Decline of the Maurya Empire, Reasons Behind the Downfall & Stages of the Decline

Post-Mauryan India: Political Changes, Kingdoms, and Foreign Invasions (2nd Century BC - 3rd Century AD)

The Post-Mauryan Period (2nd century BC to 3rd century AD) marks a crucial transitional phase in Indian history. Following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, multiple regional kingdoms emerged, significantly shaping India's political landscape. This era also witnessed increased interactions with foreign invaders from Central Asia and China, leading to dynamic socio-cultural and economic transformations.

The once-dominant Mauryan Empire had expanded across much of the Indian subcontinent, including Kandahar (Afghanistan). However, its fall around 187 BC resulted in fragmentation, giving rise to powerful dynasties like the Shungas and Kanvas. Additionally, foreign invasions during this period played a pivotal role in reshaping Indian polity and trade networks.

Political Unrest and Regional Kingdoms After Mauryan Decline

After Ashoka's reign, the Mauryan successors struggled to maintain centralized control. As a result, provincial leaders asserted independence, leading to a power vacuum that invited foreign incursions and regional rule.

• The northwestern territories fell to a series of foreign invasions.
• Kalinga gained independence, while the Satavahanas consolidated power in southern India.
• The Shunga Dynasty, followers of Brahmanism, rose to power after overthrowing the Mauryas in the Gangetic plains.

Shunga Dynasty (185 BC - 73 BC): Revival of Brahmanical Rule

Capital: Pataliputra and Vidisha

• Pushyamitra Shunga, a former Mauryan commander, assassinated Brihadratha and established the Shunga Dynasty.
• Ruled northern and central India, extending up to the Narmada River.
• Protected Gangetic Valley from external invasions.

Pushyamitra Shunga (185 – 149 BCE): Expansion and Military Conquests

• Defended India from Indo-Greek invasions from Bactria.
• Led a war against Kharavela of Kalinga.
• Performed two Ashwamedha Yagyas, mentioned in Dhandeva’s Ayodhya Inscription.
• Despite being a staunch follower of Hinduism, he contributed to Buddhist art by renovating the Bharhut Stupa.
• Contemporary of Patanjali, the author of Mahabhasya.
• His reign is documented in Banabhatta’s Harshacharita.

Agnimitra (149 – 141 BC): The Inspiration for Kalidasa’s Play

• Kalidasa wrote “Malvikagnimitra”, a Sanskrit play, based on the love story of Agnimitra and Malvika.

Decline of the Shunga Dynasty

• Notable rulers included Vasumitra, Vajramitra, Bhagabhadra, and Devabhuti (last ruler).
• Devabhuti was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, marking the end of the Shunga Empire.

Kanva Dynasty (73 BC - 28 BC): A Short-Lived Brahmin Rule

Capital: Pataliputra and Vidisha

• Founded by Vasudeva Kanva, who assassinated the last Shunga king.
• Bana, a 7th-century Sanskrit author, records details of the assassination that brought Vasudeva to power.
• The Kanvas, being Brahmins, traced their lineage to Sage Saubhari.
• Notable rulers: Bhumimitra, Narayana, Susharman (last king).
• Coins with Bhumimitra's name were discovered in the Panchala Kingdom.
• The Andhra Dynasty ended the Kanva rule when Balipuccha assassinated Susharman.

Chedi Kingdom in Kalinga: Rise of the Mahameghavahana Dynasty (1st Century BCE)

Capital: Suktimati-Puri

• Founded by King Abhichandra in Kalinga during the 1st century BCE, with Suktimati-Puri as its capital along the Suktimati River.
• Also referred to as the Cheta or Mahameghavahana dynasty, this ruling lineage is sometimes known as Chetavamsa.
• After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, the Chedi dynasty established Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) as a dominant regional power.
• King Kharavela is the most historically significant ruler of this dynasty, although details about his predecessors and successors remain sparse.

