UPSC NCERT Notes - Ancient History

The post-Mauryan period in ancient Indian history marks a pivotal era characterized by dynamic political changes, cultural evolution, and socio-economic transformations. Aspirants preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examinations delve into the intricacies of this historical epoch through meticulously crafted NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) notes. These UPSC NCERT notes on Ancient History provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the significant developments that unfolded in the aftermath of the Mauryan Empire’s decline. By exploring the multifaceted dimensions of political fragmentation, the rise of new dynasties, economic advancements, and the interplay of diverse cultural influences, aspirants gain invaluable insights essential for navigating the complexities of the UPSC examination and fostering a nuanced understanding of India’s rich historical tapestry.

The period which began in about 200 BC did not witness a large empire like that of the Mauryas, but was able for intimate and widespread contacts between Central Asia and India. In Eastern India, Central India, and the Deccan, the Mauryas were succeeded by several native rulers such as the Shungas, the Kanvas, and the Satavahanas. In North-Western India, the most famous empire was the Kushanas.

Table of Contents

Introduction:

The fragmentation of the Mauryan empire marked the emergence of numerous regional kingdoms across India.
Concurrently, the subcontinent experienced invasions from diverse Central Asian and Western Chinese groups, including the Indo-Greeks, Scythians (Sakas), Parthians, and Kushanas.
These events brought India into closer contact with Central Asian politics and culture.

Prominent Dynasties of the Post-Mauryan Period:

Several notable dynasties emerged in the post-Mauryan period, including:

Shungas (185-73 BC):

Pushyamitra Shunga founded the Shunga Dynasty by assassinating the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha, in 184 BC, as corroborated by Banabhatta in Harshacharita.
The Shungas established their capital at Pataliputra and Vidisha.
Information about the Shunga dynasty can be found in various sources, including Garga Samhita, Patanjali’s Mahabhasya, Divyavadana, Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram, and Banabhatta’s Harshacharita.
Pushyamitra Shunga also faced an invasion by Kharavela, the king of Kalinga.
Dhanadeva’s Ayodhya Inscription credits Pushyamitra with performing two Ashwamedha sacrifices. Pushyamitra’s kingdom stretched from Narmada in the South to Jalandhar and Sialkot in the North-West, including the city of Ujjain in Central India.
In Malavikagnimitra, there is a mention of the conflict between Pushyamitra and Yajnasena, the King of Vidarbha in Eastern Maharashtra, where Pushyamitra emerges victorious.
According to Buddhist tradition (Divyavadana), Pushyamitra is portrayed as someone who destroyed Buddhist monasteries and places of worship. Despite this, the Shungas repaired the Sanchi Stupa and fully constructed the Bharhut Stupa during their time. Patanjali, the author of Mahabhasya, lived during Pushyamitra’s era.
Bhagbhadra, an important king of the Shunga dynasty, saw a reduction of the Shunga territories to Magadha and Central India during his rule.

Heliodorus, an ambassador from Taxila, constructed a pillar in Vidisha in honor of God Vasudeva (Krishna), synonymous with Vishnu, during the time of Bhagbhadra.

Devabhuti was the last Shunga king, murdered by his minister Vasudeva Kanva in 75 BC, according to Banabhatta.

Kanvas (75- 30BC)

Vasudeva, the minister of Devabhuti, established the Kanva dynasty in 75 BC. A Vaishnavite, he used tax collections for Brahmanical rituals and grants, with his reign confined to the Magadha region after surviving Indo-Greek invasions.
Bhumimitra, Narayana, and Susharman succeeded each other in the Kanva dynasty. The last Kanva king was reportedly killed by Balipuecha, who founded the Andhra dynasty, later known as the Satavahanas.

Satavahanas (130 BC-AD 250):

The Satavahanas, successors of the Mauryas in the Deccan region, were also known as Andhras, Andhrajatiyah, and Andhrabbrityas in ancient texts.

According to the Altareya Brahmana, the Andhras were referred to as the degenerate sons of sage Vishvamitra. In the Nasik inscription of Balashri, Gautamiputra Satakarni is called Ekabrahmana, meaning either an unrivaled Brahmin or the sole protector of the Brahmins.

