Complete Indian History Chapter-Wise Notes – For UPSC/PSC (Part-3)

Chapter 8: Post-Mauryan Kingdoms – Indo-Greeks, Shungas, Satavahanas, Kushanas

After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, India saw the rise of several regional and foreign powers. Though politically fragmented, this period witnessed dynamic cultural, economic, and religious developments.

1. The Shunga Dynasty (c. 185–73 BCE)

  • Founded by Pushyamitra Shunga after assassinating the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha.
  • Capital: Pataliputra.
  • Brahmanical revival; resisted Buddhism but also patronized Buddhist art.
  • Defeated Indo-Greeks and stopped their eastward expansion.
  • Last ruler: Devabhuti, overthrown by Vasudeva Kanva.

Contributions:

  • Development of art at Bharhut and Sanchi.
  • Composed Manusmriti and promoted Sanskrit culture.

2. The Kanva Dynasty (c. 73–28 BCE)

  • Replaced the Shungas.
  • Ruled Magadha briefly before being overthrown by the Satavahanas.
  • Noted for weak rule and eventual disappearance.

3. Indo-Greek Kingdoms (c. 180 BCE – 10 CE)

  • Established by Demetrius, a Bactrian Greek ruler who invaded northwest India.
  • Most famous ruler: Menander (Milinda) – converted to Buddhism, known for Milindapanho (dialogue with Buddhist monk Nagasena).
  • Issued bilingual coins (Greek and Kharosthi).
  • Introduced realistic Hellenistic art which later influenced Gandhara art.

4. Saka (Scythian) and Parthian Rule

  • Sakas entered India around 1st century BCE.
  • Rudradaman I (Western Kshatrapa) – repaired Sudarsana lake, issued long Sanskrit inscriptions.
  • Promoted trade and urbanization.
  • Parthians followed Sakas, most noted ruler: Gondophernes, under whose reign St. Thomas is believed to have come to India.

5. The Satavahanas (c. 1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)

  • Also known as Andhras, emerged after Mauryan decline in the Deccan region.
  • First significant post-Mauryan dynasty in southern India.
  • Founder: Simuka, capital: Pratishthana (Paithan).
  • Greatest ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni – defeated Sakas and strengthened Brahmanical traditions.

Administration:

  • Kings used titles like Raja, Maharaja, Dakshinapathapati.
  • Granted land to Brahmanas.
  • Promoted both Brahmanism and Buddhism.

Economy:

  • Controlled trade routes between north and south India.
  • Issued coins with Prakrit legends.
  • Maritime trade with Rome – Roman coins found in Deccan.

Art and Culture:

  • Sponsored Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda stupas.
  • Prakrit was the court language.

6. The Kushana Empire (c. 1st – 3rd century CE)

  • Central Asian nomads who established an empire in northwestern India.
  • Founder: Kujula Kadphises; most famous ruler: Kanishka I.
  • Capital: Peshawar and Mathura.

Kanishka’s Contributions:

  • Convened 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalavana (Kashmir).
  • Patron of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Supported scholars like Ashvaghosha, Vasumitra, Nagarjuna, and Charaka.
  • Issued gold and copper coins with Greek, Iranian, and Indian deities.

Art and Religion:

  • Gandhara School (Greco-Buddhist art) flourished under Kushanas.
  • Also patronized Mathura School of art.

Decline:

  • Gradual decline in 3rd century CE due to internal instability and invasions by Sassanids.

7. Cultural Significance of Post-Mauryan Period:

  • Transition from rock-cut to structural temples.
  • Rise of regional languages and scripts (Brahmi, Kharosthi).
  • Flourishing of trade, both overland (Silk Route) and maritime (Roman trade).
  • Integration of foreign elements into Indian art, religion, and polity.

Chapter 9: The Gupta Empire – India’s Classical Golden Age

The Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE) marked a cultural, scientific, and political renaissance in Indian history. Known as the Golden Age of India, it fostered immense progress in literature, art, mathematics, astronomy, and religion.

1. Rise of the Gupta Empire:

  • Founded by Sri Gupta, but significant expansion began with Chandragupta I (c. 320 CE).
  • He married Kumaradevi of the Lichchhavi clan, strengthening his position in eastern India.
  • Assumed the title Maharajadhiraja.
  • Pataliputra became the capital.

2. Samudragupta (c. 335–380 CE):

  • Known as the Napoleon of India (title by historian V.A. Smith).
  • His conquests are detailed in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription composed by Harishena.
  • Adopted digvijaya (policy of conquest), annexing many kingdoms.
  • Performed Ashvamedha Yajna and issued coins showing him playing the veena.
  • Promoted Sanskrit culture, arts, and literature.

3. Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) (c. 380–415 CE):

  • Expanded westward, defeating the Western Kshatrapas.
  • Married his daughter to Vakataka prince for political alliance.
  • Period known for peace, prosperity, and cultural brilliance.
  • Patron of scholars like Kalidasa, Amarasimha, Aryabhata, Varahamihira.
  • Chinese traveler Fa-Hien visited during his reign – admired social stability and Buddhist practices.

4. Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE):

  • Founded Nalanda University.
  • Maintained empire’s stability despite Pushyamitra threats in the northwest.
  • Worshipped Kartikeya (Mahasena) – issued coins in his honour.

5. Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE):

  • Fought off Hun invasions (White Huns or Hephthalites).
  • Economic strain due to wars reflected in debased coinage.
  • Last powerful Gupta ruler; after his death, empire weakened.

6. Administration under Guptas:

  • Highly decentralized administration compared to Mauryans.
  • Governors called Uparikas, local officials were Vishayapatis and Gramikas.
  • Council of Ministers advised the king.
  • Titles: Maharajadhiraja, Paramabhattaraka.
  • Revenue from land tax, fines, trade duties.
  • Land grants to Brahmins and temples became frequent.

7. Economy and Trade:

  • Agriculture thrived; land revenue was primary source.
  • Trade with Southeast Asia, Roman Empire continued.
  • Use of gold coins (Dinaras) indicates economic prosperity.
  • Decline in urban centers in later phase.

8. Religion and Society:

  • Rise of Hinduism with patronage to Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism.
  • Bhakti movement roots found in Gupta age.
  • Tolerance towards Buddhism and Jainism.
  • Social rigidity increased – rise in caste divisions, sati, and child marriage.

9. Art, Architecture, Literature:

Art:

  • Development of Gupta style sculpture – serene, idealized human figures.
  • Paintings at Ajanta caves flourished.
  • Hindu temples at Deogarh, Bhitarigaon, and Nachna show early temple architecture.

Literature:

  • Kalidasa’s works: Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghadutam, Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhavam.
  • Prose works: Dashakumaracharita by Dandin.
  • Sanskrit became lingua franca of educated class.

Science:

  • Aryabhata: Authored Aryabhatiya, proposed heliocentric ideas, value of pi.
  • Varahamihira: Astronomy and astrology.
  • Decimal system, place value, and zero concept evolved.

10. Decline of the Gupta Empire:

  • Post-Skandagupta period saw frequent Hun invasions.
  • Provinces became independent (e.g., Bengal, Malwa).
  • Rise of later Guptas and regional dynasties like Maukharis, Vardhanas, etc.
  • By mid-6th century CE, imperial Guptas faded.

The Gupta Age left an indelible impact on Indian civilization – especially in literature, science, and temple architecture. Often equated with Classical Greece and Augustan Rome, it defined India’s ancient identity.

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