Ancient History of India - 3

Rulers of Magadh Kingdom

Haryanka Dynasty (600 BC – 413 BC)

1. Bimbisara (544 BC-491 BC) - Founder of Haryanka Dynasty. He established the first capital of Magadha Kingdom – Girivraj /Rajgriha. He was good friend and protector of Buddha. He was imprisoned by his son Ajatshatru, who ascended the throne of Kingdom.

2. Ajatshatru (491 BC – 460 BC)- He conquered 36 republican states after conquering Vaishali, Kasi and Kosala. He established small fort Pataligram with the help of his Ministers Sunidha and Vassakara which was developed in Patliputra by his son. According to Buddha tradition, he was killed by his son Udaybhadra/Udayin.

3. Udayin (460 BC – 443 BC)- He established Patliputra (capital shifted from Rajgriha). According to Buddha tradition, he was killed by his son Anuruddha.

4. Anuruddha (443 BC – 439 BC)- According to Buddha tradition, he was killed by his son Munda.

5. Munda (439 BC – 435 BC)- According to Buddha tradition, he was killed by his son Nagadaska.

6. Nagadaska (435 BC – 413 BC)-Peoples deposed him and made Shishunaga as a king of Kingdom.

Shishunaga Dynansty (413BC – 345BC)

1. Shishunaga (413 BC – 395 BC) - Founder of Shishunaga Dynasty. He was former Amatya of Kingdom under the Haryanka Dynasty.

2. Mahanandin (367 BC – 345 BC) – 10^th King and Last King of Shishunaga and killed by Mahapadma Nanda.

Nanda Dynasty (345 BC – 321 BC)

1. Mahapadma Nanda (345 BC -329 BC) - Founder of Nanda Dynasty.

2. Dhana Nand (329 BC – 321 BC) – He was last king of Nanda Dynasty. During His reign Alexander invaded India and got victory in Battle of Hydaspes against Pauravas. But he returned back due to sickness and exhaustion of his army who was unable to move forward. 

Maurya Empire (321 BC – 180 BC)

1. Chandragupta Maurya (321 BC -297 BC) – He was founder of Mauryan Empire with the assistance of Chanakya who was the founder of Arthshashtra and became chief advisor of Magadh. During his reign, Seleucid – Maryan battle occurred in 305 BC. Mauryans got victory.

2. Bindusar (297 BC – 273 BC)- Son of Chandragupta Maurya. During his reign, Taxila revolt occurred which was suppressed by his son Ashoka. Chanakya continued his position as a chief advisor of Magadh.

3. Ashoka the Great (268 BC – 232 BC )- During his reign Kalinga War occurred and completed in 262 BC. Mauryans got victory.

Ashok Edicts and Inscriptions	Contents	Found at
I. Rock Edicts
(i) 14 Major Rock Edicts	Principles of Dhamma	Manshera(Hazara,Pakistan), Shahbajgarhi(Peshwar, Pakistan), Kalsi (Dehradun,U.K), Junagarh(Girnir, Gujarat), Sopara (Thane, Maharashtra), Yerragudi(Kurnul,A.P.), Dhauli (Puri, Orissa), Jaugada (Ganjam, Orrisa)
(ii) 2 Kalinga Rock	New Administration after the Kalinga War	Dhauli(Pauli, Orissa), Jaugada(Ganjam, Orissa)
(iii)Minor Rock Edicts	Personal History of Ashoka and Summary of his dhamma.	Sasaram (Bihar), Maski (A.P.), Babru- Bairat(Rajasthan), Rupanath (M.P.), Gavimath,Palkig-undu,Siddhpur, Jating Rameshwar, Brahamagiri (Karnataka)
(iv)Bhabru- Bairat Rock Edicts	Ashoka conversion to Buddhism	Bhabru- Bairat (Rajasthan)
II. Pillar Edicts
(i) 7 Pillar Edicts	Appendix to rock Edicts	Meerut- Delhi (Chhoti Lata), Topra-Delhi (Badi Lata), Allahabad (U.P.); Lauriya Areraj , Lauriya Nandangarh and Rampurva (Bihar)
(ii)4 Minor Pillar Edicts	Sign of Ashoka fanaticism to Dhamma.	Sanchi (MP), Sarnath and Allahabad (UP)
(iii) 2 Tarai Pillar Edicts	Respect of Ashoka for Buddhism	Rummandei/ Lumbini and Nigaliva (Tarai of Nepal)
III . Cave Edicts
3 Barabar Cave Edicts	Ashoka’s Toleration	Barabar Hills (Gaya, Bihar)
Ashokan 14 Major Rock Edicts
Contents
I.  Prohibition of animal sacrifices and festive gatherings. II. Measure of social welfares. III. Respect to Brahamanas. IV. Courtesy to relatives, elders, consideration for animals. V. Appointment of Dhamma Mahamatras amd their duties. VI. Need for efficient organization of administration (Orders to Dhamma Mahamatras) VII. Need for tolerance among all religious sects. VIII. System of Dhamma Yatras. IX. Attack on meaningless ceremeny and rituals. X. Conquest through Dhamma instead of war. XI. Explaination of Dhamma Policy. XII. Appeal for tolerance among all religious sects. XIII. Kalinga War , mention 5 contemporary Hellenic (Greek) Kings. XIV. Inspiration to spend religious life

