Chapter 9: Post-Mauryan Period (200 BCE – 300 CE)
1. Introduction
• The period after the decline of the Mauryan Empire (185 BCE) saw the emergence of
several regional powers in North India, Central Asia, and the Deccan.
• The most significant dynasties were:
o Shunga Dynasty (185 BCE – 73 BCE)
o Kanvas (73 BCE – 28 BCE)
o Indo-Greeks (200 BCE – 10 CE)
o Shakas (1st century BCE – 4th century CE)
o Kushanas (1st century CE – 3rd century CE)
o Satavahanas (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)
• The period witnessed political fragmentation, Indo-Greek influences, urbanization,
trade expansion, and religious transformations.
2. Political Developments
2.1 The Shunga Dynasty (185 BCE – 73 BCE)
• Established by Pushyamitra Shunga, who overthrew the last Mauryan ruler
Brihadratha.
• Capital: Pataliputra.
• Expansion & Administration:
o Fought against Indo-Greeks.
o Promoted Brahmanism and performed Ashvamedha yajnas.
o Revival of Vedic traditions and Sanskrit literature.
• End of Dynasty: Last ruler Devabhuti was overthrown by Vasudeva Kanva.
2.2 The Kanva Dynasty (73 BCE – 28 BCE)
• Founded by Vasudeva Kanva, a minister of the Shungas.
• Ruled Magadha, but was eventually overthrown by the Satavahanas.
2.3 Indo-Greeks (200 BCE – 10 CE)
• Demetrius and Menander (Milinda) expanded Greek rule into Northwest India.
• Menander converted to Buddhism (as mentioned in Milinda Panha).
• Contributions:
o Introduced Hellenistic art and coinage.
o First rulers to issue gold coins in India.
o Used Greek and Kharosthi scripts.
2.4 Shakas (1st Century BCE – 4th Century CE)
• Originally from Central Asia; settled in western India.
• Prominent Shaka Rulers:
o Rudradaman I (130 CE): Issued the Junagarh Inscription (first major Sanskrit
inscription).
o Patronized Buddhism and trade.
2.5 Kushanas (1st Century CE – 3rd Century CE)
• Founder: Kujula Kadphises.
• Greatest Ruler: Kanishka (c. 78 CE – 101 CE)
o Started the Shaka Era (78 CE).
o Capital: Peshawar & Mathura.
o Patron of Buddhism (Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir).
o Issued gold coins with images of Buddha and Greek deities.
2.6 c (1st Century BCE – 3rd Century CE)
• Founder: Simuka.
• Greatest Ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni (defeated Shakas and expanded rule).
• Patronized Brahmanism & Buddhism.
• Issued Prakrit inscriptions in Brahmi script.
3. Administrative Structure
• The post-Mauryan states had decentralized administration.
• Indo-Greeks & Kushanas: Followed the Satrap system (Governors called
Mahakshatrapas and Kshatrapas).
• Satavahanas: Used matrilineal succession (rulers mentioned their mother's name in
inscriptions).
• Shakas & Kushanas: Issued land grants to Brahmins and Buddhist monasteries.
4. Economic and Trade Developments
4.1 Trade & Urbanization
• Expansion of internal and external trade.
• Flourishing trade routes:
o Silk Route: Connected India to China, Central Asia, and Rome.
o Maritime Trade: Linked India with Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.
• Key Ports: Bharuch, Sopara, Tamralipti, Kaveripattinam.
4.2 Coinage and Economy
• Indo-Greeks & Kushanas: First rulers to issue gold coins in India.
• Shakas & Satavahanas: Issued copper and silver coins.
• Guilds (Shrenis): Controlled production and trade.
• Roman Trade: Gold and silver from Rome flowed into India in exchange for spices,
textiles, and pearls.
5. Religious and Cultural Developments
5.1 Buddhism
• Spread to China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• Kanishka’s Role: Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, patronized Mahayana
Buddhism.
5.2 Brahmanism and Jainism
• Shungas and Satavahanas promoted Brahmanism.
• Temples and Yajnas (e.g., Ashvamedha performed by Pushyamitra Shunga).
• Jainism continued to flourish in western India.
5.3 Art and Architecture
• Gandhara Art (Indo-Greek Influence): Greco-Buddhist sculptures.
• Mathura School: Red sandstone Buddha images.
• Ajanta Caves: Patronized by Satavahanas.
6. Decline of Post-Mauryan States
• Weaker Successors: Decline due to lack of strong rulers.
• Foreign Invasions: Gupta Empire emerged, overpowering the Kushanas and Shakas.
• End of Roman Trade: Affected economy.
7. Legacy and Influence
• Indo-Greek, Shaka, and Kushana influences on Indian culture.
• Development of Sanskrit inscriptions (Junagarh Inscription).
• Buddhism spread to China and Central Asia.
• Early foundation for Gupta rule (4th Century CE).
8. Bonus Facts & Flowcharts
8.1 Timeline of Key Events
185 BCE - Shunga Dynasty founded by Pushyamitra Shunga.
73 BCE - Kanva Dynasty replaces Shungas.
200 BCE - Indo-Greeks rule parts of northwest India.
130 CE - Rudradaman I issues Junagarh Inscription.
78 CE - Kanishka starts the Shaka Era.
3rd Century CE - Satavahanas dominate Deccan.
4th Century CE - Gupta Empire rises, ending the Kushana rule.
8.2 Flowchart: Post-Mauryan Political Developments
Mauryan Decline (185 BCE)
▼
Shungas (185 BCE - 73 BCE) ---> Kanvas (73 BCE - 28 BCE)
▼ ▼
Indo-Greeks (200 BCE - 10 CE) ---> Shakas (1st Century BCE
- 4th Century CE)
▼ ▼
Kushanas (1st Century CE - 3rd Century CE) ---> Satavahanas
(1st Century BCE - 3rd Century CE)
