Unit I: Post-Mauryan Dynasties

1. Shungas: Pushyamitra (c. 185 BCE)

The Shunga dynasty was established in 185 BCE, marking the end of the Mauryan Empire.

• Foundation: The founder was Pushyamitra Shunga. He was the commander-in-chief (Senapati) of the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha.
• The Coup: Pushyamitra assassinated Brihadratha in a public military parade and seized the throne of Magadha. This event is often called the "Brahminical Revolution" as Pushyamitra was a Brahmin, replacing the Buddhist-leaning Mauryas.
• Political Achievements:
  • Consolidation: He consolidated his rule over the central Mauryan territories.
  • Defense against Indo-Greeks: His most significant military achievement was successfully defending Magadha against the invasions of the Indo-Greeks (Yavanas), possibly led by Menander or Demetrius.
  • Ashvamedha Yajna: To celebrate his victories and legitimize his rule as a new "Chakravartin" (universal ruler), Pushyamitra performed two Ashvamedha (horse sacrifices), a traditional Vedic ritual.
• Stance on Buddhism: This is a debated topic.
  • Some Buddhist texts (like the Divyavadana) portray him as a cruel persecutor of Buddhists.
  • However, archaeological evidence shows that great Buddhist monuments like the Sanchi Stupa and the Bharhut Stupa were expanded and renovated during the Shunga period, suggesting some level of patronage or tolerance.

2. Political achievement of Gautamiputra Satakarni

Gautamiputra Satakarni (c. 1st - 2nd Century CE) was the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled in the Deccan.

• Primary Source: His achievements are recorded in detail in the Nashik Prashasti (Inscription), which was composed by his mother, Gautami Balasri, after his death.
• Revival of Satavahana Power: He is credited with reviving the power of his dynasty, which had been eclipsed by the Western Kshatrapas (Sakas).
• Greatest Military Victory: His most celebrated achievement was the complete defeat of the Saka ruler Nahapana. This is confirmed by a hoard of Nahapana's coins that were "restruck" (stamped over) with Gautamiputra's own symbols.
• Titles: The Nashik inscription gives him lofty titles, including:
  • "Destroyer of the Sakas, Yavanas (Greeks), and Pahlavas (Parthians)."
  • "Lord of the Southern Sea" (Trisamudra-toya-pita-vahana), indicating his naval power.
  • "The only Brahmin," highlighting his role as a protector of the Varna system.
• His empire extended over the entire Deccan, from the Krishna River in the south to the Narmada in the north.

3. Satavahana Administration

The Satavahana administrative system was a blend of Mauryan structures and local Deccan traditions, laying the groundwork for later southern kingdoms.

• Mauryan Influence: Like the Mauryas, the kingdom was divided into provinces called 'Aharas' (similar to Mauryan 'districts'), which were governed by officials called 'Amatyas'.
• Military Character: The administration had a strong military character. Local administrators, called *'Gaulmikas'*, were often in charge of a *'Gulma'* (a military regiment) and were responsible for both police and military functions in rural areas.
• Feudal Elements: The Satavahanas were the first Indian rulers to make land grants (Brahmadeya) to Brahmins and Buddhist monks. This is a very important development, as it created a class of landholders independent of the king, which is seen as an early step towards feudalism.
• Matronymics: A unique feature was the use of matronymics (names derived from the mother), such as Gautamiputra ("Son of Gautami") and Vasisthiputra ("Son of Vasisthi"). This indicates the high status of women, although the succession to the throne remained patrilineal (father to son).

4. Indo-Greeks: Menander

Following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, Greek rulers from Bactria (in modern-day Afghanistan) invaded Northwest India. These are known as the Indo-Greeks.

• King Menander (Milinda): The most famous and powerful Indo-Greek king (c. 165 BCE - 130 BCE).
• Capital: He ruled from his capital at Sakala (modern Sialkot in Pakistan).
• Military Campaigns: He led invasions deep into the Gangetic plains, perhaps even reaching Pataliputra, where he was repelled by Pushyamitra Shunga.
• Conversion to Buddhism: Menander's most lasting legacy is in religious history. He converted to Buddhism after a long philosophical debate with a Buddhist sage named Nagasena.
• The 'Milinda Panha': This famous conversion is recorded in the Pali Buddhist text, "Milinda Panha" (The Questions of Milinda). The book is a masterpiece of philosophical inquiry, where King Milinda asks questions about Buddhist doctrine, and Nagasena provides clear, logical answers.
• Coinage: The Indo-Greeks, especially Menander, introduced advanced coinage (numismatics) to India. They were the first to issue coins with:
  • Realistic portraits of the king.
  • Bilingual inscriptions (in Greek on one side and Prakrit/Kharosthi on the other).