Post-Mauryan India: Shunga, Kanva, Satavahana, Indo-Greek, Shaka, Parthian and Kushana
BPSC Prelims demand
Learn dynasty–ruler–region–source and art-school pairs. The usual traps are Pushyamitra–Shunga, Gautamiputra–Satavahana, Menander–Milindapanha, Rudradaman–Junagadh, Kanishka–Kushana, Gandhara versus Mathura.
Chronology map
| Power | High-value association | Source or place |
|---|---|---|
| Shunga | Pushyamitra succeeded the Mauryas in Magadha | Pataliputra/Vidisha connection; Sanchi expansion is important |
| Kanva | Vasudeva Kanva succeeded the Shungas in Magadha | Short Magadhan succession |
| Satavahana | Deccan; Gautamiputra Satakarni | Pratishthana; Nasik inscription of Gautami Balashri |
| Indo-Greek | Menander (Milinda) | Milindapanha; bilingual coins |
| Shaka | Rudradaman I | Junagadh inscription; Sudarshana lake repair |
| Kushana | Kanishka | Purushapura/Peshawar association; Gandhara and Mathura centres |
Art comparison
| School | Material / visual clue | Safe exam point |
|---|---|---|
| Gandhara | Grey schist; Hellenistic-Roman visual influence | North-west; Buddha images became important |
| Mathura | Red spotted sandstone | Strong indigenous idiom; important under Kushanas |
| Sanchi | Stupa, railing and torana | Shunga enlargement and Satavahana gateway ornamentation are important |
Core facts
Pushyamitra founded the Shunga line after the Mauryas; Vasudeva founded the Kanva line that followed in Magadha. Satavahana rule was centred in the Deccan. Gautamiputra Satakarni is known from the Nasik inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri and is a high-frequency ruler match. Menander is called Milinda in the Milindapanha. Rudradaman's Junagadh inscription records repair of the Sudarshana lake. Kanishka is the major Kushana ruler; tradition associates him with a Buddhist council in Kashmir, so do not state it as an administrative record.
Prelims traps
- Do not assign Kanishka to the Guptas or Rudradaman to the Satavahanas.
- Menander/Milinda is Indo-Greek; Gondophares is Parthian.
- Gandhara is not “all Greek”: it is an Indian art tradition with strong Hellenistic-Roman visual influence.
- Mathura red sandstone and Gandhara grey schist are a reliable contrast.
- Use “tradition associates” for the Fourth Buddhist Council under Kanishka.