Post-Mauryan Period (Shunga, Satavahana, Gupta Period)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
1. Introduction
After the fall of the Mauryan Empire (185 BCE), many regional kingdoms rose to power in India.
Important among them were:
Shunga Dynasty
Satavahana Dynasty
Gupta Empire
(most important golden age of Ancient India)
This period shaped India's classical culture, art, literature & science.
2. Shunga Dynasty (185 BCE – 73 BCE)
| Ruler | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pushyamitra Shunga | Founder, killed last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha |
| Agnimitra | Featured in Kalidasa's play Malavikagnimitram |
Features
Capital: Pataliputra
Supported Brahmanism
Restored Vedic rituals (Ashvamedha Yajna)
Promoted art → Sanchi Stupa work continued under Shungas
3. Satavahana Dynasty (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)
Capital & Region
Amaravati (main)
Deccan / Central India
Features
First great empire of the Deccan
Known for maritime trade with Romans
Important ruler: Gautamiputra Satakarni
Culture
Promoted Prakrit language
Rock-cut caves → Nashik & Karle
4. Gupta Empire (320 CE – 550 CE) — Golden Age of India
Founder: Chandragupta I
Important Rulers
| Ruler | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Chandragupta I | Started Gupta rule, title Maharajadhiraja |
| Samudragupta | Greatest conqueror (Napoleon of India) |
| Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) | Defeated Shaka rulers, peak of art & culture |
Features of Gupta Age
Golden Age of Indian Culture
Advances in Science, Astronomy, Mathematics
Aryabhatta → Zero, Pi values, rotation of Earth
Kalidasa → Great Sanskrit literature
Nalanda University flourished
Coinage became advanced
Trade prospered
Decline
Attacks of Huna (Huns) weakened Gupta power.
Quick Recap
Post-Mauryan political India → regional states
Shunga → Pataliputra, revival of Brahmanism
Satavahana → Deccan power, maritime trade, Prakrit language
Gupta Empire → Golden Age of ancient India
Zero by Aryabhatta, great literature
Sample Questions
Who was the founder of Shunga Empire?
Options: (a) Agnimitra (b) Pushyamitra Shunga (c) Samudragupta (d) Chandragupta I
View Answer
B. Pushyamitra Shunga
Which dynasty ruled the Deccan after Mauryas?
Options: (a) Gupta (b) Shunga (c) Satavahana (d) Chera
View Answer
C. Satavahana
Who is called the Napoleon of India?
Options: (a) Chandragupta Maurya (b) Samudragupta (c) Harsha (d) Kanishka
View Answer
B. Samudragupta
Zero was first referenced during which empire?
Options: (a) Gupta (b) Mughal (c) Kushan (d) Shunga
View Answer
A. Gupta
Previous Year Questions (Delhi Police / SSC)
Who was the founder of Gupta Empire?
Year: SSC
View Answer
Chandragupta I
Samudragupta was known as?
Year: SSC GD
View Answer
Napoleon of India
Pushyamitra Shunga performed which ritual?
Year: CGL
View Answer
Ashvamedha Yajna
Aryabhatta belonged to which period?
Year: Delhi Police
View Answer
Gupta Period
You've completed Post-Mauryan Period Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on distinguishing between the three major dynasties - Shunga (revival of Brahmanism), Satavahana (Deccan power with maritime trade), and Gupta (Golden Age with scientific achievements). Remember key titles like "Napoleon of India" for Samudragupta and the significance of Aryabhatta's contributions during the Gupta period. The Gupta Empire's cultural and scientific advancements are frequently tested in exams.
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