Two significant Satavahana inscriptions, Nanaghat and Nasik, have been found in Maharashtra.
Recent excavations in Telangana have unearthed a large number of Satavahana coins and seals, indicating that Telangana was the heart of the Satavahana Empire.
The Nanaghat Inscription describes Satakarni I as Dakshinapatha Pati, suggesting that the Satavahana influence extended beyond the Deccan.

Important Satavahana Rulers:

Satakarni I:

Called the Lord of Dakshinapatha, he conquered Western Malwa, Anupa (Narmada Valley), and Vidarbha (Berar).
After his death, the Sakas attacked the Satavahanas, pushing them out of Nasik towards the Andhra region.

Hala (AD 20-25):

Reigned for a brief but prosperous period.

Authored Gatha Saptasati, an anthology of 700 erotic verses in Maharashtra or Paisachi Prakrit.

Gautamiputra Satakarni (AD 80-104):

Revived Satavahana power and known as Ekabrahmana.
Considered the greatest king of the Satavahana dynasty.
His achievements are recorded in glowing terms in the Nasik Prasasti by his mother Gautami Balashri.

Vasishtaputra Pulumavi I

He ruled for 28 years whose coins have been found in Godavari and Guntur districts.
The old stupa at Amaravati was repaired and ornamented with marble slabs during his reign.

Important Rulers of the Satavahana Dynasty

Rulers	Features
Simuka (60-37 BC)	Founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
Kanha (37-27 BC)	Reign period mentioned in the Nasik inscription.
Satakarni I (27-17 BC)	Son of Simuka, assumed the title of Dakshina Pathapati.
Hala (20-24 BC)	Composed Gatha Saptasati in the Prakrit language.
Gautamiputra Satakarni	(AD 106-130)
(AD 106-130)	Regarded as the greatest ruler; achievements in Nasik Prasati.
Pulumavi (AD 130-154)	Ruled for 28 years (second longest reign).
Yagya Sri Satakarni	(AD 174-203)
(AD 174-203)	Regained territories from the Sakas; longest rule.

Administration in the Satavahana Kingdom:

The Satavahanas based their administration on the Mauryan model but on a smaller scale, involving multiple levels of local rulers.
The kingdom was divided into Janapadas, further subdivided into Aharas, and then into Grams.
Local administration was decentralized, with feudatories handling most affairs under general royal oversight.

Significant Officers:

Rajan: Hereditary rulers.
Rajas: Petty princes who issued coins in their names.
Kumaras: Viceroy of provinces.
Maharathis: Hereditary lords with the authority to grant villages and family ties to the ruling family.
Mahabhojas: Learned individuals in the court.
Mahasenapati: Civil administrator/Governor.
Mahatalavara: Important watchman.

Language in the Satavahana Kingdom:

Most inscriptions and coin legends were in a Middle Indo-Aryan language known as Prakrit.
Notably, Hala, a Satavahana king, composed the anthology Gaha Sattasai in this language.
Sanskrit was sporadically used in political inscriptions, and bilingual coins featured Prakrit and Tamil.

Religious Life in the Satavahana Kingdom:

The Satavahanas, with Brahmanical origins, made donations to both Brahmanical and Buddhist institutions.
Despite their Brahmanical roots, numerous Buddhist monastic sites emerged during their rule.
The common people in the Satavahana period did not exclusively support a particular religious group.

The Naneghat Inscription of Nayanika, found in a Buddhist monastic cave, mentions Satakarni I performing various Vedic sacrifices, including Ashvamedha, Rajasuya, and Agnyadheya.

Economic Life in the Satavahana Kingdom

The rulers of the Satavahana Kingdom actively promoted economic expansion by focusing on intensified agriculture, increased production of various commodities, and fostering trade within and beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Agricultural land saw a significant increase, thanks to the clearing of forests and the construction of irrigation reservoirs.
The establishment of new settlements played a crucial role in fostering commerce and crafts. Evidence of increased craft production during the Satavahana period is found in archaeological discoveries at sites like Kotalingala, along with references to artisans and guilds in inscriptions.
The Satavahanas exerted control over the Indian Sea coast, dominating the burgeoning Indian trade with the Roman Empire. Notably, the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea mentions Pratishthana and Tagara as two vital Satavahana trade centers.

