What was Shunga Dynasty?

Shunga Dynasty was the post-Mauryan dynasty founded by Pushyamitra Sunga in the southern parts. The kings of the Sunga Dynasty were supporters of Brahminism and were against the increasing influence of Buddhism in India.

Who founded the Sunga Dynasty?

Pushyamitra Sunga founded Sunga Dynasty in 185 or 186 BC. He established his rule on the throne by killing Brihadratha (the last Mauryan King) during a military parade. His attack is considered the first revolt against the Mauryan rule in history.

What were the achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga?

The achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga include successful wars with two Greek kings, Demetrius and Menander. He successfully thwarted the attack from Kharavela, the Kalinga king, and conquered Vidarbha.

What is the Shunga Dynasty known for?

The Sunga Dynasty is known in history for its numerous wars that, include wars with indigenous powers and foreign ones. Some of the significant wars fought by the Sunga kings include wars with the Mitras of Mathura, Panchalas, Indo-Greek Kingdom, Satavahana Dynasty, and Kalinga war .

Agnimitra was the successor of Pushyamitra Sunga , who ruled the throne of the Sunga Dynasty from 149 to 141 BC. During his reign, Vidarbha broke away from the empire. He is considered the hero of Malavikagnimitram (poem of Kalidasa).

Who was the last Sunga King?

After Agnimitra's death, his dynasty was succeeded by his son, Vasumitra. Vasumitra was succeeded by Andhraka, Pulindaka, Vajramitra, Ghosha, and, Devabhuti. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti, was killed by Vasudeva Kanva, one of his ministers, in 73 B.C. He formed the Kanva Dynasty and ruled the throne from 73 to 28 B.C.

What were the effects of the Shunga dynasty rule?

Under the Sungas' rule, Hinduism was revived. With the rise of Brahmanas during the Sunga Dynasty, the caste system was also revived . The integration of foreigners and mixed castes arose in Indian society. Sanskrit became the primary language during Sunga rule, and even Buddhists composed some work in the Sanskrit language.

What was the capital of Shunga dynasty?

Pataliputra Vidisha was the capital of the Shunga dynasty. Pushyamitra Shunga was the main founder of the Shunga dynasty. It led to the decline of the Mauryan empire. This dynasty is known for the battles and wars led by them. Pushyamitra Sunga was a follower of Brahminism. It marked the establishment of remarkable art and architecture during the reign of the Shunga dynasty.

Who ruled India after Sunga dynasty?

The Kanva dynasty ruled after the decline of the Shunga dynasty. Devabhuti was the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty. Vasudeva defeated the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty and marked the beginning of the dynasty at Magadh till 28 B.C. The rulers of the Sunga dynasty were followers of Brahminism .

Who defeated Shunga dynasty?

Vasudeva of the Kanva dynasty combated the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty. The last ruler was Devabhuti who was killed by Vasudeva Kanva. He was his minister and later defeated him. These events led to the establishment of the Kanva dynasty at Magadh till 28 B.C.

What is the Sunga dynasty known for?

The Shunga dynasty is known for the varied battles led by them. They had a war in Kalinga and fought with the endemic powers. The Shungas are also known as art and architecture. They also led the cultural achievements. They were the followers of Brahminism and Pushyamitra Sunga had an interest in Buddhism .

What is the importance of the Shunga dynasty in the history of India?

The Shunga dynasty had laid major contributions to the history of India. They created major types of architecture like larger stone sculptures, and terracotta images and renovated the Stupa at Sanchi. They also led numerous battles and wars that glorified the leaves of history and contributed immensely to Indian history.

Which Mauryan king was overthrown by Pushyamitra Sunga?

Brihadratha Maurya was the last ruler of the Maurya empire. The last ruler of the Maurya empire was killed in 185 BCE by Pushymitra Sunga . This laid the foundation for the establishment of the Shunga dynasty. They added importance to Indian history and contributed immensely to this field. They also attained cultural and other accomplishments.

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Shunga Dynasty – Achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga in Post-Mauryan Period

Q: What were the cultural achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga?

Pushyamitra Sunga was a follower of Brahminism and a persecutor of Buddhists. He patronised Patanjali (Sanskrit grammarian) and performed Vedic sacrifices like Vajapeya, Rajasuya, and Ashvamedha. He renovated Barhut and Sanchi Stupas and built stone sculpture gateways at Sanchi.

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Shunga Dynasty was the Magadha dynasty founded by Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BC. It controlled the Northwest (now Pakistan), Eastern India, and North-central parts of India. The beginning of the Shunga Dynasty marked the fall of the Mauryan Empire. The Sunga Dynasty revived Hinduism and patronized the art and architecture of that time.

