Ancient Indian History: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore Ancient Indian History with this comprehensive guide, detailing key dynasties, cultural developments, major events, and influential figures that shaped the Indian subcontinent from early civilizations to medieval times.
Ancient Indian History: A Comprehensive Guide
The Mauryan Period
Chandragupta Maurya (321-297 BC):
With the help of Chanakya (Kautilya), he dethroned Nanda ruler Dhanananda and founded the Mauryan Dynasty, with a capital at Pataliputra. He defeated the general of Alexander Selucas Nikator in north India in 305 BC. Selucas sent a Greek Ambassador, Megasthenese, to the court of Chandragupta Maurya, who wrote Indica. Chandragupta embraced Jainism and went to Chandragiri Hills, at Sravanbelagola with Bhadrabahu, where he died.
Bindusara ( 297-272 BC):
After Chandragupta Bindusara ascended the throne. He was called ‘Amitro Chateau which means slayer of foes. His kingdom is extended up to the Peninsular region of India. Tranath, the Buddhist monk credits him for conquering the land between two seas. Antiochus I king of Syria and Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt sent ambassadors to his court.
Asoka (272-232BC):
He ascended the throne after killing his 99 brothers. Previously he was the Governor of Taxila and Ujjain. He was the greatest Mauryan ruler, except to the extreme south his rule extended to the whole sub-continent. He fought the Kalinga War (261 BC) and the miseries of this war caused deep remorse to him. He embraced Buddhism under Upagupta and sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to Cylon as Buddhist missionaries with a sapling of the original pipal tree. He inaugurated Dhammayatras by visiting Bodh Gaya. He appointed Dhamma Mahamatyas to spread the message of religion.
After the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan dynasty lasted for 137 years and the empire was divided into Western and Eastern Parts. Kunala (Asoka’s son) ruled the western part (Northwestern provinces, Gandhara and Kashmir) and the Eastern part (Capital Pataliputra) was ruled by Dasharatha. Other rulers of this dynasty are- Salisuka, Devvarman, Shatadhanvan, and at last Brihadratha. Brihhadratha was killed by his general Pushyamitra in 185 BC and founded the Shunga dynasty.
Shunga Dynasty ( 185-75BC): Pushyamitra Shunga established this dynasty in Magadha after killing Brihadratha of the Mauryan dynasty. Thereafter his son Agnimitra ascended the throne (151-141 BCE). The last ruler of this dynasty was Devabhuti (83-73 BC).
Kanva Dynasty (73- 28): Vasudeva was the founder of this dynasty. He was the minister of Sunga ruler Devabhuti, whom he killed and established the Kaanva dynasty. Susharman was the last ruler of this dynasty and it was destroyed by the Satvahana dynasty.
Chedi Dynasty: It was founded in Kalinga. Suktimati was their capital. Kharvela the 3rd ruler of this dynasty extended his kingdom up to Godavari in the south. He was a follower of Jain and recovered the image of Jainism in Magadha. He constructed the residential cave for Jain monks on the Udaygiri Hills near Bhubaneswar, Orissa.
Satvahana Dynasty (60 BC-225AD): King Simuka was the founder of this dynasty. It is mainly comprised of present Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Gautamiputra Satakarni (106-130 AD) was the greatest ruler of this dynasty. They were Buddhist in religion. Nagarjuna Kunda and Amaravati of present Andhra Pradesh was an important site of Buddhist culture.
Sangam Age (300BC-400AD): Located south of India, divided into three kingdoms- Cholas (Capital-Uraiyur), Cheras (Capital -Vanjji) and Pandyas (Capital-Madurai). Pandya is located in the extreme south of India. Karikala, Senguttavan and Nendujellivan respectively are the most famous rulers of these kingdoms. Tamil poets and scholars of these kingdoms assembled there under the patronage of Pandya kings. According to Tamil sources, Agastya is the father of Tamil literature.
Foreign Invasion
The Indo-Greek: Indo-Greeks were the first foreigners who invaded (around 200BC) and occupied a large portion of North-Western India up to Ayodha and Patalipitra. Menander or Milinda (165-145 BC) was a famous ruler and his capital was at Sakala (Sialkut at Punjab). He was converted to Buddhism by Nagasena.