The Pompeii Lakshmi

The ivory statuette known as the Pompeii Lakshmi was unearthed in the ruins of Pompeii, destroyed in the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
Believed to have originated from Bhokardan in Maharashtra within the Satavahana region in the first half of the first century AD, it serves as evidence of Indo-Roman trade relations.

Significance of Satavahana’s Rule

The Satavahanas were referred to as Lords of the three Oceans, actively promoting overseas colonization and trade.
Under their rule, Buddhist art flourished, leading to the creation of beautiful and elegant forms found in the cave temples of Western India and the surviving artifacts from the stupa of Amaravati, Goli, and Nagarjunakonda.

The Satavahanas issued a variety of coins in different denominations (gold, silver, copper, lead, potene), contributing to the growth of currency and coinage. They were the earliest Indian rulers to feature portraits on their own coins.

Large settlements emerged during this period, especially along major rivers, contributing to significant expansion in agricultural land through forest clearance and the construction of irrigation reservoirs.
The societal position of women improved, with inter-caste and foreign marriages being permitted.
The growth of art, as seen in Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Nasik, Karle, etc., established these locations as significant centers of artistic expression, with the construction of the Southern gateway of the Sanchi Stupa as an example.

Ikshvaku Dynasty

Successors of the Satavahanas in the Deccan region, the Ikshvakus ruled the Eastern Krishna-Guntur region, with their capital at Vijayapuri (modern Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh) during the third and fourth centuries AD.
Historical details about this dynasty are limited, though the Matsya Purana identifies Ikshvakus as Shriparvatiya Andhras.
The Ikshvaku kings were Shaivites, engaging in Vedic rites, and also patronized Buddhism during their reign.

Chedis

Following the decline of the Mauryan empire, Kalinga (present-day Odisha) gained independence and rose to prominence under the Chedi dynasty.
The kings of the Chedi dynasty are not well-documented, except for Kharavela, who was the most significant and powerful ruler. His capital was Kalinganagara.
The Hathigumpha inscription, written in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script, is the primary source of information about King Kharavela.
In the 9th year of his reign, Kharavela built Mahavijaya Prasad on both banks of the river Prachi to commemorate his victories in the North.
During his 13th year, Kharavela undertook welfare schemes, including the construction of caves for Jaina monks in the Udaigiri hills, specifically the Hathigumpha and Ranigumpha caves.

Hathigumpha Inscription

The Elephant Cave inscription, also known as the Hathigumpha Inscription, provides insight into King Kharavela’s reign. It begins with the Namokar Mantra, a sacred Jaina chant, describing the king as the “worshipper of all religious orders, the repairer of all shrines of gods.”
The inscription, consisting of seventeen lines in the Brahmi script, details King Kharavela’s expeditions, including the victory in Magadha and the retrieval of a Jaina cult image taken by the Nanda king Mahapadamananda long before from Kalinga.
Bhagwan Lal Indraji is credited with the first authentic reading of the Hathigumpha Inscription in 1885.

Invasion from Central Asia

Several Central Asian Kingdoms ruled in India, including the Indo-Greeks.

Indo-Greeks

The Indo-Greek kingdom, governed by over 30 Hellenistic kings, spanned North-West and North India from the second century BC to the early first century AD.

In 326 BC, Alexander III conquered parts of the North-Western Indian subcontinent, establishing satrapies. In 303 BC, Seleucus ceded his North-Western territories to Chandragupta.

Demetrius I, a notable Indo-Greek king after Alexander, expanded Greek influence in India. He conquered Southern Afghanistan and parts of Punjab, establishing Sakala (modern-day Sialkot) as his capital.
Demetrius I sent armies for further conquests, with one section advancing to Pataliputra and another moving southward along the Indus.
Demetrius II oversaw territories between the Hindukush and the Indus. Menander I Soter, a famous Indo-Greek king, extended his empire from the Kabul River Valley to the Ravi River and from the Swat Valley to Arachosia (Helmand in Afghanistan).
Menander is best known for the Pali work “Milinda Panho” (The Questions of King Milinda), a dialogue between King Milinda of Sakala and Nagasena, a Buddhist scholar and the book’s author.
Having embraced Buddhism, he became a patron of the faith and passed away in 130 BC, succeeded by his son Strato I.