4. Dasharatha (232 BC – 224 BC) – He was grandson of Ashoka.

5. Sampriti (224 BC – 215 BC)- He was son of ashoka’s son Kunala and cousin of Dasharatha.

6. Salisuka (215 BC – 202 BC)

7. Devavarman (202 BC – 195 BC)

8. Shatadhanvan (195 BC – 187 BC)

9. Brihadratha Maurya (187 BC – 180 BC)- He was last ruler of Maurya Empire. He was assassinated by his general Pushyamitra Shunga. After the fall of Mauryan dynasty , Greco-Batrians king Demetrius I invaded in Northwestern subcontinent India in 180 BC and established Indo-Greek Kindom who support Buddhism and Shunga was against Buddhism. Indo – Greek made capital Sakala (at present Punjab Province,Pakistan) of Kingdom.

Shunga Empire (185 BC – 75 BC)

1. Pushyamitra Shunga (185 BC – 151 BC)-  Founder of Shunga Dynasty.

2. Agnimitra (151 BC – 141 BC)- He invade Vidharba(at present in Maharashtra).

3. Vajuyestha (141 BC – 131 BC)- According to Malavikagnimitra (Drama of Kalidas),He defeated Indo-Greek forces at bank of the river Sindhu.

4.Vasumitra (131 BC – 124 BC) – According to Malavikagnimitra, He also defeated cavalry of Indo – Greeks.

5. Bhagbhadra (110 BC*) – He has held court at Vidisha. He is known for inscription at the site of Vidisha in Central India, the Heliodorus Pillar which was built by Heliodorus, the Greek ambassador of the Indo-Greek King Antialcidus.

6. Devabhuti (83 BC – 75 BC) – He was Last ruler of Shunga Empire. He was assassinated by his minister Vasudeva Kanvas.

Kanva Dynasty (75 BC – 30 BC)

1. Vasudeva Kanva (75 BC – 66 BC)- Founder of kanvas dynasty.He was amatya(Minister) of Shunga King  Devabhuti.

2. Bhumimitra (66 BC* – 52 BC*)

3. Narayana (52 BC* – 40 BC*)

4. Susarman (40 BC* – 30 BC*) He was assassinated by Satvahana King and disintegrated the Magadha Empire.Then Magadh became subjected to rule of Satvahana Empire who were ruling from Deccan Region.

* - Approximate

Gupta Empire (319 AD – 540 AD)

They continued the rule on Magadha after disintegration of Magadh Empire. Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta Empire.He used titled of Maharaja. Gupta was succeeded by his son Ghatotkach who also inherited the title of Maharaja.

1. Chandragupta I (319 AD  – 335 AD ) – He was son of Ghatotkacha and grandson of dynast’s founder Sri Gupta. He was titled Maharjadhiraja. He married to Lichcchavi princess Kumaradevi .He issued gold coins. Gold coins depict Chandragupta and Kumaradevi.

2. Samudragupta (335 AD – 380 AD)- His authentic record preserved in Prayag Prasati/ Allahabad Pillar inscription composed by his court poet Harisena. According to Prayag Prasati , He was a great conqueror. He exterminated 9 monarchs and subjugated 12 in his campaign due to his great military conquests known from Prayag Prashati, the historian V.A. Smith called him Napolean of India. According to Prayag Prashati, He was described as hero of hundred battles.

