Why this matters now
This phase is tested for the Kushanas (Kanishka), the Satavahanas, the Gandhara/Mathura art schools and the booming Indo-Roman trade — key prelims and GS-1 content on cultural synthesis.
Shungas and the foreign powers
The Shunga dynasty (founded by Pushyamitra Shunga) ruled Magadha after the Mauryas and patronised Brahmanism and art (the Bharhut and Sanchi stupa railings). A succession of foreign powers entered the north-west: the Indo-Greeks (who introduced fine gold coins and the king Menander/Milinda), the Sakas (Scythians) — Rudradaman I left the Junagadh inscription — and the Parthians.
The Kushanas and Kanishka
The Kushanas, of Central Asian origin, built an empire spanning Central Asia to the Ganga plains. Their greatest king, Kanishka (accession c. 78 CE, linked to the Saka era), was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism (he convened the fourth Buddhist council) and of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art. The era flourished on Silk Route trade.
The Satavahanas of the Deccan
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas (Andhras) rose, with Gautamiputra Satakarni as their greatest ruler. They were the first to make land grants to brahmanas/officials, issued lead and potin coins, promoted maritime trade (Indo-Roman), and patronised both Buddhism and Brahmanism — bridging north and south.
UPSC angle
Know the Shungas (Pushyamitra), Indo-Greeks (Menander, coinage), Sakas (Rudradaman, Junagadh), Kushanas (Kanishka, Saka era, 4th council, Gandhara/Mathura art) and Satavahanas (Gautamiputra, land grants, trade).
Frequently asked questions
Who was Kanishka?
The greatest Kushana king (c. 78 CE), a patron of Mahayana Buddhism and Gandhara/Mathura art, associated with the Saka era and the fourth Buddhist council.
Who were the Satavahanas?
A Deccan dynasty (also called Andhras), with Gautamiputra Satakarni as its greatest ruler; they pioneered land grants and Indo-Roman trade.
What were the Gandhara and Mathura schools?
Two major schools of art that flourished under the Kushanas — Gandhara with Greco-Roman influence and Mathura indigenous in style.
Who founded the Shunga dynasty?
Pushyamitra Shunga, who succeeded the Mauryas in Magadha around 185 BCE.