The period following the decline of the Mauryan Empire is often characterized as a time of political fragmentation, yet it was a "Golden Age" for trade, art, and cultural synthesis. It saw the rise of both indigenous dynasties and foreign invaders.
After the Mauryan central authority collapsed, the North-Western gates of India were opened to several waves of invaders who eventually became "Indianized."
A. Indo-Greeks (Bactrians)
Menander I (Milinda): The most famous ruler. He converted to Buddhism after a dialogue with the monk Nagasena, recorded in the text Milinda Panha.
Contribution: They were the first to issue gold coins in India and introduced Hellenistic art features, leading to the Gandhara School of Art.
B. The Shakas (Scythians)
Rudradaman I: The most famous Shaka ruler. He is known for repairing the Sudarshana Lake in Gujarat and issuing the Junagarh Rock Inscription, which is the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit.
C. The Kushanas
Kanishka: The greatest Kushana king. He started the Saka Era (78 CE), which is used by the Government of India today.
Patronage: He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir where Buddhism split into Hinayana and Mahayana.
Silk Road: The Kushanas controlled the Silk Road, bringing immense wealth to India through trade with Rome and China.
While foreigners ruled the North-West, indigenous powers rose in the heartland and the Deccan.
A. The Shungas (185 – 73 BCE)
Founder: Pushyamitra Shunga, who assassinated the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha.
Significance: A period of Brahmanical revival. They renovated the Bharhut Stupa and the Sanchi Stupa.
B. The Satavahanas (The Andhras)
Location: Ruled over the Deccan (modern Maharashtra, Andhra, and Telangana).
Gautamiputra Satakarni: The greatest ruler, described as the "destroyer of Shakas."
Administration: They were the first to start the practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmins and Buddhist monks, which eventually led to the rise of feudalism.
Coinage: Issued coins primarily made of Lead.
| Feature | Gandhara School | Mathura School | Amaravati School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influence | Greco-Roman | Indigenous | Indigenous |
| Material | Schist | Red Sandstone | Marble |
| Focus | Buddhist | Mixed | Buddhist |
| Feature | Realistic Buddha | Spiritual Buddha | Narrative art |
The Silk Road: India acted as a middleman between the Roman Empire and China.
Guilds (Shrenis): Merchants organized themselves into powerful guilds that acted as banks and regulated prices and quality.
Roman Trade: Massive influx of Roman gold into India in exchange for spices (black pepper, known as "Yavanapriya"), muslin, and silk.
While the Satavahanas ruled the Deccan, the far south saw the rise of the Three Crowned Kings.
Cheras: Symbol was the Bow. Known for trade with Rome and the Pattini cult.
Cholas: Symbol was the Tiger. Famous for navy and cotton trade (Capital: Uraiyur).
Pandyas: Symbol was the Fish. Known for pearls and Sangam assemblies.