Shunga Dynasty

Shunga Dynasty

After the Kalinga war, Asoka became a monk and engaged in expansion of Buddhism. None of the Mauryas were efficient to protect the throne. The Mauryan empire slowly began to disintegrate under weak successors. Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin general usurped the throne after slaying the last Maurya king and presided over a loosely federal polity. He established Shunga Dynasty in the year 185 BC (1216 BCE as per recent translations).  The Capital of Shunga Dynasty Was Pataliputra and its major centers were Ujjain, Mathura, Saket, Sanchi, and Kapilvastu. Later kings such as Bhagabhadra also held court at Vidisa, modern Besnagar in Eastern Malwa. In South India, the contemporary of Shungas were Saatvahanas, Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas.

Pushyamitra performed Ashvamedha and brought much of North India under his rule. But he constantly faced invasion problems from inside the country and foreign invasions. He conducted several campaigns against the Yavanas, Indo-Greeks, who were trying to dethrone Shunga empire.

Origins and History

In 185 BC (1216 as per recent translations)  Military General Pushyamitra Shunga Killed Brihadratha, the last ruler of Maurya Empire and started Shunga Dynasty. Shunga Dynasty was a Brahmin dynasty. Pushamitra extended his empire to the Narmada River in the south, controlled Jalandhar and Sialkot in the Punjab region in the northwest and the city of Ujjain in Central India.

Pushamitra ruled Shunga empire for 36 years. He was succeeded by his son Agnimitra. Agnimitra was a hero of one of the famous drama written by Kalidasa. He was a viceroy of Vidisha in the play.

After the rule of Pushamitra Shunga, the Shunga history is largely uncertain. It was said that there were only 10 Shunga emperors. The Shungas were succeeded by the Kanva dynasty around 73 BCE (916 BCE as per recent translations).

Shunga Dynasty Art

Art has a prominent role in Sunga Dynasty. Several types of arts were privileged during Sungas rule. Art under the Sunga period comprises the large part of the decoration of the stone railings and gateways of Buddhist stupas originally started under king Ashoka, at Sanchi in Bhopal, Barhut in Nagod state and Amravati on the Krishna river. The Mathura school of art flourished during this period as well.

 

Sunga Dynasty Architecture

Queen Maya's Dream of Elephant

The Mauryan dynasty was disintegrated after Asoka's death in 232 BC. Sungas came replacing the Mauryas in northern part. The period between 2nd century BC and 3rd century AD marked the beginning of the sculptural idiom in Indian sculpture where the elements of physical form were evolving into a more refined, realistic and expressive style. The sculptors strived at mastering their art, especially of the human body, which was carved in high relief and bore heaviness and vigour. These dynasties made advances in art and architecture in areas like construction, stone carving, symbolism and beginning of temple and the monastery constructions.

Important Rulers of Sunga Dynasty as per old translations

Pushyamitra Sunga (185 BC - 151 BC)

Agnimitra : (149 BC -141 BC)

Bhagabhadra (114 BC -83 BC)

Devabhuti (87-73 BC)

Pandit Kota Venkata Chelam provides the following chronology

1. Pushyamitra or Pushpamitra        (1218-1158 BCE)

2. Agnimitra         (1158-1108 BCE)

3. Vasumitra (1108-1072 BCE)

4. Sujyeshta         (1072-1055 BCE)

5. Bhadraka or Andhraka       (1055-1025 BCE)

6. Pulindaka         (1025-992 BCE)

7. Ghoshavasu (992-989 BCE)

8. Vajramitra (989-960 BCE)

9. Bhagavata (960-928 BCE)

10. Devabhuti or Kshemabhumi       (928-918 BCE)

Total : 300 years