Contribution of Indo-Greek

The influx of Indo-Greeks left a lasting impact on the governance, society, religion, literature, and art of ancient India, eventually becoming assimilated into Indian culture.
The Indo-Greek legacy continued to influence the Indian subcontinent for centuries, contributing to the adoption of the Greek language, and calendar methods, and shaping numismatics.
The Greeks introduced the concept of military governorship known as Strategos, and their influence on Indian science was acknowledged by contemporary writers, with the Gargi Samhita describing them as god-like in scientific achievements. They played a role in the development of Astrology in India.
Indo-Greeks were pioneers in issuing gold coins in India, a practice later adopted on a large scale by the Kushanas.
Actively promoting Indian art and literature, the Indo-Greeks extensively employed the Hellenistic art form known as the Greco-Roman style in crafting Buddha images.

Sakas (Indo-Scythians)

In the second century BC, nomadic tribes from Central Asia and China invaded the region of present-day Kazakhstan, prompting the Scythians to move towards Bactria and Parthia. After defeating the Parthian king, they migrated towards India, becoming known as Indo-Scythians or Sakas.
The Sakas crossed the Hindukush and ruled over Sind and Saurashtra. Predominantly pastoralists and skilled horsemen, they often raided settled societies to acquire grazing land and livestock.
Mentioned in various Indian texts, including the Puranas, Manusmriti, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Mahabhashya of Patanjali.

Rudradaman I

Rudradaman I, a notable Saka ruler, had matrimonial ties with the Satavahanas, Ikshakus, and Lichchhavis, as per the Junagarh Inscription dated AD 150, the first Sanskrit inscription.
The Junagarh Inscription recounts Rudradaman’s victories over Satakarni and the repair of Sudarsana Lake by his governor, Sutivashakh, funded entirely by the king’s exchequer.
Successors of Rudradaman I included Damaghsada I, Rudrasimha I, Jivadaman, Rudrasena I, Sanghadaman, and Damasena.

Vikrama and Saka Era

In 57 BC, during the Indo-Scythians invasion of Ujjain, the Malwa king Vikramaditya suppressed the uprising, establishing the Vikrama Era as a calendar starting in 57 BC to commemorate the event.
The Saka Era was later adopted by the Government of India as the Indian national calendar, commencing near the vernal equinox of AD 78. The Saka calendar starts on 22nd March each year, except during leap years when it commences on 23rd March.

Parthians (247 BC-AD 224)

The Saka and Parthians ruled different parts of North-Western and Northern India at the same time.
The Parthians came from Iran, and the first ruler in their line was Vonones.
Gondophernes was the most significant Indo-Parthian king, reigning from AD 19 to 45.
An important inscription found in the North-Western area of Pakistan is the famous Takht-i-Bahi inscription, discovered near Peshawar.
The inscription, dated AD 45, mentions Gondophernes as a Parthian ruler.
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea notes the presence of Parthian kings in the Sindh region.
Another inscription from Takht-i-Bahi refers to the regional year AD 26 of Gondophernes.

Kushanas

In the early first century BC, the Yuehchis (Yuezhi) abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and split into five groups or principalities.
They first displaced the Sakas and took control of Bactria (North Afghanistan). Gradually, they moved into the Kabul valley, replacing the Greeks and Parthians in the Gandhara region and capturing Gandhara.
They occupied a significant part of the Gangetic and lower Indus basins, with the Kushan Empire stretching from Khorasan in Central Asia to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
Kujula Kadphises I, the ruler of one of the five principalities, united the other four groups under his leadership. Kadphises I issued copper coins showing Roman influence.
Vima Kadphises, also known as the Kalhan, succeeded his father and ruled from AD 64-78. He adopted the titles Sachadharnathida and Dharmathida.