3. Ramgupta (380 AD)- Short time ruler

4. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (380 AD – 414 AD)- He was the most powerful emperor of Gupta Empire. He defeated Kushans and Huns in Northwestern India. This period is known as Golden Age of India due to big achievements in literatures, astronomy, medicines, architectures, science, mathematics, sculpting and painting. He issued copper coins. He was the first gupta ruler who issued Silver coins in the memory of victory over Sakas and adopted titles Sakari and Vikramaditya. Ujjain was second capital made by him. Iron pillar erected by him near Qutub Minar in Mehrauli, Delhi. This iron pillar inscription says that the king defeated the confederacy of Vangas and Vahilkas (Bulkh).Fahein (Chinese Buddhist Monk) visited India at that time.

Navratna (9 gems)of Chandragupta II :-

(i)Kalidasa (Poet & dramatists) – (Epic Poems – Raghuvamsa, Kumarsambhava /Minor Poems- Ritusamhara, Meghdoot / Drama – Malavikagnimitram, Abhijanasakuntalam, Vikramorvasiyam)

(ii)Amarsinh (Grammarian and poet)- Amarakosha

(iii)Dhanavantri -  (Navanitakam- Medicines Text)

(iv)Varahmira (Astronomer,Mathematician and Astrologer)- Panch Sidhantaka, Brihatsamhita, Brihat Jataka.

(v)Vararuchi – (Vartika – a comment on ashtadhyayi).

(vi)Ghatkarpara – Sculpture and Architecture.

(vii)Kshapranak- Astrologer

(viii)Vetlabhatta (Sanskrit Author) – He is known for attributed the work of 16 Stanza ‘Niti Pradeepa’ (the lamp of conduct)

(ix)Shanku – Field of Architecture.

5. Kumaragupta I Mahendraditya(415 AD – 455 AD) – He was worshipper of God Kartikeya. He founded the Nalanda Mahavira which developed into the great learning’s centre.

6. Skandgupta (455 AD – 467 AD) – He was the last one of the great gupta ruler. During his reign, Gupta Empire invaded by Huns. He was succeeded to repel the Huns. Huns were Indo-Sassanians. Due to this success, he was titled of Vikramaditya (Bhitari Pillar Inscription).But Huns were continuously attacked on Gupta empire. After the death of him , the empire succeeded by his half-brother Purugupta.

7. Purugupta (467 AD – 473 AD)

8. Kumaragupta II (473 AD – 476 AD)

9. Budhagupta (476 AD – 495 AD)

10.Narsimhagupta (495 AD – 530 AD)

11. Kumaragupta III (530 AD – 540 AD)

12.Vishnugupta (540 AD – 550 AD) – He was the last King of Gupta Empire and Fallen of Gupta Empire.

Others Regional Kingdom of Magadh

(i) Deccan Region

Satvahana Dynasty– 100 BC to 203 AD (Approx.) 

• Founder - Simuka
• Capital -  Pratishthan (at present paithan in Maharashtra) and Amaravati( at present village of Guntur in A.P.)
• Language - Pratrik
• Satvahana was ruling in Deccan Region.
• Their rival was Shungas and Kanvas.
• According to Purana, They killed King of Kanva Dynasty in Magadh and established peace and opposed the invasion of foreign invaders. After sometimes Guptas were restablished empire in Magadha.
• Under Satavahanas , many Chaityas(worship halls) and Vihara (monastries) were cut out from rocks mainly in North-West Deccan or Maharashtra. 
• They were built Buddhist Stupas in Amravati and constructed large number of stupas in Goli, Jaggiahpeta, Gantasala, Bhattiporlu and Sri Parvatam.
• They were greatly contributed to decorate the Sanchi’s Stupa. 
• The most famous stupas attributed to Satvahana Period are Amravati (Sculptural treasure house) and Nagarjunakonda (it became island after the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, A.P.). 

Satvahana important rulers are follows:-

• Simuk -  He was the founder and first king of Satvahana Empire.
• Satkarni I – He was 3^rd ruler. He raised its power and prestige by conquests.
• Hala- He was 17^th ruler. He was author of Gathasaptasati (Sanskrit poem in Prakrit). Gunadhya (Indian Author) was the contemporary of Hala and He wrote ‘Brihatkatha’.
• Gautami Satkarni – During his reign, Western Shatrap was the contemporary of Satavhanas. He defeated the Saka Shatarap king Nahapana. It was the beginning of decline phase of Satraps. He was greatest 23^rd Satavahan ruler.
• Vashishthiputra Sri Satkarni – He was 24^th ruler. He was married to daughter of saka shatrap Rudraman but defeated by him twice. He defeated satraps and regained their southern region of western and central area.
• Pulamavi III – He was 30^th and last ruler of Satvahana.

