A.7.2 Post Mauryan Period

1. Sunga Dynasty

Overview

• Established by: Pushyamitra Sunga (c. 185 BCE – 78 BCE)
• Capital: Vidisha
• Successor to: Mauryan Empire
• Duration: c. 185 BCE – 78 BCE

Key Features

• Military Strength: Known for strong military and suppression of the Indo-Greek invasion.
• Religious Policy: Promoted Brahmanism and supported the Vedic tradition.
• Administrative System: Retained many Mauryan administrative practices.
• Coinage: Issued gold, silver, and copper coins with Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian influences.

Important Dates

• Founded: c. 185 BCE
• Ended: 78 BCE

Key Figures

• Pushyamitra Sunga: Founder and first ruler.
• Devabhuti Sunga: Last ruler, defeated by the Kanva dynasty.

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• Pushyamitra Sunga defeated the Indo-Greek general Demetrius I.
• The Sunga dynasty was a continuation of the Mauryan administrative system.
• Vidisha was the capital and a major center of administration and culture.

2. Kanva Dynasty

Overview

• Established by: Vasudeva Kanva (c. 88 BCE – 58 BCE)
• Capital: Pataliputra
• Successor to: Sunga Dynasty
• Duration: c. 88 BCE – 58 BCE

Key Features

• Military Strength: Established through a coup against the last Sunga ruler, Devabhuti.
• Administrative Continuity: Maintained the administrative structure of the Sunga and Mauryan empires.
• Cultural Influence: Continued patronage of Hindu religious institutions.

Important Dates

• Founded: c. 88 BCE
• Ended: 58 BCE

Key Figures

• Vasudeva Kanva: Founder and first ruler.
• Vasudeva Kanva was a minister of the last Sunga ruler, Devabhuti.

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• The Kanva dynasty was a short-lived dynasty that replaced the Sunga.
• Vasudeva Kanva was a minister who seized power from the Sungas.
• The Kanva dynasty is known for its brief rule and lack of significant cultural or political developments.

3. Satvahana Dynasty

Overview

• Established by: Satakarni (c. 2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE)
• Capital: Paithan (Aurangabad)
• Successor to: Mauryan Empire (in parts of Deccan and South India)
• Duration: c. 2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE

Key Features

• Territorial Expansion: Extended control over parts of the Deccan and South India.
• Cultural Contributions: Promoted the development of the Sanskrit language, Siddhanta astronomy, and Sanskrit literature.
• Coinage: Issued coins with inscriptions in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Greek.
• Religious Policy: Supported both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Important Dates

• Founded: c. 2nd century BCE
• Ended: c. 2nd century CE

Key Figures

• Satakarni: One of the most prominent rulers, known for his military campaigns and cultural patronage.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni: A notable ruler who expanded the kingdom and is mentioned in the Gupta inscriptions.

Key Facts (SS. C, RRB)

• The Satvahana dynasty is also known as the Satavahana dynasty.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered one of the greatest rulers of the dynasty.
• The Satvahana dynasty is known for its coinage, literary contributions, and religious tolerance.
• The Satvahana dynasty is often associated with the Buddhist tradition and the Gupta inscriptions.

4. Chedi Dynasty

Overview

• Established by: Chedi (c. 2nd century BCE – 1st century CE)
• Capital: Sukhtimati
• Successor to: Mauryan Empire (in parts of South India)
• Duration: c. 2nd century BCE – 1st century CE

Key Features

• Territorial Control: Controlled parts of South India, including the Kalinga region.
• Cultural Contributions: Promoted the development of Sanskrit, Buddhism, and local traditions.
• Administrative System: Retained elements of the Mauryan administrative structure.
• Coinage: Issued coins with inscriptions in Prakrit and Sanskrit.

Important Dates

• Founded: c. 2nd century BCE
• Ended: c. 1st century CE

Key Figures

• Chedi: Founder of the dynasty.
• Chedi rulers are mentioned in the Gupta inscriptions and Buddhist texts.

Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

• The Chedi dynasty is also known as the Chedi dynasty.
• The Chedi dynasty ruled parts of South India and is associated with the Buddhist tradition.
• The Chedi dynasty is known for its coinage and cultural contributions.
• The Chedi dynasty is often linked with the Gupta inscriptions and Buddhist literature.

Comparison Table: Sunga, Kanva, Satvahana, and Chedi Dynasties