Coins by Vima Kadphises

Vima Kadphises proclaimed himself as Mahishvara on his coins and is likely the first king to introduce gold coins in India. All his coins clearly show his affiliation with Shiva.
The reverse side of his coins depicts Shiva with his long trident, sometimes accompanied by his bull.
On the obverse side, Vima Kadphises is represented on a couch, standing at a sacrificing altar, or even riding a chariot drawn by two horses.
The abundance of coins issued by him suggests the large extent of his empire and economic prosperity. Many gold and copper coins depict the monarch riding a chariot drawn by two horses.

Kanishka

Kanishka is often seen as the successor of Vima Kadphises and is considered the greatest king of his dynasty. He is credited for initiating the Saka era, starting from AD 78, also known as Sakakala or Saka-Nripa-Kala.
According to his Sarnath Inscription, Kanishka’s rule was based on the Satrapa system, and he ruled from his capital Purushapura or Peshawar, as confirmed by Hiuen Tsang.
Kanishka established a city named Kanishkapura in Kashmir. Following Parsva’s advice, he convened the Fourth Council of the Buddhists at Kundalavana Vihara in Kashmir, with Vasumitra as President and Asvaghosha as Vice-President.
The council compiled an encyclopedia of Buddhist philosophy known as Mahavibhasa.
Kanishka constructed a stupa, a matha, and a town in Peshawar, where relics of Buddha were preserved.
Kanishka was a significant supporter of art and literature, leading to the execution of outstanding works in the Gandhara style during his reign.
The towering structure in Peshawar (400 ft high) was primarily made of wood and supervised by the Greek engineer Agesilous. Kanishka also erected a tower near Taxila.
Images of Bodhisattvas in the Gandhara style began to emerge during his rule. At Mathura, a headless image of Kanishka depicts him in the attire of a warrior.

Scholars During the Period of Kanishka

Ashvaghosha, the author of the hagiographic Buddhacharita and composer of Saundarananda (a Sanskrit Kavya), resided at Kanishka’s court.
Nagarjuna, also known as the Indian Einstein for proposing the Theory of Relativity in his book Prajnaparamita Sutra Sastra.
Vasumitra authored a book on Buddhist philosophy titled Mahavibhasa Shastra.
Charak, known as the Father of Ayurveda, wrote Charak Samhita and Sushruta.

Successors of Kanishka

The first successor of Kanishka was Vasishka, later succeeded by Huvishka.
According to Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, Huvishka ruled concurrently with Vasishka II or Vajheska (Father of Kanishka II) and later with Kanishka 11.
Huvishka founded the town of Huvishkapura in Kashmir (referenced from Rajatarangini).
Vasudeva, the last king of the dynasty, assumed the title Shaono Shao Vasudevo Koshana. His coins featured the image of Shiva and his bull Nandi.

Kushanas’ Contributions

The vast empire of the Kushanas played a crucial role in fostering internal and external trade, leading to the emergence of new urban centers.
The flourishing economy during the Kushana rule is evident from the abundance of gold and copper coins they minted.
Progress was not limited to trade; literature and medicine also saw advancements. The Kushana rulers were patrons of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of sculptural art, renowned for creating the earliest images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
The development of Sanskrit literature began under the Kushana dynasty.
The rulers of the Kushana empire controlled the Silk Route, a major source of their income. They were the first Indian rulers to issue a substantial number of gold coins, and they actively promoted agriculture.

Impact of Central Asian Contacts

The invasion by Central Asian tribes brought about extensive changes, introducing new elements in architecture, pottery, and more.
During the Saka-Kushana phase, Red Ware Pottery was introduced in India. The use of burnt bricks and tiles for construction, as well as the construction of brick walls, became prevalent.
The arrival of Central Asian tribes, like the Yue-Chis of Tocharians, led to the introduction of improved cavalry and the widespread use of riding horses.
Direct communication with Central Asia facilitated an expansion in trade relationships between the two regions.

Feudalism developed during this period, marked by reciprocal legal and military obligations among the warrior nobility, focusing on the concepts of lord, fiefs, and vassals.

