The Sunga Empire (or Shunga Empire) is a Magadha dynasty that controlled North-central and Eastern India as well as parts of the northwest (now Pakistan) from around 185 to 73 B.C.E. It was established after the fall of the Indian Mauryan empire. The capital of the Sungas was Pataliputra. Later kings such as Bhagabhadra also held court at Vidisa, modern Besnagar in Eastern Malwa. The Sunga Empire is noted for its numerous wars with both foreign and indigenous powers although several kings patronized Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism. The Mathura school of art and the works of Patanjali colored North India during this empire. It was replaced by the Kanva dynasty.
Foundation of dynasty
The Sunga dynasty was established in 185 B.C.E., about 50 years after Ashoka’s death, when the king Brhadrata, the last of the Mauryan rulers, was assassinated by the then commander-in-chief of the Mauryan armed forces, Pusyamitra Sunga (“Pusyamitra is said in the Puranas to have been the senānī or army-commander of the last Maurya king Brhadratha”) while he was taking the Guard of Honor of his forces. Pusyamitra Sunga then ascended the throne.
Pushyamitra Sunga became the ruler of the Magadha and neighboring territories. The kingdom of Pushyamitra was extended up to Narmada in the south, and controlled Jalandhar and Sialkot in the Punjab in the north-western regions, and the city of Ujjain in central India. The Kabul Valley and much of the Punjab passed into the hands of the Indo-Greeks and the Deccan to the Satavahanas. Pushyamitra died after ruling for 36 years (187-151 B.C.E.). He was succeeded by son Agnimitra. This prince is the hero of a famous drama by one of India’s greatest playwrights, Kalidasa. Agnimitra was viceroy of Vidisha when the story takes place. The power of the Sungas gradually weakened. It is said that there were ten Sunga kings. The Sungas were succeeded by the Kanva dynasty around 73 B.C.E.
Wars and conflicts during sungas
War and conflict characterized the Sunga period. They are known to have warred with the Kalingas, Satavahanas, the Indo-Greeks, and possibly the Panchalas and Mathuras. The Sunga Empire’s wars with the Indo-Greek Kingdom figure greatly in the history of this period. From around 180 B.C.E. the Greco-Bactrian ruler Demetrius, conquered the Kabul Valley and is theorized to have advanced into the trans-Indus. The Indo Greek Menander is credited with either joining or leading a campaign to Pataliputra with other Indian Kings; however, very little is know about the exact nature and success of the campaign. The net result of these wars remains uncertain.
Pushyamitra is recorded to have performed two Ashvamedha Yagnas and Sunga imperial inscriptions have extended as far as Jalandhar. Scriptures such as the Divyavadhana note that his rule extended even farther to Sialkot, in the Punjab. Moreover, if it was lost, Mathura was regained by the Sungas around 100 B.C.E. (or by other indigenous rulers: The Arjunayanas (area of Mathura) and Yaudheyas mention military victories on their coins (“Victory of the Arjunayanas,” “Victory of the Yaudheyas”), and during the first century B.C.E., the Trigartas, Audumbaras and finally the Kunindas also started to mint their own coins). Accounts of battles between the Greeks and the Sunga in Northwestern India are also found in the Mālavikāgnimitram, a play by Kālidāsa which describes a battle between Greek cavalrymen and Vasumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra, on the Indus river, in which the Indians defeated the Greeks and Pushyamitra successfully completed the Ashvamedha Yagna.
Nevertheless, very little can be said with great certainty. However, what does appear clear is that the two Realms appeared to have established normalized diplomatic relations in the succeeding reigns of their respective rulers. The Indo-Greeks and the Sungas seem to have reconciled and exchanged diplomatic missions around 110 B.C.E., as indicated by the Heliodorus pillar, which records the dispatch of a Greek ambassador named Heliodorus, from the court of the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas, to the court of the Sunga king Bhagabhadra at the site of Vidisha in central India.
