Pushyamitra, who was the commander of Brihadratha, the last Mauryan emperor, killed the king and established a new dynasty. Which of the following was his dynasty?
Shunga
Understanding the Transition After the Mauryan Empire
The question asks about the dynasty established by Pushyamitra, who served as the commander-in-chief under the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha. This event marks a significant transition in ancient Indian history, leading to the end of the vast Mauryan Empire and the rise of new powers.
Historical accounts state that Pushyamitra Shunga, the Senapati (commander) of Brihadratha, orchestrated a coup. During a military parade, Pushyamitra killed Brihadratha and seized power. This act led to the demise of the Mauryan dynasty, which had been in decline for some time after the reign of Ashoka.
The Dynasty Founded by Pushyamitra
Following his overthrow of the last Mauryan ruler, Pushyamitra established a new ruling family. This new lineage is known as the Shunga dynasty. Pushyamitra became the first ruler of this dynasty, which controlled a significant part of northern India, though smaller in extent than the Mauryan Empire.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options to confirm the correct dynasty:
- Shunga: Historical sources attribute the founding of the Shunga dynasty to Pushyamitra after ending the Mauryan rule.
- Kanva: The Kanva dynasty succeeded the Shunga dynasty. Vasudeva Kanva is considered the founder after overthrowing the last Shunga king, Devabhuti.
- Satavahana: The Satavahana dynasty primarily ruled in the Deccan region. They emerged as a prominent power around the same period but were not founded by Pushyamitra in the aftermath of the Mauryan collapse in the north.
- Chedi: The Chedi dynasty, particularly the Mahameghavahana dynasty branch, ruled in the region of Kalinga (modern Odisha) around this time. King Kharavela is a famous ruler of this dynasty, but they were not founded by Pushyamitra.
Based on historical evidence, Pushyamitra, the commander of Brihadratha, founded the Shunga dynasty after overthrowing the Mauryan rule.
Conclusion on Pushyamitra's Dynasty
Pushyamitra's action of killing Brihadratha led directly to the establishment of his own dynasty. The dynasty he founded after the end of the Mauryan Empire was the Shunga dynasty.
Revision Table: Key Dynasties Post-Mauryan Period
| Dynasty | Founder | Approximate Period | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauryan | Chandragupta Maurya | c. 322 – 185 BCE | Pan-Indian (except extreme south) |
| Shunga | Pushyamitra Shunga | c. 185 – 73 BCE | North India (primarily Magadha) |
| Kanva | Vasudeva Kanva | c. 73 – 28 BCE | Magadha |
| Satavahana | Simuka Satavahana | c. 1st Century BCE – 3rd Century CE | Deccan |
| Chedi (Mahameghavahana) | Mahameghavahana | c. 2nd Century BCE – 1st Century CE | Kalinga (Odisha) |
Additional Information on Pushyamitra Shunga and the Shunga Dynasty
The Shunga dynasty ruled for about 112 years, from approximately 185 BCE to 73 BCE. Pushyamitra Shunga is often noted for his military campaigns, including potential conflicts with Indo-Greek rulers in the northwest and consolidating control over his territory. Some historical texts suggest that Pushyamitra performed Ashvamedha sacrifices, rituals associated with imperial sovereignty.
The period of the Shunga dynasty saw developments in art and architecture, notably the expansion and decoration of the stupa at Bharhut and additions to the Great Stupa at Sanchi. Patanjali, the compiler of the Mahabhashya (a commentary on Panini's grammar) and possibly the Yoga Sutras, is often placed in the Shunga period, sometimes even associated with Pushyamitra's court.
The end of the Shunga dynasty came with the rule of Devabhuti, who was overthrown by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, leading to the establishment of the Kanva dynasty.
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