New Elements in Indian Society These tribes were assimilated into Indian society as the warrior class, known as the Kshatriyas, became Indianized.
Religious Developments: Mahayana, a new school of Buddhism, emerged during this period, introducing image worship among Buddhists.
The Besnagar Pillar Inscription by the Greek ambassador Heliodorus honored Lord Vishnu.
Literature and Learning: The earliest chaste Sanskrit inscription was found in Rudradaman’s inscription. Vatsayana composed the Kamasutra, a prominent example of secular literature.
Science and Technology: Contributions in chemistry, botany, and medicine were made, and the production of leather items commenced.

Post-Mauryan Administration

The Sakas introduced the Satrapa system, featuring joint rule by Mahakshatrapa (Raja) and Satrapa (Yuvaraja).
Bhumaka, the first Satrap of the Kshaharata family, was succeeded by Nahapana, whose power was crushed by the Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni.
Chastana, mentioned by Ptolemy as Tiasthenes or Testenes, was the first ruler in this line. Greek rulers employed Meriders as district officers and Strategoi as military commandants.
The general administrative structure remained similar to the earlier period, with senior officials known as Mahamatras and Rajjukas.

Economic Conditions

The period from 200 BC to AD 300 marked a flourishing era in ancient India’s crafts and commerce.
Chief exports included spices, perfumes, pearls, copper, and sandalwood, while imports comprised cloth, glass, silver, and gold.
Mathura became a significant center for manufacturing a specific type of cloth.
Artisans organized into at least 24 guilds, acting as bankers, financiers, and trustees, contributing to the widespread profession of banking.
The gold dinars and Suvarna of the Kushanas were based on Roman denarii.
Hippalus, a Greek sailor, discovered the monsoon sea route to India from West Asia in AD 46-47.

Social Conditions

Foreign influences brought new ideas to religion, culture, art, and administration into various aspects of Indian life.
Foreigners were incorporated into the caste structure, with Greeks referred to as Yavanas.
Sakas were absorbed into the Kshatriya caste, later emerging as the Rajput clan in the ninth and tenth centuries.
The growth of arts, crafts, and trade led to changed social status for the Vaishyas and Shudras.

Religious Conditions

In the post-Mauryan phase, people followed Vedic Sanatana Dharma, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Rulers, despite personal affiliations, did not declare a specific religion as the state religion.
During this time, not only did Vedic rituals thrive, but Bhagavatism also flourished. The Greek ambassador Heliodorus set up a pillar in honor of Vishnu near Vidisha. New branches, Mahayana and Hinayana, emerged from Buddhism.

Like Vedic Dharma and Buddhism, Jainism also transformed, splitting into Digambaras and Svetambaras by the first century AD.

Trade, Art, and Architecture:

There was a huge expansion in trade during this period, especially between India and Rome, visible in the South of Satavahanas, like Tamil kingdoms.
Romans imported spices from India, as well as muslin, pearls, jewelry, and precious stones. Products from China were brought to India and later exported to the Eastern Roman Empire.
Romans exported wine and various types of pottery to India, and Kushanas engaged in trade with the Romans.
A large number of Roman gold coins, around 6,000, were found in India during excavations, enriching Indian art through cultural interaction with Western Asia.
Sculptures of Greek and Roman Gods made their way into Northern Indian cities.
A new sculpturing style, known as the Gandhara School of Art, interested Indian artists in Gandhara.
Manufacturing of luxurious handicrafts became predominant during this period, with many craft materials found in Kushana complexes. Ancient texts like Digha Nikaya mentioned about 24 occupations, while the post-Mauryan text Mahavastu mentioned about 36 kinds of workers living in the town of Rajgir.
Milindapanho listed about 75 works, with 60 connected to various types of crafts. Eight crafts were associated with gold, silver, lead, tin, copper, brass, iron, and precious stones. Various kinds of brass, zinc, antimony, and red arsenic were also mentioned in Milindapanho. Iron artifacts were found in large numbers during excavations, indicating the Kushana period.

Science and Technology in the Post-Mauryan Period:

Progress was made in metallurgy during the post-Mauryan period, evident from the presence of Greek engineers in the Kushana court.
Engineering skills in building dams and irrigation tanks are visible from their remains.
Geometry was well-developed and widely applied. In astronomy, Greek influence was evident from the text Panch Siddhantika.
Indian medicine made remarkable progress during this period, with Varanasi’s school specializing in Surgery and Sushrita Samhita, an encyclopedia of surgery compiled by Sushruta, who also stayed at the court of Kanishka.

