[Ancient History - Notes]*Chapter 8. The Decline of the Mauryan Empire and the Rise of Successor Dynasties

 

The Decline of the Mauryan Empire and the Rise of Successor Dynasties

Introduction

The Mauryan Empire, once a beacon of unity and prosperity, faced a gradual decline after the reign of Ashoka. This decline paved the way for the emergence of several successor dynasties that would shape the course of ancient India. From the defensive Sunga Dynasty to the expansive Satavahanas, and the foreign invasions of the Bactrian Greeks, Sakas, and Kushanas, this period witnessed significant political and cultural transformations. This blog post will delve into the key developments of this era, exploring the decline of the Mauryan Empire and the rise of its successor dynasties, as well as the flourishing of art and culture during this time.

The Decline of the Mauryan Empire and the Rise of Successor Dynasties

The Post-Asoka Mauryan Empire: A Fragile State

Following the death of Asoka, the vast Mauryan Empire began to crumble. Provinces asserted their independence, and the northwest region faced increasing foreign invasions. Kalinga declared its autonomy, while the Satavahanas established their rule in the south. This fragmentation confined the Mauryan rule to the Gangetic valley, which was eventually replaced by the Sunga dynasty.

The Sunga Dynasty: A Defensive Shield

Pushyamitra Sunga, the commander-in-chief under the Mauryans, assassinated the last Mauryan ruler and seized the throne, founding the Sunga dynasty. The dynasty's primary challenge was to defend north India against the invading Bactrian Greeks. Despite initial setbacks, Pushyamitra successfully repelled the Greek invaders and also fought against Kharavela of Kalinga. While known for his patronage of Brahmanism, Pushyamitra's relationship with Buddhism remains debated. He is credited with renovating Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi. The Sunga dynasty eventually gave way to the Kanva dynasty, which ruled for 45 years.

The Satavahanas: A Southern Powerhouse

In the Deccan, the Satavahanas emerged as an independent force. Their rule, spanning approximately 450 years, is well-documented in Puranas and inscriptions. Gautamiputra Satakarni, considered the greatest Satavahana ruler, expanded the empire and patronized both Brahmanism and Buddhism. The Satavahanas made significant contributions to trade, industry, and culture, including the development of the Prakrit language and literature.

Foreign Invasions: Bactrians, Sakas, and Kushanas

The northwest region of India witnessed a series of foreign invasions, beginning with the Bactrian Greeks. Demetrius, the Greek ruler of Bactria, conquered parts of Afghanistan, Punjab, and Sindh. Menander, one of his commanders, advanced as far as Mathura but was ultimately stopped by the Sungas. The Sakas, or Scythians, followed the Greeks and established their rule over northwestern India. The Kushanas, another Central Asian tribe, eventually displaced the Sakas and extended their empire to include parts of Afghanistan, Gandhara, Sindh, Punjab, and Magadha.

Cultural Flourishing: Gandhara and Mathura Art

The Kushana period witnessed a significant cultural flourishing, particularly in the realms of art and religion. The Gandhara school of art, blending Indian and Graeco-Roman elements, produced exquisite sculptures of the Buddha and other deities. The Mathura school of art, with its focus on indigenous styles, also created beautiful sculptures of religious figures.

Conclusion

The period following the decline of the Mauryan Empire was marked by political instability, foreign invasions, and the rise of new dynasties. The Sunga and Satavahana dynasties played crucial roles in shaping the history of ancient India. Their contributions to culture, trade, and religion left a lasting legacy.

Keywords: Mauryan Empire, Sunga Dynasty, Satavahanas, Bactrian Greeks, Kushanas, Gandhara Art, Mathura Art