The Shakas or Scythians (AD1st -4th Century): After Greek Shaka invaded India. Five branches of Shakas ruled over Afghanistan, Mathura, Ujjain, Western India and Deccan. Vikramaditya, a king of Ujjain defeated Shakas (57 BC), and an era called ‘Vikram Samvat’ is recorded from this event. Rudradan (130-150 AD) was the most famous ruler of the Shaka dynasty.
The Parthians (AD 1st -3rd century): Parthians of Iran invaded India and replaced the Shakas. They occupied a small portion of North-western India. Gondophernes was the most famous Parthian ruler and during his reign, St. Thomas came to India to propagate Christianity. They were replaced by Kushans.
The Kushans (AD 1st - 3rd Century): Kushans are nomadic people from the steppes of North-Central Asia. They replaced Greeks and Parthians. Kujala Kadphises founded the first Kushanas dynasty and Kanishka founded the second Kushana dynasty. Kanishka was the greatest king of the Kushana dynasty and he was called second Ashoka. Saka era was started by Kanishka in 78AD. The fourth Buddhist council was held by Kanishka in Kashmir, where the doctrine of the Mahayana sect was finalized. He was a great patron of art and Sanskrit literature. Vasudeva was supposed to be the last king of this dynasty.
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Gupta Period
Around the mid-3rd century AD, as the Kushan Empire declined, the Gupta Empire rose to prominence. The Guptas, who belonged to the Vaishya caste, ushered in what is known as the Golden Age of Hinduism. Sri Gupta founded the Gupta dynasty, succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha, whose son Chandragupta I further elevated the dynasty’s stature.
Chandragupta I (AD 319-335): Chandragupta I greatly enhanced the power and prestige of the Gupta dynasty. He married the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi and initiated the Gupta era on 26th February 320 AD, adopting the title Maharajadhiraja.
Samudragupta (AD 335-380): The son of Chandragupta I, Samudragupta expanded the empire and is credited with ushering in the Golden Age of India. He performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice, was a skilled musician, and a poet.
Chandragupta II (AD 380-415): Also known as Vikramaditya and Shakari, Chandragupta II was one of the most powerful Gupta emperors. His reign saw a flourishing of art, architecture, and culture, reaching its zenith during this time.
Kumaragupta I (AD 415-455): The son of Chandragupta II and Queen Dhrubadevi, Kumaragupta I founded Nalanda University. His reign faced challenges, including the invasion of the Hunas, during which he passed away.
Skandagupta I (AD 455-467): Skandagupta, who also adopted the title Vikramaditya, is considered one of the last significant rulers of the Gupta dynasty. Other notable Gupta kings include Purugupta, Kumaragupta II, Buddhagupta, Narasimhagupta, and Kumaragupta III.
Pushyabhuti Vardhana Dynasty: Prabhakarvardhana founded this dynasty with its capital at Thaneswar (Kannauj).
Harshavardhana (AD 606-647): Also known as Siladitya, Harshavardhana was a formidable conqueror and a distinguished ruler of his dynasty. A scholar and patron of learning, he embraced Buddhism later in life and worked to propagate it. He authored three Sanskrit plays: Ratnavali, Priyadarsika, and Nagananda. His reign ended after being defeated by Pulakesin II of the Chalukya dynasty, leading to the division of his empire into smaller states after his death.
Pala Dynasty: Founded by Gopala in 750 AD, the Pala dynasty was known for rulers like Dharmapala, who revived Nalanda University and established Vikramshila University, and Devapala, who expanded the empire into Orissa and Assam, with their capitals at Pataliputra and Gaur.
Rashtrakuta Dynasty (AD 750-1142): Dantidurga established this dynasty, which is renowned for the cave shrine at Elephanta. Their capital was Manyakheta, also known as Malkhed.
Pallava Dynasty (AD 560-903): Founded by Simhavishnu, the Pallavas had their capital at Kanchi. Narasimhavarman I (AD 630-668) captured the Chalukyan capital at Vatapi and assumed the title Vatapikonda. 0 0 0.
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