Prelims Facts

Which inscription gives information about two Ashwamedha Yajnas performed by the king Pushyamitra Shunga – Ayodhya Inscription [UPPSC (Pre) 2018]
Panini and Patanjali, the renowned personalities in literary history of India belong to which dynasty? – Shungas [UPPSC (Pre) 2010]
Which book of ancient India has the love story to the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty? – Malavikagnimitram [IAS (Pre) 2016]
The Kalpi city is located on the bank of which river? – Yamuna [UPPSC (Pre) 2015]
Which ruler is stated as the protector of ‘The Varna system? – Gautamiputra Satkarni [CGPSC (Pre) 2013]
The town administration during the period of Satvahanas was is the hands of – Nigama Sabha [KPSC (Pre) 2014]
The ruler of which dynasty have been called ‘Shriparvatya’ in Puranas? – Ikshvakus [UPPSC (Pre) 2020]
The King of Kalinga, Kharavela was related to which dynasty? – Chedi [UPPSC (Mains) 2015]
The inscription of Hathigumphthe a is the source of information of which king? – Kharavela [IAS (Pre) 2013]
The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the – Greeks [IAS (Pre) 2000]
The first Saka king in India, Maues established Saka power in – Gandhara [JPSC (Pre) 2010]
Which king is credited to have issued gold coins for the first time? – Vima Kadphises [UPPSC (Mains) 2009]
Which is the date mentioned in the Sarnath Buddhist image inscription of Kanishka? – 81 AD [UPPSC (Pre) 2014)
Which post-Mauryan ruler built the Viharas and Stupas at Peshawar? – Kanishka HPSC (Pre) 2023)
The famous Buddhist scholar Ashvaghosha was a contemporary of – Kanishka [UKPSC (Pre) 2011]
Who was the court physician of the ruler of Kushana empire – Kanishka I? – Charak [Odisha PSC (Pre) 2015)
The largest number of copper coins in Northern and North-Western India was issued by – Kushanas UPPSC (Pre) 2005)
What was the ratio of gold-silver coins in the Saka-Kshatra period? – 1:35 (UKPSC (Pre) 2022)
The last Mauryan emperor was – Brihadratha [BPSC (Pre) 2008]
Which Indo-Greek ruler issued lead coins? – Strato II [UPPSC (Pre) 2014]
Who started the Shaka era and when? – Kanishka in 78 AD [WBCS (Pre) 2008]
Which inscription tells us about the various achievements of Rudradaman I ? – Junagarh [BPSC (Pre) 2011)
Which ruler own title of ‘Ekabrahmana? – Gautamiputra Sata Karani [UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
The capital of the Satavahanas was located at – Amravati [UPPSC (Mains) 2005)
The social status assigned to the foreigners in Indian society by Manu was the – Fallen Kshatriyas [UPPSC (Pre) 2014)

UPSC NCERT Practice Questions

1. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by the IAS (Pre) 2000

(a) Greeks

(b) Sakas

(d) Mughals

2. Which of the following inscriptions gives information about two Ashwamedha Yajnas performed by the king Pushyamitra Shunga? UPPSC (Pre) 2018

(a) Sarnath Inscription

(b) Besnagar Inscription

(d) Hathigumpha Inscription

3. Panini and Patanjali are renowned names in the literary history of ancient India. Under which dynasty did they flourish? UPPSC (Pre) 2010

(a) Pushyabhuti

(b) Kushanas

(d) Guptas

4. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty? IAS (Pre) 2016

(a) Svapnavasavadattam

(b) Malavikagnimitram

(d) Ratnavali

5. Match the following

List I	List II
A. Shunga	1. Mahoba
B. Satavahana	2. Banavasi
C. Kadamba	3. Paithan
D. Chandel	4. Pataliputra

Codes

a) 4 3 2 1

b) 4 2 3 1

c) 1 4 2 3

d) 1 2 3 4

6. Chaitra I of the national calendar based on the Shaka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days? IAS (Pre) 2014

(a) 22nd March (or 21st March)

(b) 15th May (or 16th May)