Cultural achievements during sungas
While there is much debate on the religious policies of the Sunga dynasty, it is recognized for a number of contributions. Art, Education, philosophy, and other Learning flowered during this period. Most notably, Patanjali’s Yoga/”>Yoga Sutras and Mahabhasya were composed in this period. It is also noted for its subsequent mention in the Malavikaagnimitra. This work was composed by Kalidasa in the later Gupta period, and romanticized the love of Malavika and King Agnimitra, with a background of court intrigue. Artistry on the subcontinent also progressed with the rise of the Mathura school, which is considered the indigenous counterpart to the more Hellenistic Gandhara school of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
During the historical Sunga period (185 to 73 B.C.E.), Buddhist activity also managed to survive somewhat in central India (Madhya Pradesh) as suggested by some architectural expansions undertaken at the stupas of Sanchi and Barhut, originally started under King Ashoka. It remains uncertain whether these works were due to the weakness of the control of the Sungas in these areas, or a sign of Tolerance on their part.
The last of the Sunga kings was Devabhuti (83-73 B.C.E.). He was assassinated by his minister (Vasudeva Kanva) and is said to have been over fond of the company of Women. The Sunga dynasty was then replaced by the subsequent Kanvas.
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The Sunga dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from 185 BCE to 73 BCE. The dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga, who overthrew the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha. The Sungas were a powerful and prosperous dynasty, and they oversaw a period of great cultural and Economic Development in India.
The Sunga dynasty is best known for its art and architecture. Sunga art is characterized by its realism and its use of naturalism. Some of the most famous examples of Sunga art include the Bharhut and Sanchi stupas. The Sunga dynasty also built many temples and palaces, some of which are still standing today.
The Sunga dynasty also made significant contributions to literature. The most famous Sunga poet was Kalidasa, who is considered to be one of the greatest poets in the history of Indian Literature. Kalidasa wrote many famous plays, poems, and essays.
The Sunga dynasty was a time of great religious tolerance. The Sungas allowed all religions to flourish, and they built temples for many different religions. The most famous Sunga temple is the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sunga dynasty was a time of great economic prosperity. The Sungas built many roads and canals, which helped to improve Trade and Commerce. The Sungas also minted coins, which helped to stabilize the economy.
The Sunga dynasty was a time of great military strength. The Sungas had a large and well-trained army, which helped to keep the peace and protect the empire. The Sungas also fought many successful wars against their enemies.
The Sunga dynasty had good relations with many other countries. The Sungas traded with many different countries, and they also sent ambassadors to other countries. The Sungas also had good relations with the Roman Empire.
The Sunga dynasty declined in the 2nd century BCE. The decline of the Sunga dynasty was due to a number of factors, including internal strife, economic problems, and foreign invasions. The Sunga dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Kushan Empire in 73 BCE.
The Sunga dynasty left a lasting legacy on Indian history. The Sungas were a powerful and prosperous dynasty, and they oversaw a period of great cultural and economic development in India. The Sungas also made significant contributions to art, literature, religion, and architecture. The Sunga dynasty is an important part of Indian history, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
Here are some additional details about the Sunga dynasty:
- The Sunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga, who overthrew the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha.
- The Sungas ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from 185 BCE to 73 BCE.
- The Sunga dynasty was a time of great cultural and economic development in India.
- The Sungas made significant contributions to art, literature, religion, and architecture.
- The Sunga dynasty was a time of great religious tolerance.
- The Sungas allowed all religions to flourish, and they built temples for many different religions.
- The Sunga dynasty was a time of great economic prosperity.
- The Sungas built many roads and canals, which helped to improve trade and commerce.
- The Sungas also minted coins, which helped to stabilize the economy.
- The Sunga dynasty was a time of great military strength.
- The Sungas had a large and well-trained army, which helped to keep the peace and protect the empire.
- The Sungas also fought many successful wars against their enemies.
- The Sunga dynasty had good relations with many other countries.
- The Sungas traded with many different countries, and they also sent ambassadors to other countries.
- The Sungas also had good relations with the Roman Empire.
- The Sunga dynasty declined in the 2nd century BCE.
- The decline of the Sunga dynasty was due to a number of factors, including internal strife, economic problems, and foreign invasions.
- The Sunga dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Kushan Empire in 73 BCE.
- The Sunga dynasty left a lasting legacy on Indian history.
