development of Buddhist texts.

Importance of the Post-Mauryan Period

• 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.

Important Dates

Quick Revision

• 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.