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POST MAURYAN DEVELOPMENT

  • March 8, 2025
  • Posted by: Beauty Kumari
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Post-Mauryan Developments

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, many regional kingdoms emerged in different parts of India. At the same time, various groups from Central Asia and Western China started invading India. These included:

  • Indo-Greeks
  • Scythians (Shakas)
  • Parthians (Pahalavas)
  • Kushanas

Due to these invasions, India developed strong connections with Central Asian politics and culture.

Sources of the Post-Mauryan Period

Archaeological Sources

  • During this period, kings started issuing coins with their names for the first time.
  • The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers to introduce this practice.
  • Some important inscriptions from this period:
    • Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman – The first major inscription in Sanskrit.
    • Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela – Provides information about the Kalinga ruler.
    • Ayodhya inscription of Dhanadeva
    • Nasik inscription of Gautami Balashri
    • Kanheri inscription of Vasishtaputra Pulumayi
    • Land grant records from the Satavahana kings

Literary Sources

Several texts from this time give insights into historical events:

  • Divyavadana
  • Lalitavistara
  • Arya Manju Shri Mool Kalpa
  • Milind Panho (Discussions between Greek King Menander and Buddhist monk Nagasena)
  • Gargi Samhita
  • Malavika-Agnimitram (A play by Kalidasa)
  • Mahabhashya (A Sanskrit grammar text by Patanjali)
  • Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (A Greek text describing Indian trade)
  • Geography of Strabo
  • Natural History by Pliny
  • History of Tibet by Lama Taranath

Shunga Dynasty (185 BC – 73 BC)

Capital: Vidisha

Founder

  • Pushyamitra Shunga killed the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha and established the Shunga dynasty in North India.

Challenges Faced by Pushyamitra Shunga

  • He had to defend North India from Bactrian Greek invasions.
  • He fought against Demetrius (a Bactrian Greek ruler) and won.
  • He also fought against Kharavela of Kalinga.

About Pushyamitra Shunga

  • He followed Brahmanism and performed two Ashvamedha Yajnas.
  • The famous scholar Patanjali (author of Mahabhashya) was associated with these rituals.
  • Some Buddhist sources claim that he persecuted Buddhists, but historical evidence suggests he also patronized Buddhist art.
  • During his reign, Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and improved.

Successors of Pushyamitra Shunga

  • Agnimitra – His son, mentioned in Kalidasa’s play Malavika-Agnimitram.
  • Sujyeshtha (also called Jethamitra) – Came after Agnimitra.
  • Last ruler: Devabhuti – He was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, who started the Kanva dynasty.

Importance of the Shunga Dynasty

  • Protected North India from foreign invasions.
  • Encouraged the Vaishnavism religious tradition and Sanskrit language.
  • The Shunga rule is seen as a precursor to the golden age of the Guptas.

Kanva Dynasty (72 BC – 27 BC)

Founder: Vasudeva Kanva

  • The Kanvas were originally ministers of the Shungas and later took power.
  • The Puranas describe them as “Sungabhrityas” (servants of the Shungas).
  • The Andhras (Satavahanas) conquered Magadha in 27 BC, ending the Kanva dynasty.
  • The Kanvas ruled for 45 years.
  • After their fall, Magadha’s history remains unclear until the rise of the Gupta dynasty.

Kalinga (Chetis Dynasty)

  • The first known king of this dynasty was Mahameghavarmana.
  • The most important source about Kalinga is the Hathigumpha inscription (Udayagiri hills, near Bhubaneswar).
  • The inscription is called Hathigumpha because it is next to a rock-carved elephant.
  • The most famous ruler of this dynasty was Kharavela, who followed Jainism.
  • He fought many battles, including one against Satavahana King Satakarni.

Satavahana Dynasty (60 BC – 225 AD)

Founder: Simuka Satavahana

  • The Satavahanas were also known as the Andhras.

Sources

  • The Puranas and inscriptions provide details about this dynasty.
  • Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions describe the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni.
  • Satavahana coins help us understand the economic system of this period.

Important Rulers

  1. Krishna – Expanded the empire to Nasik.
  2. Sri Satakarni – Conquered western Malwa and Berar and performed Ashvamedha sacrifices.
  3. Gautamiputra Satakarni – The greatest Satavahana ruler.
  4. Hala (17th king) – Famous for writing Gathasaptasati (Sattasai).
  5. Pulamavi IV – The last major ruler of the dynasty.

Gautamiputra Satakarni (Most Important Ruler)

  • His achievements are recorded in the Nasik inscription by his mother, Gautami Balashri.
  • He defeated the Shakas, Pahlavas, and Greeks (Yavanas).
  • He expanded the empire across Deccan.
  • He defeated Nagapana, the ruler of Malwa.
  • He followed Brahmanism but also supported Buddhism.
  • He issued coins with images of ships, showing the Satavahanas’ naval power and trade connections.