- The Sungas were a powerful and prosperous dynasty, and they oversaw a period of great cultural and economic development in India.
- The Sungas also made significant contributions to art, literature, religion, and architecture.
- The Sunga dynasty is an important part of Indian history, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
What is the meaning of life?
The meaning of life is a question that has been asked by philosophers and theologians for centuries. There is no one answer that will satisfy everyone, but some possible answers include:
- To find happiness and fulfillment.
- To make a difference in the world.
- To learn and grow as a person.
- To connect with others and build relationships.
- To experience the beauty of the world.
Ultimately, the meaning of life is up to each individual to decide.
What is the purpose of life?
The purpose of life is another question that has been pondered by many people. Some possible answers include:
- To serve God or a higher power.
- To help others and make the world a better place.
- To learn and grow as a person.
- To experience the beauty of the world.
- To find happiness and fulfillment.
Ultimately, the purpose of life is up to each individual to decide.
What is the difference between life and death?
Life is the state of being alive, while death is the state of being dead. Life is characterized by the presence of biological processes, such as Metabolism, Respiration, and Reproduction. Death is characterized by the absence of these processes.
What happens after death?
There is no one answer to this question that is universally accepted. Some people believe that there is an afterlife, while others believe that death is the end of existence. There is no scientific evidence to support or refute either of these beliefs.
What is the best way to live life?
There is no one answer to this question that is right for everyone. However, some possible answers include:
- To live in the present moment.
- To be grateful for what you have.
- To help others.
- To follow your dreams.
- To make a difference in the world.
Ultimately, the best way to live life is up to each individual to decide.
What is the most important thing in life?
This is a question that has been asked by philosophers and theologians for centuries. There is no one answer that will satisfy everyone, but some possible answers include:
- Love.
- Happiness.
- Peace.
- Freedom.
- Meaning.
Ultimately, the most important thing in life is up to each individual to decide.
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The Mauryan Empire was founded by:
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka the Great
(c) Bindusara
(d) Samudragupta -
The Mauryan Empire was a major power in South Asia from the 4th to the 2nd century BCE. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who united the Indian subcontinent under one rule for the first time. The Mauryan Empire reached its peak under the reign of Ashoka the Great, who is known for his Buddhist reforms and his promotion of non-violence. The Mauryan Empire declined in the 2nd century BCE, and was eventually overthrown by the Shunga dynasty.
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The Gupta Empire was founded by:
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Kumaragupta I -
The Gupta Empire was a major power in South Asia from the 4th to the 6th century CE. It was founded by Chandragupta I, who united the Indian subcontinent under one rule for the second time. The Gupta Empire reached its peak under the reign of Chandragupta II, who is known for his military conquests and his patronage of the arts and sciences. The Gupta Empire declined in the 6th century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Hunas.
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The Chola Empire was founded by:
(a) Vijayalaya Chola
(b) Rajendra Chola I
(c) Kulottunga Chola I
(d) Rajaraja Chola I -
The Chola Empire was a major power in South India from the 9th to the 13th century CE. It was founded by Vijayalaya Chola, who united the Tamil kingdoms under one rule. The Chola Empire reached its peak under the reign of Rajendra Chola I, who is known for his military conquests and his patronage of the arts and sciences. The Chola Empire declined in the 13th century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Pandya dynasty.
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The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by:
(a) Harihara I
(b) Bukka Raya I
(c) Deva Raya I
(d) Krishnadeva Raya -
The Vijayanagara Empire was a major power in South India from the 14th to the 16th century CE. It was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, who united the Kannada kingdoms under one rule. The Vijayanagara Empire reached its peak under the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, who is known for his military conquests and his patronage of the arts and sciences. The Vijayanagara Empire declined in the 16th century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Deccan sultanates.
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The Mughal Empire was founded by:
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Akbar
(d) Jahangir -
The Mughal Empire was a major power in South Asia from the 16th to the 18th century CE. It was founded by Babur, who invaded India from Central Asia. The Mughal Empire reached its peak under the reign of Akbar, who is known for his military conquests and his religious tolerance. The Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the British East India Company.