History (Ancient India History :- Post Mauryan India: Sungas Dynasty, Satavahanas)

Ancient India History :- Post Mauryan India: Sungas Dynasty, Satavahanas

Post Mauryan India

- After Ashoka’s death, his successors were not able to keep the vast Mauryan kingdom intact. Provinces started declaring independence. N-W India slipped out of Mauryan control & a series of foreign invasion affected this region.

 *Kalinga declared its independence & in further south Satavahanas declared their independent rule

 *As a result, the Mauryan empire was confined to Gangetic valley & soon replaced by Sunga dynasty

Sungas Dynasty

 *Founder of Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga, who was commander in chief under the Mauryas.

 *He assasinated the last Mauryan ruler & claimed the throne

 *After the invasion from Bactrian Greeks from N-W, Greeks advanced upto Patliputra & occupied it for some time but Pusyamitra sunga reclaimed it.

 *He also fought against Kharvela of Kalinga who invaded N- India

 *Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahamanism & persecuter of Budhhists, however he patronised buddhist art & during his reign Buddhist monuments of Bharut (HP) & Sanchi were renovated

 *After death of Pushyamitra, his son Agnimitra became the ruler

 *The last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, Who was murdered by his own minister Vasudeva Kanva, Founder of Kanva dynasty.

 *Kanva dynasty ruler for approx 45 years & then Supplanted by Satavahanas & few time later came Gupta’s at Magadha

Effect of Sunga’s

- Defended Gangetic valley from foreign invaders, revived brahamanism, vaishnavism, horse sacrifice & use of Sanskrit language. Hence, Sunga rule was a brilliant anticipation of golden age of Guptas

Satavahanas

 *In deccan, Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of Mauryas.

 *Their rule lasted for 450 years & were known as Andhras

 *Capital → Paithan/ Pratisthan on the river Godavari

 *Founder of Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. He was succeeded by Krishna, who extended his kingdom to west uptill Nashik

 *Greatest ruler of Satavahana Dynasty was Gautamiputra Satkarni.

 1 Called himself the only Brahamana.

 2 Called himself the only Brahamana.

 3 Nashik & Nanaghad inscriptions throw light on achievements of Gautamiputra satkarni

 4 Patronised Brahamanism yet gave donations to Buddhists

 *He was succeeded by his son Vashishtaputra Pulamayi who issued coins with the inscription of images of ships which shows naval power & maritime trade of Satavahanas

 *Last great ruler of this dynasty was Yajna sri Satkarni, who recovered Malwa & northern coast of konkan from Shaka rulers (which was captured by Rudradaman before)

- Satavahana period saw an extensive growth in overseas trade. Satavahana administration was almost same as Mauryans as District were called Aharas & officials Amatyas & Mahamantras. Administration of rural areas was placed under Gaulmika who was head of military regiment

Satavahanas → Official Language (Prakrit)

 *Issued Silver coins → Karshpanas + Issued Lead coins → For Trade

 *West Port → Kalyani + East Port → Gandakasela + Ganjam

 *Started Practice of giving Tax free Villages to Brahamanas & Monks

 *Satavahana Kingdom had 3 grades of feudatories

 1 Raja → Sole right to strike coin

 2 Mahabhoja

 3 Senapati

 *Revived Brahamanism along with practice of Aswamegha & Rajasuya sacrifices

 *Kataka + Skandhvaras → Military Regiments as administrative center for kings at wartime

 *Nagargunaconda + Amravati → Important Seats for Buddhists (Mahayana)

 *Satavahanas formed many Chaityas (Temples – Most famous is Karle in West Deccan)  & Viharas (Residents for monk)

 *Gathasattasai / Saptasati → Attributed to Satavahana king Hala

 *Satavahanas were succeeded by Ikshvakus