Key Features of the Satavahana Dynasty

Administration

  • The government was based on Shastras (ancient scriptures).
  • Important officials included:
    • Rajan (King) – Supreme ruler.
    • Princes (Rajas) – Some issued their own coins.
    • Maharathis – Powerful nobles who granted land and married into the royal family.
    • Mahasenapati (Army Chief)
    • Mahatalavara (High-ranking official)
  • The king was considered an upholder of dharma.
  • The kingdom was divided into districts (Ahara), managed by Amatyas and Mahamatras (officials similar to the Mauryan era).

Tax System

  • The government collected taxes from agriculture and trade.
  • A new system began where the revenue of a village was given to Brahmins or Buddhist monks.

Society and Culture

  • Women played an important role, as seen in names like Gautamiputra Satakarni (son of Gautami).
  • Artisans identified themselves by profession rather than caste.
  • Many Yavanas (foreigners) adopted Indian names and donated to Buddhist monasteries.
  • Trade and industry flourished, with guilds (associations) of merchants and craftsmen.
  • Important ports: Kalyani (west coast), Gandakasela, Ganjam (east coast).
  • Silver coins (Karshapanas) were used for trade.

Invasions from Central Asia

Indo-Greeks (Bactrian Kings)

  • Alexander’s Invasion Opened the Doors for Greeks: After Alexander the Great passed away in 323 BC, many Greeks settled in the northwestern region of India.
  • First Indo-Greek King to Invade India: Demetrius led the Indo-Greek attack on India.
  • Important Region: Bactria, located northwest of the Hindu Kush mountains, became a major center for the Indo-Greeks.
  • Notable Ruler – Menander (155 BC – 130 BC):
    • He ruled the region west of the Indus River.
    • Known as “Melinda” in the Buddhist text Milindapanha.
Milindapanha (The Questions of King Milinda)
  • A philosophical book where King Menander asks questions to Buddhist monk Nagasena.
  • The book says that Menander, impressed by Nagasena’s wisdom, accepted Buddhism.
Contributions of Indo-Greeks
  • First rulers to introduce gold coins and to mark dates on them.
  • Introduced the concept of a 7-day week.
  • Developed Gandhara School of Art, which blended Indian and Greek artistic styles.
  • Other artistic traditions from this time include the Mathura School of Art and Amaravati School of Art.

Shakas (1st Century BC – 4th Century AD)

  • Founder: Maues
  • Origin: Also called Scythians, they were originally from Central Asia.
  • Why They Came to India: They were defeated by another Central Asian tribe, the Yueh-Chis, and were forced to migrate.
  • Where They Settled: They gradually moved into northwestern India, particularly around Taxila, in the 1st century BC.
  • Expansion: They extended their rule to Mathura and Gujarat.
Most Famous Shaka Ruler – Rudradaman
  • Renovated Sudarshan Lake, originally built during the Mauryan period.
  • Married a Hindu woman and converted to Hinduism.
  • Ruled in the mid-2nd century AD, controlling most of western India.
  • Inscriptions about him were found in Girnar, Junagadh.
  • His inscription is considered the first royal edict written in Sanskrit.
Decline of Shakas
  • Defeated by Gautamiputra Satakarni, ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • Northwest India and Pakistan fell under Kushana rule after the death of Azes II in 12 BC.
  • Western India came under Gupta rule when Chandragupta II defeated the last Shaka king, Rudrasimha III.

Parthians (19 AD – 45 AD)

  • Origin: The Parthians came from Iran and were culturally similar to the Shakas.
  • Referred to as “Shaka-Pahlava” in India.
  • Ruled in Northwest India and Pakistan.
Key Parthian Ruler – Gondophernes
  • His name appears in the Takht-i-Bahi inscription, found in Mardan (near Peshawar), dating to 45 AD.
  • Some literary sources link him with Saint Thomas, who is believed to have converted Gondophernes and his brother to Christianity.

Kushanas (1st Century AD – 3rd Century AD)

