Understanding the Foundation of the Sunga Dynasty

The question asks about the founder of the Sunga dynasty and how he came to power by ending the rule of the last Mauryan emperor. This involves understanding a crucial transition period in ancient Indian history.

Identifying the Founder of the Sunga Dynasty

The Sunga dynasty succeeded the vast Mauryan Empire. The founder of the Sunga dynasty was a key figure in bringing about this change. Historical sources identify this individual as the commander-in-chief of the Mauryan army.

The End of the Mauryan Empire and the Rise of the Sungas

The last ruler of the Mauryan dynasty was Emperor Brihadratha. Accounts suggest that Brihadratha was not a strong ruler, which created instability. His commander-in-chief, observing the weakness and perhaps fearing internal or external threats, orchestrated a coup.

During a military review, the commander-in-chief killed Emperor Brihadratha and seized power. This act marked the end of the Mauryan rule and the beginning of the Sunga dynasty.

Let's examine the options provided:

• Devabhuti: Devabhuti was the last ruler of the Sunga dynasty, not the founder.
• Pushyamitra: Pushyamitra was the commander-in-chief of the last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha. He is historically known for killing Brihadratha and establishing the Sunga dynasty.
• Bhagabhadra: Bhagabhadra was another ruler of the Sunga dynasty, known from inscriptions like the Heliodorus pillar inscription, but he was not the founder.
• Agnimitra: Agnimitra was the son and successor of Pushyamitra Sunga, famous partly due to Kalidasa's play Malavikagnimitram. He was not the founder.

Based on historical accounts, the individual who founded the Sunga dynasty by killing the last Mauryan emperor was Pushyamitra.

Therefore, the founder of the Sunga dynasty, who established his kingdom by killing the last Mauryan emperor, was Pushyamitra.

Revision Table: Key Figures and Dynasties

Additional Information: The Sunga Period

The Sunga dynasty ruled for approximately 112 years, from 185 to 73 BCE. Their kingdom was primarily centered around Pataliputra. The Sunga period is sometimes seen as a reaction against some aspects of Mauryan policy, particularly the spread of Buddhism, with a renewed focus on Brahmanical traditions. However, they also patronized Buddhist art and architecture, as seen at stupas like Sanchi and Bharhut. The Sunga rule saw significant developments in art, literature, and philosophy.