The Shunga dynasty lasted till 75 B.C. and was ended by the beginning of the Kanva Dynasty. Below is a brief description of the Shunga Dynasty, its founder, prominent Sunga kings, achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga, successors of Pushyamitra Sunga, and effects of the Shunga Dynasty Rulers.

Table of content

1. Shunga Dynasty
2. Founder of Sunga Dynasty – Pushyamitra Shunga
3. Achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga
4. Successors of Pushyamitra Sunga
5. Effects of the Shunga Dynasty
6. Shunga Dynasty Art and Architecture
7. Shunga Dynasty UPSC

Shunga Dynasty

The Sunga dynasty was founded by Pushyamitra Sunga after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. After the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan rulers formed independent kingdoms out of the Mauryan Empire.

During this period, foreign invasions occurred in the Northwest that resulted in the independence of Kalinga. At the same time, Satavahanas rose their power in the southern region, and Sunga replaced the Mauryas in the Gangetic plains by forming the Shunga Dynasty.

Founder of Sunga Dynasty – Pushyamitra Shunga

Pushyamitra Shunga was the Brahmin army chief of the last Mauryan king, Brihadratha. He killed Brihadratha during a military parade and established his rule over the kingdom in 185 or 186 B.C. His attack is often considered the first revolt against the Mauryan Empire, the reason being the increasing influence of Buddhism over the empire.

However, certain historians believe that the internal revolt against the last Mauryan king, arose because of the Brahminical reaction. Pushyamitra Sunga ruled the throne for 36 years and died in 151 BC.

Achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga

Pushyamitra Shunga was a powerful king who won many battles in history. The significant achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga are as follows-

Pushyamitra Sunga formed his capital at Pataliputra.
He fought against two Greek kings, Demetrius and Menander, and successfully countered the attacks.
He was successful in thwarting the attack from Kharavela, Kalinga king.
Pushyamitra Sunga conquered Vidarbha.

Cultural Achievements of Pushyamitra Sunga

Pushyamitra Sunga was a follower of Brahminism. Specific incidents in history have portrayed him as the persecutor of Buddhists. However, there has been no authoritative evidence, yet it is believed that he destroyed stupas and killed the last Mauryan king because of his interest in Buddhism.

He renovated Barhut and Sanchi Stupas and built stone sculpture gateways at Sanchi. He patronized Patanjali (Sanskrit grammarian) and performed Vedic sacrifices like Vajapeya, Rajasuya, and Ashvamedha.

Successors of Pushyamitra Sunga

The reign of Pushyamitra Sunga lasted for 36 years, and he was succeeded by his son, Agnimitra. He ruled the throne from 149 to 141 BC. During his reign, Vidarbha broke away from the Shunga dynasty. He was a master in Malavikagnimitram (poem of Kalidasa). He was succeeded by his son, Vasumitra. History doesn’t hold a clear account of the kings after the Vasemitra reign. Perhaps Andhraka, Pulindaka, Vajramitra and Ghosha are considered the layer Sunya kings.

Devabhuti was the last king of the Sunga dynasty. He was killed by Vasudeva in 73 B.C., which marked the beginning of the Kanva dynasty at Magadh till 28 B.C.

Effects of the Shunga Dynasty

Sunga kings were believers in Brahminism. Under Sunga’s rule, Hinduism was revived. With the rise of Brahmanas during the Sunga Dynasty, the caste system was also revived in the post-Mauryan period.

The integration of foreigners and mixed castes arose in Indian society. During this time, Sanskrit became the primary language, and even Buddhists composed some work in the Sanskrit language.

The kings were also in support of the fine arts. They patronized the art and architecture of that time and increased the use of symbols and human figures.

Shunga Dynasty Art and Architecture

The art and architecture of the Shunga dynasty has enthralled all with the remarkable establishment. The Great Stupa No 1 accounts for one of the major architecture during the post-mauryan period. Due to a surge in Buddhism, the Stupas in the Sanchi were built.The art of the Shunga dynasty was inspired by the Persians. The Shungas had an Indian touch in the arts they presented. The art and architecture of a dynasty engrave the culture followed by them in the leaves of history. This period also accounts for the creation of the Yoga sutras of Patanjali, Mahabhashya.

Shunga Dynasty UPSC

The formation of the Sunga Dynasty is marked by the decline of the last Mauryan king. Thus, it has been of great significance in history. The aspirants preparing for the IAS Exam must learn about the Shunga Dynasty UPSC and its rulers, as several questions have been raised by the examiner in the UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains exam. You can download the PDF of the topic from the above-provided link. You can also refer to the NCERT Books for UPSC and Indian History Notes to learn more about the Sunga Dynasty and similar issues.

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