  • Origin: Also called Yueh-Chis or Tocharians.
  • They defeated the Shakas and Parthians, establishing a powerful empire in present-day Pakistan and northern India.
  • Founder: Kijula Kadphises, succeeded by his son Wema Kadphises.
  • Most famous ruler: Kanishka (78 AD – 101 AD).
  • Started the “Saka Era”, which is still used by the Government of India today.
Kanishka’s Achievements
  • Expanded his empire across Central Asia and North India, including cities like Varanasi, Kosambi, and Shravasti.
  • Great supporter of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Sent Buddhist missionaries to Central Asia and China.
  • Built Buddhist monasteries (chaityas and viharas) in different places.
  • Patronized Buddhist scholars, including:
    • Vasumitra
    • Asvaghosha (a philosopher, poet, and playwright, who wrote Buddhacharita)
    • Nagarjuna (a South Indian scholar)
    • Charaka (a famous physician of ancient India)
  • Organized the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalvana (Jammu & Kashmir).
    • During this council, Buddhism split into two sects:
      • Hinayana
      • Mahayana
  • Promoted Gandhara and Mathura art styles.
  • Founded Purushapura (modern Peshawar) and built a massive stupa to house Buddha’s relics.
Administration of the Kushana Empire
  • Ruled over local princes, who paid tribute to them.
  • Called themselves “King of Kings”.
  • Kushana rulers were considered “Sons of God”.
  • Divided their empire into provinces (“Satraps”), each ruled by a military governor called Mahakshatrap, assisted by a Kshatrap.
  • Practiced dual rule, where two monarchs governed simultaneously.
Contributions of the Kushanas
  • Expert horsemen, improving cavalry warfare in India.
  • Introduced new clothing styles, such as tunics, turbans, pants, and thick coats.
  • Encouraged Sanskrit literature.
  • Controlled the Silk Route, a major trade route and revenue source.
  • Issued a large number of gold coins.
  • Supported agriculture.
  • Encouraged foreign artisans, leading to the rise of artistic schools such as Mathura, Gandhara, and Central Asian art styles.
  • Supported great writers, such as Ashvagosha, Vasumitra, and Nagarjuna.

Developments in the Post-Mauryan Era

1. Urbanization

  • The “Second Urbanization” (which had started in the pre-Mauryan period) expanded rapidly.
  • More cities emerged, combining political and trade functions.
  • Increased use of bricks in buildings and fortifications.
  • Large religious monuments were built and decorated.

2. Trade

Internal Trade
  • Trade in essential goods like salt and metals increased.
  • Major reasons for trade growth:
    • Agriculture produced more surplus.
    • Buddhism and Jainism encouraged wealth accumulation and trade.
    • Urban centers created demand for everyday and luxury goods.
  • Major industries:
    • Ujjain was a center for bead-making.
    • Mathura and Bengal were known for textiles.
  • Craftsmen and merchants formed guilds:
    • Craftsmen’s guilds were led by a Jyestha.
    • Merchant groups (Shrenis) were led by a Shreshthi.
    • Sarthi: A mobile trade caravan of long-distance traders, led by a Sarthwaha.
External Trade
  • Major trade partners:
    • Roman Empire (West)
    • Han Dynasty (China)
  • Discovery of monsoon winds by Greek navigator Hippalus (45 AD) made sea trade easier.
  • Important western port cities: Bharoch, Supara, Kalyan, Muziris (linked to Rome).
  • Important eastern port cities: Tamralipti, Arikamedu (linked to Southeast Asia).
  • Indian exports: Spices, perfumes, jewels, ivory, fine muslin textiles.
  • Roman imports: Gold and silver (India drained large amounts of gold from Rome).
  • Mentioned in “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea”, a 1st-century AD book about trade.

Gandhara Art

  • The Gandhara style of sculpture developed mainly during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE.
  • It first appeared under the Indo-Greek rulers but was actively promoted by the Shakas and Kushanas, especially King Kanishka.
  • This art form combined Indian and Greco-Roman styles, making it unique.
  • Major sites where Gandhara art has been found include Taxila, Peshawar, and other areas in northwestern India.
  • The sculptures often depict key events from Buddha’s life, such as his birth, renunciation, and teachings.

Key Features of Gandhara Art:

✔️ Realistic human figures with detailed physical features
✔️ Accurate anatomy, with well-defined muscles
✔️ Curly hair, influenced by Greco-Roman styles
✔️ Made primarily from gray sandstone

Mathura Art

  • This school of art flourished around the 1st century CE.
  • Unlike Gandhara art, Mathura sculptures had more spiritual expressions on the Buddha’s face.
  • Apart from Buddha, statues of Hindu gods like Shiva and Vishnu, along with their consorts Parvati and Lakshmi, were also made.
  • The Mathura school also produced stunning female sculptures, such as yakshinis (nature spirits) and apsaras (celestial dancers).

Key Features of Mathura Art:

✔️ Influenced by Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism
 ✔️ More secular (not limited to religious themes)
✔️ Strong artistic elements and symbolism
 ✔️ Mainly supported by the Kushanas
 ✔️ Used white-spotted red sandstone

Amaravati Art

  • The Amaravati School of Art was mainly centered around Buddhist themes.
  • The main hubs of this art style were Nagarjunakonda, Ghantasala, Jaggey-yapeta, and Amaravati.

Key Features of Amaravati Art:

✔️ Focused on physical beauty and sensual expressions
 ✔️ More storytelling-oriented (narrative) rather than focusing on individual figures
✔️ Used white marble as the primary material