Concept Notes 1: Northern Dynasties — Shungas, Indo-Greeks, Shakas & Kushanas
1. Fragmentation and Regeneration in Northern India
Following the assassination of the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha around 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief Pushyamitra Shunga, northern India witnessed the emergence of vibrant regional powers:
- The Shungas & Kanvas: Pushyamitra established the Shunga dynasty, revived Vedic horse sacrifices (Ashvamedha), and patronized magnificent Buddhist stone gateways (Toranas) and railings at the Bharhut Stupa and Sanchi Stupa.
- The Indo-Greeks (Bactrians): Descendants of Alexander's Hellenistic generals ruled Afghanistan and Punjab:
- First to issue bilingual coins with portraits of rulers and titles in Greek and Kharosthi.
- Most famous king was Menander (Milinda), who converted to Buddhism after dialogues with the monk Nagasena recorded in the text Milinda-panha.
- The Shakas (Scythians): Central Asian pastoralists who established five branches of rule:
- Rudradaman I (c. 130–150 CE): The most renowned Western Kshatrapa ruler. Inscribed the famous Junagadh Rock Inscription in Gujarat—the earliest major record in chaste classical Sanskrit—celebrating his private financing of the repair of the ancient Sudarshana Lake reservoir dam.
2. The Kushana Empire (c. 1st – 3rd Century CE)
Originating from the nomadic Yuezhi confederation of Central Asia, the Kushanas forged a vast trans-continental empire:
- Key Emperors:
- Kujula Kadphises: Unified the Yuezhi clans and struck copper coins imitating Roman coins.
- Vima Kadphises: First Indian ruler to issue extensive, high-purity Gold Dinars; ardent devotee of Lord Shiva (Maheshvara).
- Kanishka I (c. 78 CE): Inaugurated the Shaka Era (starting 78 CE, adopted as the National Calendar of India).
- The Fourth Buddhist Council: Convened by Kanishka at Kundalavana in Kashmir, presided over by Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha (author of Buddhacharita). Marked the official doctrinal emergence of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Control of the Silk Route: The Kushanas collected transit tolls on the northern overland Silk Route connecting Han China, Bactria, Parthia, and the Roman Empire.
KUSHANA SILK ROUTE INTERSECTION
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[ HAN CHINA ] [ CENTRAL ASIA / ROME ] [ INDIA / OCEANS ]
• Raw silk rolls • Roman gold denarii • Fine muslins & cotton
• Jade & ironware • Glassware & wine amphorae • Spices, pepper, ivory
• Carried across Pamirs • Central Asian war horses • Shipped via Barygaza