King Kharavela: The Greatest Ruler of the Chedi Dynasty

• Reigned in the 1st century BCE and is credited with military conquests and patronage of Jainism.
• The Hathigumpha Inscription, located on the Udayagiri Hills near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, records his achievements.
• His reign saw aggressive expansionist policies and public welfare initiatives.
• His successor, Kudepasiri, is mentioned in the Mancapuri Cave Inscription.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Architectural Marvels of Kalinga

• Constructed during the 1st or 2nd century BCE, these rock-cut caves near Bhubaneswar were used as shelters for Jain monks.
• The Hathigumpha Inscription, written in Brahmi script, begins with the Jain Namokar Mantra and details Kharavela’s military campaigns.
• The Ranigumpha Cave at Udayagiri is a prominent two-story cave adorned with intricate sculptures.

Evolution of Post-Mauryan Art and Architecture

The Post-Mauryan Period marked significant artistic developments, particularly in stupas, rock-cut caves, and temple architecture, influenced by regional and foreign artistic styles.

Development of Stupa Architecture in India

Stupas functioned as sacred Buddhist monuments housing relics of the Buddha or revered monks. Some of the most important stupas from this era include:

• Bharhut Stupa and Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh): Originally constructed by Ashoka and later expanded with ornate gateways by the Shungas.
• Amravati Stupa and Nagarjunakonda Stupa (Andhra Pradesh): Representing the fusion of indigenous and foreign artistic influences.

Early Temple Architecture in India

• The Post-Mauryan Period saw the emergence of Brahmanical temples with depictions of Hindu deities.
• Mythological narratives from the Puranas were sculpted onto temple walls.
• Temple structures featured a hall, a veranda, and a shrine for the presiding deity.
• Notable temple sites from this period:
  • Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Eran, Nachna-Kuthara, and Udayagiri near Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh)
• Three major temple architectural styles emerged:
  • Sandhara Type: Without a pradakshinapatha (circumambulatory path).
  • Nirandhara Type: Featuring a pradakshinapatha.
  • Sarvatobhadra: Accessible from all directions.

Religious and Social Transformations in the Post-Mauryan Era

• Revival of Brahmanism: Although Buddhism and Jainism continued to flourish, Brahmanical traditions were reinforced under the Shungas.
• Ritualistic Ceremonies: Sacrificial rituals like Ashwamedha and Rajasuya regained prominence.
• Social Hierarchy: The varna system became more rigid, strengthening the dominance of Brahmins.
• Women’s Status: Social norms restricted women’s roles, with their conduct regulated by texts like the Manusmriti.
• Cultural Integration: Foreign rulers and invaders were assimilated into Indian society, leading to the emergence of new mixed ethnic groups.

Literature and Language Advancements in Post-Mauryan India

The Post-Mauryan era witnessed the expansion of Sanskrit literature and religious texts.

• Sanskrit became the dominant literary and religious language.
• Notable scholars of this period:
  • Patanjali: Authored Mahabhasya (a grammatical treatise) and Yoga Sutras.
  • The evolution of the Brahmi script bridged the gap between Kalinga Brahmi and Mauryan scripts.

Post-Mauryan Trade, Commerce, and Economic Growth

The Post-Mauryan Period was marked by flourishing trade, both within India and internationally.

• Guild System: Craft and trade guilds played a crucial role in economic activity. The head of a guild was known as Jyestha.
• Major Trade Centers: Mathura became a major hub, famous for its shataka (textile products).
• Merchant Hierarchy:
  • Shreshti: Head of a merchant guild (shreni).
  • Sarthavaha: Leader of mobile trading caravans (sartha).
  • Vanijgramo: Head of merchants' corporations.
• Key Trade Routes:
  • Uttarapatha: Connecting northern India to the northwest.
  • Dakshinapatha: Linking southern India to the rest of the subcontinent.
• Maritime Trade: Trade expanded due to monsoon wind discoveries, facilitating exchanges with the Roman Empire. Spices were exported, while gold and silver were imported.

The Post-Mauryan era was also shaped by foreign invasions from Indo-Greeks, Shakas (Scythians), Parthians, and Kushanas, influencing Indian culture, economy, and polity.