After the decline of the Mauryas in 185 B.C., India fragmented into regional kingdoms. Though no single empire could unite the subcontinent immediately, several dynasties such as the Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas, and Kushanas rose to power. This period also witnessed cultural development, flourishing trade, and remarkable achievements in art, particularly the Gandhara school.
Table of Contents
The Sungas (185–73 B.C.)
-
Founded by Pushyamitra Sunga, who killed the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha.
-
Capital: Pataliputra.
-
Faced invasions from Indo-Greeks, but defended the Gangetic valley.
-
Revived Brahmanism and performed Ashvamedha sacrifices.
-
Patronized art and learning: the Bharhut stupa was built during their rule.
-
Declined by the end of the 1st century B.C.
The Kanvas (73–28 B.C.)
-
Replaced the Sungas; founded by Vasudeva Kanva.
-
Ruled from Pataliputra.
-
Very short rule, later replaced by the Satavahanas in the Deccan.
The Satavahanas (1st century B.C. – 3rd century A.D.)
-
Also called Andhras, their kingdom was in the Deccan (present-day Maharashtra, Andhra, and Telangana).
-
Founder: Simuka; greatest ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni.
-
They resisted foreign invasions and expanded their territory.
-
Promoted trade and agriculture; acted as a bridge between north and south India.
-
Supported Buddhism; built stupas at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
-
Contributed to Prakrit literature.
The Kushanas (1st–3rd century A.D.)
-
Originally from Central Asia; part of the Yuezhi tribe.
-
Founded a strong empire in northwest India and Afghanistan.
-
Most famous ruler: Kanishka (78–120 A.D.).
-
His empire extended from Central Asia to the Ganga valley.
-
Patron of Buddhism; convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
-
Promoted Mahayana Buddhism, which spread to Central Asia, China, and beyond.
-
Patronized scholars like Charaka (medicine) and Ashvaghosha (poet, author of Buddhacharita).
-
Issued gold coins, indicating prosperity and international trade.
Kanishka and Gandhara Art
-
Kanishka was a great patron of art and culture.
-
The Gandhara School of Art developed under the Kushanas.
-
Blended Greek and Indian styles (Greco-Buddhist art).
-
Features: realistic depiction of the human body, curly hair, draped garments, and fine carving.
-
Created beautiful sculptures of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
-
Other schools of art like Mathura school also flourished alongside.
Key Takeaway
-
After the Mauryas, India saw the rise of powerful regional dynasties like the Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas, and Kushanas.
-
These kingdoms defended India from invasions and also promoted religion, trade, and culture.
-
Kanishka and the Gandhara art left a lasting cultural impact, spreading Buddhism and Indian artistic traditions across Asia.