Vakataka Dynasty (250 AD – 500 AD)

• The Vatakas were most important power that held sway over parts Deccan and Central India after Satvahana and before the rise of Chalukyas.
• Vindhyashakti (250 AD – 270 AD) - The founder of Vataka Dynasty
• Pravarasena I (270 – 330 AD) – He was son of Vindhyashakti. He performed 4 Ashwamedh Yajnas.After his death empire was divided into two branches Parvapura – Nandivardhana Branch and Vatsgulma Branch.

(i) Parvapura – Nandivardhana Branch

•  Rudrasena I
• Prithvisena I (355 - 380 AD)
• Rudrasena II (380-385 AD) – He was married to Prabhavatigupta daughter of Chandragupta II. After the Sudden death of him , Prabhavatigupta ruled as a regent on behalf of her two sons , Divakarasena and Damodarasena (Pravarasena II) for 20 years. Pravarsena II composed Setubandha in Prakrit. A few verses of Gaha Sattasai are also attributed to him. He shifted his capital Nandivardhana to Pravarpura.
• Narendrasena  (440 – 460 AD)
• Prithvishena II – After death of Him kingdom annexed by Harishena of Vatsagulma Branch.

 (ii)Vatsagulma Branch

• Sarvasena (330 – 355 AD)- He took the title of Dharmamaharaja.He was known as author of Harivijiya and verses of Prakrit Gaha Sattasai .
• Vindhyasena (355 – 400 AD)- He is also known as Vindhyashakti II. He was titled as Dharmamaharaja.
• Pravarasena II (400- 415 AD)
• Devasena (450 – 470 AD)- His administration run by his minister hastibhoja.
• Harishena (475- 500 AD)- He was great patron of Buddhist Architecture, art and culture.

Foreign Invaders

The Indo- Greeks (Bactrians Greeks)- 180 BC to 10 AD

• They were the first foreign rulers of North-Western India in Post – Mauryan Period. The founder of Indo-Greek Kingdom was Demetrius I.
• The most famous Indo-Greek ruler was Menander I (165 BC- 145 BC), also known as Milinda. He was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena (Buddhist Sage).
• They were the first to issue gold coins.
• They introduced Hellenic Feature (Greek) in art giving rise to Gandhar School in North- Western India.

Western Satraps/Sakas/Kshatraps (35 AD - 405 AD)

• They were Indo – Scythians replaced the Indo- Greek in India.
• Amongst the five branches of sakas, the most important was the one which ruled in western India till 4^th Century.
• Capital - Ujjain
• The most famous Saka ruler was Rudradaman (130AD - 150AD). He was famous for his military conquests (against the Satvahanas), his public works (he repaired the famous Sudarshan Lake of Mauryan Period) and his patronage of Sanskrit (he issued the first ever long rock inscription in pure Sanskrit (Brahmi Script)at Girnar, Junagarh , Gujarat)
• Other important ruler were Nahapana, Ushavadeva, Ghamatika,Chastana etc.
• In 4^th century , Saka King Rudradaman III was assassinated by Chandragupta II and completely ended the rule of Sakas. He was last ruler of Sakas.

Parthians / Pahalavas (1^st Century BC – 1^st Century AD)

• Originally lived in Iran, they replaced Sakas in north-Western India but controlled an area much smaller than Sakas.
• The most famous Parthian King was Gondaphernes in whose reign St. Thomas is said to have come to India for Propagation of Christianity.

Kushans (30 AD – 375 AD)

•  Kushan were one of the Yeuzhi Clans of Central Asia.
• They replaced the Parthians in North – Western India and expanded to the lower Indus Basin and the upper and middle Gangetic Basin.
• Kujul Kadhphises laid the foundation of Kushan Empire and became 1^st ruler of Kushans.
• Vema Kadphises became 2^nd ruler, who issued gold coins.
• Second kushan dynasty founded by Kanishka I. He expanded the Kushan power over upper India.
• The capital were at Purusapura ,Gandhar (at present Peshawar, Pakistan) and Mathura.
• The most famous Kushan ruler was Kanishka I (78AD – 101AD), also known as ‘Second Ashoka’. He started era which is now known as the Saka era (Indian Calender)and is used by the Indian Government .
• Kanishka was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism. In his reign 4^th Buddhist Council was held in Kundalavan, Kashmir where the doctrines of Mahayana form of Buddhism were finalized.
• Vasudeva I was the last ruler of Kushans.
• The Kushans controlled famous Silk Road starting from China, passing through their empire on to Iran and Western Asia. This road or route was a great source of income to the Kushans.
• Kushans were the first empire in India to issue gold coins on a wide scale.
• Hippalus (Greek Sailor) discovered the monsoon sea-route to India from West Asia in 46-47 AD.

