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 up to 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 (MP) & 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 Brahmanism, 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.

• Called himself the only Brahamana.
• Called himself the only Brahamana.
• Nashik & Nanaghad inscriptions throw light on achievements of Gautamiputra satkarni
• 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

• Raja → Sole right to strike coin
• Mahabhoja
• 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