Unit 2: Post Mauryan Empire

1. Introduction: A Period of Fragmentation

The period after the Mauryan collapse (c. 185 BCE – 300 CE) is marked by political fragmentation. Two major trends occurred simultaneously:

1. Indigenous Dynasties: Regional powers like the Shungas (in Magadha) and Satavahanas (in the Deccan) replaced the Mauryas.
2. Foreign Invasions: A series of invasions from Central Asia led to the establishment of Indo-Greek, Shaka, and Kushana kingdoms in the northwest.

2. Shungas: Pushyamitra Shunga

• Founder: Pushyamitra Shunga, the Brahmin commander-in-chief of the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha.
• Rise to Power: He assassinated Brihadratha in a public military parade (c. 185 BCE) and usurped the throne of Magadha.
• Brahminical Revival: His reign is seen as a revival of Brahminism after the Mauryan patronage of Buddhism.
  • He performed two Ashvamedha (horse) sacrifices.
  • Patanjali's *Mahabhashya* was written during this time.
• Wars:
  • Fought against the Bactrian Greeks (Yavanas) who were trying to push into the Ganga valley.
  • Fought against Kharavela of Kalinga.
• Cultural Note: Despite being associated with a Hindu revival, major Buddhist sites like the Sanchi Stupa and Bharhut Stupa were expanded and decorated during the Shunga period, showing continued patronage.

3. Kanishka: Conquests & Achievements

Kanishka was the greatest ruler of the Kushana Dynasty, a nomadic people from Central Asia (Yuezhi tribe) who established a vast empire.

• Empire: His empire was massive, controlling North India (capitals at Purushapura/Peshawar and Mathura) and a large part of Central Asia.
• Control of the Silk Road: His most significant economic achievement was controlling a large section of the Silk Road, which brought immense wealth through trade taxes.
• Accession (Shaka Era): He started the Shaka Era in 78 CE to mark his ascension to the throne. This calendar is still used as the official calendar by the Government of India.
• Patronage of Buddhism:
  • He was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, where the Mahayana doctrine was finalized.
  • His patronage helped spread Buddhism to Central Asia and China.
• Patronage of Art: His reign was the "golden age" of the Gandhara School of Art (Greco-Buddhist style) and the Mathura School of Art (indigenous style). The first images of the Buddha were created during this time.
• Patronage of Scholars: His court included scholars like Ashvaghosha (wrote *Buddhacharita*) and Charaka (wrote *Charaka Samhita*, a foundational text on Ayurveda).

4. Kalinga ruler: Kharavela

• Who: The powerful and famous king of Kalinga (modern Odisha), belonging to the Chedi dynasty. He ruled in the 1st Century BCE.
• Source: Our only detailed source for his reign is the Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) Inscription at Udayagiri, near Bhubaneswar.
• Religion: He was a devout follower of Jainism. The inscription begins with a Jain prayer.
• Achievements (from the inscription):
  • The inscription gives a year-by-year account of his first 13 regnal years.
  • Public Works: He repaired his capital (Kalinganagari) which had been damaged by a storm and extended a canal (originally built by a Nanda king).
  • Military Conquests: He was a great conqueror. He waged successful wars against the Satavahanas in the south and, most famously, against Magadha (then under the Shungas), which he invaded multiple times.
  • He is also said to have brought back Jain statues that had been taken away by Mahapadma Nanda centuries earlier.

5. The Satavahanas

Also known as the Andhras, the Satavahanas were the first major indigenous empire in the Deccan, acting as a bridge between the north and south.

i) Political achievements of Gautamiputra Satakarni

• Greatest Ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni (c. 106–130 CE) was the greatest ruler of the dynasty, who restored its power.
• Source: His achievements are detailed in the Nasik Prasasti (inscription), which was issued by his mother, Gautami Balashri.
• Main Achievement: His greatest victory was against the Shakas (Western Kshatrapas). He defeated their king, Nahapana, and restruck his coins, a sign of total victory.
• Titles: The inscription gives him grand titles, such as "Destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas (Greeks), and Pahlavas (Parthians)" and "Lord of the Southern (Dakshinapatha) Lord".

ii) Administration

• Model: Their administration was based on the Mauryan model, but with crucial differences that point towards feudalism.
• Decentralized Structure: The kingdom was divided into districts (*Ahara*), but real power was often in the hands of local feudatories called Maharathis and Mahabhojas, who were often related to the king.
• Land Grants (Crucial Feature): The Satavahanas were the first rulers in Indian history to issue royal land grants to Brahmins and Buddhist monks.
  • These grants were often tax-free.
  • They also transferred administrative and judicial rights to the donee.
  • This practice weakened central control and is seen as a key step in the development of Indian feudalism.
• Military Character: Administration had a military character. Rural areas were often controlled by *Gaulmikas* (head of a military regiment).