(d) 21st April (or 20th April)

7. Who issued the Nashik Prasasti (inscription)? WBCS (Pre) 2011

(a) Gautamiputra Satakarni

(b) Samudragupta

(d) Dharmapala

8. Who was the founder of the Parthian empire in India? MPPSC (Pre) 2014

(a) Vima Kadphises

(b) Huvishka

(d) Gondophares

9. Which of the following rulers convened the fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir? BPSC (Pre) 2020

(a) Ashoka

(b) Ajatashatru

(d) Kalashoka

10. The rulers of which of the following dynasties have been called as Shriparvatya in Puranas? UPPSC (Pre) 2020

(a) Vakatakas

(b) Ikshvakus

(d) Kharavelas

11. Arrange the following in chronological order. JPSC (Pre) 2021

1. Satavahanas

2. Vakatakas

3. Chalukyas

Select the correct answer from the codes given below.

(a) 2, 3, 1

(b) 3, 2, 1

(d) 1, 2, 3

12. Consider the following statements regarding the Hathigumpha inscription. Odisha PSC (Pre) 2015

1. It is found in Khandagiri.

2. It was discovered in 1820.

3. It is written in Pali language.

4. The inscription was deciphered by James Prinsep

Which of the statements given above is are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 1 and 3

(d) All of these

13. What was the ratio of gold-silver coins in the Saka-Kshtrapa period? UKPSC (Pre) 2022

(a) 1:20

(b) 1:25

(d) 1:10

14. With reference to the invaders in ancient India, which one of the following is the correct chronological order? UPPSC (Pre) 2023

(a) Greeks-Kushans-sakas

(b) Sakas-Greks-Kushans

(d) Sakas-Kushans-Greeks

Know Right Answer

1 (b)

2 (c)

3 (c)

4 (b)

5 (a)

6 (a)

7 (a)

8 (d)

9 (c)

10 (b)

11 (d)

12 (a)

13 (c)

14 (c)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the significance of the post-Mauryan period in ancient Indian history?

A1: The post-Mauryan period, spanning from around 200 BCE to 300 CE, marked a crucial phase in Indian history. It witnessed the rise and fall of several powerful dynasties, such as the Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas, and Kushans. This era is characterized by significant political, economic, and cultural developments, including the spread of Buddhism and Jainism, the emergence of regional powers, and the growth of trade and commerce.

Q2: How did the Sunga dynasty contribute to the political landscape of ancient India?

A2: The Sunga dynasty, established by Pushyamitra Sunga after the decline of the Mauryan Empire, played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of ancient India. Pushyamitra Sunga is known for his patronage of Brahmanism and the restoration of Hindu traditions after the Buddhist leanings of the Mauryan period. Despite facing challenges, the Sungas ruled over a significant part of northern India and contributed to the continuity of political authority.

Q3: What were the economic features of the post-Mauryan period?

A3: The post-Mauryan period witnessed notable economic developments, including the expansion of trade and commerce. The establishment of trade routes, both overland and maritime, facilitated interactions with distant regions, leading to cultural exchanges. The coinage system improved, and regional trade centers flourished. Agriculture remained a fundamental economic activity, and the land revenue system continued to be an essential source of state income.

Q4: How did the Satavahanas contribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of ancient India?

A4: The Satavahanas, a prominent dynasty in the Deccan region, played a vital role in fostering cultural and artistic achievements. They were patrons of Buddhism and supported the construction of stupas and viharas. The Amaravati School of Art, known for its intricately carved stupa at Amaravati, flourished during this period. The Satavahanas also contributed to the development of regional languages and literature.

Q5: What role did foreign influences, particularly the Kushans, play in shaping the post-Mauryan period?

A5: The Kushan Empire, with its origins in Central Asia, had a significant impact on the post-Mauryan period. The Kushans facilitated cultural exchanges between India and Central Asia, contributing to the spread of art, religion, and ideas. The Gandhara School of Art, known for its Greco-Buddhist style, emerged under Kushan patronage. The Kushans also played a role in the Silk Road trade, connecting India with the Roman Empire and other distant regions.

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UPSC NCERT Notes – Ancient History – Post-Mauryan Period