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

After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, several regional powers emerged, with the Sungas and Satavahanas being among the most significant.

🏛️ Sungas Dynasty (c. 185 BCE – 75 BCE)

• Founded by Pushyamitra Sunga after assassinating the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha.

• Capital: Pataliputra

• Promoted Brahmanical revival, opposing the spread of Buddhism to an extent.

• Known for strengthening military and resisting foreign invasions like the Indo-Greeks.

• Patronized art and learning, seen in Sanchi Stupa renovations.

🏺 Satavahana Dynasty (c. 1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)

• Also known as Andhras, they ruled the Deccan region.

• Founder: Simuka, with notable ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni.

• Promoted Prakrit language and supported both Buddhism and Brahmanism.

• Played a key role in trade with the Roman Empire, using coastal ports.

• Contributions in Buddhist architecture: Amaravati and Nasik caves.

📌 Summary:

The Sungas preserved Northern India post-Mauryas and revived traditional Hindu practices, while the Satavahanasintegrated regional culture with trade, Buddhism, and literature in the Deccan.

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