Post-Mauryan Period (185 BCE–319 CE)

Overview

Post-Mauryan Overview	Era of political fragmentation and new regional dynasties (Sungas, Kanvas, Satavahanas, Kharavela) alongside foreign incursions (Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians, Kushanas). Flourishing Indo-Roman trade and Gandhara/Mathura/Amaravati art. Deep South entered Sangam Age.

1. Indigenous Dynasties (North, Kalinga & Deccan)

Sunga & Kanva Dynasties	Sunga (185–73 BCE): Pushyamitra Sunga performed two Ashvamedha sacrifices; patronised Patanjali (Mahabhashya); Besnagar Heliodorus pillar. Kanva (73–28 BCE): Vasudeva Kanva.
Kharavela of Kalinga	Chedi dynasty ruler; Hathigumpha Inscription records 13-year reign in Prakrit. Ardent Jain patron who built Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves.
Satavahanas of Deccan	Capital at Paithan (Godavari). First dynasty to initiate tax-free land grants (Pariharas) to Brahmins/monks. Used metronymics but patrilineal. Lead/potin/silver coins (no gold). Gautamiputra Satakarni (Ekabamhana, Nashik inscription). Hala wrote Gathasattasai.

2. Foreign Invasions (North-West)

Indo-Greeks & Shakas	Indo-Greeks (Menander/Milinda): First to issue Gold coins and portrait coins; Milindapanho. Shakas (Rudradaman I): Junagarh Inscription in chaste Sanskrit, repaired Sudarsana Lake.
Parthians & Kushanas	Parthians: Gondophernes (St. Thomas visit). Kushanas: Kanishka I started Saka Era (78 CE), convened 4th Buddhist Council, controlled Silk Route; Vima Kadphises issued large gold Dinaras.

3. Art Schools & Sangam Age

Gandhara vs Mathura vs Amaravati	Gandhara: Blue-grey schist, Greco-Roman influence, Mahayana Buddhist. Mathura: Red spotted sandstone, purely indigenous, Hindu/Jain/Buddhist. Amaravati: White marble/limestone, narrative Jataka scenes.
Sangam Age & Three Kingdoms	Literary assemblies (Sangams) in Madurai (Pandyan patronage). Epics: Silappadikaram & Manimekalai. Landscape (Tinai). Cheras (Muziris port, Pattini cult/Kannagi); Cholas (Puhar port, Karikala built Kallanai dam); Pandyas (Madurai, pearls).
Indo-Roman Trade	Hippalus discovered monsoon winds (45 CE). Exports: Yavanapriya (Pepper), pearls, muslin. Imports: Gold (Dinara), wine amphorae. Port: Arikamedu (Puducherry).

UPSC High-Yield Recall & Exam Traps

First Land Grants Origin	Satavahanas were the first to give tax-free land grants to religious orders.
First Gold Coins in India	Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins; Kushanas issued them on a large scale.
Saka Era Founder	Kanishka I started the Saka Era in 78 CE (adopted by Govt of India).
Junagarh Inscription Significance	First long inscription written in chaste Sanskrit by Shaka ruler Rudradaman I.

Supplemental Asset Directory

• Besnagar Heliodorus Pillar:
• Mathura Kushana Art:
• Amaravati Overview:
• Muziris Ancient Port: