Post-Mauryan India
UPSC Notes
After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, India witnessed the emergence of several regional and foreign-origin ruling powers.
Important dynasties included:
Shungas
Kanvas
Indo-Greeks
Shakas
Parthians
Kushanas
Satavahanas
Shungas
Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga dynasty after overthrowing the last Mauryan ruler.
Indo-Greeks
The Indo-Greeks ruled parts of north-western India.
Menander (Milinda) was one of the most famous Indo-Greek rulers.
The Buddhist text Milindapanho records a philosophical dialogue between Menander and the monk Nagasena.
Shakas
The Shakas, or Indo-Scythians, established political control over parts of western India.
Rudradaman I was a famous Western Kshatrapa ruler.
His Junagadh inscription is an important Sanskrit inscription.
Kushanas
The Kushanas created a large empire across Central Asia and northern India.
Kanishka was their most famous ruler.
The Kushana period witnessed:
Expansion of Buddhism
Gandhara art
Mathura art
Long-distance trade
Cultural interaction between India and Central Asia
Satavahanas
The Satavahanas were important rulers of the Deccan.
Gautamiputra Satakarni was one of their prominent rulers.
Key Pointers
Pushyamitra Shunga → Shunga dynasty
Menander → Indo-Greek
Milindapanho → Menander and Nagasena
Rudradaman I → Western Kshatrapa
Junagadh inscription → Rudradaman
Kanishka → Kushana ruler
Gandhara and Mathura → important art schools
Gautamiputra Satakarni → Satavahana ruler
MCQs
Q17. The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I is notable for being composed in which language?
(a) Pali
(b) Sanskrit
(c) Tamil
(d) Prakrit only
Answer: (b) Sanskrit
Explanation: Rudradaman's Junagadh inscription is an important early and extensive example of Sanskrit epigraphic composition.
Category: Ancient History – Post-Mauryan India
Q18. Gandhara School of Art developed prominently under which dynasty?
(a) Kushanas
(b) Nandas
(c) Guptas
(d) Cholas
Answer: (a) Kushanas
Explanation: Gandhara art flourished especially under the Kushanas and reflected strong Greco-Roman artistic influence.
Category: Ancient History – Post-Mauryan India