(ii) Southern Region

Sangam Period or Sangam Age or Three Crowned ruler

Chera Dynasty (3^rd Century BC– 12^th Century AD)

• Chera occupied the portion of Kerala and Tamil Nadu both.
• Capital of Chera was Vanchi.
• Main ports were Muzris and Tondi.
• Romans set up two regiments at Muziris (Identical with Cranganore at Present Kondungallur) in Chera Country.
• One of the earliest and better known among Chera rulers was Uthiyan Cheralatan as known as Udiyanjeral.
• The greatest of Chera King, however was Senguttuvan or Red Chera.It is said that he invaded the North and even crossed the Ganges.
• He was also the founder of the famous Pattini Cult related to worship of goddess chastity – Kannagi.

Chola Dynasty (300 BC – 1270 AD)

• The Kingdom was also known as Cholamandalam. It was situated at North East of Pandya Kingdom between Pennar and Vellar River.
• This Kingdom corresponded to the modern Tanjore and Tiruchchirap- Palli Districts.
• Urayur was the capital of Kingdom. This place was famous for cotton trade.It was the main sources of wealth for Cholas.
• Puhar (Kaveripattanam) was the port of Cholas and It was coastal capital too.
• The earliest Chola king Elara who conquered Sri Lanka and ruled over nearly 50 Years.
• The Greatest king of Chola was Karikala (man with charred leg) who founded Puhar and constructed 160km of embankment along the Kaveri River with the help of 12000 Sri Lankan slaves.
• They maintained an efficient navy.
• Cholas was wiped out in the attack of Pallavas from the North.

Pandyan Dynasty (300 BC – 1650 AD)

• Pandyans were first mentioned by Megasthanese, who said their kingdom was famous for pearls.
• The capital of Kingdom was Madurai, situated on the bank of the Vagai River.
• Pandya King trade relations with Roman Empire and sent ambassador to Augustus and Trojan.
• The earliest know ruler was Mudukudumi.
• Korkoi was the coastal capital of Pandyans and famous for pearls.

Sangam Administration

• King – Ko, Mannam, Vedan Korravan or Iravian
• Avai – Court of Monarch
• Panchmahasabha - Amaichchar (Ministers), Purohitar(Priest), Dutar (Envoys), Senapatiyar (Commander), Oral (Spies).
• Division of Kingdom – Mandalam/Nadu (Province), Ur (town), Perur (Big Village), Sirur (Small Village).
• Pattinam – Coastal Town
• Puhar – Harbour Areas
• Cheri – Suburb of town
• Revenue Administrations: - Karai (Land Tax), Irai (Tribute paid by feudatories and booty collected in war), Ulgu(Custom duties), Iravu(Extra demand), Variyam (Unit territory of yielding tax), Variyar (Tax collector).

 Sangam Litretures

• Sangam was assembly of Tamil Poets held under royal patronage of Pandyan Kings in Madurai.
• 1^st Sangam  was attended by Gods and legendary sages all its works have perished.
• 2^nd Sangam the only surviving work is Tolkappiyam an Early work on Tamil Grammer written by Tolakapiyyar.
• 3^rd Sangam the mostly work are surviving. These are Ettutogai (8 Anthologies), Pattupattu (10 Idylls), Patinenkilakanakku(18 dialectical texts) etc.
• Ettutogai and Pattupattu are called Melakanakku (18 Minor) narrative in form. Patinenkanakku is called Kilakanakku (18 Major) and did active form.
• Kural or Muppal , a part of Patinenkanakku and written by Tiruvalluvar. It is called ‘Bible of Tamil Land’.It is treatise on polity, ethics and social norms.

The Epics

• Silappadikaram (Story of Anklet) :- Written by Ilango Adigal. It deals with the story of Kovalan and Madhavi of Kaverpattinam. It is called ‘Illiyad of Tamil Poetry’.
• Manimekalai:- Written by Sittalai Sattanar. It deals with the adventures of Manimekalai, the daughter born of Kovalan and Madhavi. It is sequel of Silappadikaram and strongly tinged with Buddhism.
• Sivaga Sindamani (Jivaka Chintamani):- Written by Tiruttakrdevas and strongly tinged with Jainism.

Some Related Posts :-

Post Gupta Period

Rise of Mahajanapadas